2008 Woodie Awards
Distinguishing Branches of Training
Personal and Athletic Trainers Share More Disparities Than Resemblance
James Carpentier
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Feature
Confusing athletic trainers with personal trainers is common. While both professions are in the health field, they are markedly dissimilar.
Personal trainers work closely with individuals or groups, but usually one-on-one to aid an individual meet his or her conditioning goal. In contrast, athletic trainers, who are also familiar with fitness programs, recommend specific strengthening exercises during an athlete's rehabilitation program.
Athletic trainers treat injuries with various modalities (ice, heat, wraps, tape, bandages) and also prevent injury or illness by ensuring the athlete is adequately hydrated during sports events while also being observant for signs of sudden illness. As athletic trainers keep appointment records and update progression or regression of sports injuries during periods of rehabilitation, personal trainers also keep health records of clients and update their workout cards each training session.
Both athletic trainers and personal trainers as well must be passionate about their profession and compassionate towards helping individuals attain their goals - whether it be to recover from an injury sooner than expected or to be able to lift more weight during each workout.
Pursuing an Athletic Trainer Career-
For those considering an Athletic Trainer career, not only can you take courses at the university, but the governing body for athletic trainers - the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) - also furnishes useful information on certification requirements. Enthusiasm, patience, the ability to work long hours (not a nine to five job as the athletic trainer must be available before, during and after sports events, as well as working some nights and several weekends during the school year), a desire to work with the athletes, and the communication skills to effectively deal with diverse personalities, fit the athletic trainer's job description.
As with physicians and others in the medical profession, athletic trainers encounter various injuries - from minor (sprains, strains) to the more serious involving blood loss, broken bones and torn muscles.
Personal trainers work closely with individuals or groups, but usually one-on-one to aid an individual meet his or her conditioning goal. In contrast, athletic trainers, who are also familiar with fitness programs, recommend specific strengthening exercises during an athlete's rehabilitation program.
Athletic trainers treat injuries with various modalities (ice, heat, wraps, tape, bandages) and also prevent injury or illness by ensuring the athlete is adequately hydrated during sports events while also being observant for signs of sudden illness. As athletic trainers keep appointment records and update progression or regression of sports injuries during periods of rehabilitation, personal trainers also keep health records of clients and update their workout cards each training session.
Both athletic trainers and personal trainers as well must be passionate about their profession and compassionate towards helping individuals attain their goals - whether it be to recover from an injury sooner than expected or to be able to lift more weight during each workout.
Pursuing an Athletic Trainer Career-
For those considering an Athletic Trainer career, not only can you take courses at the university, but the governing body for athletic trainers - the National Athletic Trainer's Association (NATA) - also furnishes useful information on certification requirements. Enthusiasm, patience, the ability to work long hours (not a nine to five job as the athletic trainer must be available before, during and after sports events, as well as working some nights and several weekends during the school year), a desire to work with the athletes, and the communication skills to effectively deal with diverse personalities, fit the athletic trainer's job description.
As with physicians and others in the medical profession, athletic trainers encounter various injuries - from minor (sprains, strains) to the more serious involving blood loss, broken bones and torn muscles.