Knowing the differences between athletic trainers, personal trainers or a strength and conditioning trainer can help you select the best professional to help you reach your fitness goals. Each fitness professional has a different educational back ground and has to follow a different scope of practice which they can utilize to help you improve your flexibility, strength and endurance.
Athletic Trainer
Athletic trainers help treat, prevent and educate individuals of all ages on their injuries. Helping a variety of patients from industrial workers to athletes, their specialty is diagnosis, assessment, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of muscles and bone injuries or illnesses. Recognizing and treating injuries immediately is important since athletic trainers are one of the first health care providers to arrive on scene after an injury occurs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an athletic trainer's minimal requirements are a bachelor's degree, but almost 70 percent hold a master's or doctoral degree. In 2009, 47 states required athletic trainers to be licensed or registered, which requires a certification from the Board of Certification, Inc. Many trainers work for schools, colleges or professional sports teams.
Personal Trainers
Personal trainers instruct one-on-one or with a small group of clients either at a fitness center or in the client's home. They are able to assess the physical fitness level of the client by performing fitness tests, measurements and talking with him, which will help lead to future goals and a starting point. Personal trainers provide various exercises to help the client improve cardiovascular function, strength and flexibility. Most trainers provide 30 to 60 minutes sessions where they plan the entire session and monitor the progress so they are able to advise the client how to modify their lifestyle outside of the fitness center. Personal trainers need to be certified by an accredited organization, many trainers have a bachelor's degree. Certifications typically expire every two years so the trainer is able to fulfill continuing education credits to stay up on the latest trends and science in fitness.
Strength and Conditioning Trainer
Strength and conditioning trainers work directly with athletes and can assist them with their athletic performance to become quicker, stronger and conditioned for their specific sport. Typical job responsibilities include supervising and designing training routines as well as working along with medical staff for injury prevention. An undergraduate degree in kinesiology or sports science with an understanding of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, exercise and nutrition is needed. A certification as a strength and conditioning specialist is needed and is available through numerous associations.
Selecting the Best Fit
Whether you are deciding to increase your sports performance or fitness abilities, selecting the right trainer for will allow you to succeed. Make sure your trainer understands your needs and goals and ask how he will help you achieve these goals. Obtain proof of fitness and CPR certifications as well as liability insurance. Asking for a list of references is recommended and will allow you to ask other clients about the trainer and their experience with him. Finally, get to know your trainer and have him get to know you to make sure you can be with this person comfortably for your upcoming sessions. Keep in mind the more education an individual has the more he will typically charge per session.
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