Abstract
It is well-documented that fitness trainers could play an important role in the nutrition-related behaviour of their clients based on their personalised nutrition-related counselling activities, but there are considerable concerns all over the world about the level of their knowledge to become nutritional coaches. In the framework of the current study based on qualitative (focus-group interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire and analysis of responses by multivariable methods, as well as structural equation modelling) methods, it has been proven that (1) theoretically, both the trainers and the dietitians acknowledge the importance of cooperation in the optimisation of coaching efficiency and advisory work due to some “professional jealousness” and differences in professional background, as well as in culture, so it is hard to find a common platform for cooperation, especially in market segments characterised by relative low levels of purchasing power; (2) due to lack of regulation, there is a high heterogeneity of professional competences of trainers in general and their nutritional competences, in particular; (3) the majority of trainers do not have an objective picture on his/her effective nutritional knowledge, and they often offer a much wider scope of services (e.g., nutritional counselling for clients with chronic diseases) which are well beyond their professional knowledge and (4) the dietary guidelines have not become an integral part of professional knowledge, even at the level of specialists. To improve the current—in some cases, dangerous—situation, the following steps should be taken: (1) enhancement of the level of professional qualification of future trainers, integrating the practice-oriented approaches and emphasising the role of teamwork by simulation-based practices; (2) highlighting in a clear way the professional and ethical boundaries of the activities of trainers and (3) working out an efficient incentive system for the continuous professional development of trainers.
Highlights
There has been a worldwide increasing tendency in the attendance of fitness clubs (Thompson) [1]with the aim to begin a weight-loss journey (Rapport et al.) [2]; the number of gyms and personal trainers is collaterally growing as well
A gym is an ideal place for health improvement (Damásio et al [3] and Dabija et al [4]), where, in addition to exercising, conversations about nutrition play a role of high priority, and, for that reason, fitness enthusiasts look for nutrition advice (Howley and Franks) [5], since this is a favourable possibility to establish and fix optimal nutritional
Just 18% of respondents have accomplished at least a BS/BA qualification, 65% have a qualification as fitness trainers in the framework of the National Qualification Register; the remaining have just a certification of attendance of some short-term course
Summary
There has been a worldwide increasing tendency in the attendance of fitness clubs (Thompson) [1]. Personal trainers are well-placed to practice the promotion of physical activity and to provide basic nutrition care all at once, because those trying to enhance their exercise adherence are very likely to ask for other health-related advice as well, such as for nutrition advice. In this sense, nutrition care includes all practices that are focused on transforming/changing the client’s dietary habits [8]. The gap between the nutritional knowledge level and the demand can be considered as a global problem of the fitness industry.
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