Found on the IDEA Fit Tips Newsletter, is A Trainer’s Scope of Practice Creed By Nicki Anderson, which is something I agree with and have been practicing myself in my profession. Much thanks to Nicki Anderson for setting our roles straight in words.
I've experienced moments of miscommunication and misunderstanding, which are minimal, thank you, in my work and I have learned much from those and have improved on my professional relationships with clients. (Please refer to my previous posts for my stories!)
Aside from executing proper form and technique and designing appropriate fitness programs, is my job of communicating clearly to clients what to expect, when to expect it, what can go wrong, what my role is, and what the client's role is, so as to ultimately achieve goals and to keep the peace. So if these issues are voiced out and addressed at the onset, then clients and trainers can make better decisions and plan better programs, and also minimize, if not avoid, frustration and conflict. Clients and trainers can then exercise (literally) their right and freedom to decide what is best for them and work harmoniously as a team.
Here it is in black and white, what fitness trainers CAN and CANNOT do for you. Go figure.
TRAINER'S CREED
I am a trainer, educated to teach you how to live a more active life and take the safest and smartest route to a healthy lifestyle. I am not a doctor, a dietitian, a psychologist or physical therapist. I am a trainer, educated to instill the correct exercise techniques and programs, no more, no less. Therefore:
* As a trainer, I can help you and inspire you, but I cannot cure you.
* As a trainer, I can provide a solid foundation for you, but I cannot make you happier, thinner or perfect.
* As a trainer, I can give you proper education but I cannot do the work for you.
* As a trainer, I can encourage you and challenge you but I cannot prevent the natural peaks and valleys of your fitness journey.
* As I trainer, I can walk you through the process, but I can’t guarantee it will be easier.
* As a trainer, I can believe in you but you must believe in yourself.
* As a trainer, I can hope for years of active living, but only you can choose to be active.
* As a trainer I can make you stronger, but I can’t make you indestructible.
* As a trainer, I can hope that your success will inspire other’s success, but you must believe success is possible.
* As a trainer, I can give you the best of my experience, knowledge and encouragement but in the end, it is you, my client, who must decide and commit to living the life that I know is possible for you.
* As I trainer, I know that only you can make it happen; only you can open yourself up to the realities of healthy living and allow yourself to be inspired. I am privileged everyday to inspire you and the rest of the world to fitness. My profession is my passion and my purpose.
