The personal training industry is in a downward spiral, and it’s not because people don’t want to get fit—it’s because trainers are wrecking their own credibility. Too many so-called professionals are acting like physical therapists, dietitians, and even doctors without the training or legal authority to do so. The result? An industry drowning in misinformation, liability risks, and clients getting shortchanged—or worse, injured.

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The Erosion of Professionalism: Where Trainers Go Off the Rails

A lack of accountability has led to unsafe practices, unqualified advice, and a Wild West mentality in fitness. Too many trainers are stepping outside their expertise, doing things they aren’t trained to do, and ultimately harming the reputation of the industry. Here’s where it gets dangerous:

• Diagnosing or Treating Injuries or Illnesses – Unless your trainer has a medical license, they have no business diagnosing injuries. If they’re telling you that you “probably tore a ligament” or “just have a little tendonitis,” they are way out of line.
• Prescribing Medications or Supplements – If a trainer is pushing specific supplements or telling you to take a certain medication, run the other way. That’s medical malpractice, plain and simple.
• Writing Meal Plans – General nutritional advice? Fine. Telling you exactly what to eat down to the gram? That requires a registered dietitian. Unless your trainer has an RD certification, they’re breaking the rules.
• Manipulating Clients’ Bodies Without Training – One of the most alarming trends is trainers physically adjusting clients without any understanding of biomechanics or rehabilitation. Just because they watched a YouTube video on spinal alignment doesn’t mean they should be pressing on your back. If a trainer is regularly putting their hands on you to “fix” your form in a way that feels invasive or unnecessary, they are crossing a line—and you can absolutely report them for it.
• Ignoring Boundaries in the Name of Fitness – Fitness should never be an excuse for overstepping personal boundaries. Spotting someone at the gym is one thing, but forcefully adjusting someone’s hips or shoulders without consent? That’s not just unethical—it’s potentially illegal.

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Certified Personal Trainer (CPT): What They Should Be Doing

Most states, including Connecticut, have strict guidelines defining what personal trainers can and cannot do. Certified personal trainers are responsible for helping clients improve fitness, manage health risks, and make lifestyle changes—not play doctor or physical therapist. Here’s what trainers should be doing:

Training Responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing exercise programs
• Teaching proper exercise techniques
• Monitoring clients’ progress
• Supervising exercise equipment use
• Conducting pre-participation health screenings
• Assessing cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility

Health and Fitness Responsibilities:

• Improving aerobic and muscular fitness
• Managing health risks
• Promoting long-term health behavior changes
• Enhancing quality of life and performance

Nutritional Guidance (Within Limits):

• Providing general nutritional information
• Highlighting healthy food choices
• Encouraging a balanced lifestyle

Client Management:

• Coaching clients on setting realistic fitness goals
• Facilitating motivation and adherence
• Responding appropriately in emergency situations

Other Considerations:

• Working with healthy individuals and those with minor health challenges
• Conducting one-on-one or small group training
• Modifying exercise programs for special populations (within their expertise!)

To work as a personal trainer in Connecticut, one must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid CPR/AED certification. Most states, including Connecticut, enforce these regulations to prevent trainers from overstepping their legal scope of practice. Violating these guidelines could result fines or legal action.

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Lawsuits Waiting to Happen

If your trainer is violating their scope of practice, they aren’t just being reckless—they’re putting themselves and their clients at risk of legal action. You absolutely can sue a trainer who injures you by overstepping their boundaries. And if they’re touching you inappropriately, writing meal plans without proper certification, or giving medical advice? That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Want proof? The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE) both have explicit guidelines stating that trainers should never diagnose, treat, or manipulate a client’s body in ways that require a medical or therapy license. Violating these guidelines is grounds for certification revocation and legal repercussions (ACE, 2023; NASM, 2023). Connecticut and many other states uphold these standards through strict laws protecting clients from unqualified practitioners.

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Elevating the Industry: How to Fix This Mess

To restore professionalism, trainers need to:

• Stay in their lane. No medical diagnoses, no rehab treatments, no extreme dietary prescriptions.
• Refer clients to the right professionals. Build relationships with physical therapists, dietitians, and doctors instead of pretending to be one.
• Follow the science. Stay up to date with continuing education from reputable sources.
• Respect boundaries. Keep physical contact professional and minimal. If touching is needed for spotting, it should always be explained and consented to beforehand.

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Final Thoughts

The personal training industry isn’t dying—it’s being destroyed from within by unqualified trainers who ignore the rules. Misinformation, unethical behavior, and outright negligence are rampant. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Clients, hold your trainers accountable. Speak up, demand professionalism, and if your trainer crosses the line—report them

Trainers, step up or step out. Follow the rules, respect boundaries, and commit to real expertise..

Citations

1. American Council on Exercise (ACE). (2023). Scope of Practice for Personal Trainers. Retrieved from www.acefitness.org
2. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). (2023). Guidelines for Certified Personal Trainers. Retrieved from www.nasm.org
3. Connecticut Department of Public Health. (2023). Regulations for Fitness Professionals. Retrieved from www.ct.gov/dph

The Problem with Lack of Self-Care

One of the biggest challenges I encounter in physical therapy is the lack of consistent self-care among patients. Too often, people wait until pain or dysfunction becomes unbearable before seeking help, overlooking the crucial role of daily habits and proactive care. This reactive approach not only delays healing but also allows minor issues to snowball into major, more complex problems.

For example, poor posture may begin as mild back pain but, when ignored, can evolve into severe shoulder issues and long-term deconditioning. Avoiding movement or dismissing discomfort doesn’t resolve the problem—it amplifies it. True self-care means prioritizing your health consistently, not just when it’s convenient or urgent.

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The Takeaway

Physical therapy is a starting point, not a finish line! To break the cycle of pain and dysfunction, you must take ownership of your health. It’s up to each individual to take ownership of their health and commit to the work required to maintain it.  Accountability, education, and persistence are the pillars of long-term progress.

So, the next time you’re faced with discomfort or doubt, remember this: If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But no matter what, keep moving forward. Progress is the only way to reclaim your physical health and live life to its fullest

“Empowering Physcial Education Today to Elevate Performance Tomorrow.”-Dr. Blake Tobin DPT.