ensure access control, deter trespassing, enforce camp rules, and observe and report violations.
We were not police officers. We had neither the training nor the resources for actual law enforcement. We were to call the Royal Canadian Mounted Police if crimes or major felonies were committed at the camp. Major felonies did occur - including the occasional homicide !
We had one security co-worker who thought we were cops. He was always wanting to make citizen's arrests or shake down the seedier-looking camp workers. Management finally had to remove him from the site before the security company got sued for false arrest or one of us security staffers got gang beaten by oilfield ruffians. The northern tar sands can be an unforgiving place!
Never go beyond your scope! This rule can apply to Fitness Trainers as well as wannabe camp cops.
A Fitness Trainer can be many things. A Fitness Trainer can provide exercise guidance, inspiration, encouragement, and positive reinforcement. A Fitness Trainer should know the boundaries that they should work within. Straying out of bounds can lead to potential trouble. It's worth keeping in mind the following points:
- A Fitness Trainer can make healthy eating suggestions but they are not a nutritionist. (Some Fitness Trainers may also be certified nutritionists so they have more leeway) The worst case scenario: a Fitness Trainer suggested a supplement to a client. The client was allergic, almost died, and sued the fitness club and the Fitness Trainer. This actually happened.
- A Fitness Trainer should refer a client that they suspect of having an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. This can turn into a major medical issue if not dealt with properly.
- A Fitness Trainer should refer a client that they suspect of steroid use. They should NOT supply such substances to a client!
- A Fitness Trainer can provide a physical service that elevates the mood but they are not not a mental health professional. A good workout can blow away a mild case of funk but a severe depressive or anxious state may require medical intervention.
- A Fitness Trainer knows about muscular injuries but is not a physiotherapist. Some Fitness Trainers may be qualified to work with special populations such as injured people. (For example Canadian Society of Exercise Physiologists - Certified Exercise Physiologists) However this should be done in collaboration with the physiotherapist or physician.
- A Fitness Trainer knows anatomy and physiology but is not a medical doctor. Exercise doesn't fix everything. If in doubt, refer the client to the proper medical professional.
- A Fitness Trainer can be a good listener but is not a marriage counsellor or a therapist. Moral support is allowed but be careful beyond that. Reality shows where celebrity trainers psychoanalyze their clients to the point of tears may make for dramatic viewing but can be treading on risky turf! Bullying a 'Biggest Loser' contestant to break them down to admit to some childhood trauma should not be held up as a standard tactic! You try making your clients cry in a crowded weight room and see what that does to your marketing ability.
- A Fitness Trainer CAN be a good conversationalist. However they should keep the advice to topics related to fitness or friendly banter about sports, cars, and the weather.
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| "Now Mr. Soprano, tell me more about those childhood dreams." A Fitness Trainer is certified to consult on fitness and prescribe and monitor prescriptive exercise programs. A Fitness Trainer is not licensed to psychoanalyze patients as is a Doctor of Psychiatry or Psychology. |
Stay within your scope of practice. Don't jump into unknown water or water that you only think you know.!
If your determine that your client may have issues that could be problematic -
refer that person to the proper professional!
Until next time,......keep fit!
Little Bobby Strong!
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