What makes us different to personal trainers
One question for you: How much do you value your health?
If you could put a price on it, what would it be?
We have heard many people say “But it is so expensive to go to a gym or to get a coach”.
You know what IS expensive…Cardiac Disease. Diabetes. Injuries. Lower Back Pain.
So when you do decide you want to put some $$ into your health, we assume you want to get the best value for your money right?
Most people’s immediate thought goes to “I need to join a gym” or “I need a Personal Trainer”. And yes, for some people, that is the right choice for them. However, what most people don’t realise is that an individual’s health and fitness is so much more complicated than just “giving them some squats and running” or that a 45 minute HIIT style class may not actually be appropriate for them.
But what if we told you that here at Foundations Performance & Rehab, you really get BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
For only $40/week, not only do you receive a weekly gym membership but you ALSO get access to individualised coaching from people who are qualified in Exercise Physiology, Sport Science and Strength and Conditioning practices. Normally, a one-on-one session would cost you $70/half hour and upwards! Like we said… BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.
“What makes you different to a personal trainers?” we hear you say…
Read on to find out! 😊
Exercise Physiology
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) holds a four-year equivalent University degree and specialises in the exercise and movement for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and injuries.
AEP’s provide support for people with:
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Obesity
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Diabetes
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Cardiovascular disease
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Osteoporosis and arthritis
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Mental health conditions
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Cancer and cancer treatment recovery
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Chronic fatigue and pain
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Post-surgical rehabilitation (ACL reconstruction, hip/knee replacement etc)
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Neuromuscular exercise therapy (Multiple Scelorosis, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease)
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Pulmonary disease and MORE!
Exercise Physiologist’s are eligible for registration with Medicare Australia, the Department of Veteran Affairs and Workcover and are recognised by most private health insurers!
AEP’s are different by the possession of extensive knowledge, skills and experience in clinical exercise delivery and their ability to provide health modification counselling for people with chronic disease and injury.
Exercise Physiologists also work with those without any known conditions or injuries and help them with long term plans that help achieve better health and fitness and prevent conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
Sport Science
Sport and Exercise Scientists hold an undergraduate degree in the field of exercise and sports science. They specialise in the design, implementation and evaluation of exercise and physical activity for healthy people. They provide programs for improving general health, the prevention of chronic diseases, health promotion and enhanced sports performance.
Additionally, a Sport and Exercise Scientist can:
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Create an exercise program that helps you achieve your fitness goals
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Instruct you in the right way to do the exercises
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Monitor your progress and adapt the program so you can continue to improve
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Provide encouragement and educated feedback on your progress
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Perform workplace health testing
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Run workplace health education programs
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Take corporate exercise classes
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Perform recruitment fitness testing
Additionally, Sport and Exercise Scientists are also involved in educating personal trainers and within research projects.
Strength & Conditioning
Strength & Conditioning coaches work with people who are specifically looking to improve their physical performance in a skill, sport or who have a certain fitness goal in mind.
Their main aims are to improve your athletic performance such as speed, strength, power and aerobic capacity (and more!) and to reduce injuries by improving injury prevention.
They do this by:
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Developing systematic training programs for both teams, groups of people and individual athletes
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This usually includes teaching proper lifting techniques, supervising and motivating individuals and assessing their performance both before and after programs
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Designing programs to strengthen body parts that are prone to injury in a particular activity or sport
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Practices evidence-based approaches to strength and conditioning and exercise prescription and implementation
Strength and conditioning coaches are about more than just “lifting weights”- they help to develop the individuals physical performance in a safe and educated manner. The “strength” training element is merely one piece of the jigsaw puzzle.
Working in Conjunction with Other Health Professionals
Having both been University educated and accredited with their respective governing bodies (ESSA and ASCA), Oscar and Sarah are able to work in conjunction with other health professionals such as your doctor/specialist, physiotherapist, podiatrist and osteopath to help rehabilitate and prevent injuries. Foundations Performance & Rehab aims to work within an interdisciplinary team and have a holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of our clients.
SO, WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT TO A PERSONAL TRAINER?
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Qualifications
A minimum of three to four years of study is required to become a Sport and Exercise Scientist or AEP. In contrast, a PT course can be completed in only a few weeks to months. That’s right…your local bootcamp or gym instructor could only have a 4 month PT course under their belt. Of course, some PT’s do continue on with further study and education and become really good trainers. But it is important to do your research before making a decision on whose hands you put your health into!
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Minimum Experience
AEP’s and Sport and Exercise Scientists are required to fulfil over 150-300 hours of supervised practical experience across a wide range of clientele before they are deemed qualified. Some PT courses only require 20-30 hours of practical work before qualified.
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Knowledge
Although PT’s can cover foundation studies in exercise science, program design and instructing, these subjects are often not studied in depth due to the short length of the courses. In the modern day, a PT course can be completed in a matter of weeks or months and even be completed completely online. In comparison, AEP’s and Sport and Exercise Scientists spend at least 5 months on a total of approximately 24-30 different subjects over the span of 3-4 years. These subjects are generally Structural and Functional Anatomy, Human Physiology, Psychology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Motor Control, Nutrition and more. Furthermore, Oscar has gone on to complete his Masters degree in Exercise Physiology and Sarah has completed her PhD in Sport and Exercise Science.
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Ensuring Correct Exercise Prescription
AEP’s and Sport Scientists are educated on how and why an exercise works, not just the muscle that it works. For example, they are trained to identify how your limited range of movements in your hip flexors may affect your pelvis position and thus the movement of your gluteal muscles which can cause issues and contribute pain in your hips, knees, back or ankles. From here, they can use their knowledge to prescribe appropriate exercises for these imbalances to correct them. Additionally, they also possess the knowledge to provide safe exercise prescription for those with complicated conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, High Blood Pressure or weight management problems. PT’s often have very little to zero training in the interaction between medication or complex health issues and exercise due to the short length of time it can take to complete a course.
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Motivation and Encouragement
AEP’s and Sport Scientists are required to undertake Psychology components within their degrees so their approach to client motivation is generally evidence-based rather than just industry habits. This also means they are more likely to address underlying issues and barriers that the average PT may not recognise.
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Clientele Qualified and Insured to Work With
AEP’s are qualified to work with both High and Low risk clients whereas Personal trainers are only qualified to work with persons to be considered “Apparently Healthy” or Low risk.
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Private Health Fund Rebates and Medicare Referral Eligibility
AEP’s are deemed to be Allied Health Professionals so you can see them under the referral of a GP, Workcover, DVA or Medicare. Alternatively, you may be covered under your Private Insurance cover.
In conclusion, put your health and fitness in the hands of an Accredited professional that will ensure you achieve optimal performance, reduce your risk of injuries and improve your overall quality of life 😊.
