In 1999 when I first moved to Bend, there were only a few choices for workout facilities in Bend. "THE" place to be, was the Athletic Club of Bend. All the top trainers and instructors worked there and if you wanted the best of the best you joined 'the club'. Junipers Swim and Fitness was another great option...a bit more affordable and also staffed with some great trainers and instructors. Beyond that, there was Gold's Gym, and maybe one or two other fitness facilities. Since then, Bend has experienced an unfathomable "boom" and our industry has taken off. The Central Oregon lifestyle is one of activity and adventure, so it only makes sense that more and more people have decided to open personal training studios, yoga studios, pilates studios, martial arts studios, 24 hour fitness gyms, CrossFit's, etc.... In many ways the greater diversity has been good for Bend. People have more choices and more opportunities to find the program and trainer that fits them best. And it has forced us all to "up our game" significantly, just to survive. Unfortunately what has also happened is "marketing" has become a much bigger part of what makes a business successful or not. Now don't get me wrong I don't think marketing is bad, it is necessary. However when trainers and gyms are spending time and money on marketing campaigns, they will often go to great lengths to make themselves or their facility sound better than they actually are. False claims about success or guarantees about outcomes become the norm just to separate themselves from the pack. The way I look at marketing is, you tell people what they want to hear, to get them to commit to your product and then once you have them committed, you can read them the fine print about how long it REALLY takes, or what else you are going to have to do to achieve said results. It is kind of "bait and explain" process. I have seen and heard advertising for trainers or gyms, claiming to be "Master Trainers", or claiming to be voted "Bend's Best". As with all marketing, I would challenge you all as consumers to challenge the marketing. I would encourage you all to do your homework and research when you are seeking a trainer or a gym. Talk to real people with real experience and find out if the marketing matches the experience. Ask in depth questions regarding a trainers experience, certifications, education and passions. Ask if you can "try before you buy"! Ask for references...success stories from people who have been where you are now, and have improved their lives significantly. As our industry has boomed it has become far too easy to become a "trainer" or a "coach". You can literally be an electrician on Friday and be a personal trainer on Monday if you find the right online certification. It can be that easy. I may be going out on a limb here, but I am guessing you wouldn't take your car to a mechanic that was an accountant last week, but took an online test over the weekend because he or she has always loved cars. Nor would you go to a dentist who was a teacher but was able to pass a online test and now loves working on teeth. Personal Training is no different. There are plenty of good trainers out there with extensive experience, education, certification and years of on the job training. There is something to be said for knowing the "latest and greatest" information for sure...however knowledge and experience is immeasurable when it comes to programming a successful fitness plan. And any good trainer will always be seeking additional learning environments and continuing education opportunities to stay on top of their craft. Most good certifications require continued learning!
There are a number of good quality certifications available and none of them can be had over a short period of time. They take months if not years to gain the knowledge required to pass. Some of the best and those held in the highest regard within our industry today are, National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS, CPT, TSAC, RSCC), NASM (PES,CPT) or ACSM (CPT). Many of these require a 4 year degree in a health and fitness related field, as well as passing a written and practical exam. And then they require a certain number of CEU's every 2-3 years to remain certified in good standing. On the flip side, there are trainers out there that have more initials after their names than you can imagine, and yet they have little to no practical knowledge and experience. As with most things, being "book" smart and being "street" smart are very different things. Ideally you want a combination of both. So in addition to those initials at the end of your trainers name, how long have they been doing what they are doing? What types of clients have they worked with? Do they have experience to match their education? As I said already....do your homework!
I started this out saying I moved here in 1999...going on 17 years in this business, training people in Central Oregon. After 6 years at the Athletic Club of Bend, I ventured out on my own in 2005. Nearly 11 years owning and operating a private personal training studio. Specializing in changing people's lives of the better. In those 11 years we have trained clients from 8-85 years old. Injured and healthy, athletes and non athletes, weight loss and weight gain type programs. In 2004 I passed my CSCS exam...nearly 12 years holding arguable the most respected Strength and Conditioning Certification in the industry. In 2012 I received the RSCC distinction, further separating myself from other CSCS trainers. Prior to moving to Bend, I received my B.S. degree in Exercise Science....4 years of learning and studying about our amazing human body. And I completed 1 year of Master's Level education in Kinesiology, the study of human movement. My journey started in 1987...nearly 29 years of education, experience, on the job training, and growth as a trainer and Strength Coach.
If your goal is to become the best "you" that you can...then you owe it to yourself to find the best trainer you can find. Do your homework and ask all the right questions. Your success may depend on it!
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes...one which I try to live my life by on a daily basis, and one upon which our company basis all of our actions on.
"It's about the journey...mine and yours....and the lives we can touch, the legacy we can leave, and the world we can change for the better" - Tony Dungy
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