In its present form, personal training only dates back a few decades, yet it is among the fastest growing professions in the U.S. Those facing debilitating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes or obesity may find it especially helpful, but personal training is really for anyone looking to live a longer, stronger productive life.
Personal Training
Personal training guides a client through a safe and effective fitness program that brings the greatest physical and behavioral benefit to the client with the least amount of risk, according to AltMd.com. It involves fitness components such as muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, aerobic endurance and body composition. The client typically fills out paperwork with health information and the trainer assesses his fitness level, provides an overall plan and workout sessions. Personal training can include a nutrition plan as well as behavioral changes. The program should match the client's fitness goals.
Ancient History
Weight training, an integral part of personal training, has its origins as far back as ancient Greece and China. Some texts seem to indicate Hercules took resistance training from his coach, Chiron. Weightlifting was a popular sport at the Greek Olympic games. In China, during the Chou dynasty, from 1122 to 249 B.C., soldiers had to pass a strength test to enroll in the army. Weight training is also mentioned in the Indian culture. In the sixth century there were competitions between athletes lifting heavy stones. Formal weight training originated with the Romans, who developed a much feared army. Weight training became a part of the educational curriculum in Europe in 1544 when French and German universities offered weight training classes. In the 1700s it became part of physical rehabilitation.
Today
The 20th century saw new techniques in the weight training field, but it wasn't until the 1960s that exercise equipment began to be used for strength training in gyms. Interest in weight training had accelerated by the 1980s with the movie "Pumping Iron." As the 1990s approached, women began to enter the weight training arena, spurred on by programs such as Body for Life. Today weight training is a large part of personal training and most people consider it an integral part of a well-rounded fitness program.
Future
With the rise in lifestyle-related diseases and obesity, many Americans are at a crossroads concerning their health and exercise practices. Personal trainers are emerging as good resources for fitness and nutritional information. In the future they could expand their offerings to include coaching, behavior modification, nutrition counseling, goal setting and education. The forecast from the IDEA Health and Fitness Association notes that they could be busy for decades to come.
