Answers (15)
1
I like the idea. Although it would include an additional cost it would weed out the trainers that are not qualified and offer an opportunity for those who are qualified to set themselves apart and make more $. We need a baseline standard in the industry instead of just the certifications. Although many certifications are reputable anyone can become certified in a day and still not know know how to apply what they've learned in a safe, effective manner. I would like to see lisencing be available as an option first and then maybe down the line have it become a standard for the industry. There is a lot of disagreement regarding this topic. Fitness Professionals have been discussing it for years. I don't see it happening (if ever) anytime soon.
1
There are some vocations like a Phlebotomist, and EKG Technician and a Certified Nurses Aid that don't require licensing. In these professions the skills such as taking blood pressure, performing EKGs, taking one's temperature, weighing, etc are performed by individuals whose highest level of education is either a GED or a high school diploma. Yet they are not licensed and they work with people with clinical conditions as well as healthy people.
Now, I believe there there needs to be higher standards, however, I don't believe that personal trainers needs to be licensed if they are working ONLY with people who are healthy. Healthy people exercise and play on their own. I don't see why a personal trainer would need a license to train someone who is healthy.
I feel differently if the person is presenting with disease. I feel strongly that the personal trainer should be in a position to explain the pathophysiology of the disease as well as the exercise response in a person who has a diagnosed clinical disease.
Now, I believe there there needs to be higher standards, however, I don't believe that personal trainers needs to be licensed if they are working ONLY with people who are healthy. Healthy people exercise and play on their own. I don't see why a personal trainer would need a license to train someone who is healthy.
I feel differently if the person is presenting with disease. I feel strongly that the personal trainer should be in a position to explain the pathophysiology of the disease as well as the exercise response in a person who has a diagnosed clinical disease.
0
Wonderful idea! Trainers ought to have a baseline training qualification wherever.
Donna
Donna
0
As good of an idea as that sounds because it would up the reputation of the profession, the cost of becoming licensed would probably increase drastically from state to state. It is already expensive to get one of the top tier certifications as well as for some trainers to "get the ball rolling" with a personal training business. Why add another cost?
0
NO! If you work at a reputable club they will insure the quality of their trainers. Plus as a PT you do not make a lot of money and now you want them to pay more for just a state license.
0
I do not think the idea is a bad one other than the fact that it will add an additional cost to the trainer themselves. If a trainer is concerned about his status they should be targeting the more reputable organizations to be certified through.
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I encourage my clients to research my certifications which are nationally recognized and current. A reputable fitness facility will require proof of certs. Hence I do not see the need for state-wide licensing. My opinion is that it would negatively affect good personal trainers who follow the rules. The unethical trainers would still be out there doing what they do... :(
0
Originally being from Germany, and knowing how mobile of a population the American people are, I find it incredulous that many professions have to get licensed separately in each state! So while I think that implementing a board to improve to make sure professionals meet a minimum standard (and then maybe have different levels of achievement), I would hope that it will be a board that will award such "license" to be valid across the United States, following the model of Yoga Alliance.
0
With all of the certifications now available online, etc., it seems as though everyone is becoming a personal trainer and I have witnessed some REALLY bad ones in the gyms. I definitely believe the industry needs to be more regulated.
0
I worked at and managed at one of the most respected/reputable clubs in MI - NO they do not ensure the quality of their trainers.
If you are not willing to invest in your career, you should not be doing what you are doing. FInd something you are passionate enough about that you don't do things because they are "required" or will get you more $$$. When you do something you are passionate about, the money will follow.
License is a good idea, but, I am afraid it won't completely weed out people who should not be doing what they are doing.
If you are not willing to invest in your career, you should not be doing what you are doing. FInd something you are passionate enough about that you don't do things because they are "required" or will get you more $$$. When you do something you are passionate about, the money will follow.
License is a good idea, but, I am afraid it won't completely weed out people who should not be doing what they are doing.
0
I believe licensing is both a good and neccessary thing. Our field is one of the only that does not require licensing. If you want to cut hair, fix someones plumbing or wiring, or even massage someone. You need a license and must pay to go to school. In many countries you have to get a four year degree, perform internships, and pass tests before receiving a license. It is a 5-6 year process.
I believe currently the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Specialist is where the standard should start. Could most trainers meet that standard currently, no, but if they did our industry would receive a lot of respect.
It may seem extreme but hair grows back, we are working with someone's health both physically and mentally, and often with young people. We can do a great deal of damange. As a coach and trainer I have always lived by the saying, "with great power comes great responibility"
I believe currently the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Specialist is where the standard should start. Could most trainers meet that standard currently, no, but if they did our industry would receive a lot of respect.
It may seem extreme but hair grows back, we are working with someone's health both physically and mentally, and often with young people. We can do a great deal of damange. As a coach and trainer I have always lived by the saying, "with great power comes great responibility"
0
There should definitely be something in place to protect the consumers. In my state, anyone can call themself a "Personal Trainer", open a studio and start taking people's money. Not only does this hurt the "real" trainers who have spent a lot of time and money on their profession, the average person does not know the difference and could be throwing away money or worse become injured. Not only should there be something in place to ensure certification, but also to ensure continuing education. I have a person in my town who used to be a body builder and now calls himself a "Personal Trainer" with no current certifications and he's taking my business!
0
I don't think it's the total answer but we do need something to over see what's going on out there.
I cringe more often than not these days at what I witness in gyms.
My biggest complaint is as others have stated, anyone can call themselves a personal trainer. and could be certified but by whom?
I am most bothered by the sub fitness industries such as Cross Fit ans Zumba that "certifiy" within.
How would being licensed change things? Who would be looking over our shoulders? Who decides the "higher standards" and how will they get implemented.
Who's going to make sure I'm following proper proticol when I am doing my in home training?
I am for better guidelines and higher standards, but who, how, when?
I cringe more often than not these days at what I witness in gyms.
My biggest complaint is as others have stated, anyone can call themselves a personal trainer. and could be certified but by whom?
I am most bothered by the sub fitness industries such as Cross Fit ans Zumba that "certifiy" within.
How would being licensed change things? Who would be looking over our shoulders? Who decides the "higher standards" and how will they get implemented.
Who's going to make sure I'm following proper proticol when I am doing my in home training?
I am for better guidelines and higher standards, but who, how, when?
0
While I would prefer a national standard, state licensure are the baby steps that will lead in that directions. Therefore I am absolutely in favor.
Just too many joke certifications out there that we as professionals may recognize, but average joe will not.
When someone can become certified without even reading the questions on an exam (see link below), there is a serious problem with credentialing in the industry that needs to be addressed yesterday.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/bbbconsumeralert/2010/09/07/bbb-warns-american-...
Just too many joke certifications out there that we as professionals may recognize, but average joe will not.
When someone can become certified without even reading the questions on an exam (see link below), there is a serious problem with credentialing in the industry that needs to be addressed yesterday.
http://tucsoncitizen.com/bbbconsumeralert/2010/09/07/bbb-warns-american-...
0
As a licensed physical therapist first, personal trainer second. I take pride that I am licensed as I am sure my colleagues and friends do. Because it is a privelage to help and assist others with movement dysfunctions every day.
However as previously stated some vocations like a Phlebotomist, and EKG Technician and a Certified Nurses Aid that don't require licensing. You have to look at the job requirements, skillset needed to perform that position. Which then determines if licensing is required.
A skill required by professions such as physiotherapy, nursing, medicine, law, occupational and speech therapy, dentistry all require such that, comprehensive education and a national board licensure exam(except for attorneys who take a bar). Indicating that they have met all the requirements to perform such skill that is earned.
Therefore, I believe there is no magic solution. However, we have to look at the "big picture."
However, when a personal trainer is making $50, $60, $70/hr or more without a degree or significant knowledge on how the human body works, energy systems utilized, muscles contracted, prior injuries...Having regulating is the way to go and it is on the way here in DC which will affect all states.
So at the end of the day, the more knowledge you have, the MORE IT WILL HELP YOU!!!!
Knowledge=power
The profession of personal training needs a major face lift.
However as previously stated some vocations like a Phlebotomist, and EKG Technician and a Certified Nurses Aid that don't require licensing. You have to look at the job requirements, skillset needed to perform that position. Which then determines if licensing is required.
A skill required by professions such as physiotherapy, nursing, medicine, law, occupational and speech therapy, dentistry all require such that, comprehensive education and a national board licensure exam(except for attorneys who take a bar). Indicating that they have met all the requirements to perform such skill that is earned.
Therefore, I believe there is no magic solution. However, we have to look at the "big picture."
However, when a personal trainer is making $50, $60, $70/hr or more without a degree or significant knowledge on how the human body works, energy systems utilized, muscles contracted, prior injuries...Having regulating is the way to go and it is on the way here in DC which will affect all states.
So at the end of the day, the more knowledge you have, the MORE IT WILL HELP YOU!!!!
Knowledge=power
The profession of personal training needs a major face lift.
