As we are approaching 2012, we can expect that many will make a resolution to improve their health and fitness.
It is possible that we all might be receiving more leads at the beginning of the new year as a consequence of this portal. What would you say to a prospective client to demonstrate that you are a true fitness professional as opposed to an amateur. And in your opinion, what is the difference between a fitness professional and a fitness amateur?
A fitness professional carries that title everywhere with them.
A fitness professional lives it
A fitness professional walks the walk.
A fitness professional maintains integrity, professionalism, values education, is constantly learning and willing to do so.
A fitness professional takes their job seriously and honors the profession as a way of life not just a career
I agree with Karin, Shawn and Stephen. Education and experience are certainly the base of fitness professionalism. But I also think that we must remember that the key to working with people is that we really care and are always willing to listen to their needs, not ours, and then to apply our education and experience to help our clients achieve their goals.
A fitness “amateur” whose desire to help others become fit comes from the heart can be far more successful than from those of us with years of education, certifications and experience if we think that those attributes make us superior. Our hardest task is to learn from the so-called amateurs.
Have a great 2012! Daniel
Individualization of fitness programming is key to being separated from the herd as a professional. I believe a fitness professional is someone who has determined fitness to be their profession. Not a hobbie or a side job, but their career. By doing so, these persons have undergone specific training and education to enhance their abilities within the fitness industry, so that each person under their care/instruction can develope the proper function, habits, and self recognition that are unique only to their choosen path (goals).
Being a professional is an attitude and a developed business system and training system that works. A fitness amateur tends to take any client and is disorganized in both business and training.
I customize the workout for the clients specific needs and help with uncovering the true motivation for real success. Not just “I want to lose 20lbs” but use root cause analysis for uncovering underlying reasoning within each client.
Hi Joanne,
this is a wonderful question as we are all getting ready for the next year.
The way I would describe the difference between a profesional and an amateur is the depth of knowledge in the fitness field. Before I was a trainer, I was a fitness amareur. I had read enough fitness books and had found a routine that was working pretty well – for myself. I would not have presumed that this would apply to somebody else. As a professional, we should be able to step outside ourselves and recommend fitness routines that are optimal for the other person even if we would not use them ourselves.
If somebody were to ask me, that is probably what I would say in so many words. I would point to the fitness evaluation that I do with all clients prior to training. I can also highlight the fact that I am familiar with many of the common problems that people may have, in part simply by virtue of the fact that I have been in business for over 16 years.