Physical fitness and sports medicine require unique skill sets, training, and education. Personal trainers and athletic trainers work in these fields to help individuals achieve their fitness goals, enhance their physical abilities, and treat and prevent injuries. While both professions may overlap in some aspects, there are also critical differences. How do you determine what you are looking for?
If you are an athlete, especially if you are recovering from an injury, you can start by discussing additional options with your coach. But if you are just looking for professional advice to boost your exercise routine, a personal trainer can often be an excellent resource. Our personal trainers at EW Motion Therapy consider it a privilege to be a resource and source of motivation for our clients as they work toward their health and fitness goals. Even if you decide our services do not fit your needs, you can still read on for our discussion of the similarities and differences between personal and athletic trainers, plus how you can find one in your area.
How are they similar?
One of the most notable similarities between personal trainers and athletic trainers is that both professionals work with clients to enhance physical fitness abilities and prevent injuries. Both roles require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, as well as an understanding of exercise programming and nutrition. In certain instances, personal and athletic trainers work with clients one-on-one in gyms, fitness centers, and healthcare facilities, designing customized exercise programs to help individuals achieve their fitness goals.
How are they different?
The primary differences between personal trainers and athletic trainers are the populations they work with and their educational backgrounds. Personal trainers work with individuals of any age looking to improve their overall health and fitness levels. They may work in a gym, in a fitness center, or as independent contractors. On the other hand, athletic trainers work with athletes, often as part of a sports team or organization. They focus on injury prevention, emergency care, and rehabilitation for athletes. They are constantly on the sidelines at sporting events, ready to tend to injuries as they may occur.
You can find another difference in the educational requirements for each role. Personal trainers are not required to have a college degree, but many employers prefer to hire trainers in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field. To become certified, personal trainers must complete a certification program from a reputable organization such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These programs typically require passing a written exam and demonstrating practical knowledge of exercise programming, nutrition, and anatomy. On the other hand, athletic trainers must have a minimum of a master's degree from an accredited athletic training program. These programs typically include anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and nutrition coursework. Athletic trainers must also pass the Board of Certification exam to become certified, and some states require athletic trainers to have a license to practice.
How can I find a trainer in my area?
Ultimately, the decision to work with a personal or athletic trainer will depend on an individual's fitness goals and needs. If you are an athlete looking specifically for an athletic trainer, your coach can likely direct you to a trainer within your team. But if you want someone different, working with a trainer outside your organization is possible if your coach says it’s ok. Many athletic trainers work in clinical settings or as independent contractors and may offer their services to individuals or teams outside their primary workplace. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes looking to improve their performance as part of a rehabilitation program or prevent further injury outside the team setting. However, athletic trainers who work independently may have different qualifications and certifications than those who work with sports teams. When choosing an athletic trainer, it is important to verify their credentials and ensure they have the appropriate education and experience to meet your specific needs.
If you are looking for a personal trainer, on the other hand, your options are likely plentiful, especially in the Birmingham area. Getting a customized exercise plan and working with an encouraging trainer can often be crucial to success in your fitness journey, especially if you are just starting or are ready for expert advice. Our team of expert personal trainers at EW Motion Therapy loves helping our clients work toward their goals with an individualized program and plenty of encouragement along the way. If you are curious whether our personal training program would fit your needs, click the button below to download our self-assessment.
