The Current State of Personal Training: Managersʼ Perspectives

• Published in: Journal of strength and conditioning research Vol. 24; no. 11; pp. 3173 - 3179
• Main Authors: Melton, Deana I, Dail, Teresa K, Katula, Jeffrey A, Mustian, Karen M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Strength and Conditioning Association 01.11.2010; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Ovid Technologies
• Subjects: Adult; Certification; Data Collection; Ethics, Professional; Exercise; Female; Focus Groups; Humans; Male; Nonprofit organizations; Personal trainers; Personnel Management - methods; Personnel Management - standards; Personnel Selection; Physical Education and Training - manpower; Physical Education and Training - organization & administration; Physical Education and Training - standards; Physical fitness; United States; Young Adult; United States
• ISSN: 1064-8011; 1533-4287
• DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181e381f5

Melton, DI, Dail, TK, Katula, JA, and Mustian, KM. The current state of personal trainingmanagersʼ perspectives. J Strength Cond Res 24(11)3173-3179, 2010-Fitness managers play an integral role in the day-to-day operation of the facilities in which they work. One of the most critical responsibilities is that of hiring, training, and supervising personal trainers. Research studies have identified a number of qualities and competencies that an effective exercise leader is required to have, but there is little scholarly work addressing managersʼ attitudes surrounding the performance of personal trainers. Using focus group methodology, managers of personal trainers were recruited to provide viewpoints related to desirable qualities of personal trainers and opinions regarding certification and academic preparation. Responses of the participants were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Two global themes, Selection Rationale and Negative Characteristics, emerged. Selection Rationale consisted of qualities that influence a managerʼs decision to hire a particular trainer (e.g., physique, education, social skills). Negative characteristics referred to qualities considered unethical or unprofessional (e.g., sexual comments, misuse of power) and the consequences of those behaviors (e.g., loss of clients, potential for litigation). The results suggest that undergraduate exercise science programs devote additional time toward the development of the affective qualities of future fitness trainers. Managers also recommended licensure for employees.