Why the Personal Training Field is a Dying Art
Why the Personal Training Field is a Dying Art 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. Key notes 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: 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: Health and Fitness Responsibilities: Nutritional Guidance (Within Limits): Client Management: Other Considerations: 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. 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. Elevating the Industry: How to Fix This Mess To restore professionalism, trainers need to: 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
Stop the Excuses: How Accountability and Action Drive Real Recovery
Stop the Excuses: How Accountability and Action Drive Real Recovery I love being a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Human performance development specialist. Helping people regain strength, and develop skills, and mobility is a deeply rewarding journey. However, there are aspects of this field that deeply frustrate me— chief among them is the lack of accountability, self-initiative, and care many patients exhibit toward their own physical health and self-care. Many patients come to me expecting that one or two 30 to 60-minute sessions a week will undo years—sometimes decades—of musculoskeletal (MSK) dysfunction and poor lifestyle choices. Often, these expectations are accompanied by a laundry list of excuses to justify their lack of self-care and inaction: These excuses may feel valid in the moment, but they are ultimately barriers to progress. Over time, this lack of accountability creates a cycle of dysfunction, where short-term relief from therapy is undermined by long-term neglect of physical health. It’s important to recognize these patterns and commit to breaking them—because no one can care for your body as well as you can. True self-care requires accountability and a shift in mindset. It’s about recognizing that small, consistent actions—like daily stretching, a short walk, or modifying your movements—are investments in your long-term health. Waiting for the “perfect time” to start is just another excuse. The perfect time to begin taking care of yourself is right now! “Empowering Physical Education Today to Elevate Performance Tomorrow.”-Dr. Blake Tobin DPT