According to the Mayo Clinic, epilepsy is a condition in which electrical signals in the brain cause recurring seizures. In order to be given a diagnosis of epilepsy, you must have two or more unprovoked seizures. A personal trainer is a fitness professional who provides private exercise instruction. A fitness trainer is not a medical professional, and if you have epilepsy you must check with your doctor before embarking on a fitness regime with a personal trainer.
Symptoms
A trainer and her client with epilepsy must discuss what symptoms indicate that the client is having a seizure. Some common symptoms of seizures include confusion, staring spells, uncontrollable arm and leg movements and unconsciousness. According to the Mayo Clinic, someone with epilepsy usually has the same type of seizure every time she has one, so the same symptoms occur repeatedly.
Responsibilities of Trainer
According to certified personal trainer Dr. Tom LaFontaine, Ph.D., personal trainers who have a client with epilepsy should be aware of the medications she takes and any side effects they may cause. A trainer should also know the appropriate actions to take if his client has a seizure. If a client has a seizure in his presence, a trainer should not restrain the client or put anything in her mouth. He should have her lie face down and ensure her clothes are not constricting, especially around the neck. A personal trainer should also keep any nearby objects such as free weights or other gym equipment out of the client's reach. After the seizure ends, the trainer should reach the client's emergency contact and physician.
Benefits
Many people with epilepsy live sedentary lives due to fear that exercise will trigger a seizure. According to the Better Health Channel website of the Australian government, it's very rare for someone with epilepsy to have a seizure during exercise. Although the exact reasons are unknown, symptoms of epilepsy may improve due to exercise. Regular exercise can improve mood, depression, self-esteem and seizure control in people with epilepsy.
Dangers
Personal trainers and people with epilepsy should understand what the exercise-related triggers are for seizures. Exercise-related risk factors include fatigue, either from medication or a lack of sleep, dehydration, low blood sugar, and higher than average body temperature, the Better Health Channel says. Aside from taking her medication as prescribed, a client with epilepsy should stay hydrated, rest for two or more days a week, follow a nutritious diet, and get plenty of sleep. As a trainer, you should check in often with your client to ensure she's not overexerting herself.
