Personal Injury Law

Is Your Personal Trainer Qualifed and Safe?

Posted by Catherine D. Bertram and Salvatore J. Zambri

How do you know if that personal trainer is knowledgeable? Just because he or she is working at your gym does not guarantee your safety.  Find a list of programs with third-party accreditation from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies at www.noca.org, an umbrella group that weeds out lesser training programs. Industry experts point to the American College of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as two of the most reputable organizations.

The American Council on Exercise urges all Americans to choose a personal trainer who is professionally certified. 'Consumers should demand fitness professionals whose qualifications and professional competencies are beyond reproach,' said Ken Germano, ACE Executive Director. 'Competent exercise guidance should always be the integral element of any consumer's exercise experience.'

There are more than 70 certifying organizations that individuals can go to in order to obtain some sort of training and then claim to be a "personal trainer."  Many people join gyms and hire personal trainers at very high hourly rates assuming the trainer is qualified. That is not always the case.  Most people would be surprised to learn there is no standardized testing in the industry before one can use the title "personal trainer".

Ms. Bertram has had cases where individuals have suffered very serious injuries as a result of unsafe advice from personal trainers in local gyms.    We have nationally known experts who review our cases to determine if the conduct of the gym and/or trainer was appropriate. We also have experience resolving cases involving unsafe use of gym equipment.

If you have questions about your legal rights please click here to contact us or call (202) 463-3030.

Full post as published by DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog on May 05, 2009 (boomark / email).