Modern State of Health and Fitness

The Modern State of Health and Fitness

• NASM's systems and methodologies are safe and effective for any client due to the focus on scientific principles.
• NASM recommends that all fitness professionals focus on evidence-based practice to attain the highest levels of success.
• Evidence-based practice involves conscientiously using current best evidence when making decisions about patient or client care.
• The OPT model, NASM's proprietary approach to exercise training, was developed with evidence-based practice as a core guiding philosophy.
• An acute disease is a suddenly occurring medical condition that can be treated and healed in a short period of time.
• A chronic disease is a medical condition that persists without quickly going away or being cured altogether.
• Overweight and obesity refer to a body weight exceeding what is considered normal or healthy for a certain height, specifically due to excess body fat.
• Being overweight or obese significantly increases the chances of developing a chronic disease.
• Cardiovascular disease describes numerous problems of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart attacks, heart failure, heart valve problems, and arrhythmias.
• Hypertension is a primary risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the global leading causes of death.
• Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood made up of a combination of protein and fatty acids.
• Diabetes is a disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, which comes from the foods we eat.
• Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone that helps glucose get into cells to provide energy.
• Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that can result from a wide range of genetic and environmental factors.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term for lung diseases characterized by increased breathlessness, airflow limitation, and accelerated decline of lung function.
• Two of the most common foot and ankle issues are sprains and plantar fasciitis.
• An ankle sprain occurs when a person rolls, twists, or turns an ankle, stretching or tearing ligaments.
• Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the plantar fascia tissue located on the underside of the foot.
• The LPHC (lumbo-pelvic-hip complex), consisting of the lumbar spine, pelvis, abdomen, and hip musculoskeletal structures, is commonly referred to as the "core."
• The LPHC is important anatomically because it connects the upper and lower halves of the body.
• Shoulder dysfunction is prevalent, especially among those who frequently lift objects overhead.
• Regular exercise and increased physical activity have been shown to improve musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic disease.
• Understanding the scopes of practice for allied health professionals and local laws ensures CPTs work within their scope of practice.
• Networking with allied health professionals and certified fitness professionals can lead to great levels of success.
• An NASM-CPT must always adhere to the NASM Code of Professional Conduct.

The Personal Training Profession

• Fitness professionals have options to establish a personal training practice with a consistent flow of clients, from working in a large health club to training clients in their own homes.
• Starting a fitness business, working with clients in their homes, or opening a studio are other employment option for fitness professionals
• Another employment choice for fitness professionals is starting a fitness business which could include working with clients in their homes, running outdoor group workout programs, or opening a studio.
• As technology evolves, there are many options for offering training services online.
• As an independent contractor, a fitness professional can establish their own pay rates and earn the entire amount, but must also account for operational expenses, insurance costs, and taxes.
• Offering uncompromising customer service is the first step in succeeding as a CPT.
• Selling personal training services is selling commitment to an exercise program improving a client’s health, wellness, and fitness, it is uncovering client needs and presenting solutions.
• When rapport is properly built with a prospective client, sales will feel natural and automatic.
• Forecasting techniques should be used to predict how many clients will need to be serviced to support a desired annual financial goal.
• Marketing involves communicating how a product or service will meet a potential client’s wants and needs.
• The Four Ps of marketing include product, price, promotion, and place.
• Social media and other digital marketing campaigns are extremely important for growing a modern fitness business.
• Continuing education courses can teach fitness professionals how to work with niche populations and enable business expansion, are not all just necessary for recertification.
• The most popular methods of earning CEUs are attending workshops or conferences or completing online education programs.
• CEUs can additionally be earned by participating in livestream webinars, reading fitness articles and passing a quiz or test, or creating content for fitness education programs, speaking at conferences, and presenting webinars.

Explore the landscape of health and fitness, highlighting NASM's evidence-based methodologies. Understand acute vs. chronic diseases, and the risks associated with being overweight or obese. Learn how NASM's OPT model applies scientific principles for safe and effective client training.