Contemplating Trends

Mar 1, 2002
Updated on: November 17, 2009

Every year we look forward to the outcome of our Personal Training Trendwatch survey. In this issue, you will find the results of Trendwatch 2002,
our fifth consecutive poll of successful trainers from all over the United States. The Trendwatch poll offers an interesting perspective because it allows us to
ask specific questions to selected personal training businesses. The results of
the poll can differ depending on the business models of the trainers interviewed.

What do the Trendwatch trainers concentrate on? You’ll find out by turning
to page 26. Their experiences are a good source of information for your
business planning.

It may not have been mentioned in the Trendwatch, but Pilates is definitely on our radar screen as a growing force. In this issue, you’ll learn what factors to weigh if you are considering adding Pilates to your personal training business. Many personal fitness trainers (PFT) are borrowing concepts from Pilates and integrating them into sessions, or are building separate programs. In fact, 47 percent of fitness facilities offered Pilates programs in 2001, up from only 10 percent in 1997, according to the 2001 IDEA Fitness Programs and Equipment Survey. Be sure to read this article in which personal trainers share their experiences on this promising business opportunity.

Speaking of innovation, you will meet the three finalists chosen for the 2002 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year Award. This award will be presented March 1 during the Keynote Morning Session at the IDEA^® Personal Trainer International Summit in Baltimore. The recipient will be profiled in April in this publication and on the IDEA Web site (www.IDEAfit.com). The honoree also will serve as
an IDEA spokesperson on issues pertaining to personal training; will receive a complimentary registration to the Summit and a one-year membership to IDEA; and will be invited to sit on the IDEA personal trainer committee for a year. Congratulations to our three finalists: Taylor-Kevin Isaacs of Los Angeles; Gregory Mack of Columbus, Ohio; and Scott McLain of Columbus, Ohio. They are all wonderful role models for future personal trainers.

Although it is not a prerequisite for receiving this award, all of the finalists
participate in the IDEA Personal Fitness Trainer Recognition System at the Master level. More than 1,600 personal trainers are now part of the IDEA-PFT Recognition System and several new certifications in the United States and Canada have been approved as well (check our Web site for all approved organizations). We continue to receive good press coverage of the IDEA-PFT Online Locator as well, which helps consumers find excellent trainers.

We hope you can join us for one of our upcoming events: the IDEA^® Personal Trainer Congress on April 25 in Rosemont, Illinois, or the IDEA^® Personal Trainer Summit WEST, June 29 to 30 in San Diego.

In good health,

IDEA PERSONAL Trainer March 2002