I read with interest the news story on the HCM website in January, about Matt Roberts leading the new year fitness charge. I wanted to offer my thoughts.
I think it’s important that high-profile figures like Matt are pushing the health and fitness agenda, and agree that the media focus on quick fixes is not conducive to a long-term solution. But of course this is because the ‘slow and steady’ approach doesn’t make for attention-grabbing headlines.
To really make a difference and engage with the public, fitness trainers and coaches need to convey the message that fitness professionals are just that – professional. Personal training is no longer about teaching someone how to do a press-up, a squat or even an entire workout. It’s about coaching people through changes to their entire lifestyle (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress) to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing. Knowledge and skills in behaviour change are fundamental, in addition to the conventional ‘training and diet programme’ approach.
We’re working with clients on a higher level than ever before and that takes a considerable amount of education and development on the part of the trainer. If we can get the public to appreciate the level of expertise that they can access, and the significant impact it could have on their life, we will see a huge breakthrough. It will require collaboration across multiple agencies but the message is already filtering through and I would urge the media to support it.
Of course, this must all be backed up. We have to work hard to raise and maintain the standards of fitness professionals to ensure they’re prepared for the ever-growing responsibility they carry; progress is in full swing here too. The future of fitness looks bright.