As those of you working in the fitness industry know, you are exposed to all types of clients. From an elite athlete who can train up to twice a day to a high-risk client with multiple conditions who can only (initially) manage 20 minutes of low-intensity exercise.
As a trainer, it is important that you are able to adapt your exercise prescription to the needs of the client, including those who are special populations. It is quite common for new trainers to overprescribe exercise to special population clients, often leading to an undesirable training response for the client. This is not good for your business and can be potentially hazardous to the client. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution with a special population client. Always keep in mind the specific needs and limitations associated with each special populations client when implementing an exercise programme.
Special population refers to individuals with specific health concerns or medical conditions requiring specialised exercise programming and supervision. In this current day and age, a high percentage of your clients will fall under this category.
Designing a programme that will help them improve their health whilst being sustainable for them to achieve is crucial. As a personal trainer who, assumably, loves exercise, sometimes we need to put ourselves in our client’s shoes and realise that not everyone has the same relationship with exercise that we do, and we need to implement strategies that make working out more palatable for these clients.
A special population client could be someone who:
- is an adolescent
- is elderly
- suffers from a cardiovascular disease
- is pregnant
- is recently post-partum
- has diabetes
- is asthmatic
- has osteoporosis
- is obese.
Exercise is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle and has numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. However, like any activity, it carries both advantages and potential risks.
Recognise that every exercise carries potential risks and benefits. Consider the individual's health condition, age, and fitness level. Aim for a balance to maximise positive outcomes while minimising potential harm.
Let’s recap on some common benefits and risks of exercise:
Benefits of Exercise
Click on each heading to help recap on the common benefits of exercise.
Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and improves overall cardiovascular health.
Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and alleviate stress. It increases the release of ‘happy hormones’ such as endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin (when exercising with others), which act as natural mood elevators (see image below).
Engaging in physical activity can lead to better sleep patterns and quality of sleep, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Exercise increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to your cells, which in turn boosts energy levels and reduces fatigue.
Activities like yoga and Pilates improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of injury and falls, especially in older adults.
Exercise, when combined with a balanced diet, is an effective tool for weight management, aiding in weight loss or weight maintenance.
Regular exercise, especially resistance training, can enhance functionality and strength that can help perform activities in everyday life.
Risks of Exercise
Click on each heading to help recap on the common risks of exercise.
Pushing your body beyond its limits can lead to overtraining syndrome, resulting in fatigue, mood disturbances, and decreased performance.
Overuse injuries, strains, sprains, and fractures can occur if you don't exercise with proper form, rest, or ensure sufficient mobility training. This is one of the reasons why it is important to factor in the client’s movement capability and exercise experience when selecting the types of exercises performed.
Certain medical conditions may be exacerbated by intense exercise. Trainers need to obtain as much information about the clients and their condition as possible before starting training with them. Early on it is always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to
An overreliance on exercise for stress relief or self-esteem can become problematic if it interferes with daily life and relationships.
Overall exercise offers a wide array of benefits for physical and mental health, but it's essential that it is managed carefully. This is where personal trainers and fitness professionals can offer expertise, guidance, and support in order for clients to reap the many benefits of exercise which can lead to them enjoying a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The NZ REPs Code of Ethical Practice emphasises the importance of maintaining a high degree of professionalism and ethical conduct in the industry. This code includes 5 principles that all registered exercise professionals are expected to follow. These principles include:
- Uphold professional standards
- Maintain safety
- Appropriate relationships
- Respect privacy
- General professionalism
Download the Code: REPs Code of Ethical Practice.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals and other experts to ensure comprehensive care for special population clients. If needed, refer clients to specialists for a more tailored approach to their unique health needs.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals ensures a holistic approach to a client's well-being. Different experts bring diverse perspectives, contributing to comprehensive care beyond just exercise.
It also helps in identifying potential risks and contraindications. Healthcare professionals can share crucial information about a client's medical history, enabling the personal trainer to design safer and more effective exercise programs.
It is essential to always work within your scope of practice and know when a client is best to be referred on to a health professional. This may include the following:
- General practitioners
- Dietitians
- Pharmacists
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational therapists.
