The field of fitness, strength, and conditioning is in need of organization and structure. Right now, the lack of clear definitions and consistent job titles causes confusion. It’s not uncommon to find three professionals with the same qualifications but different titles—one may be a strength coach, another a personal trainer, and yet another a fitness coach. This disparity is not only perplexing for consumers but also for those of us within the field. In fact, some titles, like “lifestyle coach,” raise more questions than answers.

Despite this confusion, most individuals in the industry have good intentions. We all entered this profession with the goal of helping people improve their health. However, it’s time to set standards and create a clearer structure for the field.

While most professionals need a personal training certification to operate, the entry requirements are often minimal. Some certifications can be completed over a weekend, with textbooks that may never be referenced again. This ease of entry results in a workforce where some are merely doing the job because it’s easy to get into. Unfortunately, this also leads to low pay and benefits for many in the field.

A common problem is that healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physical therapists, are hesitant to refer patients to personal trainers due to the lack of quality control. Of course, you can find good trainers through networking, but these exceptions are rare. After over a decade in the field, I can say with certainty that very few places offer such a high standard.

Personal trainers are in a unique position to help address the current healthcare crisis. Exercise is proven to help prevent numerous chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mood disorders. It can also reduce joint degeneration and improve overall health. Yet, the cost of personal training remains a barrier for many people, especially as the price of services often makes them accessible only to a select demographic.

The typical American experience often involves a decline in physical activity after college. Once we graduate, careers and family take priority, and exercise routines are abandoned. This leads to issues like knee pain, which eventually affects our ability to lift weights or run. From there, exercise is reduced to using machines like the elliptical, which, over time, becomes monotonous and ineffective. As pain continues and other issues, like back pain, arise, weight gain and mood declines often follow.

At this point, people turn to doctors, who may prescribe physical therapy or medications like Lipitor for high cholesterol or anti-depressants. The cycle of relying on medication continues, sometimes leading to type 2 diabetes and more chronic conditions. This situation is more common than not, and while the medical costs are rising, these health issues could be largely prevented with regular exercise. The problem is that personal training is expensive and often lacks the structured plan needed to address individual health needs.

A few months ago, I would have strongly argued for stricter educational requirements for entering the field. While it’s true that some highly effective trainers don’t have formal education, they are in the minority. Most trainers still rely on basic certifications that offer limited knowledge. Rather than requiring formal education for all, perhaps the industry could distinguish between trainers with certifications and those with higher education in kinesiology or exercise science.

To bridge this gap, we could look to the model that Canada implemented in 2013, where kinesiology was formally recognized as a profession. Kinesiologists assess movement and performance and help manage disorders through rehabilitation and prevention. This includes areas like sports, recreation, work, exercise, and daily activities. Kinesiologists are trained in a range of techniques such as therapeutic ultrasound, exercise prescription, biomechanics, and athletic training, making them well-equipped to help people move better and alleviate pain.

This model provides a clear distinction between physical therapists and kinesiologists, with the former focusing on rehabilitation for diseases and injuries, while the latter helps prevent and manage conditions caused by poor movement patterns. This distinction could also reduce the strain on physical therapists, making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

To become a kinesiologist in Canada, one must have a degree in kinesiology. This ensures a higher standard of practice, as those with a master’s degree can use more advanced tools to assist clients. This model could serve as a guide for other countries to adopt a similar approach, allowing for better integration of exercise into healthcare.

As someone with a master’s degree in kinesiology, I support this approach. It bridges the gap between exercise and rehabilitation, ensuring that people are properly screened and treated. By understanding human movement and screening effectively, trainers and kinesiologists can prevent many health issues before they arise.

If this model were adopted, it could also encourage doctors to prescribe exercise more confidently, knowing that professionals are adequately trained to address movement dysfunctions. Exercise is far cheaper than a lifetime of medications, and if personal training becomes more affordable, it could benefit a larger portion of the population, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.

Additionally, personal trainers could work under the guidance of kinesiologists, providing a more affordable option for clients after their initial rehabilitation phase. This could create a system where quality control is maintained, making training sessions more accessible and effective. It could also lead to better pay and job stability for trainers, as more people would be able to access their services regularly.

Overall, a more structured and organized approach to fitness and rehabilitation could improve the quality of life for many people. By combining education, proper screening, and accessible healthcare, we can help prevent chronic diseases and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. It’s a model worth considering, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.