Why We Need More Personal Trainers (And Why You Should Become One)

Written By Sam Arnold

Where Trainers Fit in the Healthcare Continuum

We often think of doctors, therapists, and surgeons as the front line of health. But what if one of the most powerful health professionals is the one you see in the gym? 

  • Personal physicians and specialists play an important part in addressing and preventing minor medical concerns from becoming major ones 

  • Behavioral health specialists help to provide healthy emotional outlets and can help us to reframe negative situations into ones we can manage 

  • Dentists and ophthalmologists assist in maintaining our ability to maintain health through nutrition, digestion, balance, and safety 

  • Physical, occupational, and cardiac therapists assist in rehabbing post-injury or intervention 

  • Surgeons, oncologists, and emergency care physicians intervene when no amount of preventive care can save us. 

Why Personal Trainers Struggle for Recognition

And, although the fitness industry and personal training profession are taking steps forward, personal trainers are not traditionally recognized as healthcare workers.  

There are a few reasons for this:  

  • Education standards vary widely - you can obtain a training certification in as little as one weekend, or you can commit to a full 4-year degree, and even graduate school. Either way, too many trainers stop learning once they pass their certification.  

  • The field itself is fragmented - different professionals apply fitness in different ways, and unfortunately, not all show the professionalism the role deserves. 

  • Fitness culture blurs expertise with influence - We live in a fitness culture where anyone with a six-pack, an Instagram following, or a sports background can pass off advice as expertise, and it’s no surprise that the profession has a reputation problem. 

  • Trainer turnover is high - Combine this with the fact that most trainers leave the field within two years, and it becomes clear why the industry has trouble being taken seriously. 

Whatever the case may be – personal training done well may have the potential to make the largest impact on an individual’s health and quality of life.  

Single Clap @ Bakery Square Bootcamp - 2016

Exercise: The Wonder Drug Only Trainers Can Prescribe

No other healthcare provider wields a more powerful drug or therapeutic than fitness professionals do – exercise is the wonder drug. 

Exercise impacts nearly every system of the body. It strengthens the heart, brain, bones, connective tissues and skin. It supports digestion and gut health. It reduces cancer risk, improves pain and weight management, lowers stress, and promotes better sleep. Exercise also enhances mood, cognitive performance, and even sexual health. 

Movement truly is the most powerful medicine we have. 

And the wild thing about it is that exercise is inherently available to us all. 

Unfortunately, it’s not always nearly as simple as moving.  

The Essential Skills of a Great Personal Trainer

Knowing how to properly assess individual needs, structure programming, instruct exercises well, think critically, progress and adapt to each client’s ever-changing needs is a valuable skillset.  

This skillset is one that those of us in the fitness industry believe in wholeheartedly yet struggle to demand respect for.  One of the best ways to develop these skills is through hands-on mentorship.

It is time we stopped making ourselves small when it comes to our role in the health outcomes of our clients. 

Why This Matters—for Clients and Aspiring Trainers

Everyone benefits when personal trainers take seriously their role in their clients and communities health and wellbeing.  

A happy client does what anyone pleased with a service does – they tell anyone and everyone who wants to know (and even those who don’t). Which leads to referrals, full training schedules, a better quality of life for coaches, and less likelihood of leaving the profession.  

When trainers learn to learn and take pride in their services, everyone wins.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a trainer, starting with a respected certification like the NASM CPT is one of the best ways to enter the field with credibility and confidence.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our NASM CPT Fast-Track program at SHAPE University and start your career in fitness today.

Sam Arnold