Personal trainers should follow the code of ethics of their certifying organizations.
Personal trainers should obtain certification from a nationally accredited personal training organization to ensure they are qualified to provide safe and effective health and cardiovascular/strength training. Trainers are required to adhere to that organization's code of ethics, which explains and governs their behavior toward clients and fellow professionals. Those who fail to do so risk losing their certification.
Credentialing Requirements
As a personal trainer, you're expected to complete coursework and pass examinations on health, fitness and strength training a national certifying organization administers. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), the American College of Exercise (ACE) and many other credentialing organizations require trainers to continue to study and earn continuing education credits. You also must renew your certification every few years to expand your existing knowledge base and keep abreast of recent developments in the field.
Professional Responsibilities
Don't misrepresent your professional qualifications. ACSM prohibits trainers it certifies from claiming to hold any professional credentials they haven't earned and insists that the services they provide fall "within the scope of their knowledge, skills and abilities." You must maintain basic first aid/first responder (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrilator) certification. You're also expected to act in accordance with all required business, employment and intellectual property laws.
Responsibilities Toward Clients
Be client-centered. Personal trainers must respect the client's right to choose the type, intensity and scope of the health activities they engage in, NCSF's code states. This involves obtaining the client's informed consent in connection with any activities the trainer administers or supervises and ensuring his safety at all times. You also must keep confidential all personal client information you're privy to and refuse to disclose it to a third party without the client's written permission, ACSM notes. Avoid discriminating against anyone on the basis of race, color, creed or nationality and avoid committing any sexual misconduct, the NCSF adds. Finally, trainers should advise clients to consult with more qualified health or medical professionals to address any illnesses or injuries as appropriate, ACE's Code of Ethics says.
Avoid Conflicts of Interest
Do not engage in any marketing of commercial products or services from which you might benefit financially if your motives could come into question. Trainers, should make recommendations that are "as accurate, balanced, complete and devoid of bias as possible," NCSF's code advises. In addition, if any conflict of interest issues arise involving a client, you should explain the issue to the client. Trainers should also never act in a way that competes with or is detrimental to their employers or colleagues.
Promote the Profession
As a personal trainer, you should always appear and act in ways that promote the organization for which you work and the profession you represent. Trainers should act respectfully and supportively toward colleagues, peers and employees and "uphold and enhance public appreciation and trust for the health and fitness industry," ACE's code stipulates.
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