Personal training is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. A recent news release from IDEA Health and Fitness Association has noted a significant growth rate in the industry. However, the origin of personal training is undocumented and anecdotal, at best. It is necessary to investigate the known beginnings of this occupation to better understand the rationale for current training concepts and their effect on clientele.

The Past
During the 1950s and 1960s, gym members were predominantly men who were training for specific goals, such as increased size (bodybuilders), strength (power lifters), explosive strength (Olympic lifters) or a combination of all of these goals (athletes). However, by the end of the 1960s, society’s view of
exercise began to change. By the 1970s, going to the gym (and training to become fit) had become
much more socially acceptable. It provided a structured way to achieve social interaction and health simultaneously. Fitness training did not require high levels of skill (as did sport forms of exercise) and was used to augment existing activity levels. Simply, it was an active outlet for anyone, regardless of physical ability, that could be utilized year-round, day or night and without concern for weather conditions. It was also perceived as a way to directly alter physical characteristics, in a society that had become very appearance-conscious. Thus, the number of new gym members increased to include a large
number of people who were uneducated about training and the gym environment. This brought about the desire to seek out the help and guidance from an “expert.”
Essentially, the “expert” of the 1970s was the person in the gym who had been training the longest, looked the most fit or who was strongest. However, these qualities are primarily genetic in nature and are not necessarily based on training knowledge. Often, a new member would approach one of the
perceived “experts” and offer that person money, in exchange for his/her training knowledge and guidance. Hence, the fitness professional was born. While, for the most part, these individuals were probably able to provide good information on the acute variables of training such as loads, sets, reps, etc., the understanding and application of human movement science (functional anatomy, functional biomechanics and motor behavior) is something very different.
It was not usual practice to assess a new client for past medical conditions, training risk factors, muscle imbalances, goals, etc.This resulted in training programs that simply mimicked those of the current fitness professional or instructor. Programs were rarely designed to meet an individual client’s goals, needs and abilities. At the time, the typical health-club member was probably better prepared
for activity. The work and home environments were not as inundated with automation, personal computers, cell phones and other technology that are more prevalent today. Housekeepers, gardeners, remote controls and video games did not run a household. Furthermore, mandated activity, such as
physical education in school, was not yet compromised. The activity level of daily live was still somewhat brisk.

The Present
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (1983 vs. 1998), more people today are spending time in office-related jobs and more hours at work. This lends itself to more daily sitting, less work-related activity and less daily activity in general, which all lead to muscular dysfunction and increased incidents of injury.
From the mid-1980s to the present, the wealth of technology and automation in the United States has begun to take a toll on public health. In 1985, the International Obesity Task Force deemed the prevalence of obesity an epidemic. Today, approximately two thirds of adults are considered overweight and one third (33 percent) of adults are estimated to be obese.This carries over to the adolescent population, with 15 percent of teenagers considered obese. The American population is also living longer. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that the proportion of the population over 65 is projected to increase from 12.4 percent in 2000 to 19.6 percent in 2030. The number of individuals over 80 is expected to increase from 9.3 million in 2000 to 19.5 million in 2030. This lends to the number of individuals developing chronic diseases and disability. In the United States, approximately 80 percent of all
persons aged over 65 have at least one chronic condition, and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis affects approximately 59 percent of persons over 65 and is the leading cause of disability. Meanwhile, daily activity levels continue to decline. People are less active and are no longer spending as much of their free time engaged in physical activity. Physical education and after-school sport programs are being cut from school budgets, further decreasing the amount of physical activity in children’s lives. This new environment is producing more inactive and nonfunctional people.

The Future
There is a general inability to meet the needs of today’s client.The fitness industry has only recently recognized the trend toward non-functional living. Fitness professionals are now noticing a decrease in the physical functionality of their clients and are beginning to address it. This is a new state of training, where the client has been physically molded by furniture, gravity and inactivity. The continual decrease in everyday activity has created the postural deficiencies seen in people.  Today’s client is not ready
to begin physical activity at the same level that a typical client could 20 years ago.Therefore, today’s training programs cannot stay the same as programs of the past. The new mind-set in fitness should cater to creating programs that address functional capacity, as part of a safe program designed especially for each individual person. In other words, training programs must consider each person, their environment and the tasks that will be performed. This is best achieved by introducing an integrated approach to program design.

The Evolution of Personal Training in Canada: A Brief History

Personal training in Canada has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changing fitness trends, increased awareness of health and wellness, and the growing demand for personalized fitness guidance. Here’s a brief history of how personal training has developed in Canada:

Early Beginnings (1950s-1970s):

• In the mid-20th century, fitness and exercise in Canada were primarily associated with sports and athletics. Gyms were often sparse, catering mainly to bodybuilders and athletes.
• The concept of personal training, as we know it today, was virtually non-existent during this period. People largely relied on self-guided workouts or training provided by sports coaches.

Emergence of Fitness Centers (1980s):

• The 1980s witnessed a significant shift in fitness culture in Canada. This era saw the rise of commercial fitness centers and health clubs across the country.
• These fitness centers offered various exercise equipment and group fitness classes, making fitness more accessible to the general public.
• While personal training services were available at some larger facilities, they were often reserved for elite athletes or celebrities.

Rise of Personal Training (1990s-2000s):

• Personal training gained prominence in Canada during the 1990s and 2000s as the health and wellness movement gained momentum.
• As awareness of the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle grew, more Canadians sought personalized fitness guidance.
• Many associations began offering standardized training and certification for fitness professionals.

Certification and Regulation (2010s-Present):

• In the 2010s and beyond, personal training in Canada became more professionalized. Fitness professionals were increasingly required to obtain certifications from reputable organizations.
• Provincial and municipal governments started recognizing the need for regulation and oversight in the fitness industry to ensure consumer safety.
• Some provinces, like British Columbia and Alberta, introduced regulations that required personal trainers to meet specific educational and certification standards.

Diversity in Training Approaches (Present):

• Today, personal training in Canada encompasses a wide range of training approaches and specialties, including strength and conditioning, functional fitness, yoga, Pilates, and more.
• Personal trainers work with diverse populations, from individuals looking to improve their general fitness to those with specific health concerns or athletes aiming to reach peak performance.
• Technology has also played a significant role, with the emergence of online personal training and fitness apps that allow trainers to work with clients remotely.

Industry Challenges and Opportunities (Present-Future):

• The personal training industry in Canada continues to face challenges related to competition, regulation, and adapting to evolving fitness trends.
• However, there are also numerous opportunities for growth as Canadians increasingly prioritize their health and well-being.
• Personal trainers are likely to play a vital role in helping individuals achieve their fitness goals and navigate the complexities of health and wellness in the modern age.