The Problem with the Fitness Industry
Introduction
The fact that there is no universal requirement for the credentials to become a personal trainer is a glaring issue that snowballs into many other issues and is the central issue of the industry. The problem has been addressed before, but few attempts have been made to do anything about it. This is specific to those working in the industry, especially the ones with hiring power, as they control the people that represent the industry.
First off, there needs to be a universal body for all personal trainers. This universal body should provide direction and guidance for aspiring novice trainers and continue to provide fellowship for more experienced trainers and create a platform for them to mentor those rising up in the field. Second, there needs to be strict guidelines on the requirements to get in and a very strict curriculum to ensure that all personal trainers in the body share the same basic pool of knowledge. Third, there needs to be a way to verify a personal trainers’ knowledge. Think of something like a military basic combat training-but for personal trainers. This would ensure their ability to mentor others. The fitness industry NEEDS a universal standard to hold their trainers to.
There are many organizations that offer certification courses to aspiring fitness trainers. There are many different schools, courses and certificates that can be earned. Part of this is good, as you can get certified in the specific area of fitness you want to train in. The other part of this is very bad though, and this is that there is very little standard for what it takes to get hired. One gym might have highly qualified trainers, while another may have very unqualified trainers working for the gym. This has the effect of giving personal trainers a bad rep. Without a universal standard, personal trainers will not be as valuable to potential clients and there will be less of a need for the field.
Main Point 1
There’s a gaping hole in the personal training industry and it can be very intimidating for those looking to enter the field. The hole is associated with the credentials required to be a personal trainer, or lack thereof. Jeremy DuVall talks about this in his article “What’s Wrong with the Personal Training Industry?”. His thesis is this: “Compared to other industries, the personal training field is extremely unregulated in terms of certifications” (DuVall). One of the biggest issues with the personal training industry is caused by the fact that there is no universal standard for a personal trainer’s certification. While there are many certifications that are currently available, a single certification is not enough to fix it. There must be a governing body that ties it together and makes unifying decisions that can steer the industry back in right direction. The NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) is a great example of this. They are very well known and extremely credible. Known for being one of the best options for getting a certification in personal training, they offer several different types of certifications depending on the specific angle that you want to take (Read). The only issue is, they aren’t the only one, and the entire industry has not yet adopted them, and some of the industry has adopted other organizations instead, leading to fragmentation instead of universalization. DuVall points out how having a variety of certifying bodies is beneficial to the industry as it allows specialization for what the individual wants to pursue. The issue with this is that anyone can create a certification and confuse the public. When the public gets confused about the credentials of their personal trainers, it creates distrust and hurts the reputation of the industry. When people lose trust in the government, the value of that governments’ currency often declines. In the same way, when people lose trust in the fitness industry, personal trainers lose their value and become less desirable. This can have a multitude of effects on the field but most notable is the effect it has on the individuals aspiring to grow in the field. “Having worked in the industry for several years in a variety of clubs and situations, I can tell you for sure that it’s becoming more and more difficult for personal trainers to live and earn a full-time income” (Duvall). Because of the lack of regulation and uniformity, the result hurts personal trainers and causes them to lose potential clients and potential income. As DuVall said, it’s very hard nowadays for personal trainers to earn a full time income.
Main Point 2
After researching further into the field, it became quite a shock for me to learn that the issues with the personal training industry have persisted for years and are not a recent development. “Training delivery problems and solutions: Identification of novice trainer problems and expert trainer solutions” was a survey for research purposes that was compiled over 20 years ago (1997) by Richard A. Swanson and Sandra K. Falkman. This study focuses on 371 different personal trainers and inquired about their experiences as novices (Swanson, Falkman). The biggest issue they identified is the lack of credibility and the inconsistency in selecting trainers and the way they evaluated the trainers (Swanson, Falkman). The problem was still an issue back then, although it has gotten much worse since. The purpose of the study was “to determine the difficulties novice trainers experience during the delivery of training; to gather reports from experts on how they handle such difficult situations; and to synthesize this information into a useful aid that defines the common training delivery problems and provides specific expert solutions” (Swanson, Falkman). Out of the 12 most common responses they received, credibility was #2 on the list. Novice trainers often perceive themselves as inexperienced, and this turns into self-fulfilling prophecy when others look to them to learn from. The 3rd most common response was their personal experience. While similar to credibility, it’s less related to the field of personal training and more referring to life experience in general.
When personal trainers are perceived this way, it diminishes their value to those interested in being mentored as it undermines their credibility and arguably more importantly, their confidence. No one wants to learn something from someone that isn’t confident about what they’re teaching, and credibility and personal experiences go a long way in building up confidence to teach to others.
Main Point 3
There has been attempts made in the past to unify the personal training industry, but they are substandard at best. There are good certifications already out there currently, but they aren’t the most promising and gyms are inconsistent with their recognition of these certifications. “A certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) certification is a must, but a degree in exercise science or a related field is even better, says Lovitt” (Women’s Health). The CSCS certification is a great example of this. It’s stated as a must have in an article written to clients that want to know what to look for when hiring a personal trainer. While the CSCS is a solid certification, it is not a requirement to get hired as a personal trainer at most gyms, which leads to more inconsistency among trainers in the field.
The fact of the matter is, there’s just not a universal standard for trainers, and this allows anyone to be a part of the field, bringing it down as a whole. “Unlike lawyers, doctors or other health care practitioners, there’s no universal standard required for personal trainers. And there are so many substandard, online personal training certifications available, just about anyone can call themselves a trainer these days” (Harper). The personal training industry allows someone to affect your health, why then do they get the free pass when it comes to the lack of a standard? There is no good answer to this question, and it’s one that need fixed. There needs to be a universal organization that sets guidelines for what is required to be a personal trainer, and this organizations’ guidelines need to be respected by the industry and followed as a result. This would eliminate all the inconsistencies that currently exist in the industry and give the industry a better reputation.
The biggest issue with this, as stated previously, is that regardless of what certification is obtained, there is no way to validate a personal trainer’s knowledge and background unless they have previous experience. The solution to this is seems simple. Many of the organizations offer ways to validate an existing certification but this is simply not enough (NASM). The singular, unifying body that must be created to standardize the certification process needs to offer a course for existing and upcoming trainers that allows them to prove their knowledge to ensure that trainers that go through the process are valuable and viable employees for gyms looking to hire.
Refutation
As previously stated, there have been many attempts to patch this hole in the industry but they have not worked. There are several well-respected certifications that are currently available, but gyms have not fully adopted them as requirements, and again the recognition of these certifications are not consistent. CSCS, which stands for certified strength and conditioning specialist and comes from the National Strength and Conditioning Association, is viewed as the gold standard for strength and conditioning/sports performance training. This is one of the harder strength and conditioning certifications that can be earned (Read). The most popular certification is the ACE certification. It has over 75,000 members on its’ website (Yamada). There is another certification that is extremely popular but harder to earn, and this is the NASM certification (Yamada). There are many great options that currently exist for obtaining a certification, but again not all of them are required by gyms and because of this there is a large inconsistency in the current workforce of personal trainers.
On top this, there is a large percentage of trainers in the industry that are self-employed. That means that clients that are looking for a trainer that is not employed by a gym need to know what to look for in self-employed trainers if that is the route they want to take. How are the clients going to know what to look for? Self-employed trainers tend to make significantly more than those that are employed by a gym. The average personal trainer hourly pay for a self-employed trainer is $45 (Payscale.com). Compare this to the measly average of 20$ that trainers employed by a gym make (Payscale.com). While this is a drastic difference, many self-employed trainers already have an established clientele built up and have had much more experience than those new to the field. Speaking about trainers thinking about going the self-employed route, Brian Lavack concludes that “This tends to be more realistic for those with some experience and an established clientele. After all, the more time you spend attracting clients, the less time you have to hone your training skills. And you’ll need those if you want clients to stick around”. This kind of experience speaks for itself and can provide evidence for a trainer’s skillset. While this is a great thing, it is not available for personal trainers that are new to the field and should not be a replacement for a standard that would help novice trainers.
Conclusion The lack of standardization in the fitness training industry is a problem that has persisted for years and will continue to persist until a unifying body is created and adopted by the ENTIRE industry. Until then, personal trainers across the industry will continue to earn income that is inconsistent and lower than what it could be. It is up to gym owners and those with hiring power in the industry to create black and white standards and to come together to agree on basic things. The fitness industry will stay fragmented until there is a common thread to tie it all together.
Trace's English Writing Portfolio 
Peer Review – Research Essay
Name: ___Paris Lee _______________________________________ Date: 3/31/2020. _____________Peer reviewing- Trace cummings _______________________
Part 1
1. Read the entire essay.
2. Are there any confusing parts of the text? If so, where? Explain what parts are confusing and how the author might fix them.
3. Are there any places in the text that misuse or are missing in-text citation (last name and page number)? If so, where? Explain what the author should do to fix these citations.
4. Are there any places in the text that are vague or need more support? If so, where? What might the author do to fix this section?
Introduction
1. In the introduction, does the author have a clear Hook? What is it? If he/she doesn’t have anything interesting what might he/she use to pull the reader into his/her essay? Provide at least one suggestion for how the author can make this section more interesting, clearer, etc.
The author has a clear hook that is easy to understand and follows their topic.
2. 4. Does the author explain the history of the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author provide a history of the argument surrounding the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author explain the relevance of the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author explain why a unique solution is necessary? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Provide at least one suggestion for improving or adding to the author’s background section.
The author explains well everything thing that this question asks
3. Does the author have a clear thesis? Does it have a clear purpose (proposed solution)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does it have clear direction (at least 3 arguments)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Are there any ways the author can make this clearer or more succinct? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
The author has a clear thesis. The introduction is perfect.
Main Point 1
4. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 1? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer?
Yes
5. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her first argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Yes, but maybe make your syllogism more clear.
6. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
Yes
7. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
Yes
8. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Yes
9. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 1?
Not clear if you have transition sentence but if you do can you make more clear.
Main Point 2
10. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 2? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer? Very clear what the topic sentence is.
11. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her second argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
In your main argument 2 i see a lot of quotes and citations for evidence but I’m not understanding what your syllogism. Is. Maybe make more clear.
12. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
13. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
14. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
A lot of good evidence to prove your argument but does it connect with your syllogism if there is one.
15. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 2?
Has a good transition sentence into the last main argument
Main Point 3
16. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 3? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer?
Yes
17. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her third argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Make your syllogism more clear
18. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
17 follows through 19
19. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
20. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
A lot of great evidence in here. In-text citations are great but still wondering could you make your syllogism moreclear.
21. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 3?
Yes
Refutation:
28. Does the author provide an objective explanation of any counter positions/solutions? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this? Are there any ways that the counter positions could be made clearer? Are there any counter positions the author might have missed? Are there any ways to develop this section more fully? Does the author explain places where the opposing argument is valid? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
29. Does the author explain why the counter position(s) is/are wrong using a clear syllogism? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this?
30. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
31. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
32. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that the counter position(s) are wrong)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the overall argument (of the essay)? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Conclusion
33. Does the author restate his/her main ideas clearly? Is there anything the author might do to better summarize his/her main arguments? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Yes
34. Does the author provide a clear application section – that is, does the author clearly explain (1) who is affected by the solution, (2) how the solution affects the audience, (3) what the positive effects are, and (4) what the negative effects may be? If the author has not included all of this information, then what is missing? If the author has included all of this information, then what might the author do to make this section clearer or more developed (what other effects, audiences, etc. might there be)? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Yes
35. Does the author provide a clear indication of the benefits of the solution? If not, then what are some benefits the author might include? Provide at least one suggestion.
I did not see anything about benefits for this solution but if there was make that stand out.
36. Does the author provide specific steps that the audience should follow to solve this issue? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Are there any steps that the author may not have accounted for? If so, what are they? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
Yes
37. Does the author effectively conclude the essay? If so, what makes the conclusion effective? If not, then what might he/she do to more effectively conclude this essay? Yes
Works Cited Page
38. Does the author have a works cited page? If so, does he/she have at least 10 sources? If not, how can he/she fix this? No, the author doesn’t have works cited page. Add your works cited page and have a least 10 sources.
I didn’t answer the other questions because I tired of answering the same questions
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Peer Review – Research Essay
Name: ___________Brianna Ciriaco_______________ Date: ______________4/1/2020_______________
Part 1
1. Read the entire essay. Yes.
2. Are there any confusing parts of the text? If so, where? Explain what parts are confusing and how the author might fix them. No.
3. Are there any places in the text that misuse or are missing in-text citation (last name and page number)? If so, where? Explain what the author should do to fix these citations. No.
4. Are there any places in the text that are vague or need more support? If so, where? What might the author do to fix this section? No.
Introduction
1. In the introduction, does the author have a clear Hook? What is it? If he/she doesn’t have anything interesting what might he/she use to pull the reader into his/her essay? Provide at least one suggestion for how the author can make this section more interesting, clearer, etc. Add a little bit more better word usage in the first sentence.
2. 4. Does the author explain the history of the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author provide a history of the argument surrounding the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author explain the relevance of the issue? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does the author explain why a unique solution is necessary? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Provide at least one suggestion for improving or adding to the author’s background section. The author explains the relevance of the issue.
3. Does the author have a clear thesis? Does it have a clear purpose (proposed solution)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Does it have clear direction (at least 3 arguments)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? Are there any ways the author can make this clearer or more succinct? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes, the thesis is clear.
Main Point 1
4. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 1? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer? Yes, topic sentence is clear.
5. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her first argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. No, but can make clearer by making the facts stand out more.
6. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes, the author supports.
7. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Can make the syllogism clearer by making the info stand out more.
8. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
9. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 1? Yes.
Main Point 2
10. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 2? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer? Yes.
11. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her second argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
12. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes.
13. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes.
14. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
15. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 2? Yes, there is a clear transition.
Main Point 3
16. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 3? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer? Yes.
17. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her third argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
18. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes.
19. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes, the syllogism is clear.
20. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
21. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 3? Yes.
Main Point 4 (if necessary)
22. Does the author have a clear topic sentence for Main Point 3? If not, what might he/she do to fix this? How might he/she make it clearer?
23. Does the author provide a syllogism explaining the logic behind his/her third argument (2 premises and 1 claim). If so, then is there any way the author can make the syllogism clearer? Is there any way the author can/should change the syllogism so that it is logically valid and true? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
24. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
25. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion.
26. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that their first argument [reason] is true)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the main point? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision.
27. Does the author provide a clear transitionary sentence as the final sentence of Main Point 3?
Refutation:
28. Does the author provide an objective explanation of any counter positions/solutions? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this? Are there any ways that the counter positions could be made clearer? Are there any counter positions the author might have missed? Are there any ways to develop this section more fully? Does the author explain places where the opposing argument is valid? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. No, I think the refutation is good.
29. Does the author explain why the counter position(s) is/are wrong using a clear syllogism? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this? I think the syllogism is correct.
30. Does the author provide support for his/her first premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes.
31. Does the author provide support for his/her second premise (of the syllogism)? If not, what might he/she do to fix this (What support would make this section clearer or more developed?)? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes.
32. Does the author explain the implications of the evidence (why they prove that the counter position(s) are wrong)? Does the author connect the claim (of the syllogism) to the overall argument (of the essay)? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
Conclusion
33. Does the author restate his/her main ideas clearly? Is there anything the author might do to better summarize his/her main arguments? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
34. Does the author provide a clear application section – that is, does the author clearly explain (1) who is affected by the solution, (2) how the solution affects the audience, (3) what the positive effects are, and (4) what the negative effects may be? If the author has not included all of this information, then what is missing? If the author has included all of this information, then what might the author do to make this section clearer or more developed (what other effects, audiences, etc. might there be)? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
35. Does the author provide a clear indication of the benefits of the solution? If not, then what are some benefits the author might include? Provide at least one suggestion. Yes, the author indicates clear benefits.
36. Does the author provide specific steps that the audience should follow to solve this issue? If not, then what might he/she do to fix this section? Are there any steps that the author may not have accounted for? If so, what are they? Provide at least one suggestion for revision. Yes.
37. Does the author effectively conclude the essay? If so, what makes the conclusion effective? If not, then what might he/she do to more effectively conclude this essay? The essay was great. I really enjoyed reading it and I honestly did not find a lot of flaws in it. Just make sure in your opening you use an eye opener to really get the hook. Also make sure your syllogisms are more eye catching.
Works Cited Page
38. Does the author have a works cited page? If so, does he/she have at least 10 sources? If not, how can he/she fix this? There is no work cited page. Work on your citations page!
Overall
39. Are any parts of the essay lopsided? (For instance, does main point 1 have more evidence or a longer paragraph than main point 2?) How can the author fix this? No, all looked even and good.
40. Are there any other comments or concerns you have with this essay? Provide at least 2 suggestions for how the author might add length to his/her essay. The essay was great. I really enjoyed reading it and I honestly did not find a lot of flaws in it. Just make sure in your opening you use an eye opener to really get the hook. Also make sure your syllogisms are more eye catching.
41. List at least 1 place where the author can add content (length) [more evidence, examples, detail, support, etc.]. Uhm, just the beginning and the conclusion. There can be a few more sentences of what you learned from this essay.
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