Who is representing fitness professionals? Differences seen in other organizations.
I want to know what organizations are advocating the most for our profession. I work with Physical Therapists and they have APTA. Here is their leadership: http://www.apta.org/BOD/
In contrast, I look at the ACSM leadership and see: http://www.acsm.org/about-acsm/who-we-are/leadership
Am I the only one that sees a difference here? Am I wrong in assuming that very few people in the ACSM organization are, or were, practicing exercise physiologists or fitness professionals? What I am really getting at is what organization(s) are helping out our field when it comes to legislation and advocacy? With all these certifying bodies, it isn’t like we can get them all to work together like APTA.
I think that these questions bring up implications with who we become certified by. Do you want your money going to an organization that may or may not have your best interests in mind? What are your thoughts on this and what good are different organizations doing for our profession?
/Agree with above posts.
I’d say that none of the certifying bodies have our interests in mind. They are businesses, and profit is usually a driving force. For example- I’ve been hearing/seeing ads for starting salaries of personal trainers. If there are any trainers making salaries like that, I have yet to meet one.
As for insurance companies paying for PT, I see it in the future but it’ll be messy. People usually don’t enjoy working out. I still get clients who pay for several months in advance and stop showing up half way though.
Insurance companies already pay for gym memberships, and it’s not the prettiest thing. When a membership should start at 29.99-60+ a month, insurance companies may pay 3.50 for each visit and max at 30.00 a month. Very few people will show to your gym 10+ times a month.
After reading each of the responses I’d have to agree with Susan most- it really comes down to how much YOU put into yourself.