A personal trainer is expected to provide their clients with the methods, knowledge and tools to push past any barrier and achieve their fitness goals. Regardless of the condition of their client, personal trainers must be able to create a learning environment that is aimed for self-improvement and self-awareness to ensure they are able to reach their fitness goals and become healthier, happier individuals. Of course, things can be quite challenging if the client has a physical disability.Fitness with a disability is still possible with the proper training and guidance.
Here are some things to consider when training someone with disability:
Ask clients to explain their condition:Trainers should be fully aware of the physical and mental conditions of their clients. In fact, some people are not willing to declare themselves as being disabled and, in this situation, trainers should respect the opinion of their clients. However, they should also be able to point out any obvious physical limitation that affects training sessions. The actual disability condition can be more complex than what’s visible. So, personal trainers should allow their clients to perform an initial training session to fully verify the condition.
Check client’s medical needs: People with disabilities may have specific medical requirements. As an example, specific medications could cause side effects, such as drowsiness and people with Down’sSyndrome may have atlantoaxial instability problems.
Reassure clients that achieving their fitness goals is possible: It can be a wonderful gift for disabled individuals, if you reassure them that goals can be achieved. People with disabilities can be uncomfortable when entering a gym as they are surrounded by people who can perform and move without impediment. Personal trainers should empathize with their clients if they seem to feel nervous. If you are confident and optimistic about the prospect of their success, you’re your clients will feel the same way.
Act more: It is a fact that action always speaks louder than words. Any promise and assurance should be backed up by actual commitment. Personal trainers should try to help their clients to the best of their ability.
Have fun: It is important to have fun and be creative. There are creative ways that can make personal training sessions more enjoyable. When the training session is fun and enjoyable, clients will be eager to participate again.
If you are interested in a career as a personal trainer in the UK but are concerned about coaching with a disability, contact Origym today and let one of our consultants assist you with any questions you might have.
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