No matter if your goal is to lose weight, get back in shape, perform in sport, manage a health problem, or deal with stress at work, there will come a time when you may need help. Initially, it can come from our relatives or our friends, but sometimes it requires specific knowledge.
In the case of physical activity, since it is accessible to everyone, and we do not necessarily need someone to do it, we usually use a specialized service in two situations.
- By obligation: for example waiting to be injured and having to readjust; or join a fitness center and receive a free workout.
- By expertise: if you have a very specific goal (eg running a marathon, gaining muscle mass, losing weight before an operation) the person will have to have the necessary knowledge to help you achieve it.
So let's explore the different types of professions and services that you could use.
What is a kinesiologist?
With at least a bachelor's degree in kinesiology, the kinesiologist is the healthcare professional, specialist in human movement, who uses physical activity for the purposes of prevention, treatment and performance.
It assesses the dynamics of the movement[1] of a person and establishes an intervention plan using specific physical activities that he adapts according to progress. His ultimate goal is to improve or restore the health of his client, while helping him achieve his goals. The kinesiologist's services are aimed at a large clientele, young and old, sick or in excellent physical condition.
In addition to his university training, the kinesiologist can also be accredited by a federation, such as the FKQ. For example, it requires an entrance exam, mandatory training in record keeping, adherence to a code of ethics to protect the public and 30 hours of continuing education every two years. It offers the possibility for clients of kinesiologists to make a complaint (in the case of professional misconduct) and also allows kinesiologists to issue receipts recognized by certain insurers.
To make sure that the kinesiologist is indeed accredited by the FKQ, you only have to do a search in theDirectory of kinesiologists of the federation of kinesiologists of Quebec.
What is a private trainer?
A private trainer offers his services at home or in a fitness center. He may be a kinesiologist, a kinesiology student, or only a few hours' certification. Regardless of his training background, he may have little or several years of experience, it depends on the person! To make sure you know what kind of service you're getting yourself into, ask them a few questions. For example, ask him: the training he has taken, his number of years of experience, the sports he has played (preferably this should be related to your goal) and successes with others clients..
If the person is a student, has little experience or training, ask to speak to the person who will be doing clinical supervision of their services / programs. At a minimum, make sure that this person has more knowledge or experience than the training service provider. This way you will have at least additional security. If there is no one to supervise it, you put yourself at a lot more risk.
What is a coach?
A coach, or sports coach, is normally trained and recognized by a provincial or national sports federation (e.g. Hockey Canada, Tennis Canada, Soccer Quebec, etc.) Generally, there are different levels of certification and most federations have a directory. The higher a person has reached the higher levels, the more likely they are to be qualified in their sport. Also, this does not mean that she is well equipped to adjust physical activities to injuries and simple or complex health problems.
How to decide on a kinesiologist, trainer or coach?
So now that you know the difference between these different types of trainers, what to do Like anything, it's good to know our needs. For example, do you want someone for a program only or to support you until an annual event? want to fill.er.
Another way to approach the problem is to look at its limitations and health. So, to choose the best person, I suggest you ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have any injuries or illnesses that could be made worse by increasing my physical activity?
- Did my doctor recommend that I do business with a healthcare professional?
If you answered yes to any of the questions, it would be wiser to go to a kinesiologist. And this, especially if your health problems require the taking of drugs or the modification of certain movements in your everyday life. Why? Because he was trained to adapt exercises and physical activity modalities according to illness or injury. Not only that, but you might even look for a kinesiologist who has specific expertise in the Directory of the Federation of Kinesiologists of Quebec.
If you are in excellent health, with no medical history or medical family history, in addition to having a good athletic background: a private trainer or a certified coach could meet your needs. It's up to you to see, but above all to validate their level of expertise!
Do not hesitate to contact the coaches that you consider to be good options. Phone or video conference discussions will quickly give you an idea of the person's level of professionalism and expertise. Even before you have an idea of how much their services will cost, do some research and make sure they get good press with their clients by reading reviews (eg on Google or Facebook).
Good research ! : D
[1] 1The dynamics of human movement represent the sum of all interactions or variables that have an impact on the purpose and quality of the execution of a motor action.
Article written by:
Claudia Labrosse
Kinesiologist certified by the Federation of Kinesiologists of Quebec (FKQ)
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