Personal trainer

Knowledge

K1: Human movement such as biomechanics, anatomy and physiology such as the cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems and the implications of long and short term exercise on these systems. Back to Duty

K2: The range of factors that contribute to an individual’s lifestyle such as dietary intake,stress, fatigue, alcohol and levels of physical activity. Back to Duty

K3: How to assess clients’ readiness to change their behaviour and how to apply a range of appropriate change strategies Back to Duty

K4: How to create a positive environment that motivates and empowers clients, promotes adherence to a behaviour change programme and meets their desired goals. Back to Duty

K5: Common occurring medically controlled diseases and health conditions affecting the nation such as hypertension, obesity, cardiac pulmonary disease and diabetes and how these may impact on a client’s lifestyle. Back to Duty

K6: The principles and processes which underpin the assessment of medical readiness to exercise, what conditions exercise can be prescribed for and what conditions would be more appropriately signposted to relevant appropriate professionals for specialist information and guidance. Back to Duty

K7: How to select and administer appropriate lifestyle assessments such as measurements of blood pressure, resting heart rate, strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance to gain the information required to develop an effective and personalised exercise programme. Back to Duty

K8: How to undertake client screening effectively and know the principles behind the design of an exercise programme, taking into account medically controlled diseases and health conditions that may need special consideration or referral when determining the programmes appropriateness. Back to Duty

K9: Current and advanced fitness training techniques including cardiovascular, resistance and functional exercise. Back to Duty

K10: How to observe a client’s movement, identify incorrect technique and demonstrate the correct and safe way to perform exercises. Back to Duty

K11: How to adapt exercise technique based on clients’ fitness and conditioning. Back to Duty

K12: The principles of nutrition including current government guidelines, as well as evidence- based recommendations for nutritional strategies for a range of fitness goals such as weight management, fat loss, hypertrophy, sports performance. Back to Duty

K13: The importance of a nutritionally balanced diet as part of a healthy lifestyle and how to encourage clients to make good food choices educating them where possible. Back to Duty

K14: How to use IT systems to support effective business planning and delivery. Back to Duty

K15: How to monitor and interpret data. How to use a variety of available systems to support, enhance and manage the assessment, analysis and implementation of client’s exercise programmes. Back to Duty

K16: How technological advancements such as pedometers, heart rate monitors, video games and mobile phone applications, can help clients increase their activity levels, stay motivated and focused. Back to Duty

K17: Recognised good practice for personal trainers in the industry through professional ethics, values and appropriate legislation such as data protection and confidentiality, supporting the health, safety and welfare of clients and others at all times. Back to Duty

K18: How to develop self by maintaining a high level of industry knowledge through regular related professional development. Back to Duty

K19: A range of techniques to effectively communicate and engage with clients. Back to Duty

K20: The importance of communication skills and the different strategies that can be used to adapt own communication style to suit client’s personality and needs. Back to Duty

K21: A variety of effective marketing strategies, the importance of conducting research and the key factors that influence a marketing plan. Back to Duty

K22: The principles of business planning and how to grow and develop a personal training client base in order to successfully achieve individual and organisational goals. Back to Duty

K23: How to create, maintain, monitor and interpret financial data, and promote activities which support business objectives and growth. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Ability to apply appropriate methods and techniques to facilitate clients’ desired physiological goals. Back to Duty

S2: Assess clients’ readiness to change behaviour and apply effective change strategies, communication techniques and motivation to facilitate healthy behaviours that move them towards their goals and promote programme adherence. Back to Duty

S3: Implement a range of theories relating to client motivation and behaviour change. Back to Duty

S4: Identify commonly occurring conditions and provide information, advice and support to clients where required. Back to Duty

S5: Promote wellness advice and demonstrate an understanding of how modern lifestyles impact upon the health and wellbeing of the client, providing signposting to appropriate professionals where relevant. Back to Duty

S6: Design, tailor and coach an effective exercise programme, using appropriate equipment. Continuously monitor and review the effectiveness of the exercise programme to ensure it is engaging, varied and progressive to clients’ needs and goals, whilst following the principles of training and exercise science. Back to Duty

S7: Develop and deliver exercise sessions in environments other than the gym to individuals and small groups. Review and evaluate the effectiveness of these exercise programmes and amend accordingly. Back to Duty

S8: Correctly demonstrate a wide range of exercise techniques, carry out reviews and advise clients on their performance and apply suitable adaptations for those at different levels of fitness. Back to Duty

S9: Analyse clients’ performance and apply suitable adaptations, regressions, progressions and corrective strategies to ensure continued success. Back to Duty

S10: Analyse client’s dietary habits and identify areas for improvement. Back to Duty

S11: Apply nutritional principles when developing exercise and lifestyle programmes for clients. Back to Duty

S12: Ensure the use of appropriate IT systems to support and manage all aspects of a personal training business such as record keeping, sales and invoicing, client and group management, class scheduling, retention levels and session reminders. Back to Duty

S13: Manage the effectiveness of a client’s exercise programme through the use of appropriate available systems. Back to Duty

S14: Use appropriate products to support and manage clients effectively. Present, analyse and interpret data and information in line with professional practice. Back to Duty

S15: Provide a high standard, client focused service through excellence in the fitness environment and application of best practice such as injury prevention and risk management. Back to Duty

S16: Demonstrate tact and discretion when handing client data, adhering to relevant legislation Back to Duty

S17: Ability to effectively communicate with clients using a range of techniques. Back to Duty

S18: Be able to interpret and evaluate communication and adapt own communication styles in order to encourage and motivate clients to achieve their goals. Back to Duty

S19: Ability to implement and adapt strategies to successfully gain and retain clients, ensuring the development and sustainability of the client base. Back to Duty

S20: Plan and regularly review business performance in order to meet business goals and targets whilst identifying areas for improvement. Back to Duty

S21: Implement a variety of effective marketing strategies to engage prospective clients. Back to Duty

S22: Ability to promote and sell products and personal training services. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Create and maintain positive, professional and trusting relationships with clients. Use appropriate terminology when communicating with clients. Proactively seek and provide feedback in a manner which suits each individual client. Back to Duty

B2: Create a positive environment that motivates and empowers clients, and promotes adherence to the exercise and lifestyle programme. Continually strive to provide innovative and challenging exercises to keep clients engaged and motivated. Back to Duty

B3: Ensure own attitude and behaviour presents a professional image which provides clients with a positive and healthy role model. Respect personal space and professional boundaries at all times. Live the ethics and values which reflect excellence in your profession. Back to Duty

B4: Build strong and positive relationships with clients which reinforce the positive impact of exercise in developing their potential to live a healthy life. Educate clients and promote awareness of wellness using knowledge gained through a commitment to continuous professional development, which will assist clients to effectively bring about a positive change. Back to Duty