Considerations for the Post-Operative Client: Bridging the Gap between Physical Therapy and Personal Training

This article provides practical suggestions that personal trainers can use to help their clients become and stay motivated to stick with their exercise routines.

This Personal Training Quarterly article shares hospitality­driven approaches to help personal trainers build connections with clients. Visit NSCA online to read more on fitness, hospitality and health news.

During the initial interview, the personal trainer and client assess compatibility, develop goals, and establish a client-trainer agreement.

The purposes of assessment are to gather baseline data and to provide a basis for developing goals and effective exercise programs. Gathering and evaluating the various pieces of information give the personal trainer a broader perspective of the client. The process and the data collected assist the trainer in identifying potential areas of injury and reasonable starting points for recommended intensities and volumes of exercise based on the goals and fitness outcomes.

Eating the right types of food, in the right amounts, and at the right times are the keys to staying healthy and performing well. But does it have to be so confusing and complicated? Do we have to dissect every little detail to maximize performance? What if we could instead find the few specific changes that lead to the greatest results in each of our clients?

It is the job of the personal trainer to help clients reach their goals in a safe and effective manner. However, it can be easy to lose sight of the big picture of a client’s life and have tunnel vision on specific training aspects that may not matter.

Every client should participate in a 20 – 30 min initial interview and consultation prior to participating in any physical activity. This process allows the personal trainer and client time to complete the strategy session form, physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q), professional liability form, and trainer-client agreement.

The Art of Attracting your Ideal Client