All Posts in Category

Professional Development

Prevention and Management Strategies for Cardiac Arrest

In my last post, I outlined factors that could contribute to cardiac arrest, as a first step in anticipating and managing weight room emergencies. In the following sections, I would like to build on the aforementioned early detection strategies by outlining a prevention and management program suggested by Abbott (2013). Abbott (2013) submitted that although…

Cardiac Arrest; Are We Prepared?

Awareness and identification of liability exposures in a fitness facility is a central step in developing strategies for protecting clientele, and employees (Einkoff-Shemek & Deja, 2000).  A common accident that occurs in fitness facilities is cardiac arrest, and some institutions still experience difficulties preventing and managing cardiovascular complications when it they do occur (Abbott, 2013)….

Personal Trainer Scope of Practice

Of particular interest is a personal trainer’s scope of practice (SOP). Abbott (2012) defined SOP as the limitations imposed by law on different vocational pursuits that require a specific educational background and a demonstrated level of competency. Scope of practice also outlines responsibilities and limitations of a professional (Abbott, 2012).  In a effort to gain…

Standards and Guidelines; Constituents of Professionalism

Professionalism can be defined as the conduct, goals, or qualities that characterize a profession or a professional (Professionalism, 2014). There are many constituents of professionalism that share similar, as well as different, ideals across fields of expertise and organizations. However, a common unifying archetype often found among professions, especially health professions, is the need to…

Exercise Science Degrees; Finding Better Disciplinary Balance

In my last post, I explored the inadequacies of an exercise science degree that focused too narrowly upon one academic sub discipline (i.e., exercise physiology) as the central focus of the program. In the following sections, I would like to explore the constituents of a well-rounded and balanced exercise science degree, as well as a…

Exercise Science Degrees; Are They Practical?

In past posts, I explored professionalism within the exercise profession, as well as the constituents that formed credibility. I advocated higher academic standards as a vital first step in moving the exercise professional field in a favorable and advantageous direction. However, is it possible that foundational knowledge within some of our academic institutions is lacking in…

Communication: Internal Vs. External Attentional Focus

Communication can be broadly defined as the process of using words, signs, or behaviors to express information or to express ideas, feelings, etc., to someone else (Communication, 2014). However, communication can be ineffective if the listener does not comprehend what is being communicated. Thus, communication does not necessitate understanding, though it is the intention. In…

Evidence-Based Medicine and the Exercise Professional

Post-rehabilitation (PR) clients require diligent and scrupulous program design. This population is often deconditioned and weak, decreasing the available margin of error and increasing the risk of re-injury. Thus, program development and the pursuit of best practice should be grounded in pragmatic and evidence-based approaches. In the following sections, I would like to explore evidence-based…

The Exercise Profession and Licensure

Triplett, Williams, McHenry, and Doscher (2009) stated that a lack of proper education can expose the employee to litigation, and the client to harm.In the following post, this author would like to explore factors, which affect the professionalism, efficaciousness, and credibility of the exercise profession. Ultimately, the aforementioned factors will be used as a platform…

Resistance Exercise and External Cueing

Program design and coaching requires the culmination of evidence-based research (EBR) and experience. Clients are individualistic, with proclivities and behaviors distinct from other people. Each person progresses at different rates, perceives pain and discomfort uniquely, while holding attitudes towards exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that may also differ. All of the aforementioned constituents play an…