Athletic Trainer's (ATs) are the "Swiss army knife" of the orthopedic medical world. An AT can be found everywhere, in almost any setting, doing just about anything. AT's are seen on the field or in the back of an ambulance on the front lines of injury and illness triage to the weight room, rehab clinic, operating room, and everywhere in between. Yes-- we work with athletes and the active population individual, but don't let the name fool you. We are NOT Personal Trainers.
Athletic Trainers (ATs) and Personal Trainers (PTs) share many similarities, such as working with clients to improve their overall health and maintaining fitness levels, but they also have many differences in terms of their roles and responsibilities. Understanding these differences is important for those who are looking for the right fitness or healthcare professional. In this blog post, we will be discussing the professional differences between the Athletic Trainer and Personal Trainer.
ATHLETIC TRAINER:
Athletic Trainers are medical professionals who work with athletes and physically active individuals. Their main goal is to prevent and treat injuries caused by sports and physical activities. They work with sports teams, schools, and other organizations to provide preventative care, rehabilitation, and emergency services.
Their educational requirements are different from Personal Trainers and they hold a degree in Athletic Training. They are trained healthcare professionals who are educated on anatomy, physiology, injury evaluation and rehabilitation, exercise science, and nutrition. Their knowledge and expertise in the area of injury prevention includes a deeper understanding of optimal performance and exercise recovery. Their work also includes fitting braces/supports; evaluating head injuries and concussions, heat related illness and heatstroke, as well as a plethora of other related medical issues.
PERSONAL TRAINER:
Personal Trainers work with people who want to improve their overall fitness and achieve specific goals such as, losing weight, building muscle, or improving fitness level. They create workout plans, demonstrate proper exercise techniques, and provide nutritional and lifestyle advice.
To become a Personal Trainer, one may require a certification, diploma or a degree in fitness-related fields. The certification requirements vary depending on the organization offering it. A common certification may include knowledge of anatomy, human physiology, nutrition, assessing fitness levels, exercise program design, and safety.
In addition to fitness and nutrition, a Personal Trainer may also offer advice on sleeping habits, stress management, and other wellness-related topics.
WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Choosing an Athletic Trainer vs. Personal Trainer may depend on several factors. These may include whether you are an athlete and require a deeper understanding of an old or new injury with a more medical approach in regards to strength and conditioning or return to activity, or just someone who wants to lead a healthier lifestyle. ATs are the primary medical providers for athletic teams and can help athletes get back on their feet after an injury, while personal trainers specialize in improving overall health and wellness of healthy individuals.
In conclusion, Athletic Trainers are experts in musculoskeletal injuries, the affects they have on training and movement, and the strength and conditioning required to get you back to your favorite activities and sports. After return, Athletic Trainers are an unbelievable resource for injury prevention, athletic skill enhancement, along with recovery from physical activities and the injuries associated with them.
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