Many gyms and training centers today are attracting clients of various health backgrounds by offering high-energy and often competitive exercises designed to stretch the limits of their bodies. But just how safe are training programs that promote high-intensity aerobic and resistance workouts?
For the answer, says Tammara Moore, DPT, physical therapist and co-founder of SOL Performance Training (Oakland), look no further than the education, experience and qualifications of on-site trainers and physical therapists.
Experience is Not a Commodity
“Experience is not a commodity,” Moore said. “There are many providers of rehabilitative, fitness and sports-performance care. The key is putting your health in the hands of trainers and physical therapists with the education and experience to scale exercises for clients in order to reduce the risk of injury.”
According to Moore, trainers and coaches “high in spirit” but low in education and experience are good at pushing clients hard, but not in recognizing when enough is enough – when someone’s reached the point of injury risk – through the assessment of form, fatigue or pain. Many offer a one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, an approach that unrealistically assumes each person shares similar health backgrounds and risk thresholds.
In contrast, Physical Therapists and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists are trained to thoroughly assess each client’s limitations and goals, then offer safe, individualized programs based on medical history and deficiencies in strength, flexibility and movement. Anyone interested in joining a gym or performance training facility should ask questions regarding the education and experience of trainers.
The best facilities will employ physical therapists, certified athletic trainers, or a mix of both:
Physical Therapist (PT)
A physical therapist has earned a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree (usually a doctorate) from an accredited physical therapy program with studies in anatomy, kinesiology, pharmacology, neuroscience, diagnostics, chemistry, biology, physics, and human growth and development.
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)
A certified athletic trainer has earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program – studying first aid, injury assessment/analysis, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and biomechanics – and passed a certification test. About 70 percent have gone on to earn their master’s degree.
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
A CSCS has earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and has passed a rigorous exam before applying scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. These professionals conduct sports-specific testing sessions, design and implement effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, get stronger, prevent injuries or take your game to the next level, do your homework.
Know who you’re trusting with your body.
At SOL Performance Training, all providers of fitness, physical therapy and performance-based services possess an advanced degree and all have years of experience in their specific domain.
“This isn’t a marketing decision,” Moore said. “We simply believe that offering anything less would be a disservice to our clients, risking short- and long-term health and physical performance.”
Through their dedication to an eclectic approach rooted in physical therapy, fitness and performance sciences, SOL Performance Training is the #1 provider of choice for the rehabilitative and sports performance needs of active people in the Greater Bay Area.
For 20 years, SOL Performance Training has facilitated the return of thousands of individuals to their desired level of function through their evidence-based and human-centric approach to rehab and performance care.
