Chapter 1. Role and Scope of Practice for the Personal Trainer Flashcards
Benefits of regular physical activity (from 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services)
• Regular physical activity reduces the risk of many adverse health outcomes.
• Some physical activity is better than none.
• For most health outcomes, additional benefits occur as the amount of physical
activity increases through higher intensity, greater frequency, and/or longer
duration.
• Most health benefits occur with at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity
physical activity, such as brisk walking. Additional benefits occur with more physical activity
• Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-strengthening (resistance) physical activity are
beneficial.
• Health benefits occur for children and adolescents, young and middle-aged adults,
older adults, and those in every studied racial and ethnic group.
• The health benefits of physical activity occur for people with disabilities.
• The benefits of physical activity far outweigh the possibility of adverse outcomes.
Health Benefits Associated With Regular Physical Activity (Children and Adolescents)
Strong evidence:
Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
Improved bone health
Improved cardiovascular and metabolic health biomarkers
Favorable body composition
Moderate evidence
Reduced symptoms of depression
Health Benefits Associated With Regular Physical Activity (Adults and Seniors)
Strong evidence:
Lower risk of early death
Lower risk of stroke
Lower risk of high blood pressure
Lower risk of adverse blood lipid profile
Lower risk of type 2 diabetes
Lower risk of metabolic syndrome
Lower risk of colon cancer
Lower risk of breast cancer
Prevention of weight gain
Weight loss, particularly when combined with lower calorie intake
Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
Prevention of falls
Reduced symptoms of depression
Better cognitive function (for older adults)
Moderate to strong evidence:
Better functional health
Reduced abdominal obesity
Moderate evidence: Lower risk of hip fracture Lower risk of lung cancer Lower risk of endometrial cancer Weight maintenance after weight loss Increased bone density Improved sleep quality
Specialty areas within allied healthcare
“GATEKEEPER” PHYSICIAN/NURSE PRACTITIONER
Primary care physician
M.D. specialist
Advanced registered nurse practitioner
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
- Registered dietitian
Clinical weight-loss program
REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS Physical therapist Occupational therapist Cardiac rehabilitation professional Pulmonary rehabilitation professional Athletic trainer
MENTAL HEALTH Psychiatrist Psychologist Social worker Support groups
TRAINERS/COACHES/INSTRUCTORS Advanced fitness professionals (Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist and certified Health Coach) Personal trainer Group fitness instructor
ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE (LICENSED)
- Chiropractor
- Acupuncturist
- Massage therapist
Personal Fitness Trainers DO NOT…
Diagnose Prescribe Prescribe diets or recommend specific supplements Treat injury or disease Monitor progress for medically referred clients Rehabilitate Counsel Work with patients
Personal Fitness Trainers DO…
• Receiveexercise, health,or nutrition guidelinesfrom a physician,
physical therapist, registered dietitian, etc.
• Follow nationalconsensus guidelinesforexercise programming
for medical disorders
• Screen forexerciselimitations
• Identify potential riskfactorsthrough screening
• Referclientsto an appropriate allied health professionalor
medical practitioner
Design exercise programs
• Referclientsto an appropriate allied health professionalor
medical practitioner for an exercise prescription
Provide general information on healthyeating, according tothe
MyPlate Food Guidance System
• Referclientsto a dietitian or nutritionist for a specific diet plan
• Referclientsto an appropriate allied health professionalor
medical practitioner for treatment
• Useexerciseto help improveoverall health
• Help clientsfollow physician or therapist advice
• Document progress
• Report progressto an appropriate allied health professionalor
medical practitioner
• Follow physician, therapist,or dietitian recommendations
• Design an exercise program once a client has been released
from rehabilitation
• Coach
• Provide general information
• Referclientsto a qualified counseloror therapist
• Work with clients
ACE Certified Personal Trainers scope of practice
:
• Developing and implementing exercise programs that are safe, effective, and appropriate for individuals
who are apparently healthy or have medical clearance to exercise
• Conducting health-history interviews and stratifying risk for cardiovascular disease with clients in order to
determine the need for referral and identify contraindications for exercise
• Administering appropriate fitness assessments based on the client’s health history, current fitness,
lifestyle factors, and goals utilizing research-proven and published protocols
• Assisting clients in setting and achieving realistic fitness goals
• Teaching correct exercise methods and progressions through demonstration, explanation, and proper
cueing and spotting techniques
• Empowering individuals to begin and adhere to their exercise programs using guidance, support,
motivation, lapse-prevention strategies, and effective feedback
• Designing structured exercise programs for one-on-one and small-group personal training
• Educating clients about fitness- and health-related topics to help them in adopting healthful behaviors
that facilitate exercise program success
• Protecting client confidentiality according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
(HIPAA) and related regional and national laws
• Always acting with professionalism, respect, and integrity
• Recognizing what is within the scope of practice and always referring clients to other healthcare
professionals when appropriate
• Being prepared for emergency situations and responding appropriately when they occur
The ACE Personal Trainer exam is broken into the following Domains:
- Client Interviews and Assessments – 31%
- Program Design and Implementation – 33%
- Progression and Modifications – 19%
- Professional Conduct, Safety, and Risk Management – 17%
The primary purpose of professional certification programs
protect the public from harm (e.g., physical, emotional, psychological, or financial)
Potential referral sources include the following:
- Mind/body instructors(e.g., yoga, Pilates,taichi, and qigong)
- Smoking-cessation programs
- Aquaticexercise programs
- Support groups (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation, cancer survivors, and Overeaters Anonymous)
- Massage therapists
ACE CODE OF ETHICS
ACE certified Professionals will endeavor to:
• Provide safe and effective instruction
• Provide equal and fair treatment to all clients/participants
• Stay up-to-date on the latest health and fitness research and
- understand its practical application
• Maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification
and knowledge of first-aid services
• Comply with all applicable business, employment, and intellectual
property laws
• Maintain the confidentiality of all client information
• Refer clients to more qualified health or medical professionals
when appropriate
• Uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry
• Establish and maintain clear professional boundaries
Overweight
A term to describe an excessive amount of weight for a given height, using height-to-weight ratios.
Sedentary
Doing or requiring much sitting; minimal activity.
Obesity
An excessive accumulation of body fat. Usually defined as more than 20% above ideal weight, or over 25% body fat for men and over 32% body fat for women; also can be defined as a body mass index of >30kg/m2 or a waist girth of >40 inches (102 cm) in men and >35 inches (89 cm) in women.
Physical therapist
A rehabilitation expert specializing in treatments that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities in patients of all ages suffering from medical problems, injuries, diseases, disabilities, or other health-related conditions.
