Newspaper Article

Evaluating the Personal Trainer's Training

Neporent, Liz

2000

Overview

Mr. Esquire, whose company does personal training and fitness consulting, said the trainer had recently taken a weekend stretching workshop but had scant hands-on experience. ''This is a perfect example of someone who took a little information but did not have the proper knowledge or depth of experience to apply the skills,'' Mr. [Bob Esquire] said. (The injured client sued both the trainer and the club; the suit was settled out of court, Mr. Esquire said.) The American College of Sports Medicine offers several certifications. The health fitness instructor exam is geared toward personal trainers and emphasizes cardiovascular exercise and health risk factor assessment but not weight training. The American Council on Exercise certifies trainers and class instructors. Its personal trainer exams are widely regarded as less technical, but more practical, than the health fitness instructor exam. Mr. Esquire said the National Strength and Conditioning Association's certification in strength and conditioning is considered the gold standard. It requires an in-depth knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and weight training technique. Ken Germano, executive director of the American Council on Exercise, cautioned that trainers should not dispense health or medical advice. ''The personal trainer's role is to help clients with their exercise programs,'' Mr. Germano said.

• Publisher: New York Times Company
• Subject: Certification / Consumer protection / Personal trainers