Network Magazine Autumn 2021 | Page 53

LISTEN UP !
In addition to laws dictating that any professional must remain within their bounds of experience , education , training , and demonstrated competencies , confusing your role with that of a physiotherapist , and working outside your scope of practice , can harm your standing with clients and reputation within the fitness industry ( Howley and Thompson , 2016 ). Aside from it being a requirement , the primary benefit of working within your boundaries as a corrective exercise fitness professional is that it enables you to practice , perfect and promote the unique talents you have with regard to evaluating the musculoskeletal system for imbalances , and assessing and correcting a client ’ s movements during physical exercise and activities .
Increased referrals as a corrective exercise specialist
Doctors , physiotherapists and other licensed health practitioners are always looking for qualified fitness professionals to whom they can refer patients that need guidance with exercise ( DiNubile and Patrick , 2005 ). According to research , two out of the top three reasons patients visit their doctor is for assistance with conditions that could be greatly improved by participation in a program of regular exercise ( Huffington Post , 2013 ). Unfortunately , these medical professionals are often reluctant to refer patients with musculoskeletal conditions out of a concern that their clients ’ problems might be made worse by an under-skilled personal trainer . However , when you have specialty qualifications and knowledge in musculoskeletal assessment and corrective exercise , and work within your scope of practice , medical professionals will feel confident in your abilities , which provides an opportunity for you to build strong networking and referral relationships with them ( Bryant and Green , 2010 ).
As you begin incorporating corrective exercise procedures more regularly into client programs , it is advisable to obtain a Corrective Exercise Specialist ( CES ) credential from a recognised and approved provider . This will advance your skills and can also result in more referrals from medical professionals . As your business network grows , you will also find that holding a reputable CES qualification makes it easier to refer clients to other specialists when their condition lies beyond your scope of practice .
The future of fitness
Personal trainers qualified as corrective exercise specialists know how musculoskeletal malalignments and imbalances of any kind can create pain , injury , and dysfunction throughout the body . They also know how to use the results of individual consultations and assessments to pinpoint clients ’ exercise needs so they can start or return to a regular fitness program successfully . With this ability to meet clients ’ musculoskeletal restoration needs , corrective exercise specialists may be seen to represent the fitness professional of the future .
REFERENCES
Bryant , C . X ., & Green , D . J . ( 2010 ). ACE personal trainer manual : The ultimate resource for fitness professionals ( 4th ed .). San Diego , CA : American Council on Exercise . Health Direct Australia . ( 2021 ). Physiotherapy . Retrieved from : https :// www . healthdirect . gov . au / physiotherapy Huffington Post . ( 2013 ). Most common reasons for seeing a doctor revealed in new study . Retrieved from : https :// www . huffingtonpost . com / 2013 / 01 / 17 / common-reasons-see-a-doctor-skindisease _ n _ 2497424 . html Howley , E . T ., & Thompson , D . L . ( 2016 ). Fitness professional ’ s handbook ( 7th ed .). Champaign , IL : Human Kinetics . IDEA . ( 2013 ). IDEA fitness programs and equipment trends report . San Diego , CA : IDEA Health & Fitness Association . DiNubile , N . A ., & Patrick , W . Patrick . ( 2005 ). FrameWork : Your 7-step program for healthy muscles , bones , and joints . New York : Rodale . Price , J . ( 2018 ). The BioMechanics method for corrective exercise . Champaign , IL : Human Kinetics .
Click here to listen to Justin Price ’ s chat with The Fitness Industry Podcast , in which he discusses preventing clients from falling off the fitness wagon , incorporating advanced exercise skills into your PT services , increasing your professionalism and revenue , and the importance of simplicity .
Justin Price Justin is the creator of The BioMechanics Method Corrective Exercise Specialist Certification powered by Australian Fitness Network ( Fitness Australia-approved ). The BioMechanics Method is the fitness industry ’ s highest rated specialty certification with trained specialists in over 70 countries . Click the link to find out more about how to become a corrective exercise specialist in The BioMechanics Method so you can help people alleviate their pain , move better and exercise without limitations .
NETWORK AUTUMN 2021 | 53