Mentor’s Corner #2: Misconceptions of Personal Trainer Certification

Mentor Corner #2 – We have heard numerous negative comments on certified personal trainers over the years and these comments have hurt their reputation and morale. The core reason which has contributed to their comments is probably due to misaligned expectations on what “Certified” Personal Trainer means. So here comes “Mentor Corner #2: Misconceptions of Personal Trainer Certification”

Today, wellness host @linoralow and FEA founder @jerrican.tan speak about the common misconceptions people have on newly certified personal trainers. Among the misconceptions are

1) Assumption that newly personal trainers have the skills and ability to train clients. People link “certification” with “capability” in a cause & effect fashion”. In fact, on mentor’s corner #1, Jerrican highlighted that there are 5 pillars to become a successful personal trainer.

2) Being certified does not guarantee that your client achieves results. There are many variables to programme success.

3) Being certified does not necessarily mean that you will be able to meet your employer’s demand.

4) Being certified does not represent a form of specialization of a particular training goal or client base. Many assume a personal trainer certification should place huge emphasis on a specific area of interest.

Jerrican clarifies that most internationally recognized personal trainer certifications place the following as standards which forms Key Skills Area of a Personal Trainer Certification). They are:

– 1) Professional Role

2) Client Assessment

3) Exercise Techniques and Instructions

4) Client Behavior Change and Motivation

5) Programme Design and Implementation

In addition to this, most recognized personal trainer certification’s goal is to provide personal trainers the standards so PTs can play a vital role in the healthcare continuum, to design and implement safe and effective exercise programs and coach clients through health-related behavioral changes to help them achieve their goals for improved health and fitness. This will be quite different from a certification intended to feed personal trainers with knowledge of sports science or provide personal trainers the knowledge on a specific training goal, etc., bodybuilding certification, biomechanics certification.

Do you know of any stereotyping or misconceptions or perhaps experienced them? Share with us in the comments below.