Equipment-Based Continuing Education

The diversity in movement applications that can be used to enhance health and performance related fitness allow for numerous activities and training modalities. The plus side of the many new pieces of equipment is that they can often be used to more efficiently get results and provide variety to a workout. The first step of a professional is identifying the purpose of the equipment and its role in a program. In some cases the gimmick outweighs the benefit. Although client’s need motivation, and interest and fun are key elements of that motivation, it is important to not lose focus of well devised programming in exchange for personal “entertraining.”

Gaining a basic understanding of safe and effective modality implementation is part of the ongoing education required of the personal trainer. Therefore, before programming and instructing exercise activities related to a new training modality, it makes sense to become familiar and educated to the purpose of the device in the adaptation process, the techniques used for safe and effective training as well as the specific factors that should be considered to ensure it is a useful tool for a specific client. In many cases the manufacturer or a business will supply coursework or a DVD in the modality of choice. This is where continuity is lost as the training may vary from an actual workout using the device, to a comprehensive and mindful curriculum encompassing the theories and practical components that justify the use of the equipment in a professional fitness program.

Continued education of this nature should be recognized for what it is and personal trainers should identify the role of the equipment in a professional repertoire of instruction. In some cases, the workshop may be called a certification, but by now it should be clear that professional certifications are for a role such as a certified personal trainer or certified strength coach and not a piece of equipment. Professionals should recognize that the 47,000 certification offerings are not more than a continued education certificate of completion with a financial-driven stamp. This is why physical therapists do not get a knee certification and athletic trainers do not earn a taping specialist certification. However, this should not suggest an individual not gain the education, but rather realize no one is hired as a “stability ball specialist” or “dumbbell level 16 coach,” they are hired as a personal trainer with knowledge and skills in the tools of the trade. In fact, the more knowledge and experience, the better.

When selecting coursework in equipment-based skill development first analyze how the modality will help to promote the desired effects you intend for your clients. Will a device that you balance on or suspends you be appropriate for your target audience or just add un-needed risk? Likewise avoid gimmicky equipment and those that are heavily trend associated. Investing time and money into continued education might be regrettable when the modality is no longer chique a year later. Likewise, be weary of “guru” and marketing influence that recommend training programs that use only a single piece of equipment. Training with only one tool demonstrates interest and opinion over competency. A plumber never shows up at a job with just a wrench and neither should a personal trainer.

Identify equipment that will deliver results, stand the test of time, be cost effective, and have the ability to be useful across population segments. In some cases you will find that specialized equipment does not replace the tried and tested staples. In addition, when deciding on a course of instruction look to see if the provider has any continued education approvals. Legitimate continued education will reflect the role delineation of a profession and be within the confines of the scope of practice. Taking coursework outside the scope of the profession can lead to increase liability and may not count toward recertification. An easy litmus test is that the content is curriculum based, instructed by a graduate degreed professional and has been reviewed and approved by at least one legitimate NCAA-accredited personal training certification organization. Also be weary of the price, normally continued education credits cost about $20-$40 a credit. Trendy equipment instruction offerings that come with a hefty price tag may not be a good investment from a business perspective.