- Kat Sarmiento
Top 5 Things Personal Trainers Need to Know When Asked Nutrition Questions | Lillee Jean Beauty
Personal Trainers are trained and licensed professionals, entrusted with their client's health and well-being.
Not only do they develop exercise routines, but they create entire fitness programs. As such, trainers must be aware of everything that concerns health.
This awareness means that trainers should also consider the trainee's nutrition aside from their physiological needs and capabilities. By better understanding the different aspects of health, a PT could offer a more personalized and targeted exercise program.
To ensure an effective rapport between the trainer and the trainee, personal trainers must know these top five things about nutrition.
1. Nutrition is not a Pass/ Fail condition
In undergoing a fitness regimen or a training program, most people are focused on keeping a "go hard or go home" mentality. Many of them, especially first-timers, are new to the concept of macronutrients. If so, they might also be unfamiliar with adding a wiggle room to the nutrition aspect of their program.
When asked for dietary advice, personal trainers need to recognize the need, for a bit of flexibility. This minor consideration makes the entire program more sustainable, especially if you expect it to run for quite some time. While commitment to a fitness program is vital to achieving results, it's not realistic to expect clients to retain their 100% throughout the process.
This "wiggle room" is particularly essential in women, for example. Studies have revealed the benefits of exercising during menstruation and considering it, could help keep "the client", on track while developing a program that suits their changing body needs. Personal trainers can recommend dietary options that work well, even as they work out while using period underwear.
2. The proper nutrition optimizes gains
The endgame for almost every fitness training program is to improve health. Whether the client intends to lose or increase weight, or enhance their sports performance, it is crucial to recognize the role of nutrition in achieving these goals. There are specific dietary requirements that better meet certain fitness goals.
There are general nutrition practices that are generally recommended. It includes close monitoring of hydration and opting for healthy fats and carbohydrates. However, the generally-accepted concept of a balanced diet might no longer be sufficient to meet particular needs for training purposes. For example, a training regimen requires an increased calorie intake or more protein in the daily diet. Talking about the general concept is a part of being a personal trainer.
3. Know when to refer to a specialist
Generally, fitness trainers are good at developing exercise regimens and educating and motivating their clients to follow these programs and reach their fitness goals. However, the truth is that nutrition is a specialized field in itself. Most trainers are not nutritionists, and for personal trainers, knowing when to refer your clients to a nutrition specialist is a great practice and shows commitment to helping the trainee achieve their goals. Knowing when to refer to another professional is an option that personal trainers should always be aware of.
Usually, a personal trainer works with a nutrition coach. Together, they provide a complete and holistic program. One outlines the physical activity needed while the other ensures that the body remains fueled up throughout the process. Of course, certain professionals are personal trainers and nutrition coaches simultaneously.
4. Social media has an impact
In a world of influencers and unrelenting connectivity, social media is a factor that can quickly derail any fitness plan. Before the internet, there were instances of Hollywood celebrities trying out a new diet or close friends recommending a supplement that works for them. The fitness industry is painfully aware that what works for one might not necessarily work for another–applying to schedules, workout routines, and dietary requirements.
Today, the same tendencies for clients remain. However, the landscape has changed, with social media marketing always being a more persistent avenue available to your client. As a personal trainer, here is where the education part of the profession comes in. Learning how to communicate this scenario and help your client build resistance to social media influence minimizes the risks of the program getting sidetracked.
5. Nutrition is just a part of the equation
Lastly, it is essential always to remember that fitness is a multifaceted approach. One part includes the physical workout that must be maintained regularly and scaled appropriately depending on the progress. On the other hand, the client's food can spell the success or failure of the entire effort. Clients might fixate on the food they eat, and as the personal trainer, it is also crucial to recognize that other factors require equal attention.
Once a diet that suits the fitness goals is identified, it's just a matter of sticking with it and keeping the nutritional targets as close as possible. Still, keeping track of their food without maintaining consistency in other aspects could derail the entire program.
Written By: Kat Sarmiento
Editor: Lillee Jean Beauty
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