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MEMBER Q&A Member’s Question time

Liz Fowler writes: “I think that few would argue that effective communication, in its many forms, is one of the major determinants to achieving success in personal training. From that first impression, through to establishing longer term client relationships and then increasing the client base and related services, successful communication is paramount. Using the internet, therefore, with the opportunity for 24/7 communication, should, in theory, be the ideal media for personal training, but is that true?

“All clients are different in terms of their expectations and requirements from a personal trainer, but lack of motivation and support to achieve a health and fitness goal are frequently cited as reasons for seeking out the services of a personal trainer. For many clients, regular pre-booked training sessions, where they know they will be using the most beneficial exercises for them, whilst working at the correct intensity with good technique throughout, is a great motivator to continue and serves to constantly reassure them that they are another step closer to achieving their personal goal and let’s not overlook the face to face support and interaction from the trainer-client relationship that is difficult to replicate online.

“However, the attractions of on-line personal training are significant – cost, time availability of the trainer and access to a database of various training techniques and exercises, all personalised to your own requirements, make for a persuasive argument for using this service and for many clients, they will have a successful outcome.

“Whichever method PTs choose to practice and market their services, as a REPS Council member, my primary concern is that it is done so in conjunction and with adherence to the REPS Code of Ethical Practice. This is especially important in relation to client suitability (clients must be asymptomatic, as defined by ACSM/AHA),

Topical debate about on-line training In the first of a new series we ask the REPs Members Council to pose questions to the membership at large about issues facing the industry. To take part in the quarterly debates send your point of view to memberscouncil@exerciseregister.org

initial client assessments, contraindications to exercise as well as regular reviews and monitoring and always working within professional boundaries. A first class client service, as always, should also be provided for effectively dealing with enquiries or complaints, whether services are internet based or not, as well as acting within the Data Protection Act, 1998, as regards the storage and recording of personal information.

“On-line personal training services provide more client choice, which, I believe, is a positive benefit. As personal trainers, we work in a client driven, service industry and therefore, I believe that, as ever, it will be the client that ultimately decides which type of personal training will most meet their needs and work best for them; our responsibility is to ensure that professional

standards are always adhered to and best working practice maintained.

See page 6 for news about the new REPs guidelines for on-line personal training.