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Not To Be Missed – A Fantastic

Opportunity! Personal Trainer Dr John Searle looks at this issue’s topic

’ve always been amazed at the great career potential for those working in the fitness sector! Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers not only hold the hugely rewarding task of supporting their clients in leading a healthier lifestyle, they also have a huge market in which to do so.

I

This said, I was very surprised by two interesting findings from the REPs National Conference back in September, including:

l The fast rate at which Instructors leave the sector, with many staying for no longer than 18 months.

l How few REPs Registered Instructors there are holding necessary qualifications to work in exercise referral, with older adults or clients with disability, or cancer (in some areas these figures are notably decreasing).

How good are your

COMMUNICATION skills? Do you have the ability and confi dence you need to INTERACT with and ENGAGE clients?

In only 6 hours this cost effective ONLINE course will equip instructors and personal trainers with the tools they need to connect with and keep clients.

The Paralympics demonstrated what people with a disability can really achieve in the sporting context. Exercise improves the symptoms of almost all chronic illnesses and the lives of those who suffer from them. While only a few individuals will reach elite sport level, exercise can make a huge difference to quality of life and well-being (I have rheumatoid arthritis and exercise plays a vital part in keeping me physically active).

The number of over 65s in the UK population is also increasing steadily. Regular, progressive aerobic and resistance exercise plays a key role in reducing risk of disease, promoting health and independence amongst this age group.

At present, there are two million people in the UK who are either being treated for cancer or who have survived it. As treatment improves this figure will rise to four million over the next twenty years. Exercise improves quality of life and reduces the risk of recurrence for some cancers.

So why are we so reluctant to work in these areas? Whichever group of people you look at – healthy, disabled, old, young, chronically ill or injured - safe and effective exercise is the best thing they can do.

www.interactiveskillstraining.com 26 InteractiveSkillsTrainingQuarter.indd 1 26/11/2012 16:47

As members of the industry, we should all embrace this rewarding career path which continues to raise our standing with the public, government and other health professionals. If we don’t, it will be a tragedy for our sector and all those who could benefit from what we have to offer.

The REPs Journal 2013;26(January):26