Has it really been that long? Twenty years ago last September was the first ever Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) course of study at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. September 16 was the reunion date. I eagerly attended even though it meant traversing Canada. Here are some of my comments and observations:
- It was, purportedly, the first ever college level course of its kind in Canada.
- The intent was to fill the void between Fitness Trainers with a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology /Physical Education and those with lesser educational credentials
- Back in those days, anybody could call themselves a Fitness Trainer and charge clients money to in return for fitness guidance.
- In fact, any gym rat or muscle head can still call themselves a Fitness Trainer but they are less likely to be hired by a fitness center let alone get liability insurance.
- The curriculum consisted a year and a half plus of subjects related to anatomy, physiology, functional fitness, resistance training, aerobic conditioning and sports first aid topped off by some nationally recognized certificate exams.
- We also were required to do 100 practicum hours of Personal Fitness Training with volunteer clients/guinea pigs. Fortunately, there were no fatalities!
- Out of an initial class of 40, we were soon whittled down to 32 through attrition. Studying anatomy can take its toll on the sponge like organ within the human cranium!
- It wasn't an easy ride and I pushed myself quite hard. I did enjoy the experience.
- I was actually somewhat sad when the course was all over and everyone went their separate ways.
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| Couldn't they have at least pretended to look proud of me? That's me, kneeling, surrounded by some of my NAIT instructors past and present. |
It hasn't been the easiest 20 years since then.There were bumpy roads, some misdirection and even road blocks along the way.
- Alberta was still bouncing back from another boom and bust oil price recession. We were still in the bust phase. People didn't have deep pockets for luxuries.
- At first our certification was not recognized at city of Edmonton recreation facilities and some other fitness centers. Fortunately that has changed.
- Even though we studied for a year and a half for our NAIT PFT certificate, the general public could not always differentiate between that and a weekend course certificate.
- NAIT has since turned it into a 2 year college diploma course. I am currently updating. It is time to recondition the sponge like organ of my cranium for textbook jargon.
- Some prospective clients thought we offered free services or worked only for tips.
- Many fitness center managers (even still) looked at Fitness Trainers as expendable cannon fodder rather than fitness professionals that they should be working with to best use their talents.
- It must be a character flaw. I also have a problem with some fitness center manager half my age trying to treat me like 'the lowly hired help'. I'm barred from the premises of one or two such clubs for holding my ground.
- If you are weak in sales, align yourself with a Fitness Trainer who is strong at it. (Thank you Greg Harvey of FitNwell)
- Some of my clients were also great referral machines as well as super business mentors. Those clients are irreplaceable. (Thanks Charlie and Mordi)
- After 20 years I still have my hand in the game as a sports/fitness blogger. Thanks for reading!
Until next time,
Keep Fit
Little Bobby Strong
www.fitnwell.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dancarle/?ppe=1
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