Honestly the fitness field has become an utter joke.

Urban,

It is the choice of the fitness professional to earn one certification or several. Number of certifications is not an indication of professionalism.

I'd like to use Peter and Kathie Davis as examples. Would you really describe the portal on which you respond and post questions to be a "utter joke."

I am curious to know what are your intentions on this portal. Is it to edify the industry or tear it down?

I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage you to seek to find ways to refine areas in our industry that you deem need refinement and use your knowledge and expertise to effect such change. TEAM!!!

TOGETHER EVERYBODY ACHIEVES MORE.

Best to you.

Hello Urban,
I agree with Susan. You may be experiencing this in your area however, its certainately not the case across the board. We all choose where we want to train and conduct our profession and there are alot of reputable locations one can make their living.

Wishing You The Best!
Michael

I would not call the field a joke. There are so many knowledgeable and great trainers out there. However, I do see many trainers who lack professionalism, never change their program, do not correct their clients form, and rely on high risk exercises. I find this very frustrating, in fact, this is why I started a blog, hoping to inform consumers, so they know to search out the good trainers. I do agree that too many gyms hire minimally certified (weekend or online) trainers, and that most of us are biased towards our certification organization.

Hello Urban,

there is not a field in which there are not 'professionals' and professionals. A personal trainer with only one certification after having taken a weekend course may have other education that makes him a good trainer. That person may also educate him/herself subsequently and end up a very good trainer. On the other hand, a list of certifications only indicates that a person is good at the science of training. It is not a guarantee for good training, either, even though - admittedly - it is a better predictor.

I am not sure where you are coming from in calling the entire industry a joke. You chose not to enter a profile in IDEA FitnessConnect.

So I want to throw you the gauntlet: what are your qualifications to make such a statement?

When people hire unqualified personnel to fill vacated personal training positions and when companies are selling supplements to their clients then I can safely state that it is a joke. Why on earth would any sedentary individual need a supplement like a protein shake when they can get their essential amino acids by ingesting any dairy product. The industry is so infatuated with sales and revenue that it takes the onus of off promoting health. Coupled with the fact that many trainers are extremely ill prepared to write an exercise prescription and screen their clients thoroughly. I spoke to a personal training manager and even he conveyed that this industry is simply predicated on making a profit and not on helping individuals.

I believe that many industries as a whole are a joke. It's safe to say that many personal trainers are not professional. However the same can be said about many doctors or otherwise highly trained individuals. No matter how high of a percentage of our industry is more concerned about money than fitness, there will always be great trainers and great doctors out there to pull you out of the murky waters of commerce. I am greatful for all you trainers who try your best and really care about your clients. Personal trainers REPRESENT we stand out!

I think that's a really general biased comment.
This industry is run on integrity, education, professionalism and experience but just like any other industry there is nothing that is mandatory

If you want to be a desired trainer: you need to be smart and able to do the work.

It's not just about the money

Once you fill in your Fitness Connect info the discussion may change, but you have no qualifications listed