From trainer to trainer, words of advice.

So consider this post one big giant rant. Most of this stuff I'm going to talk about I can't even believe I am seeing in the industry. Some things are minor compared to others but, seriously, it is still nuts. I just don't understand. It makes me sick.

First thing I'm going to talk about: 'Biggest Loser' style training.
SERIOUSLY?! What in the hell trainer watches Biggest Loser and really thinks that is how they should train?! That is 100% for television, promise. I'm telling you now if you are standing above your client screaming down at them to do 10 more push ups or they are going to die is NOT and will NEVER be an acceptable way to treat a client. I think these type of trainers are purely in the industry for themselves. They think they have a title to show off and yell at people so they can have an audience to feel superior to. This is wrong. It is very, very wrong. If this is you, find another way of doing things if you are really, truly serious about making it in the fitness business.

Second thing (probably should have been first): Training without the paper.
I'm going to do you a huge favor right now. If you aren't certified, stop training. Now. In a world of sue-happy people and lawyers on every corner it is VERY stupid to train without credentials to back it up. Not to mention, training without insurance. I don't care if you think the loophole is making your client sign a contract that says you aren't certified. Think that will hold up in court? Hm, probably not. Of course, if a burglar can break into a house and sue for getting stuck in the chimney maybe you can find a lawyer and judge dumb enough to take it. But I doubt it. Anyway.  Finding a great place to get certified through really isn't that difficult. You don't have to have a four year degree to be a trainer. Is it preferred? These days, yeah kind of. But not necessary. Not with continuing education requirements and seminars readily available you can still stay educated and up to date on the new and upcoming changes in the world of exercise and safety to keep your creds current.
I used to have a gentleman come into the gym EVERY single week, no exaggeration, and apply to be a trainer. I would ask him EVERY week if he was certified yet. The answer was always no but he didn't understand why that would stop him. He loved exercise and did it everyday. It wasn't like he didn't know how. Well, that's cute but liability doesn't cover unqualified people.

Third Thing: The word 'aerobics'.
This is probably the biggest thing for me. If I get called an 'Aerobics Instructor' one more time I'm liable to snap. This problem far surpasses just the word 'aerobics'. If you are still using the word 'aerobics' to stand for cardiovascular workouts in the group fitness room (such as Step Aerobics) or even just with a client, please stop. This second. Aerobics is such an outdated term. I believe it was Thomas Plummer who wrote a huge rant article (much like I'm doing now) about this very same topic. He stated that if you are a fitness business still using the term 'aerobics' it shows that you are outdated, unwilling  to change, and will soon close your doors because of your refusal to come into the 21st century. Trust me, if Thomas Plummer said it, it is probably going to happen. I'll dig a little bit and if I can find that article he wrote I will post it on here, but I doubt I will find it. It has been awhile since I've read it.

Fourth and Final: Planning an exercise program and using it with EVERY client.
Who does this? Surprisingly, a lot of trainers. How personal is that? Not very. Don't be shocked when a client isn't getting results and ends up not coming back. EVERY person is built different. EVERY person will need to be worked differently. EVERY person, EVERY time. That is part of your job to figure out how you are going to do that. Use all of that education you got from school. If you aren't willing to do your job, why, then, do you have this job? It makes no sense. I don't think I'm the only trainer that loves figuring out how I'm going to achieve goals with each client. Part of the fun is making the program, right? Right?