What’s the greatest challenge you face as a fitness professional?
My greatest frustration which I also consider a challenge are all of the “workouts” that are infiltrating the industry without being certified through a nationally accredited organization
Crossfit, Zumba, The Barre Method,TRX, SHRED, to name a few, are the types of programs that really drive me crazy because they are successful for all the wrong reasons. The worst offender is The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser really has done us wrong in so many ways. This is the most unrealistic approach ever, yet it makes millions of dollars.
I am a huge advocate for licensing and regulating the fitness industry so that we can filter out people who are coming in to make a ton of money –only–instead of providing a sound, safe, reasonable fitness program.
I am constantly being asked “what do you think of ??” I realized the general public is very ignorant to what it takes to be a top trainer. Credentials don’t matter to them.
I agree with Sue. People don’t not necessary chose a class or a trainer based on education or expertise, but they tend to go with the flow (which it can lead to dangerous waters). I’m also a big fan of regulating this industry in order to isolate all those who come in for opportunistic reasons and don’t necessary have the credentials to teach.
Also by talking to other trainers we all agree that there are so many trainers and gyms who are using daily deals to offer cheap classes. I understand that this type of marketing can help someone who starts a new business or tries to attract people to a new class, but the problem here is that all of the ones I see are repeats. They keep running these deals over and over again because somehow they are not able to keep the people they get in the first time, so they keep using this method as a way of income. By the way, the income from these deals is very low comparing to how much they actually offer their classes ( they probably take in only a quarter if not less form what they could actually make). By doing this, they kill everyone else who is in this business to make a living and make money. People will always go for the best/cheapest deal they can find which makes them unreliable and not loyal. Most of the times people get what they paid for.
Hi Alyse,
I agree with Sue and Harris, and I do not like to see those latest trends that tend to do more harm than good. But being a practitioner myself of a training method called MELT which is not widely known and still does not have peer-reviewed research by its name, I tend to have a more lenient way of looking at this issue. If new methods are used by people respected in the industry, I’ll happily take the time to research it.
My greatest personal challenge is the struggle for balance with all the commitments I make. I love what I do, and I have the hardest time saying ‘no’, particularly if it is for something I really like to do (it’s easy if I don’t care much for it anyway). I have found myself on more than one occasion looking at my schedule for the next day and saying “What was I thinking?”.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Alyse,
I also happen to agree with the others, here. I believe in keeping the integrity of the fitness industry and staying true to my own training mission and philosophy. Sometimes it can be difficult to see some others cheapen the industry by not offering quality instruction or discounting programs so low–just to get bodies in the door. It’s a tough business, and I cringe to think money is being made while potentially injuring someone due to lack of quality instruction.
So, for me, the greatest challenge is tuning some of this out to focus on my passion.
I know that I am providing safe, quality, caring instruction and leading others to healthy lifestyles. I have a deeper purpose in the fitness industry, and that keeps me going.
Best to you!
Christine
Just from a business standpoint, my greatest challenge is to keep a schedule that allows me to have somewhat of a normal family life. Let’s face it – people want to train at 5-7 AM & some at 4-7 PM, even later. Sure – you’ll have people in between, but they’re the toughest clients to find. Days can very easily get extended to 12 – 15 hours if you’re not careful & agree to train people at both extreme ends of the day. But sometimes you “have to do” what you “have to do”, especially if you’re the one paying the bills.
Another challenge is debunking every ridiculous fitness article or exercise fad/diet that comes down the road – which seems to be quite often. I spent a lot of time doing that in the past, but now, thankfully, most of my clients don’t even go there with me anymore because they already know my answer – I guess arrogance comes with age!
As far as licensing & regulation goes, I was for that years ago but I’m glad it never happened. I don’t need a government agency telling me how to train people & charging me fees. Most people who can afford to hire a trainer aren’t stupid – if you’re a good, qualified trainer, you’ll find work. If you’re an imposter, you’ll be weeded out. Sorry for ranting on!