| Trainers Who Want to Be Just What the Doctor Ordered |
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Page 1 of 2 By CATHERINE SAINT LOUISSource: The New York Times FITNESS clients can make unreliable sources. They may tell their personal trainer about their recurring back pain, but neglect to mention their hypertension medication. They may disclose on a health questionnaire that they are diabetic, but not disclose a bad ankle sprain. They may feel embarrassed to share that they had a pectoral muscle removed to treat breast cancer. Conscientious trainers say they would love to have a better relationship with their clients’ doctors, mostly to make sure that while working their cardiovascular systems and muscles they will do no harm. But breaking down the wall between the gym and the consulting room has been difficult, say trainers who have tried. “I’ve been rejected or blown off or gotten the ‘Give me your card’ kind of thing,” said Derek Dodd, a certified trainer and a registered nurse in West Palm Beach, Fla., referring to his contacts with some doctors. Some doctors are reluctant to form an alliance with trainers, since it’s hard to know whom to trust, when far too many have certifications that are questionable, at best. But some personal trainers not only have more demanding certifications, but also academic degrees in relevant fields. And unlike those who push “no pain, no gain,” they say they are concerned not only with how many pull-ups their clients can do, but also with how their medications and old injuries may affect their workouts. And many of them contend that now, more than ever, doctors need to start thinking about them as part of their patients’ health care. For one, Americans over 55 are the fastest growing segment of gym members, according to American Sports Data, a market research firm. “We are seeing more people coming to gyms with hypertension, diabetes and old musculoskeletal injuries,” said Michael Jones, the founder of the American Academy of Health, Fitness and Rehabilitation Professionals, an educational organization in Sacramento. “They need good exercise programs that are developed in conjunction with fitness and medical professionals to avoid injuries and improve function.” In addition, many health insurers are limiting the number of physical therapy visits a patient can make, and trainers are inheriting more half-mended patients. “The insurance company is looking for roughly 75 to 80 percent overall improvement, at which point the insurance company stops authorizing visits,” said Dr. Craig Antell, who practices physical medicine in Manhattan. “You’re left with a patient who is 80 percent better, still needing work. That’s where personal trainers come in.” Dr. Antell, the medical director at Madison Avenue Physical Rehabilitation and Wellness, is one doctor who understands the importance of a good relationship with personal trainers. He estimated that last year his practice referred about 50 patients to trainers, up from a dozen five years ago. He said he does not make such referrals indiscriminately: All 10 trainers he works with have bachelor’s or master’s degrees in exercise science or a relevant field. And to ensure that the trainer is in tune with a patient’s needs, he requires the first trainer-patient session to occur at his office so he can supervise. “If I get a trainer that hurts someone, I’ve got a world of trouble,” Dr. Antell said. |
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