Scope of practice

When I first started personal training I quickly realized that people often didn’t just need a hard workout. Early on I learned that people had “stuff.” They had old injuries that never healed, anxiety, depression, frozen shoulder, a miscarriage, hypermobility, Parkinson’s, and the list goes on. I knew that if so early in my career I was seeing a rainbow of conditions that I would need to not just read on my own, but take additional courses to make sure that I was learning the correct information for the people I was serving. That’s where “scope of practice” comes in. As trainers, we have to practice within our scope of practice and so often I don’t see that happening. I have no problem telling someone that I may not be the trainer for them if I don’t have experience in an area because when it’s a specific concern or condition, that’s important. But if I really want to work with a certain population I search for the best certification, save money if I have to, and take it. Wanting to help as many people as you can is a good thing. A beautiful thing. But all too often I see trainers take on a client just because they are desperate for clients. They seem to only be willing to do a little internet surfing instead of dedicating time and money to their education just so they can have a new client. Don’t be that trainer.

My favorite certifications to date are: Menopause Coaching Specialist, Cancer Exercise Specialist, Exercise is Medicine Specialist, Brain Health Trainer, and Autism Exercise Specialist. All are fascinating and worthwhile! <3 -Keely