COMMENTS

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Liz | 19-Jul-2010 10:41 AM |

As a newbie PT I have no qualms in charging $40 a session for regular clients and $65 a session for casual clients. As my skill levels increase and the local economy becomes more attuned to paying for quality service, then my session fees will rise. I'd rather have a full book of clients and a busy schedule, than the opposite. I want to stay in this industry for the long term.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 10:41 AM |

The going rate where I am in Melbourne is only $30/hr.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 10:50 AM |

Please let me start off this topic by saying that I do accept partial responsibility for not conducting further research into a Personal Trainer that I had begun training with. I had seem his personal training sessions, he looked the part and his qualifications were decent. I was immediately stung $100 for my first session. I was promised a postural asessment, program card and intensive 'tailored' sessions. After my first $100 dollar session which did not include a postural assessment and program card I was beginning to wonder why he hadn't commited to what he promised. I thought that the actual workout was great. I did work hard. I asked the trainer for a tax receipt and he said that he could not issue me one for tax purposes. In other words he was taking 'under the table' cash only payments. I complained to him and he casually mentioned that if I wanted cheaper sessions I would have to arrange a FEMALE only training partner. I was not born yesterday. This particular personal trainer wanted to pump up his ego on the gym floor by training teams of female clients. I told him I was not interested. I still train at the fitness centre where this personal trainer works - he trains every single girl the same! There is not any specific tailoring to his clients. On the odd occassion that he does any training with the male variety - the sessions look the same as the female clients.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 10:51 AM |

Please let me start off this topic by saying that I do accept partial responsibility for not conducting further research into a Personal Trainer that I had begun training with. I had seem his personal training sessions, he looked the part and his qualifications were decent. I was immediately stung $100 for my first session. I was promised a postural asessment, program card and intensive 'tailored' sessions. After my first $100 dollar session which did not include a postural assessment and program card I was beginning to wonder why he hadn't commited to what he promised. I thought that the actual workout was great. I did work hard. I asked the trainer for a tax receipt and he said that he could not issue me one for tax purposes. In other words he was taking 'under the table' cash only payments. I complained to him and he casually mentioned that if I wanted cheaper sessions I would have to arrange a FEMALE only training partner. I was not born yesterday. This particular personal trainer wanted to pump up his ego on the gym floor by training teams of female clients. I told him I was not interested. I still train at the fitness centre where this personal trainer works - he trains every single girl the same! There is not any specific tailoring to his clients. On the odd occassion that he does any training with the male variety - the sessions look the same as the female clients.

Posted by: Skye Jones | 19-Jul-2010 11:00 AM |

My advice is to do some research on your PT before you agree, sign or offer any money for training sessions. If you have a specific goal - work with a specific trainer. This means if you want to compete in a marathon - work with a running coach or a trainer with actual credentials in this field. It would be even more ideal if your trainer has previously competed or currently still is. Your Personal Trainer will resonate with you and will have a deeper underdstanding of what you are going through. Like most things in life - there is the good, the bad and the ugly! There are some really good PTs out there and there are of course some cowboys. Happy researching! =)

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 11:04 AM |

Are you saying that personal trainers don't spend time planning and preparing their workouts for their clients as compared with group ex instructors???? How do you work that out? I work out what my clients goals are, what their current status is and how long it will take them to achieve their goals, then develop their plans accordingly. This is not a 5 minute job - so the money I charge goes into this time, research and development.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 11:07 AM |

At the risk of oversimplifying an important topic, I liken this to a hairdresser. I don't care where they studied or if they charge more than my physio as long as: they don't hurt me, they use my time and money wisely, and I'm happy with the result.

Posted by: A.S. | 19-Jul-2010 11:16 AM |

It seems as if some respondents to the blog have allowed an instinctually emotional response to cloud their ability to read the article for what it is: not an attack on PT's in general but a question about HOW we justify what we charge. Anonymous, I too spend a significant amount of time on preparing individual programs, nutrition information, daily motivation check ins, etc and as such I can happily (and objectively) justify the figure my sessions attract.

Posted by: Peter V. | 19-Jul-2010 11:25 AM |

I absolutely agree. They should build up a portfolio before they can demand those prices. Those prices sound about the same for a celebrity PT. How ridiculous! However, it does not come as such a surprise to me as all other costs in Australia are completely ridiculous. Let's start with our gym memberships...

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 12:28 PM |

"Are you saying that personal trainers don't spend time planning and preparing their workouts for their clients as compared with group ex instructors????" Well Anonymous, I applaud the fact that you are surprised by this. It shows that you are obviously planning your sessions and conducting yourself in a manner that we all should be. HOWEVER, sadly, after ten years in this industry, I can tell you for a fact that there are countless trainers who charge upwards of $90 and make up the sessions on the day according to what THEY feel like doing rather than conducting a session that is in line with the goals and specific needs of their clients.

Posted by: Graeme | 19-Jul-2010 12:54 PM |

Anything is only ever worth what the market will pay, but it's wrong to compare a short course with a 4 year course. There are many professionals who spent 4,5 or more years at Uni & have learnt nothing since. Are they worth more than the PT who spent 12 weeks & has been constantly researching, learning & updating skills ever since? I spent 20 years participating in, coaching & being coached in various sports & fitness regimes before jumpingf into the 12 week PT course. Now 2 years on & lots of supplemental research, client planning, conferences & courses later the whole health & fitness thing consumes all my time. Do the first 20 years count for nothing & do you consider the whole lot to be a learninmg experience? My view is most PT's or at least successful ones have come from a fitness journey & life experience of one sort or another before formalising that more than makes up for lack of formal chalkboard time. Hire one & draw on that experience; it's worth much more than $30 or $40.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 01:54 PM |

I'd love to read a comment from the Brad Sheppards of the world who charge $440 per hour!!!

Posted by: Robinson Australia | 19-Jul-2010 02:00 PM |

I can totally understand why some people would protest paying good money for a person who just did a quick few week course. My clients understand that what they are paying for is quality!! As for spending time on creating your next exercise plan... I learnt long ago that you should be able to work out a plan within seconds. What if you planned a leg workout and your client arrives with a leg injury? You need to be able to plan something else within seconds!!! The reason why my business is so successful is because I don't work from a gym where 'kids' fresh from training school work. My clients stick with me because i'm nothing like the newbies

Posted by: Samantha Gentry | 19-Jul-2010 02:04 PM |

I am a university trained fitness professional. I do spend much more than just the time I am with the client working on things for them. I also supply very detailed and thorough nutritional guidance which is included in the cost of my sessions. I only train 30min session, so the cost per session is lower than if you were training an hour. I also teach group fitness and spend far less personal time and energy on my classes than I do on my PT clients. I also offer my PT client a money-back garentee. I have been training for several years. I do agree that perhaps just-out-of training PTs should be charging much less, but I personally think that trainers should have at least a full-time year of study before they are let loose on the population at large! I specialise in rehab and do get many clients from other gyms and trainers who have been injured by inappropriate programming or lack of supervision. Do your research before you choose a trainer, make sure they are just as comitted as you to getting you the results that you want.

Posted by: Heather | 19-Jul-2010 02:07 PM |

As an older PT working in a council gym, I have had no trouble establishing a solid base of clients. I am happy to charge the fee set by the Council, which is a lot less than the $100 disucssed. Experience, knowledge and results are what people should pay for. The Industry itself causes some new, idealistic trainers to have unrealistic expectations. At my first Filex, 4 years ago, I attended a PT Business session, where some PT was telling everyone that they could have a Porsche by the end of their first year, and people will pay anything if you ask it, you just have to look like a good trainer. The young new trainers eyes were bulging out of their heads. Our communites are full of overweight, chronically ill, people who would benefit so much more from a Personal Trainer, to give them the motivation encouragement and the results they need to be healthier, but often the costs are so high, that we only only end up preaching to the converted.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 02:09 PM |

As a personal Trainer with about one years 'experience' I absolutely think I am worth every cent I charge and I know my clients would say the same thing - It should be ability to get results that counts not years in the industry. Yes the fee looks like $80 per hour, but that is only the face-time with the client. There is also the travel, rarely less than 30 minutes per client, plus the time I take outside of my session to prepare programmes, assess results, contact my client to discuss his or her progress, and so on. I also have a good 20 years experience in business which does give me a wide range of experience to offer my clients (even if not specifically focused on training) - in particular in the area of customer service. A physiotherapist, for example, has back to back clients, rarely do appointments (in my experience) last more than half an hour, and follow-up is normally done at the next session, rather than out of hours. Now I am not trying to downplay physiotherapists and others like them -quite the contrary, just pointing out that it is not a fair comparison. In the end, the market decides. From my perspective, I dont have any trouble filling my book at my rate, so that tells me I must be doing something right...

Posted by: Craig | 19-Jul-2010 02:14 PM |

Nice call Skye.... Having spent most of my life training in various sports and karate, I believe I have a lot of experience to draw on. I also teach and am quite used to dealing with people from all walks of like. Mum's and dad's looking to improve their fitness, the kids who like to play and the serious hard trainers that really immerse themselves in Karate. I also know the type of person who reads from the manual and charges a lot for very little service. BTW, just because they charge, dose not mean you have to pay and train with them... Is a house in Sydney really worth $1M ? Probably not, but that’s the market rate.

Posted by: Lou S | 19-Jul-2010 02:15 PM |

i've spent over 10yrs coaching & mentoring people prior to doing short course for pt, so courses lengths are somewhat irrelevant. as an employer of trainers, as well as being a pt, some trainers earn their 80 per hour on quality sessions, follow up, and going the extra mile for their clients, providing info, education, support at other times (such as weekend txt's to keep them on track etc), taking them out for their first bike ride etc that is uncharged, training programs for running and other exercise without additional cost. Sometimes i've worked out on an hourly rate, and it can sometimes only be $20 per hour! (cost of ph calls, insurances, gym rent etc, plus other hours that go in to clients that are uncharged). Some trainers see someone else charging 80, so they stick that as their price, and never do more than that 1 hours work for the client, i believe these trainers have a very short future in the industry!

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 02:19 PM |

I teach both group fitness including Les Mills Body Balance (which cosumes more of my time, learning choreography for a one hour program than planning a one hour PT session). No amount of planning can result in the obsiticles in you way, such as gym equipment in use, clients injuires, weather (outdoor session) etc. And in a group fitnes setting you will have more obsticles just from the fact you have more clients to train. So for personal trainers claiming they should earn more than group fitness staff and more so than people who study 6 year university degrees is a joke. As for the planning, how many of these trainers who research nutrition, rehabiliation to benifit their cleints actually have the qualifications to do so. My understanding of a certificate 4 in fitness is that you ARE not qualified to pescribe, only advise, thats why we have qulified physios and dietitians to advise us. within my centre everyone is on the base pay rate of $31 an hour and even that is unfair as some of our trainers are SHIT! So as per other feedback shop around and watch trainers in action, try a one off before you commit to a session pass. And good trainers will say if you are not happy with your results talk to me and if need be I can set you up with another trainer who meets your needs. As lets face it what we can do for person A is not what we can do for person B.

Posted by: John Domandl | 19-Jul-2010 02:30 PM |

I may make a few enemies with my blog, but tuff. I personally think that the industry is over priced. Some people are here for the dollars and the ego. I have had my successful studio set up for over ten years now, I have numerous achievements in and out of the industry, but I didn’t put my price up. I charge between $10 and $25 for small groups and $25 and $45 one on one. I have clients with special needs and not much money and professional people who have set their own price higher than I requested. I have clients that have trained with me for over 8 years and still turn up twice a week 45 weeks a year. I believe personal trainers should act more like personal assistance to their clients, our role is to help and facilitate, not to rip off. How many of you would do what you do for free, if you could? I would because I love doing what I do.

Posted by: Yani Burmeister | 19-Jul-2010 02:36 PM |

Interesting comments Robinson, "Kids' in gym's … Funny. I think it's possible the strength coaches and personal trainers that work in gym's and PT studio's might do so because they have obtained the skills and knowledge used to successfully identify incorrect movement patterns that can cause structural imbalances - and therefore, would prefer to work in an environment were the correct equipment is supplied to correct such injury causing issue's. Or, maybe they are lucky to be able to train athletes who require a little more that hill sprints and focus mitts to achieve there desired result. And the 'newbies' - as you call them who take on internships in such establishments might be wishing to continue there education and therefore, continue to learn from such professionals. I'm happy to say that I work in a number of such establishments (such as Fitness First) and have happily been doing so for 7 years. As for the cost of my sessions, I can only speak for myself here. I have been studying on and off for over 7 years and I'm confident that the knowledge I submit into every program designed for me and my clients is well worth the $95 per hour I charge. Feel free to check out some of my client testimonials: www.globalfitnesspt.com Warm regards, Yani Burmeister - Director/Strength & Conditioning Coach

Posted by: Stefl Australia | 19-Jul-2010 02:40 PM |

I think this is a valid concern for clients seeking PT's. I have been doing PT for 7 years, was a physical education and health teacher for five years before that, and competed in several different sports. As Graeme said, I think this background counts for something in charging the price one charges. I spend time planning, sending motivation & information (newsletter to my clients), set goals, talk about mind set & nutrition, and unlimited email contact to my clients. I'm in Sydney and charge $80/hr. I do have similar workouts for all my clients as I want to make sure they are covering the 10 areas of fitness (cardio, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy), so my clients can participate in any athletic endeavor they choose. I also have outdoor classes and allow my PT clients to attend these sessions at no extra cost if they are doing PT with me, but charge $15/session otherwise. I'm not after just giving my clients a hard workout, rather an effective one. I correct my clients on their technique, which I don't see a lot of other trainers doing. Are there things I could improve on, absolutely! I still think based on the market area cahrging $80 is not unreasonable, but what is it worth to the customer? I've recently been thinking about pricing and making some changes, so this blog has me thinking about it. I can't believe the going rate in Melbourne is $30-$40/hr. Although if the PT is booked it is better than $80+ and only having a few clients.

Posted by: Jules | 19-Jul-2010 02:58 PM |

Graeme has a good point. I, too have spent most of my adult life consumed by all things relating to health and fitness (participating in group fitness classes for the past 19 years, employing my own PT so I can learn from the best, enrolling in group fitness workshops, reading anything and everything relating to nutrition, health issues, injuries etc.). I am only now at the tail end of my Cert IV so I can train others and although my courses (Cert III and IV) were only 6 months duration each certainly doesn't mean I don't feel prepared. To me the course is the icing on the cake. I feel like a sponge soaking up all the latest information and that, along with my passion and enthusiasm, will hopefully make me a great PT. I may charge less than the going rate initially while I get started but I will work on the theory of supply & demand. If I'm in demand maybe I can afford to put the price up a bit. A bad PT will not get repeat business - word of mouth is the best form of advertising. And while it's 'fashionable' now to have a PT, like all trends, it may fizzle out so I wouldn't be taking advantage of that. I will build a steady, committed client base. Just my thoughts...

Posted by: Bridget Quinn | 19-Jul-2010 03:04 PM |

After running my own cleaning business for 10+years and sticking my head down peoples toilets for a very good rate... I finally look forward to getting up in the mornings to run my own mobile personal training business for $35 1 on 1 and just $12 per person group for 1 hour! I have my days as full as I choose and love my new life! Tell me honestly how many other trainers are charging that much out there?? really.

Posted by: Andrew | 19-Jul-2010 03:31 PM |

1.Supply and demand will always even out the market in the end. The responsibility lies with the client to fully research 'what' is around and how much they charge. 2. What if as a trainer I am full, why would I drop my price??? So I did more hours for the same income, that is crazy. My fees have increased over the years (been a full time PT since 2000) and my casual rate now is $110 for 45mins, prob should actually increase but haven't for several years. I find at my current rates I am doing between 30-40 sessions reg per week and I reckon thats enough in closing I think you'll find that in most industries the cream will most always rise to the top so if someone charges a lot then usually they are worth it or else they will very quickly go out of business. This being the case then the more well off clients usually can afford the better trainers..........................this is how it works in life for the most part I guess also. this is also why bootcamp style group exercise is popping up everywhere, to cater to the less financially gifted clients because for results and fast timeline everyone knows 1 on 1 PT is the best and nothing else compares. Therefore the bootcamp and group exercise trainers are doing this WHY???? nusually cause they have too to survive ie they arent attracting enough 1 on 1 clients for some reason or reasons. I don't have to justify my fees, as my results speak for themselves and are clearly shown in my numerous client success stories. And as a result I attract only the serious and motivated new clients which helps my business moving forward as these are the types of clients who can achieve amazing results and so on the ball rolls................. PEACE!

Posted by: Mark Berry | 19-Jul-2010 03:32 PM |

First of all, I did a short course although it was 8 weeks (Not AIF) of one on one instruction and I learned a lot however not everything and have continued studying as per the requirements of the job, not just the registration but also the ever changing landscape that is health and fitness. I believe that part of the reason why Trainers regardless of their qualifications are charging high rates is because of the issue of Licencee fees or rent, so if your rent is at $300 per week just think how much you have to charge to be able to afford to live or how many sessions you would need to do to cover your rent. So by design we are forced to charge what some people beleive to be overpriced fees. It does break my heart to see people who say they can't afford a PT but really do need one. If we as an industry start realising what our purpose is besides making lots of money then we may achieve our combined goal of improving the health of all people not just those who can afford it. That said burning yourself out is not the way either and I've done that too.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 03:36 PM |

having been a trainer that progressed in the industry i was able to create a standard that i was charging $95 for a 45 minute session. i was very capable of holding onto clients and had excellent retention at this level. However as i now have furthered into the industry and have reflected on this i am a firm believer that more affordable personal training should happen more often for more results. Ultimately trainers are judged on results. If this means making training more affordable I am all for it. The success in teh long term of trainers will be judged on results with professionalism. It is fair to say that people will pay high prices as people can for a T shirt, but ultimately people will charge that as they feel they have that right. At times prices are created by the situatuions trainers are put in, such as in places where more senior trainers and experinced trainers are charged a higher rental fee to operate in a facility. The industry should be promoting and help experinced trainers not hindering them so they can contribute to the development of a team, the industry and the culuture of personal training in a facility. numbers attract numbers and the more people encouraged to enter into personal training the better business is for the trainer, the better the membership retention in health clubs become and the greater the psoitive effeects health has on society.

Posted by: Gen | 19-Jul-2010 03:42 PM |

I run my own small gym in a small country town and have a steady client base. I charge $10 per head for a group fittness session and there must be 5 people attend that session. Groups are encouraged to bring some friends and enjoy Fun and Fitness at the same time. There are times when the groups are bigger than 5 people, and other times when they might be 1 short, what goes around comes around. My aim is to offer a fitness program to all people not just those who can afford it. We have seen some wonderful health changes in the gym over the years and everyone of them is a bonus to the health of that person and our community.

Posted by: Rob Derbyshire | 19-Jul-2010 03:47 PM |

I have 10 years experience as a PT, I have a Diploma in Fitness & Nutrition, lecture in Cert 3 & Cert 4 for trainers. I charge $90.00 for 1:1 clients or $35.00 for group training (Max 6 per group). I don;t know if this helps much but I think it's really up to the trainer what they ask for and what they offer, if the customer agrees then that is their choice. It is just as disheartening for PT's who do their diligence, (including further study, planning sessions, research and support on their clients and offer great customer service.) as it is for customers feeling ripped off by the new kid out of school who knows very little. We as PT's run our own business and there really is no limit's on what we charge. Hopefully the customers will do more research into the trainer before they commit. Also their is such a varying degree of ability and quality in new PT's fresh out of study that it's difficult to say who's worth what, $40.00 is a possible minimum in my opinion.

Posted by: Anita Clarke | 19-Jul-2010 03:51 PM |

Going rate my way is $60 for 1 on 1, $80 for 2 & $90 for 3. I pay studio rent out of this fee so its not all going in my pocket. The way I see it, once you are my client, its not just the hours spent in the gym together - I am their constant motivator and source of advise. Ensuring that my clients are doing the right thing outside the gym is just as important as what they do with me. I write programs for those who will be repeating our session in their gym. Provide food diarys and nutritional analysis, my clients can ring me whenever they want or need support or advise of any kind. I feel I am worth every penny - if the PT is committed to hardwork outside the sessions you know youre getting your moneys worth!

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 04:08 PM |

As a Personal Trainer for the past 10 years I do not charge anywhere near that amount. I am happy to take a lesser amount so that more people can afford PT. I want to help my clients and am continually updating my knowledge. A lot of Trainers come into this industry simply after the money hopefully they don't last long.

Posted by: Pat | 19-Jul-2010 04:18 PM |

Let me answer the questions 1 at a time: 1. How do you justify charging the same amount or more than a University-trained professional, and more than double that of your counterparts in other developed countries? People will pay whatever they believe the session is worth, regardless of your qualifications. Its at the price presentation stage do you actually hit them with the price. If they say yes, then clearly they saw value, otherwise they say no, in which case you failed to do them justice by delivering them what THEY perceived the session was worth. The justification comes from two things, qualifications and experience (that's one) and demand for service (that's two). As you increase your knowledge, experience and qualifications, naturally, your fees increase. Once you have reached saturation point, or the amount of sessions that you want to perform per week, then any more sessions you do, you can charge more. This cycle gets repeated over and over again until you can charge $200 per hour +. They either pay, or they don't. Its that simple. As you become better at delivering fantastic service, with guaranteed results, your clients will stay with you, regardless of the price, so raising your prices every time you reach saturation point becomes effortless. They dread the price increase letter but inevitably stay with you. After all, its about working smarter, NOT longer. 2. How much planning and preparation goes into your sessions? Do you spend more than an hour planning each and every PT session, hence your high hourly training rate? Planning is best done at the beggining, with tweeks done along the way. In as much as a periodisation plan is conducted to get a client from point A to point B, most of the hard work is done at the beggining. Then every time the plan is re-assessed (after every assessment) more planning is done. 3. Have you ever considered you might have more clients – and more clients seeing you more than once or twice a week – if you charged closer to $40 or $50 an hour? No. Seeing them more often is not in my strategy. 1 x 2 sessions per week is enough. The rest of the work is for them to do on their own, flexibility, some cardio, food planning, stress relief techniques. Clients who see you 4-5 times a week leave too big a whole when they leave. Trust me they can't sustain the sessions over a long period of time. I charge $220 per 60min session, have been in the industry for 6 yrs (only have cert IV) and work in a major gym chain (the largest in Australia) My clients know I am 5 times as much as the next expensive trainer in my club ($88 per hour) but remain loyal and I continue to collect new clients as and when I need to.

Posted by: Susan O | 19-Jul-2010 04:25 PM |

Charging $100.00 p/h for general personal training is over the top. Unfortunately I know of some personal trainers who are out to get as much as they can financially rather than provide regular training sessions at an affordable price thus ensuring retention of client/s. I would suggest $50.00 p/h or in that vicinity would be more in keeping with what the general public can afford. However in respect of training athletes the pricing issue might be revisited when taking into account their fitness and rehabilitation requirements.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 04:26 PM |

The going rate for PT per hour in the gym I work at is between $60 and $140 per hour. Despite the large variation in cost, all the trainers in my gym (there are 20 of them) have full diaries and each promotes a different area of specialisation. The reality is, most sessions should adhere to some key principles, and may look quite similar to the untrained person. So to reiterate previous comments, it is worth shopping around to find the trainer that is best suited to you both professionally and personally. Also, ask what they offer to get you to your results. There seems to be a traditional view that PT is all about making clients work harder while being safe in the gym than they normally would. There is currently a shift happing in the industry with more trainers offering more skilled help to ensure clients work towards their goals 'outside' of PT sessions. My personal belief is that it is all about results while being safe and ensuring clients don't 'drop out' of exercise. Again, the reality is that new PTs just don't have the track record to support this, so.... ask LOTS of questions!

Posted by: Gabriella Raimondi | 19-Jul-2010 04:55 PM |

I have been a personal trainer for a couple of years now. When I tried searching for a npt for my own needs I too was shocked at their hourly rates. They only have a cert III & IV.. Not even a diploma or degree and have the nerve to aske for anything from $55.00. I have to admit that from what I overheard, the majority of people get into PT-ing for a short course and the ability to charge big bucks. Most are yiung kids who want to make money fast. I've heard some real horror stories from clients. I spent nearly 20 years as a chage nurse and oly got $25.00 per hour managing an entire ward. How can they charge such high fees. I have pensioner discount rates and charge $25.00 casual and $21.00 per hour for 10 session packages. People should shop around. There's no way anyone should pay more than $35.00 for someone to make you exercise. I should mention that all of my clients have lost bidy fat and centimetres, so you don't have to pay lots to get results!!! Also, all my clients get a receipt, whether they ask for it or not.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 05:09 PM |

I dont charge anymore than $40 an hour. Ive heard of pts charging astronomical amounts! I had a trainer who charged me $90 per session which obviously i could NOT afford on a more than once a week basis. I charge $100 to my clients who choose to train 3 sessions per week and this includes weekends. I suppose at the end of the day, its the competitive ones who actually get results for their clients who will survive in the industrty rather than the overpriced who can only manage the odd client here or there.

Posted by: Kylie | 19-Jul-2010 05:09 PM |

Altruistic as it may seem, I entered this industry over 8 years ago to help regular people achieve their health, fitness and wellness goals. The majority of my clients are single parents, carers, seniors and people on disability pensions. As I only charge $30 for a 30 minute session and $20 for a small group (3) PT, some of these clients are able to see me more than once a week, which better caters to their needs. I also work from home and have a very loyal client base. As such I have not had to spend any money on advertising for 3 years. To focus so much on money in PT can set a dangerous precedence. Promotions for PT's to earn over $100 an hour is not only attracting people who care more about money than people, it is also creating a new elitism and putting a very valuable service out of reach of some of the people who need it the most.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 05:41 PM |

The price of personal training is an interesting debate. Firstly how do you price anything? The price of something is always what someone is prepared to pay. The cost of personal training is no different, it is a product or service just like anything else. If there is a market and people will pay, why not charge what you can? If you live in a more affluent area, you will have to pay the premium to live there too, so generally rates will be higher in those areas. If your cost of living is lower and the area dictates lower fees then you will go out of business if you charge too much. What I found interesting about the article is that Personal training is being compared to a doctor or a physiotherapist why not a hairdresser or beautician. I pay my hairdresser and my beautician far more by the hour than I receive myself. Are we in the medical business? Or do we fall into a different category? If you look in the classifieds on a Saturday, fitness jobs are under 'Beauty, Health and Fitness'. PTs do tend to cover a wide area. For some it is about getting fit and having fun and others are working very closely with the physios. Interestingly, as a PT who does specialise in pilates and rehabilitation I do find myself in a situation where I can't compete financially with Physiotherapists who offer pilates classes. By the time the patients have received their health fund rebates they can be paying as little as $12 for a half hour class. We do have to consider that doctors, physios etc. are being subsidised by Medicare and the health funds where PTs are not registered health providers and not able to offer a health fund rebate. Therefore, we have to find our niche such as providing an afterhours service or a mobile service that a doctor or physio wouldn't provide. It is very flattering that a client would want us to lower our rates so she can have 2 sessions. Perhaps I should ask my hairdresser if he can lower his rates so I can afford to see him more often? PT/pilates instructor (Mosman) To use the L'Oreal buyline .... You're worth it!

Posted by: Chris | 19-Jul-2010 07:03 PM |

Hi everyone, I am a personal trainer and work on the North Shore and have done so for 5-6 years now. I have a great client base and do come highly recommended. I have been studying for the entire duration of my time on improving my knowledge base and skills. It does outrage me that trainers come straight out of the academies and start charging premium prices for their first year apprentice knowledge. Where are their experiences? I have asked some of these trainers what their goals are and where do they see themselves in the future, they do not know?! Some are here to make a quick dollar, then leave. Some i know went to another area/place of work due to the fact that they did not renew their qualifications(first aid/CPR or CEC's), so now they are hiding, and still training people. I want this industry to be seen as a profession, yet these people are holding it down. Check the qualifications of your trainers. Ask to see references or even paperwork/certificates. Get to know other clients of the trainers and talk to them about experiences you've had with them. Do the background research. This is the same as any other profession, you wouldn't get your car serviced by someone that you've heard is terrible, would you?

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 07:37 PM |

I am someone that hired a PT for a very specific goal and that is to complete Kokoda. Whilst I was always committed, I knew that the exercises I was doing may not have been specific for my goal. I really wanted a programme with 1 monthly session. I tried a few sessions with a trainer at the gym. He was new but I gave it a shot, though I was really specific with my needs and questions he trained my friend (who's goal was to lose weight) exactly how he trained me! Luckily someone pointed me towards a trainer that could help someone that is incredibly knowledgeable, understands what it takes for my specific goal (hence all the steam room sessions I have to do at the moment). Difference between the 2 including the money side- Trainer 1- no experience, no understanding of my goal, no weekly check ins to see how I was going, no extra information such nutrition, hydration, I couldn't email for extra support or questions, Wanted something like $200 (no way sunshine) for a 6 week programme, what the??? He didn't even want to do a programme so I would have weekly sessions instead. The guy had no idea on Kokoda or what it takes to get there. He didn't listen and hence lost a client, that he should not have taken in the 1st place. Trainer 2-Loads of experience, similar session rate, on my 1st assessment I was given notes on training for a humid environment, fluid /hydration info and more! The front of my personal folder had a map of the Kokoda track on it, she listened to what I needed and my concerns, straight after my assessment she sent me a text on how well I did, the very next day there was a inspirational quote in my inbox. Programme done within 2 days! Thank you! Did I feel special and like someone really wanted to help me with what is the biggest goal of my life...hell yeah. I am not saying you have to go all out and baby sit a client, but a little extra support is really nice. How much for a programme? only $60 per programme with all the support I needed. Soooo who would you like to train you? Trainer 1 or trainer B My advice from the other side of the fence is this 1/ If you know nothing about a specific goal or field don't accept the client. You will gain more respect by being honest, ultimately you won't harm the clients goal. 2/ No I don't think you can justify high prices with little experience. To be honest I think really I should have been paying a little more for the level of experience and service. Kokoda here I come, am I confident? Yep cause I have done all the specific training I should have. All the hard work is done! Now it is up to me. Thanks to an amazing PT!!!! Who by the way I would go back to in a heart beat. How many of your clients would come back again and are really really happy with what you offer?

Posted by: www.aptfitness.com.au | 19-Jul-2010 08:27 PM |

All good valid comments and i totally agree with the fact that someone fresh out of a 12 week course has no right to charge upwards of $70. You must offer a complete service and that is learnt over a period of time, no doubt about that. That being said, does anyone actually know what we are selling as personal trainers? many will often say, results, quality training blah blah blah... To be a good trainer you must understand that you are offering more than all that bulls*it. Your offering a 'Training Experience' so make that session as enjoyable and relative to your client as possible and they will never question the amount you charge. The Experience is what they are after. Everything else is a given.

Posted by: Dean Martin | 19-Jul-2010 09:35 PM |

I have been a personal trianer for 20 years now. I have opened my open personal training studio in perth and have got 3 trainers working for me with approx. 150 pt clietns between us. My philosophy when it comes to determining what to charge for pt as a business owner is ás much as the parket will bare'. If a trainer can charge $100 (or even $150) per session because somebody is willing to pay them that much, then good luck for them. My issue relates more to why somebody is willing to pay sooo much money just for 1 workout. After all its only 1 workout at a time. We only do 30 minute pt sessions at my gym that start at $45 per session but become cheaper for each extrare session a person each week down to $25 for their 4th session in a week.

Posted by: Antonia Daroux | 19-Jul-2010 09:46 PM |

Just a quick note on the education/qualification side of personal training. I have completed a three year Sport and Exercise degree and am currently in my second year of a chiropractic education program. I have been working in the fitness industry for five years. As a personal trainer, I feel like I use more knowledge from my 10 years experience as a gymnast than any of my academic education. Although I have enjoyed all of my studies and feel that all I have learnt is great for a thorough background education and rehabilitation/injury prevention, knowledge from my own training experience (particularly regarding motivation, psychology and lilfestyle choices) has been much more applicable to building and enjoying a successful personal training business than anything I have read or 'studied'.

Posted by: Anonymous | 19-Jul-2010 10:51 PM |

Im working towards become a PT soon. I was a professional athlete for 20 yrs. I trained myself during that time, I was my own coach and trainer. I learnt by pure practice and collective understanding. I never study throughout those yrs but after 20 yrs of it I do consider myself knowledgeable from my own practice and studies. Now, someone who never had much past experience and becomes a PT in 9 weeks, charging $70 to $100 a session, to me it is a bit of a joke. Im from Brazil and in Brazil for anyone to become a PT or physical educator(as we called there) you need to take 5 yrs university. You walk into a gym area in most of the best gym's in Brazil and somewhere will be there to make sure you are doing it right. The weighted room is never unattended and those people working in there had to be gone through university to be able to be there in first place. That's quality...That is worth paying $100 a session...

Posted by: Anonymous | 20-Jul-2010 08:22 AM |

I also come from a background of representative sport. I am now 23 and have spent the best part of 9 years developing my own training and strength & conditioning regimes. I had to laugh at some of the people that come through these courses, some have clearly spent little to know time in the gym on the track or on the sporting field. I think what we are seeing is what occurred in the late 90's and early 2000's with the IT and .com boom, people think they have found an easy career charging up to $100 an hour just by doing a short course. I am not here to bag on these short intensive courses, but most of my knowledge I now have as a trainer has come purely from my own experience and research. As for trainers charging more than physios, osteos etc., an appointment usually lasts only up to 30 mins compared to one hour with a trainer. You must also take into account travel time for a trainer - we are usually mobile and in most cases come to you. The thing about these trainers who are "over-charging" eventually get found out, as their knowledge base and experience is not justified in the price and people will not pay for the sub-optimal service. As consumers you have the ultimate say in what we as trainers charge by what you are willing to pay. But remember to look at a trainers experience (personal and industry) before engaging one, because that is just as, if not more, important than a peice of paper that says they know it. I'm a trainer with a degree in applied finance, I have a degree but certainly would never in a million years consult myself for investment advice. The same goes for trainers - look for someone who lives and breathes the stuff. In the end you're paying for the results you want and not someone's time. With this in mind a trainer charging $80/hr may give u results in 6-8 weeks whereas one charging $50 may take 12-16 weeks, which costs you more in the long run, it's a false economy. Do your research and ask questions all the time.

Posted by: Vanessa | 20-Jul-2010 09:12 AM |

Hello!! I have just recently started my own PT business and i had no hesitations starting my rates at $20p/hr as time goes on I'll gradually increase the rate as i felt the exact same way, why charge people $80p/hr when i am not "THAT" experienced. So i totally agree! PT's out there who are charging $70-$100p/hr are way over priced, even if they are experienced i feel it's way too high for people to be paying that much money! If you want to keep clients coming back you need to make it worth their while! and need to understand that you are building a business, i have a part time job as well i have not paid myself a single cent for the work i have done the past 12months, i invest it all back into business and continue to grow and branch out into different options. I love what i do, so should most PT's out there. From my studies most PT's did the course for the "I'm a Personal Trainer" factor, not for the love of helping people achieve goals and the reward! it truly disappointed me that there are trainers out there that have that feeling! most trainers i observed didn't even correct technique!!!!! that absolutely horrified me, that these "Qualified" trainers couldn't even take care of their clients and teach them the right way to do an exercise! So i totally agree with this article 100%

Posted by: Corinne | 20-Jul-2010 09:54 AM |

As with any trade, the value you place on yourself in a context is simply a reflection of your perception of yourself within that specific context (i.e. in this case Personal Training). The subjective value (i.e. what others percieve you to be worth) is at the opposite end of the spectrum. The price you put onto your own PT sessions should take into account both your percieved value of yourself as well as the value that others think you are worth. Your client base (whether you are jam-packed with clients and run a wait-list, or if you are struggling to obtain new clients) is the strongest indicator of whether you are charging too high, too low, or the correct amount. Experience and qualifications within the field most certainly should add value. Personal Trainers who have only completed 6 weeks of Tertiary Qualification (in any field, not necessarily just Exercise Science/PTing) and have little experience working with people in an exercise context should be valued less than those who have extensive tertiary qualification and a vast and varied range of experience working with people. However, there is certainly the exception out there. Further, it is often the naive person who has never been able to know the BEST Personal Trainers in the world who will say that $80 an hour is over-charging - if only they knew how many hours we actually spent on each client, not just in prescribing and designing new programmes, but in all the little things like endless email communication, phone calls and texts to keep motivation up, attending industry events and conferences to keep up to date, and hours of research to keep our sessions fun and challenging, motivating and inspiring.

Posted by: Wayne Tokley | 20-Jul-2010 10:08 AM |

I think people are often unaware that we do not receive wages and our only income is from clients unlike most professionals that are paid an income for the entire day and receive sickness benefits and annual leave, bereavement leave etc... If you pay for sessions you are unhappy with then explain to your trainer why you cant see him or her anymore, if they are able they may reduce the charge for multiple visits per week. The charge for the session is very low the main cost comes from preparation for that session writing and reviewing the clients progress, time that is often not realised by most clients. Clearly you have had a bad experience with your trainer and I would be the first to admit that there are some unworthy trainers in the industry. My advice to anyone taking on a trainer is to ask if they give any complimentary sessions so that you and your trainer can decide whether you want to train together. then decide if you think his or her training style is right for you and can you afford it (we only charge this because people feel our services are worth it). After your complimentary session/s you can then choose to continue or go looking for a better trainer, hey they may be cheaper.

Posted by: anonymous | 20-Jul-2010 11:40 AM |

I agree that it is not right that new trainers should be charging that much. I am a physiotherapist who works as a personal trainer and charge 80/hr and my clients get tax receipts to claim. Physiotherapy charges higher rate as your clients are not on going for years(you hope) and come to you for a short period of time. Working as a Physio you dont earn the same money, it is alot less if you work for someone, it is contracted. The 75$ mentionned at the start was probably for a helf hr appointment as is the case with most private physio. As for overseas, I come from the UK and the training charge is the same over there as here. In the end if provide a great service, have experience and continuing CPD you can charge higher prices.

Posted by: Anonymous | 20-Jul-2010 02:05 PM |

As an Exercise Physiologist and experienced Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, i do find it frustrating that brand new PTs with limited experience and knowledge charge more than i do! I have to query that.. espeically as my clients get rebated by their Private Health Insurance for my service provision. In regards to Physios, EPs and other Allied Health Professionals fees, their level of training and knowledge base allows for being able to get quite specific in tailoring their exercise prescription, especially where injury and other conditions or population-specific traiining advice is required. They are worth it! As as Assessor and Trainer(of group x and PTs) for a gym, i find it incredibly annoying that new PTs look at the dollars rather than the clients. An example of this is a trainer picking up a client with TIAs and SIJ issues mentioned in their pre-exercise questionnaire.. without knowing what either issue was, the trainer took them on and charged through the nose, when there is a team on EPs on site. I think it's time to get professional and credible so that the reputationof our Industry improves and so we can all work together, without stepping on toes and encroaching on other's jobs.. al for the sake of the dollar!

Posted by: Mirian Fernandez | 20-Jul-2010 03:47 PM |

As any business it depends on a lot of things. First of all, short or long courses for becoming a PT, they are not cheal, they are not for free. You have to drive there everyday, you've to eat, dress up and overall, if you are a honest PT, it means that you had to study a lot for knowing what are you doing. Second, it depens on your clients group, if you are a PT for older adults you are not going to charge $ 100 the hour...or depending the area where you work too. If you work in a BIG GYM, ha!...you know how much they charge to the clients...but how much the PT gets paid???? Fernwood (at southBrisbane) was paying, 15 x half an hour if you got the client yourself, 12 if the "sales" girls got it for you and $ 7yessss....7...for the FREE trial PT session that Fernwood wants to give away to the clients...so....What are we talking about? It's very unfair to charge $ 100 and not to be provide anything to your client more than your show up and always the same session... it's very unfair to pay 7 or 15 for going to work everyday (you finally pay from your pocket for going to work!)...I agree that it's a lot better and fair for all of us, to charge a reasonable rate (let's say 40 to 50) and to have more clients. We have to pay taxes, clothes, equipment, fees in some parks, insurance, registrations, first aid and cpr every year now...we don't get anything for free, we should not work for free either! PT is still a luxury, it would be nice to make it more affordable to everyone, people in this country need it a lot!!!!

Posted by: www.andrewbishop.com.au | 20-Jul-2010 05:11 PM |

Supply and demand will usually sort things out. If you are good and know how to let prospective clients know this, and then you actually can consistenly keep getting results and therefore have good retention rates the sky is the limit. Therefore as a general rule the better trainers and the better business people they are will attract a higher per session fee than the rest. My fees have steadily gone up over the years and I am now in my 10th year of operaqting my studio. And funnily enough as myh fees increased so did the quality of my clients. So now I get paid very well to train serious people that value their exercise and what they are trying to achieve. between 30-40 sessions a week I am happy with and my fees structure seems to keep this number very steady (of course I do get busier just before Summer lasting thru to coming into Winter. All the best everyone

Posted by: Anonymous | 20-Jul-2010 07:24 PM |

You dont always need the full hour. Go for 1/2 hour sessions and that way you could afford to see your PT for 2 sessions per week rather than waiting a whole week or fortnight for another. Pay upfront and get an extra 2 session free etc. Your PT should be able to put some kind of package together for you. Do your homework. Are you getting your monies worth. Dont pay for time spent on the cardio equipment...you dont need PT for that! A good PT will train you till he feels fit, then let you go for it on your own.

Posted by: F | 21-Jul-2010 11:00 AM |

I teach fitness and Personal training and I totally agree with you. I think the P T industry has lost the reason for doing this job and let money be their driver. They are forgetting the client who should be the most important. It is supposed to be a real quality session for them, not about how much can the trainer make and how many clients he can fit into a week, that is not success, success should be how your clients feel about you and their session. They should not feel it is a pity I can't afford to get the best out of my sessions. The trainer does need to be valued because some of us work hard to satisfy the clients but there has to be a balance. You need some passion in this job or why are you doing it? I charge $35 1/2 hr and $50 1 hr. Works for me. I also work with the number of clients where I feel I can cope and give my best, not all crambed up, butt to butt like at the gym, it is no wonder they go stale and burn out.

Posted by: Shane (husband of a PT) | 21-Jul-2010 11:15 AM |

What the big problem is is quite simple really. As the industry is a mystery to the general public, we see 6 week qualified people presenting as PTs and THEY assume they can charge as much as a FULLY qualified PT with experience and a full client load. The general public has no way of knowing to even ask what quals or experience they have or if there even is a qualification. In essence they don’t know what they don’t know. Whereas, the general public knows a Physio has to be qualified. I’m not sure how everyone knows but they just do. Qualified = Higher Rate. Experience = Higher Rate. Reputation = Higher Rate. Demand = Higher Rate. A PT needs at least 3 of these factors to reputably charge a “higher rate”. All PTS are not equal. Some are more equal than others.

Posted by: Ariel Gonzalez-Motivate You Fitness & Personal Training | 23-Jul-2010 12:04 PM |

The answer is Simple! If you think your worth $35 per hr then you are. If you think your worth $200 per hr, then you are, but you MUST PROVE IT! What do you do to justify your rate compared to someone charging less? Provided you are honest, ethical, diligent, supportive, technically sound & guarantee results; then fine. Clients are NOT stupid. They will know if they are being ripped off and not getting value for money, and YOU will go out of business very quickly. As with any profession, there are great practioners and there are crap practioners. After a while, people will know where you sit. PS. It is pointless for other health care professionals to complain or compare what personal trainers earn. No one cares what you earn! If your not happy with your own rates, then put them up and stop bashing the fitness industry.

Posted by: Anonymous | 24-Jul-2010 09:26 AM |

I teach group fitness and Personal Train. Both take time outside of actual work hours but Personal training takes way more time by far. I charge $100 for my sessions, this includes 4 weekly programmes, nutritional guidelines that change with progress, fitness testing every 4 weeks, results chart and graphs presented and constant researching. If I really looked into how many hours I spent working for my $100 it would probably take my hourly rate down to about $40. That said there are definitely cowboys out there that make a session up as they go and have no real concern about their clients results, they just want the money and that is it. It is unfortunate that these sorts of trainers exist as people then start to raise questions as you have about how can we charge this amount? and how is it worth it? Research into who you get to train you. They should be continuing with education each year, and most decent courses cost in excess of $1000 each. You wouldn't get a sparky to come and fit the wiring in your house that had let his qualifications lapse from 5 years ago, so why would you let someone with little knowledge and enthusiasm train you. Bottom line is shop around, get a referral and realise that there are a lot of us out their that are worth every $ that we charge.

Posted by: Scott | 24-Jul-2010 02:32 PM |

People will only pay what they think is fare. If you provide a quality service and they see value for money then they will pay for that service. We aren't in bubbles, people almost always shop around and find the best service for the best price. If they are happy with my service they will pay the price - it's as simple as that. The max I currently charge is $60 per session and I am a mobile PT. I hope to be able to charge more than this with time and furthered training. If people are after a cheaper session than that, they are more than welcome to find another trainer. My time and effort is as important as my clients.

Posted by: Anonymous | 26-Jul-2010 03:17 PM |

I have qualifications in both pt and group x yet I've chosen only to work as a group x I earn 45 an hour yet spent alot more times than any pt I know preparing , apart from teching 10 classes a week I have to do at least an extra 4. Hrs working out ( we must b fitter than our clients ) , 2 hours making now non copyright CDs for my freestyle classes, also buying and learning choreo for Les mills which at launchtime I can spend 4 hrs a day for 2 weeks perfecting plus planning my freestyle and HAVE to buy 200$ worth of music and workshops every 3 months , how can a pt justify charging $80 an hour, ? They plan clients but it's still sitting at a desk and people can't afford it! They'd get more clients charging less

Posted by: Anonymous | 26-Jul-2010 05:00 PM |

I think PTs need to revise their prices. They have to think what kind of people they train in terms of expectation and financial ability. It seems some of them are not clever enough to understand who they deal with. In my opinion, we can not have a fixed rate such as $80 or whatever per work out (hourly/45 min). It really should depend on the quality of the PT, the variety of the workouts, experiences and references and most important the goal and expectation of the trainee. They should understand that People are getting clever to find better PT with better prices some where else otherwise they will lose their customers I had my PT in one of the so-called professional gym and found him really boring and completely out of knowledge so I dropped him and surprisingly found a good PT with hourly rate $55 in another gym. Not only does he knows what he is doing but also got a master degree in Sport education. Some smaller gym or University gyms are fairer. At least you know people are educated there and not putting our bodies in the trouble. Overall I am so disappointed with PTs. May be they are just good for old people

Posted by: Anonymous | 26-Jul-2010 05:10 PM |

I almost forgot to say, some PTs act like a sales person which they don't know people will find out eventually and they end up loosing their customers. They just want to fill the sales margin and sell their product to people

Posted by: Gabrielle Maston Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist www.changingshape.net.au | 26-Jul-2010 08:36 PM |

I completely agree it really irritates me as I am a university graduate Dietitian, exercise physiologist, personal trainer and group exercise instructor. I am over qualifed to be a PT however I train old time clients and charge $65 under the going rate. I don't believe Trainers should ask for too much more. We want to encourage people to exercise and be healthy and show them the right way todo things- not scare them with the price!. Some times I think new trainers are a little greedy they dont have enough experience or qualifications to be charging high end prices. In terms of taking time to plan sessions- yes I certainly do plan sessions how ever its not rocket science after you've done it a few times and certainly not worth $100.

Posted by: Ariel Gonzalez-Motivate You Fitness & Personal Training, www.motivateyou.com.au | 27-Jul-2010 12:34 PM |

How long is a piece of string?..............Seems to me that the CLient should decide what it is worth, If they arent happy, they will find another PT. The best PT's are the ones who make a sustainable living and have longevity. Surely they must be doing something right. The crap PTS who overcharge either go broke or find another job.

Posted by: Michael Berry (Vivos Active) | 10-Aug-2010 08:54 AM |

1. I have trained for over 10 years and have more experience with people with real problems than a uni grad, I have spent more time reviewing the industry and refining the product that I deliver to clients. b) Unless you are going to take world econnomics into account you really cant compare prices, australia is one of the highest taxed countries, living expenses, course costs......... Same as a builder quoting a trainer has to cover his costs and then have a proffit margin, and we have costs, professional fees, insurance, course fees, cover work, taxes, factor in sick time, holiday loading, super payments, gym or council fees, equipment costs, travel costs, living expenses for that region, etc 2. Prep work as discussed in other posts should be more about the inital planning time for annual periodiastion, than adjustments along the way, individual session planning and reviewing last session results, this also leads to post session recording, homework follow up, time chasing confirming bookings etc. 3. I have 12 group sessions a week as well as one on one training and clients can come to both. I have found that the majority of the population dont place a high value on their health and wellness. We live in a cost cutting percieved value society, where we have cheap (but crappy food) sales with added extras (extra percieved value). Health and wellness is a cumilative benefit that takes a lifetime to build and cant be brought (aspects can but not all). Some people need to be onto their 2nd heart attack or have cancer before they invest in their health, but will invest the majority of their income to pay their mortage or rent weekly. Most people spend more money on a car with initial purchase, fuel, maintance, tyers etc than they do on health and a car is a throw away asset that can be replaced or traded in. THE BIGGER QUESTION ISN'T WHY DO WE CHARGE $80 IT IS WHY DON'T THE GREATER POPULATION PLACE MORE VALUE ON THEIR HEALTH. Being the or one of the fattest nations on earth people cant afford not to have our help. A gym membership doesn't get you fit, it is an opportunity to train, a trainer gives you accountability and gets results, we are undervalued. Ask the general population how much you would have to pay them to get out of bed at 5am in the morning every day year after year including winter mornings?

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: darren shaw | 17-Jun-2010 09:22 PM |

Great to have Tony shaking up the marketing place. I believe that Fitnfast just adds another option for the 2010 consumer. It's different and that's what the industry needs. Enough of the same old. Kudos for FnF going to the customer on FB and not expecting them to come to us. Now let the public speak by joining FnF. Darren Shaw | Owner CrossFit Ignite Sydney | Surry Hills

Posted by: Celeste Kirby-Brown | 20-Jun-2010 04:13 PM |

I agree Darren - with some innovative marketing and a great concept my money is on the Fit n Fast team.

Posted by: Ariel Gonzalez - Motivate You Fitness & Personal Training | 25-Jun-2010 06:03 PM |

Great concept! People are time poor and are looking for time-saving fitness options. Would be interesting see what they are offering in temrs of results and whether or not they can deliver on these.

Posted by: Anonymous | 20-Jul-2010 09:59 PM |

How about this for a concept.....................Teach people that they need to be spending more time on the health and fitness and not less. The prob with society in genral is that they want it faster and for less effort. CAN'T HAPPEN IMO. So this guy will prob get really really rich but do you really think you can get fit doing 30 mins workouts (for the general public that is) maybe a highly experienced athelete that is self motivated and pushes themselves very hard can do it. I bet this establishment will sell all the latest nutritional supplements that we all know are useless as well. Anyways there is always plenty of people trying to become mega wealthy i guess p.s. i do like the no contracts though, that is the biggest rort on the planet

Posted by: Ariel Gonzalez-Motivate You Fitness & Persoanl Training | 23-Jul-2010 02:20 PM |

How are you going to convince people to spend more time on their fitness? It's not working now is it? Obesity continues to rise. People have it in their heads that they are time poor, and you asking them to train for longer? Its not the amount time that someone trains, its more about what intensity they train for!

Posted by: Sue Ramsay | 23-Aug-2010 03:38 PM |

Another one of these 30 minute get fit fad gyms-there is no quick fix it takes alot longer than 30 mins you have to be consistent motivated and make time!! People need to organise themselves better. Education from the right trainer is the answer! This guy will just get rich because of peoples vunerability.

Posted by: Roger P | 23-Aug-2010 03:53 PM |

I disagree Sue - for lots of people an hour of the gym is too daunting and so they won't go at all. A half hour workout is easier to build into their routine and they are more likely to attend. Half an hour gym or PT is not as good as an hour, but it is much better than nothing. And if they do a properly designed 30-minute circuit or class they will probably work harder than a lot of people who go along to their gym and wander about from machine to machine without a plan.

Posted by: Anonymous | 23-Aug-2010 03:57 PM |

Correct, Roger, and there's also heaps of research to support the physiological value of shorter workouts. Less stress hormones build up which means that you're more likely to stay anabolic. The bottom line is that the best exercise for anyone is the exercise that they'll do!

Posted by: Anonymous | 03-Sep-2010 02:13 PM |

The $6.95 a week claim is a little bit sneaky - there's an additional processing fee of 50c, plus a quarterly fee of $9.95. By my calculations, that's about $8.25 a week, still cheap but not as much. Then there's the $2 fee if you want to attend a cycle class...

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Matt O'Neill | 02-Feb-2010 11:45 AM |

I'm cheering for anyone who want to lose a lot of weight to get healthy, but dramatic weight loss stuffs your metabolism. See Media Release on this here: http://tinyurl.com/y8lsgta. Given the downnsides I can only feel that people experience rapid weight loss, either (1) Because they need it for motivation or (2) Their plan is too restrictive (eg. shakes) and causes excessive losses. I present an alertnative program that focuses optimising metabolism with real foods and boosting nutrition skills. With these elements, you don't need rapid results because you feel confident to get results and keep them (without stuffing your metabolism). If anyone wants info - metabolicjumpstart.com. Twitter - /matthewoneill

Posted by: Anonymous | 02-Feb-2010 11:54 AM |

I would love to share my media release which also expresses my thoughts about the Biggest Loser! Media Release: 2 February 2010 Could The Biggest Loser Be Sending Out The Wrong Message? Viewers across the nation tune in to The Biggest Loser, many of whom are overweight and desperate to find motivation and answers to help them also shed their unwanted body-fat. But is it realistic to let people think that 15kg of weight loss in one week is normal, or even realistic? We already have a society who want quick fixes and overnight solutions, add to this the pressure of having them feel that losing 10-15kg a week is ‘normal’ and they are more likely than ever to feel that they are failures when they can’t achieve these results. For every day Aussies that are not locked away for months on end with a personal trainer and chef’s, losing weight permanently requires a balanced approach and permanent lifestyle changes; changes that are real, that are simple and that are effective – not something that requires drinking their meals for the rest of their lives or having them feel hopeless or like failures when it doesn’t work. So, with over 7.4 million Australian adults classified as overweight or obese and those figures expected to increase by 50 per cent within five years*, Sonja Falvo (Director of Real Body Enterprises) has launched the inaugural National Fat-Loss-a-Thon. Ms Falvo sees this event as a necessity for our nation’s health and wellbeing. “I want to help build a healthier and fitter country, so I have set a goal to help 4,000 Australians lose 24,000 kilos and raise $250,000 for The Sports Rewards Foundation between 1 January and 17 May, 2010’,” MS Falvo said. Each participant in The National Fat-Loss-A-Thon will take part in a 12-week online program developed by Real Body Enterprises, with the chance to win more than $13,000 in cash and prizes. The event is aimed at improving overall health and wellbeing, assisting in weight loss and providing simple and effective lifestyle changes, Ms Falvo explained. “The National Fat-Loss-A-Thon will help to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits for the prevention of obesity, type II diabetes and heart disease” she said. Registration for the National Fat-Loss-A-Thon began on 1 January 2010 and entries remain open until 28 February, 2010. Participants will receive online access to information and guidelines on how to follow the 12-week Real Body Program, including recipes, meal plans and exercise programs. Ms Falvo wrote the program after two years of research and through her work with three nutritionists. Entry is confirmed with a $10 donation to the Sports Rewards Foundation and each participant’s 12-week program must be completed by 17 May, 2010. Winners are judged 50 per cent on their physical results (from their before and after photos) and 50 per cent on personal questionnaire answers. The National Fat-Loss-a-Thon is supported by the following sponsors: Real Body Enterprises www.RealBodyEnterprises.com PB Sports www.pbsportsnutrition.com Swish Events www.swishcorporation.com Strawberry Communications www.strawberrycommunications.com.au Westpac www.westpac.com.au Blooms Health www.bloomshealth.com.au Hound Dog Graphics www.hounddoggraphics.com.au Balanced Magazine www.balancedmedia.com.au For more information visit www.fatlossathon.com and http://www.healthyweightweek.com.au/index.asp * Australian Bureau of Statistics: Overweight and Obesity in Adults Australia 2004-2005, Catalogue 4719.0 -ends- For further information, images or interviews please contact: Johanna Baker-Dowdell Strawberry Communications P: 0423 969 661 E: johanna@strawberrycommunications.com.au W: www.strawberrycommunications.com.au Sonja Falvo Real Body Enterprises P: (07) 3392 0770 E: admin@realbodyenterprises.com W: www.RealBodyEnterprises.com About Real Body Enterprises • Real Body Enterprises aims to deliver a sensible, realistic approach to healthy eating and lifestyle to provide long-term fat loss, increased self-esteem and quality of life • Real Body Enterprises wants to reduce the global epidemic of obesity in children and adults through education, support and a program that is designed to deliver results to every person, every time • Real Body Enterprises CEO Sonja Falvo is an author of two bestselling books, keynote speaker and has a strong passion for helping people to improve their long-term health, wellbeing and self-esteem • Sonja Falvo was also Director of What Women Want Personal Training in Brisbane and National Fitness Manager for Fitness First in the UK • Real Body Enterprises: Level 16/120 Edward St, Brisbane, (07) 3392 0770 or admin@realbodyenterprises.com. About The Sports Rewards Foundation • The Sports Rewards Foundation is a not-for-profit entity • It was established to remove barriers to entry for children involved in physical activity and organised sport (to combat the childhood obesity epidemic) as well as to actively promote physical activity and organised sports to children and teens • The Sports Rewards Foundation aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity for better health in children and donate more than $2 million per year to grass roots sports. • Visit www.SportsRewards.net.au and click on Foundation for more information.

Posted by: Shaz | 02-Feb-2010 12:16 PM |

I love it. I loved it last night when they had to do their public speaking - very brave. I'm well aware of the dangers of such rapid weight loss and the damage it can do - but it also encourages larger people to start asking questions and asking for help. I know I have a feedback newsletter at the end of each week of all the questions my clients have asked during the week. As a person who battles with her weight every day of her life, I understand the demons that some of these people go through. However look at their fantastic achievements. The young man, Shannon, he had a major breakthrough last night by getting off the ground and continuing the walk. Good on these people for being brave enough to go on tv for help. Good on them for allowing us to hear their demons and see their struggles. Good on anyone else this show motivates to start looking after themselves. Any trainer worth their profession would obviously tell their clients that this is extreme and will not happen to them, but if it motivates them even more to get moving - that's a fantastic thing.

Posted by: Bel | 02-Feb-2010 01:08 PM |

I think this show is the greatest thing to ever grace reality TV. It's motivating sedentary people to get moving & proving that you can lose weight, no matter what your circumstances. Those that have been following the show for a while will know that losing 10kg a week isn't realistic for anyone in the real world but we have to remember that they have personal trainers/nutritionists on the show & are on tight food restrictions. They also work out more than the average person per day AND have a LOT more weight to lose, hence the massive losses. The great thing about The Biggest Loser is that It shows how emotional the journey to losing weight can be. The contestants are so inspirational & defy all kinds of odds to lose weight. Its not easy to get up in front of the whole country with half your gear off so everyone can see your body (during weigh-in). Massive respect for anyone that can do that, especially on TV. As a personal trainer, I get a lot of ideas from the show (although some of the exercises are not-so conventional). I think the trainers do a great job in coaching the contestants, both physically & emotionally. Long live Biggest Loser!

Posted by: Gabrielle Maston Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist www.changingshape.net.au | 02-Feb-2010 01:16 PM |

I think the underlying priciples of the show -using Diet therapy and Exercsie for weight loss is great. I do however disaggree with the intensity of exercise the participants undertake. Being obese places a large strain on joints and the cardiovascular system. Undertaking this type of exercise intensity can be very dangerous for these people. Far often than not there is a participant who injures themselves thats puts them "out of the game" for a significant period of time. This can be very discouraging for the participant, but also I believe shows professional negligence by the trainers. Often in new clients I see , I am disappointed when they complain how hard it is to lose weight. often referring to the biggest losers. They state that if they also had 6 hours to train they would be able to lose weight too. The show creates an unrealistic view on weight loss treatment. It causes weightloss to be viewed as a distant unattainable goal in ther circumstances. Encourage your clients to exercise moderatly and adopt a view on healthy eating and food. This is really all it takes. In good health - Gabrielle Maston- Dietitian/nutritionist and Exercise physiologist www.changingshape.net.au

Posted by: Joanne Butler | 02-Feb-2010 01:53 PM |

I'm not sure whether I love or hate it because there are parts I think are too much and others, like the fact that it motivates so many to give it a go, that are spot on. I think any one of us (fitness professionals) can take bits and pieces and use them as motivation for those already on their journey or for those that are yet to begin. Anything that can help motivate people to change to a healthier lifestyle is great in my books. I love the way they use both nutrition and training as the means even though sometimes I feel that the workouts themselves are not quite appropriate. But then again, what we see on TV could be totally different to what really goes on. Jo

Posted by: Nick Whiley | 02-Feb-2010 02:29 PM |

I love the show, and the good health practices it actively promotes and encourages. To suggest it creates unrealistic expectations because of the amount of weight lost each week is like suggesting I would get an unrealistic expectation of how much money I can make if I read Bill Gates' biography. I believe the show does a great job of presenting solid old fashioned healthy habits (diet and exercise, with appropriate supervision) methods of losing weight. It makes no claim that viewers can achieve similar results without similar focus and effort, and frankly I don't think people are that stupid. Of course the production wants to make the show competitive, so we'll see some people achieving dramatic results. I believe that over-achievement serves more to inspire than mis-lead. OK, I'm off to make $35billion in business now! Surely it can't be THAT difficult. ;)

Posted by: Anonymous | 02-Feb-2010 04:17 PM |

Could it be that these people really need to see someone about their Psychological problems before they attack their physical one?

Posted by: patricia mclean | 02-Feb-2010 07:56 PM |

as per above yes you can not loose weight and ikeep it of until the psychological demons have been addressed, i know this from perrsonal experince. so maybe there neds to be a psychologist attached to the show, the trainers do address this issue, but i do not think they are trained in this feild, though all personal trainers do act as councellors to some extent

Posted by: Michelle H | 02-Feb-2010 11:52 PM |

I love it - being in the fitness (& personal development) industry I am fully supportive of the contestants and trainers. It really emphasises that with consistency and determination, you can achieve whatever you desire. There may be health risks associated with rapid weight loss but can it be any worse than where they started? Good onto them and providing motivation to those that need it.

Posted by: Gary Hoffman | 03-Feb-2010 02:12 AM |

Yep fitness - good, yep healthy eating - good, yep weight loss for obese - good, biggest loser - good? YEP FOR RATINGS! Lets not lose sight of why this show exists. TV RATINGS! think about it, if someone on the show had a heart attack from the exessive strain they are put through and could not be saved the show would be axed, if ratings declined the show would be axed. 'Reality' I think not, as a trainer and assessor for the fitness industry (first qualifed in 1987 - upgraded as recently as 2008 and constantly upskilling), I do not like the message it sends out! Question: would all those above saying they 'love it' risk their own clients life (do you have a medical team standing by?) in this way????

Posted by: Clayton | 04-Feb-2010 12:07 PM |

It's a love hate relationship really. But having said that, anything that gets people interested in losing weight or fitness or just generally getting of their backside and starting to move is a plus. While the situation they create on TV is hard to emulate in the real world, ie. food prepared by chefs, the whole drama of the situation and the endless props necessary to entertain people into exercise, ignoring the medium is foolish as is trying to discredit the show. Have to agree with Matt's comment also... Nutrient rich food, sensible eating and exercise is a sound way to get into shape NO MATTER WHERE YOU START FROM. There are no pills, shakes, etc. required to lose weight. Regards, Clayton Adelaide Personal Trainers http://www.adelaidepersonaltrainers.com.au

Posted by: Elissa | 10-Feb-2010 07:29 PM |

So totally agree with Anonymous. All I see is a mass of emotional/psychological trauma...

Posted by: Esther | 11-Feb-2010 10:47 AM |

As a personal trainer ... all the show does for me is create a false impression of massive rapid weight loss. I am finding it difficult for my clients (those that actually watch the show) to understand that there never is a quick "fix solution" to weight loss and maintaining that weight loss.

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Anonymous | 30-Dec-2009 09:13 AM |

No feedback was left by this visitor.

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: David Driscoll | 02-Dec-2009 10:24 PM |

If you look beyond the local (Aussie research) and look at what Stuart McGill says, you will find there is some justification and evidence! (not saying that I agree with it totally). The time to brace is when lifting large loads - most would agree with that I think. Check out Low Back PAin Disorders or punch in S McGill to pubmed and you will see it is more than just a few uninformed trainers giving this advice!

Posted by: Health Insurance | 05-May-2010 05:31 PM |

Fitness and Health is basic part of life we must care for it therefore i read the article and found the nice tips which are useful for us i used this post at night when i think about my friends and family so i really thankful for providing very knowledgeable information for further help http://instant-health-insurance.blogspot.com/ http://instant-health-quote.blogspot.com/ http://instant-health.blogspot.com/ Health Insurance Insurance Instant Insurance

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Williams Australia | 10-Jun-2009 11:41 AM |

Well written Ryan and i agree that it can be an area that baffles many trainers and they tend to leave it to late to renew in time.
My concern with this blog is that many of our trainers in Australia are still behind the times and do not even know they exist. As you can see by the amount of comments posted.
Very soon i will have a very affordable option for all trainers across Australia to get up to speed with this latest internet marketing tool (a very good one at that).
Stay tuned to www.succeed.com.au for more info very soon.
Great idea from Australian Fitness Network keep blogging and the rest will catch up.

Posted by: Roland Schuller | 28-Jun-2009 09:44 AM |

Good to know how it works now.
Could it be a coincidence, that compulsory recognized eCECs are linked to a fee and optional accredited not?

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Anonymous | 04-Jun-2009 06:32 AM |

Hi Steve,
Good to read positive stuff about the vibration training.I was at first a bit sceptic being a personal trainer (you know what we are like) and even having a bad experience trying it out, I have been working with it for two years now intensively (We at vibragym work one on one with the clients)A lot of people use because it is short and intense, but I worked with quite a few people of which one was told she could not walk again after being paralized.She started just having her feet on the plate for months, after persevering she started to come in with a walker instead of a wheelchair.
Myself, (by the way I am 64,) if I do RPM and have not used the vibration for a couple of days my legs get quite tired during class.
Anyway I would love to learn more about vibration training for rehab as such.
Warm regards
Dineke Kleyn, FC Vibragym, Whangaparaoa,New Zealand.
P.S.The machines I work with are the only medical certified at the moment.

Posted by: Di Heap | 04-Jun-2009 06:59 AM |

A dedicated site with articles (lots of info) and comments. You can also get all your questions answered (Note: the site does NOT sell anything)
www.vibrationtraining.net

Posted by: Robinson Australia | 04-Jun-2009 07:31 AM |

I have a client who required knee surgery so cardio training was impossible for her. After using my vibration technology she lost a few kilos in a few weeks, and it definitely wasn't because of her diet! So put it down to the vibration techniques.

Posted by: Anonymous | 04-Jun-2009 10:27 AM |

Have made vibration training available to members as an added value, however they were rarely used as most feel they get more out of functional exercise. We also have a large rehab based membership, along with Physio's, who never use these platforms. Have noticed that the vibration training studio continually move to smaller and smaller premises - so are not doing very well. All in all vibration platforms very over rated.

Posted by: David Driscoll | 04-Jun-2009 10:56 AM |

Could we have a reference for this quote please "This process also uses up to 100 per cent of a muscle’s fibre, "
The reason we have science is because people's anecdotal stories aren't reliable as evidence. Just read what the majority of papers say, vibration training has its place but the claims made by most people selling and promoting it (like this article appears to be) are massively exaggerated.
I predict this will mostly be another trend trainers will move on from in a few years; to the next pseudo-scientific gimmick.

Posted by: Sean | 04-Jun-2009 11:31 AM |

Vibration training is a fad, a rip off. It is snake oil of the lowest order. It lacks any credible research back up and has no physiological rationale behind it whatsoever.
Its success is entirely because it is easily marketable - both clients and wanna-be trainers can be produced en masse thanks to bogus certification programs and cheesy marketing - all working towards the ultimate goal of making the people who manufacture these contraptions a large amount of money.
Compare this with say kettle bell training - incredibly effective but nowhere near as successful in the fitness market - why? Because it requires a lot of knowledge to coach effectively and safely - and because its bloody hard work, therefore unsuitable for silly ads showing slim ladies mid exercise smiling happily like they are on drugs or something.

Posted by: Nick | 04-Jun-2009 11:31 AM |

Vibration training is not the future of training and has very little use in anything beyond rehabilitation work or massage.

Posted by: Jamie | 04-Jun-2009 11:39 AM |

I believe it is pointless as it is limited (new fitness frontier lol). If a larger plate were to be made say 6m by 6m there would be some benefits as variety from your normal work outs as whole work outs/routines could be done on this larger vibrating plate.
Although all of these new gadgets and thingamabobs are just so people can get rich as there is nothing like old fashioned hard work and sweat. TTFU which is short for Toughen The F&*% Up (excuse the language) we are all looking for the quick way (including myself on occasion) out, around and through the obvious, which is TTFU do the hard work get the pain, common sense with food and you will be rewarded with results.
I believe any activity if it gets people off their bums is good so to contradict myself if all these gadgets helps people to get up and move great but I do believe people do get ripped off with most of these things quite regularly which gives us all a bad name and makes me sad .

Posted by: Cunningham Australia | 04-Jun-2009 01:05 PM |

First heard about vibration in late 90's' used extensively in Europe and was part of the Russian space program long before it was a fad! Fair amount of data regarding bone density is also available. chill out guys, the world is already an angry place do some yoga?

Posted by: Sharyn | 04-Jun-2009 02:13 PM |

Looks like more for abs and upper body - what about glutes and hammies / quads ?

Posted by: Chris | 04-Jun-2009 02:14 PM |

Hi, Reminds me of the old vibrating belt that was supposed to remove fat from your hips. I didn't fall for it then and I feel skeptical now. If this works then how do we test the results, if any. I think we tend to jump to doing what's easy and not do what is necessary and that's moving and making the body work efficiently and functionally. I would like to know how a vibration can do any of the things mentioned. There are so many trendy things out there, the public go and buy these things and they never get used. I wonder if my massager at home would achieve the same result. No sounds like one of the many things that make people spend more money when our motivation should be basic fitness and well being. I will stick to what I know works and not what is trendy I think.

Posted by: Anonymous | 04-Jun-2009 02:59 PM |

Have been using a power plate machine for around 4 months in an attempt to lose weight and tone muscle in problem areas like thighs and stomach. I found a pilates studio nearby that offered vibration training and signed up - despite the negative connotations that come with a fitness 'fad,' I've found that not only have I lost cm from my thighs and stomach, it has improved my strength as well. It's inspired me to take a better interest in my health and well being especially now I have had an increase in confidence from using the power plate. I did some research on the machine not too long ago and also found a study in the UK that was released showing that power plates assist in weight loss.
Despite the skeptics, I'm a convert. It may be the 'trendy' exercise regime but it sure works for me.

Posted by: Dean Jolly | 05-Jun-2009 06:07 AM |

Chris Cunniham is correct, Eastern block found use for it, BUT definitely NOT as a tool for all the claims being made, nor would anyone who actually uses common sense in their understanding of physiology favour it over self enhancement application. SAID principle.
Still it's there as part of the learning process, and usually they lead on to discovering more about self-applied action, I mean what else does one do when they cant get relief for shoulder issue from local knowledge, then some how vibration helped.
I get it, BUT there is more applied science available, most in industry just don't know it.

Posted by: | 05-Jun-2009 08:30 AM |

There are now over 100 published research articles on the proven benefits of Whole Body Vibration (WBV).
In this months issue of Womens Health p13 Michelle Bridges comments on vibration training as the future of fitness.
When I visited the UK last July I was staggered at the results my friends had achieved using WBV and subsequently set up a studio last Sept running classes on the machines or one on one.
I have been overwhelmed by the huge benefits my clients have achieved in joint mobility, pain relief, balance and co-ordination in the elderly , sustained weight loss and toning particularly with females (yes, you can get into those inner thighs!) right through to core strengthening and improvements in sports performance for athletes.
Yes there are some machines out there that are gimmicks or toys and some just suited to vibrational therapy. You need a machine that will get to 26Hz which is the maximum number of times your muscles can contract and relax in one second.
For those skeptics out there near the Eastern Suburbs in Sydney come and visit me and I'll give you a free punishing workout that you'll feel for days, oh, and you'll sweat too!

Posted by: Ed | 05-Jun-2009 09:21 AM |

Have look at the 'Research Review' article by Dr Mike Climstein in the Spring 2007 issue of Network magazine (go to the Publications tab at the top of this page and select Network magazine). Mike evaluates a study entitled ‘‘Influence of Vibration Training on Energy Expenditure in Active Men’ and, although questioning some manufacturers’ unsubstantiated claims, he also directs readers to check out research studies that have been conducted with regard to whole body vibration exercise and their specific areas of interest online at the ncbi website.

Posted by: Di Heap | 05-Jun-2009 09:36 AM |

I'm a registered fitness consultant working as a Vibration Training Instructor at Vibra-Train's Auckland City Studio.
All are welcome for a free first session. Be prepared to work-out very hard. On our high force, lineal, purpose designed Vibration TRAINING machines this is not easy, s*xy, soppy exercise for the lazy! I can guarantee you pain and can, in one session, prove to doubters that Vibration Training on Real Machines is a great addition to your fitness regime.
The above commenter said that machines must get to 26Hz. This is when using Pivotal Vibration machines for fitness training. It is essential to differentiate between that and High Energy Lineal Machines where 43Hz is the premium for Work-Out although frequency is only one factor in the design equation.
I encourage all fitness professionals to learn all they can about Vibration Training. It's a training method that's here to stay. Scientific studies are now providing the evidence to back up what Users already know.

Posted by: Di Heap | 05-Jun-2009 10:11 AM |

There is a HUGE difference between Vibration TRAINING and Vibration THERAPY. That's the big problem with the this article. It's good to stimulate discussion but the writer is a seller of a handheld vibrating device - which is NOT Vibration Training at all. They are either very uneducated or simply marketing to Not make the distinction. (After reading the article several times I have to comment on this). This is the worst sort of marketing for this industry as it adds to confusion for the general public rather than educating.

Posted by: Di Heap | 05-Jun-2009 11:50 AM |

Quote from above: "For those skeptics out there near the Eastern Suburbs in Sydney come and visit me and I'll give you a free punishing workout that you'll feel for days, oh, and you'll sweat too! "
Again, I'm going to point out that this quote is from someone who has a Studio that provides Vibration TRAINING using Premium Speed Pivotal Machines. This type of Vibration Training, using a machine that has a see-saw action, involves both static and dynamic poses on the machine. It's hard work (I have tried it) and I ached the next day similar to after a weights work-out at the gym.
The other Premium category of Vibration Machine is the High Energy Lineal (Upright Vibration only) platform. Positions on this machine are usually static (non moving). The user feels intense burn (pain like pressure) in the targeted muscles during the 60/120 second poses but most do not feel any "after exercise ache" the next day.
Physicians tell us that aching and pain is a warning mechanism, it's existence tells us NOT to repeat the action that caused it yet we expect to feel it after exercise! We justify this because of the micro-tear in muscle fibres to promote growth process. In my job I really enjoy vibration training body builders - those who go hard in the weights room. They get a workout that compliments their program and no added after-pain. Pain felt after a lineal vibration training session is usually because the person was outside of perfect position on the machine, or had a pre-existing injury that I was disturbed (not a major as ongoing training or vibration therapy will help with healing). Of course there are many different brands of machines, some very good, but others give high frequency uncontrolled vibration that goes up/down, left/right, back/forward - quite severely pushing/pulling the user in many directions at once. Still other "as seen on tv" contraptions are usually so low force that they neither hurt nor help for training and can sometimes be useful for gentle therapy/rehab purposes. Marketing these machines as Vibration Training is a big stretch and results in the type of comments people have written above - fad etc.

Posted by: Lloyd Shaw | 05-Jun-2009 12:35 PM |

This type of article is highly misleading and is at the very essence of why others in the fitness industry think Vibration Training is a crock.
Here are some major facts to consider...
(a) Just because it moves and elicits a response that does not make it Vibration Training. That's like saying horse riding is Vibration Training and the horse is the device ?
Light Vibration = Vibration Therapy ( released approx. 1870 ) Never shown potential to build muscle or burn fat. But fantastic Physio values.
Flexi-Bar / Wobble boards or any other device that elicits this response through Gravity , Body weight or your own exertion = Involuntary Reflex Training. True it elicits close to 100% stimulation, but that does not equate to training. Without the pressure in the movement no anabolic activity can take place. ( been around forever )
Heavy Mechanical Vibration + Working directly against gravity in given pose = Vibration Training ( new )
Health professionals / Marketers etc.. only out to make a buck deliberately blur the line between these technologies, attach the catchphrase "Vibration Training" to it in an unethical bid to confuse the consumer.
They are the enemy of our industry and the consumer.
Why can I say this with such conviction?
Because I was Power Plates Product Manager and only got involved with this technology through my mortuary work ( don't ask ) I left when they deliberately decided to blur the lines all in the name of profit and go from a small steel machine with dense mass which showed promise ( now the Vibro-Gym ) to a plastic low mass machine from China ( much cheaper to build ). Right at a point when we were getting close to moving forward into better designs, we were sold out and they went backwards 40 years. The industry has suffered ever since.
All previous machines had massive limitations both in design, size, max weight ( could not take obese people ) and results that could be obtained But it was a beginning.
Note: Power Plate had previously trademarked "Vibration Therapy" but we were working towards a "Training" system. I originally wanted to set up studios called Vibra-Train that carried the newer larger commercial Power Plates I had designed and hoped they would build. We were obviously not going in the same direction so I set up Vibra-Train with the original steel Power Plates, Vibro-Gyms and Body-Shakers to continue my research into commercial training machines.
I have since continued to support companies like Vibro-Gym , Body-Shaker, Fit-Vibe , Galileo, Hyper-Gravity , Hyper-Vibe , WaveExercise and other companies doing their best to move forward while being as close to honest as you can ask from any company. Not being involved in the retail market has allowed me to be unbiased and write numerous articles for vibrationtraining.net , in theory , training and consumer protection.
It is this simple folks...
Anyone saying that all 250 brands on the market, no matter how they are designed or built , all do the same thing, are not being up front and honest.
I have personally designed 25 machines, and they do not do the same thing, or why would I bother ?
My best advice, try before you buy, do NOT listen to the marketing, and be skeptical of everything you hear. Even those trainers out there who do not get it, be "old school" but not "ignorant" ( there is a difference ). At least test a proper training unit before you make a decision as to weather this science has merit of not.

Posted by: Lloyd Shaw | 05-Jun-2009 01:10 PM |

And in case anyone thinks I am being to hard on the Flexi-Bar guy, go and read his history page. Only ever used and shown results on rehab . In their own words it is just a cheaper version of a popular Physiotherapy tool. No leap forward in design or function.
Versions of this has been around for centuries in Asia where they used bamboo poles. But all of a sudden it has a new name. Vibration Training.

Posted by: Di Heap | 05-Jun-2009 01:25 PM |

A question for Dineke Kleyn-Langeveld, VibroGym. As I am involved in this industry I like to know where other studios are located. I understood that Maxe Jansens Studio had closed. Have you taken it over? It would be good to meet you.

Posted by: Kylie Morrison | 05-Jun-2009 09:40 PM |

After researching vibration training for almost 18 months I took a leap of faith and purchased a Power Plate for my home studio. I use it primarily to enhance functional movement patterns and increase intensity in Pilates based exercise. For the cynics who think it is a fad with no credibility I suggest you start reading the research. My clients also love the feeling of being invigorated after they exercise rather than simply exhausted. Anything that increases adherence to exercise, decreases stress hormone response, and assists in increasing bone density, lean muscle mass and circulatory response in otherwise sedentary populations, for me, is worth it's weight in gold!

Posted by: Steph | 05-Jun-2009 10:23 PM |

All I have to say is the Flexi-Bar is a fantastic tool. I do use in my studio at this present moment on the Gold Coast and of course just like anything else, there are the people who love it and there are the people who hate it. Basically the people who "hate it", are people with poor coordination and basically impatience. It takes time for some people to grasp the connection between the body and the bar. Sure fighting isn't going to help. Once you got it, you can take to a higher level and that's when it becomes more of a workout. It's for sure a great tool to add to a Pilates/ Yoga classes or to a PT session.
Another toy to add to the collection and great with swiss ball, and Bosu balance work!
To make a full Flexi-bar class you basically you need to combine with squats, push up, core and balance work.
And of course do not forget how great is for rehab work!
One more point: 100 times better than the Bodyblade.

Posted by: Jay Bonaretti | 06-Jun-2009 08:47 AM |

Unfortunately, whilst there may be some research out there to back up the effectiveness of this for rehabilitation purposes, there is a lot of misinformation floating around the industry to suggest that it is an effective tool for weight loss.
I published a comprehensive review of the currently available research of this technology in regards to weight loss where I also considered some of the highly misleading advertising that is currently being aired:
http://www.aminoz.com.au/vibration-machines-a-255.html

Posted by: Lloyd Shaw | 06-Jun-2009 05:15 PM |

Jay.........
You did a review on weight loss studies done on rehab machines. What is exactly your point , that you have just figured out they would fail
? That was predicted in 2004 and already written about extensively over the last 5 years and quite a few people have worked hard to expose it.
Doing some homework and at least some legwork, plus testing multiple products, both old and new, and then commenting might have given you a better understanding of what a massive subject you were writing about. Not just sit behind a desk and "read some stuff".
This is exactly the kind of slack research marketers rely on to rip off the public, just in some strange reverse.
Read this....
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20090511/can-vibration-plates-shake-off-weight?ecd=wnl_lbt_051309&em=Z2xld2lzQGNsZWF
So not all studies have shown no promise, and instruction and better machinery is coming all the time. You could have at least mentioned part of that.
I understand everyone's concern over allot of the lies out there, and an overview of the industry is always welcome, but to not understand how technology develops, and the hurdles it faces , makes it look like you don't appreciate how everything you take for granted get perfected.
Nothing you use in the gym as "traditional" methods of exercise was perfected or even understood straight away. Joseph Pilates developed his system in 1910, he died in 1967 with no one knowing who he was.
It was not till the early 90s that Doctors cleared people to do weight training, up till that point most thought it would damage your joints.
I can bet your Grandparents did very little " traditional " exercise their entire life. It just a catchphrase trainers like to use for " nothing I don't understand ".
Our Industries Eg progression .......
1875 > Steam powered Vibrational Therapy devices used in the medical and gymnastic industry, Dr Gustav Zander put up centers across Europe and the U.S. Dr George Taylor and J.H. Kellogg was his competition in the U.S. . Their main focus was simple stimulation. Mainly blood flow. The entire gym system , with exer-cycles , indoor rowers, etc.. ( all which were ridiculed by athletes at the time ) collapsed due to the war and following depression.
Vibro-Therapy was used quite a bit in rehab centers across Europe after WW1. were a James, Alexander Alexandrovich also researched it help with Asthma and other disorders.
But generally it was sold as a cure all for everything including tumors by dodgy salesmen. (These people probably sell cheap machines on E-Bay now).
1960 > Hyper-Gravity loading principles applied to various space programs. Evidence of some sporting scientist/coaches looking at potential for athletes.
1995 > Commercial interest in products , but due to lack of exact science , marketing hype outdoes potential of existing units.
2004 > New era of “exact function” education into Training and design begins.
It still has a long way to prove itself, maybe 50 good honest , well thought out studies by researchers not so grant hungry they take anything that moves , and we might convince some people.
In the mean time giving a more balanced view based on reading AND experience might protect the consumer a little better. Education = protection.

Posted by: Gavin Aquilina | 11-Jun-2009 10:38 AM |

At the ACSM conference in Seattle 2 weeks ago, there was a detailed review of research.
Findings, there are 3 primary different types of machines, there is much research out there and these are done utilising mixed protocols (many flawed) and varied objectives. At present there is not multiple research supporting each other.
The major outcomes from the presenters were:
Yes, vibration training does achieve increase and maintenance of bone density.
Yes, vibration training does increase muscle activation.
To achieve these two outcomes you require different training protocols.
The vibration frequency that provides safe and effective training is 30Hz.
The studies demonstrated that results are achieved by those who are de-conditioned but there are very limited benefits to be gained by conditioned and athletes.
One of the summaries was that you can gain great results (for both bone density and muscle activation) by performing activities without the vibration plate and that the vibration plate may ehance this. Vibration plate without these activities does not achieve the same results.
There was a presentation by a lady from the US International Organization for Standardization. She questioned the safety of vibration training as per US ISO 2631 (google this), admittedly this is exposure to vibration frequencies for prolonged periods as per work place environments but she bought about some very pertinent points questioning safety aspects, some of these:
- Avoid sitting on the vibration plate and performing activities
- Work place vibration resulted in vascular remodeling of arteries resulting in a thickening of the lumen and vessel diameter decreasing
- Standing on the plate dampens some of the negative aspects of force transfer
There was a review of approximately 60 - 70 research papers, many with flawed protocols and small study populations. Areas that the research was summarized into were:
Bone density - Positive
Muscle activation - Positive
Hormonal responses - Mixed research no support
VO2 and energy expenditure - Improvements for obese
Body fat - Non significant
Back pain - No difference between whole body vibration and core conditioning exercises
A final comment, people are using very subjective reasons for supporting vibration training, for those who indicate decreases in body fat, have you worked out whether the vibration training is a catalyst for other lifestyle modifications, if these same people did the same exercises and nutrition modifications without vibration training would they have achieved the same outcome. You see the same false positive association with people taking supplements and training, they believe the supplements achieve the results but as we know the supplements by themselves would achieve very limited results.
For bone mineral density and muscle activation for the elderly and de-conditioned there is strong support as long as you use the correct training protocols.
A good recent study:
Jnl of Strength and Conditioning Wilcock 23(2) 593 - 603, 2009

Excellent comment Gavin - Network

Posted by: Lloyd Shaw | 12-Jun-2009 12:58 PM |

There may be a small number of basic types of platforms but hundreds of variations can be made to effect different responses. And the "30hz is the best" only came from the "longest stretch reflex" according to EMG tests, which in no way means its the best. They have even failed to come up with a theory on why it would be best let alone prove it.
Something to think about...
The machine I have seen put the most muscle mass on someone according to a BCA tests only goes 43hz @ 0.7 mm
But 7 other variations were added . The kind of variations people who talk about Fq and Amplitude as the main spec points know nothing about.
"US International Organization for Standardization. She questioned the safety of vibration training as per US ISO 2631"(Google this)
Why don't you Google that with my name next to it, and see the work we did in 2003 , working out safe exposure levels "before" the safety programs were released .
Got to love these "expert" types getting on the bandwagon now years after the real work has already been done. And being so simplistic in their statement it means nothing, it just sounds good to the uneducated.
Eg....
You use the same involuntary reflexes to catch yourself as you do to catch a ball. The distance between you and the thrower is the amplitude, the frequency of the throw is obviously the FQ. If you catch a volley-ball its not that hard to repeat over and over, but change that to a medicine ball and the workload changes considerably. Your form also has to be more precise or you risk injury.
So the Fq may not change, nor the amplitude , but EVERYTHING , including optimal training effects and safety poses, fatigue factors, anabolic responses etc.. can due to the simple change in mass.
And that's just 1 variation in 9 in just a very basic Lineal negative response platform. If you start introducing positive ( pulling ) responses it goes to 24 quite quickly.
The researchers who repeat that Fq and Amplitude are "everything" are only repeating what they hear from companies who have no real idea what they are playing with, so cover up their ignorance with mass marketing and buying off researchers ( with grants ) to repeat their crap.
Both groups are the lowest common denominator in our industry.
Valid Research.... ???
Do you know how many researchers " forgot" ( re were not smart enough ) to tests the machine to even see what they were doing prior to the research. They just went off the manufacturers specs , and with such companies like Power Plate faking specs left right and center. This practice from unethical marketers and lack of foresight from researchers has skewed results to such a point they are basically useless and can not be reproduced.
Direct quotes from David Basset-Jones who did studies on the Power Plate in 2005 , later to find out he was lied to........
“As far as having “engineering reports” done on machines, I would argue that it is the ethical responsibility of the manufacturer to do this testing and report the results. The blame is not on the researchers but the manufactures ”
“As far as my ( Power Plate ) study in 2005, we only measured the accelerations (which were different than the manufacturer’s claimed accelerations). This was done without an individual standing on the plate.”
” I also feel that there are some researchers (myself included) that would like to perform product testing so that consumers can be informed of the true specs.”
“We are testing it loaded and unloaded. Believe it or not, you are not the only one who has wondered if the Power Plate, being made of a softer material than steel, affects the vibration characteristics.”
“I agree that all plates should be tested before (and while, to go above and beyond) they are being used for a research study…..I can only wish that I thought of this prior to doing this study”
“I am more concerned about the errors/limitations of my research than you are. This was years of planning, testing, and analyzing that I put in to this project. I could not account for limitations in the study that I was not aware of at that time.”
Now this from 2009 to show the practice still exists....
Medscape Medical News
ACSM 2009: Whole-Body Vibration Improves Function After Hip Replacement Surgery
Jordana Bieze Foster
June 3, 2009 (Seattle, Washington)
" Exercises were performed on a Pneu-Vibe vibration platform, at manufacturer-calibrated frequencies between 25 and 40 Hz and amplitudes between 4 and 6 mm. However, Dr. Maddalozzo noted that the researchers’ independent measurements put the actual frequency between 21 and 32 Hz and the actual amplitude between 0.82 and 1.1 mm "
Unethical manufacturers + researchers pretending to be smart = my industry treading water

Posted by: Mindy Thiesen | 18-Jun-2009 08:28 AM |

I don't care how efffective vibrational training may be, just being on the machine gave me a headache! No thanks.

Posted by: Di Heap | 18-Jun-2009 09:07 AM |

Hi Mindy, You statement lacks all the information necessary to address it. Like, what type of machine you used or what brand? Was it a higher quality machine in a studio or gym, or was it an "as-seen-on-tv" unit?
Had you eaten before you used the machine - you really must as it's hard -out exercise if you use a higher force platform. Did you drink adequate water before, during and after your session?
Did you have the guidance of an experienced vibration training instructor or PT who knew how to use the machine correctly? Where you in correct positions on the machine with your head and neck correctly placed?
And lastly a warning, again, all machines are not created equal! Even if you eat, drink etc (as needed for all exercise) and use the machine correctly you just might have been using a crappy machine - one that has uncontrolled vibration going in all sorts of directions. I tried a bad one and it made me feel sea-sick. If you tell me where you live I will try to arrange a session on a good machine for you.

Posted by: Stephanie Pettersen | 20-Jun-2009 09:36 AM |

I have wrote a comment before and have been reading the latest comments. I basically think people should try the Flexi-Bar before writing negative comments. How can anyone write a comment on anything if you never seen, touch or tried?
I have used and use at this present moment in my Studio on the Gold Coast and that's why I wrote my comment before and writing again now. I think the Flexi-Bar is unique and it has a huge potential within the Australian Fitness Industry.
And again in my opinion it works better than the Bodyblade because I have tried both. Anyone can swing the Bodyblade but guess what? Not the Flexi-Bar...If you don't have the momentum with the Flexi-Bar, you got nothing...So it is great for people with poor coordination.

Stephanie Pettersen from cyclelates.com.au
4 x Times World Bodyboarding Champion

Posted by: Di Heap | 23-Jun-2009 06:21 AM |

Stephanie, I agree that people should try a method or machine before being totally negative about it. I have nothing against Flexi-Bar as an exercise or therapy method BUT it's a real stretch to call it Vibration Training as the author of this article has done and to compare it to PowerPlate.
A different term is needed for hand force vibration.
Vibration Training is the term used for motorised controlled vibration delivered (usually) via a platform that the user positions on in squats and other exercise poses. Being motorised and controlled in factors like frequency, amplitude etc, it's very different to a hand powered device, no matter how good that device is. I consider this article very misleading.
Di Heap
www.vibeplus.com

Posted by: Steve Schiemer | 13-Jul-2009 04:21 PM |

Response written by Blog Post author: Steve Schiemer

It seems that I have really opened a can of worms with my piece about Vibration Training recently. After reading through some of the posts, I thought I should take the time to address some of the issues raised.

Firstly, I am really surprised by the number of ‘angry’ postings (for want of a better word) about a subject that very few of the respondents have actually used. If you have tried a Power Plate/Vibro-Gym or a FLEXI-BAR and don’t like it, I completely understand. Like anything, it is not for everyone. Surely though, if you haven’t actually experienced something, a final judgement should be reserved until you do? It is akin to me looking at a personal trainer’s profile and deciding that they are not a good trainer, based solely on reading their bio. I am sure the personal trainer in question would argue that they should be given a chance and allowed at least one session with me to prove themselves. In fact they would probably argue that they should do a few sessions with me so we can get to know each other and workout what works and what doesn’t. Surely any new piece of kit deserves the same response – if not for the trainer, for the sake of their client, as it may be something they really take to.

As to this being a marketing ploy because I am the director of the company which sells FLEXI-BARs in the UK, I was asked by Network to submit the piece for discussion because of this fact. I have been involved in this field for the past 5 to 6 years, have run training courses, spoken at fitness events, and spent a lot of my time speaking with physios, coaches and doctors about this type of training. We do not sell in Australia, so there is currently no real personal advantage for me to write the piece. It is also why I am confident that all bar one of the respondents has never used a FLEXI-BAR.

One area that was hotly discussed is that most vibration devices, especially the FLEXI-BAR, are therapeutic, rather than for fitness. That is, they are for rehabilitation of injuries, and not for ‘fitness’. It is absolutely correct to say that FLEXI-BAR began as a rehab tool, and is still used for that. However, it is also used as a fitness training tool, specifically to strengthen the core muscles, improve coordination and balance, and improve sport specific performance. Anyone who has participated in a FLEXI-BAR class or PT session will tell you that the addition of vibrations while performing any number of ‘traditional’ exercises makes those exercises much harder. Again, only actual experience can get this across properly. Added to that the German, Austrian and Finnish Winter Olympic Teams, the British Ski Team, the German and Austrian National Football teams, FC Bayern Munich, Newcastle United FC and many more use FLEXI-BAR as a fitness/strength tool. The Ministry of Defence in the UK began using FLEXI-BAR as part of its rehab programs for injured soldiers, but has now included it in the Basic Training program for new recruits, as the increase in core strength has improved the number of new recruits who finish the course. With today’s technology, it is possible for something that begins life as a rehab tool to cross over to the fitness world. Just look at Pilates, Aqua, the Step platform, and Dyna Bands, all of which started in the rehab world, but are now seen as mainstream fitness tools.

Finally, I really want to address the whole research issue. I am more than aware that the whole area of vibration technology needs much more research before we can be absolutely sure of just how effective it is. I have spent the last five years trying to get studies done (as has the German manufacturer). It is extremely expensive to do a full, double blind study that satisfies all the required criteria for good, solid research. What many people do not realise is that if you can find a research department who will agree to do a study (not easy to find), there is the issue of cost. A good study on a large enough group costs tens of thousands of pounds. In fact, anything up to and beyond £50,000 (AUS$100,000). It is extremely difficult for a research lab or university to find such funding. If a business can afford to pay that kind of money (mine certainly can’t), then any results are frowned upon because the research is funded by the company selling the product. As a result, getting research done is all but impossible. Occasionally a university student will ask to do a small study, but so far only one has actually followed through on this. I would like nothing more than to have more research done on both FLEXI-BAR and any other form of vibration training. Hopefully, with the increasing attention this type of training attracts, the funds will be released for research.

For the person who wanted to know where I got the figures regarding muscle fibre recruitment, see below.

Shepherd, J. All shook up – can vibration training enhance sport performance? http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/vibration-training-and-performance-33404 [Accessed 3 September 2007].

Posted by: Lloyd Shaw | 24-Sep-2009 02:15 PM |

I do not think you get the reason people are "angry" at you. Its your blatant mis-use of the term "Vibration Training" to describe the Flex-Bar you sell. It has NOTHING to do with the Flexi-Bar being effective or not, ( which by the way it is ).
Please note readers...Vibration Training is specific to MECHANICAL vibration, so unless his flexi-bar now has a hidden motor built into it, he is trying to use techno-speak to fool you. And how do I know this? Try looking for the first person to ever list Vibration Training as a Trade-Mark term and ask them what it means.

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below:

COMMENTS

Posted by: Adam Stanecki | 02-Jun-2009 10:43 AM |

This post doesn't actually answer the question in the title. I can answer it (although you may consider me biased as I am affiliated). CrossFit is safe for everyone. It is fully scalable. It is not simply "stringing together some difficult drills/exercises". There is validity and empirical evidence behind the program. Do not judge it based solely on internet posts and videos. CrossFit is contrary to many common fitness models and therefore causes discomfort among many in the industry. Different doesn't mean wrong. If you want to try it for yourself, I'll provide a free trial at my gym. Go to http://www.crossfitvictoria.com for more info.
Regards, Adam Stanecki.

Posted by: Williams Australia | 04-Jun-2009 09:44 AM |

I own and run Australia's current Personal Training Business of the Year and have sat on the Board of Fitness Australia ACT branch, and whilst i am a big believer in variety to people's training, i am still not sure that Crossfit is safe for everyone. I have been and tried it for myself and i found it quite extreme even after training and competing for 15 years. The problem i believe we are and will see, is trainers setting themselves up wanting to do CrossFit training with their clients,but they lack enough experience to be able to cater for a variety of clients and to be able to scale it back to suit the various fitness levels they may come across. I am not 100% sure on what training or qualifications are required at this stage to be a CrossFit qualified trainer, but i am sure it is something that can be addressed to make the trainers more qualified and to be able to offer lower impact options of the training.
Time will tell if it will take off in Australia, and at this stage it is not something i will tell my clients to try unless they have a very high level of fitness.
I run a Mini Commandos style of training for around 20 primary schools per term and at this stage i will not teach it to our youth, preferring to focus on developmental fun exercise programs.
With time, better training and more understanding of the CrossFit style of training, it may be something that can be taught down the track.

Posted by: Graeme Beath | 18-Jun-2009 09:49 AM |

Like Adam I am biased but I think there is a perception as relayed by Scott that CrossFit is always intense or extreme. I condust mostly outdoor PT sessions & am a CrossFit Cert 1 trainer but I don't train people in a Crossfit gym (yet - it a goal). My own training is Crossfit & i'M 55 so it's not just for young fire breathers. I would also comment I pretty much beat most new younger people coming out of a globo gym environment untill they build up real firtness.
CrossFit training is functional; really functional not just standing on a bosu. Technique is paramount and a very large amount of time is spent getting proper movement before anyone is released on an exercise program. Workouts are infinitely scaleable and the most intense routines can be modified for 80 year olds & 8 year olds. I use it on most my squads but they don't know it. I've also had disabled people doing movements they didn't think possible simply because no one showed them how. I currntly have a rehab client from car accident.
The intensity comes at each level.
Check out Adams web site & you'll find links to other affiliates around the country. Go, look & talk to the trainers & don't always think about hard core. Once you are hooked though you will want to go hard & you'll accept ripped hands from pull ups, scraped shins from Oly Lifts & general soreness. The guys who opposse it have generally never tried it or talked to anyone who has given it e serious evaluation.

Posted by: Anonymous | 18-Jun-2009 10:38 AM |

I agree with Adam. I've experienced Crossfit and it was an extremely hard, satisfying workout - due to my own commitment level. I think the problem is that it is actually hard to push yourself to that level alone as yes, it is uncomfortable. By the same token yes, it does get results (provided you know when to stop i.e. when your form fails). I've seen some videos that perhaps don't support this style of training as the subjects push passed the point of losing their technique and it all looks a little too painful and potentially dangerous) but based on my personal research and experience I would suggest Trainers try it for themselves before making a quick judgement. The principles behind it are sound and so I think easily scaleable across a variety of populations.
I am a PT and regularly use this style of training with my clients (ranging in age from 20-something to 70-something). I don't think it's a particularly new concept rather the intensity level that attracts attention. That said, I don't just throw Clients in at the highest level of intensity or I'd never see them again. It's a matter of introducing the principles at an intensity hard enough to get results but at a level they can cope with so they don't go away sore to the point that it interferes with their life and they don't want to come back.
I think pushing the intensity as high as you can during your workout while maintaining correct technique is very much optimal training.

Posted by: Anonymous | 20-Jun-2009 04:19 PM |

I am a PTI in the Army and have been for 21 years, the crossfit phenonenum has its place. Where I work we conduct crossfit for all ages, but at a level they can cope with also. I have tried it and my strength gains were excellent, that said I did not look at the times or reps of other people on the web site Crossfitfx.com and rested between each bout of sets when fatigued. You can make up your own and work your way into it, alot of people start off hard and unprepared and consequently receive an injury or accute muscle soreness. My suggestion work in slow and set achievable goals.

Posted by: Brendan | 22-Jun-2009 06:06 PM |

As above i'm all for Crossfit. As a holder of a Crossfit certification I can honestly say that anyone that is willing to bag this type of training has not tried it. It is fully adjustable to suit all ages, genders, fitness and functional levels. In the words of Crossfit " the only difference between an elite athlete and a elderly trainee is one looks for functional dominance the other looks for functional competence " Crossfit supplies both camps with the required level of fitness over a broad range of modalities, that is a broad level of general fitness.
As for the comment about "bad form" All afilliates and trainers conduct a foundation course teaching the core movements and correct technique to all the various exercises used in the Crossfit workouts. This has to be completed before any trainee is let loose on any workout.
To my knowledge not many Globo gyms teach their clients how to Clean, Press, Snatch or swing a Kettlebell safely? Signing a direct debit seem to be the only pre requisite to training.

Posted by: Anonymous | 06-Jul-2009 02:31 PM |

Is it for everyone? Training's about being holistic,working on all muscle groups,flexibility, imbalances, food,stress,educating clients about their bodie etc.So pick a series of exercises that are well balanced for your client ,work them hard, safley and at their level, this is Cross training,been doing it for 15 years.

Posted by: Darryl | 04-Sep-2009 11:54 AM |

i am have been doing both the main CF and the navy seals CF as part of PT for my employment. i'm not a big believer in it and still thinks its dangerous, and to some degree, even pointless. i believe a lot of injuries are caused by this random approach, and the mixing of exercises that should be seperate. eg, doing high reps of heavy lifts interspersed with other activities. we shouldn't be doing heavy lifts after completely wearing yourself out on other activities, as form naturally goes out the window. and i dont believe in the notion of training body parts that are still stiff and sore from previous workouts, but thats what invariably happens as the workouts are random. we have a certified CF instructor at work, and he suggests sacrificing a small amount of form to ensure you push the barrier and make improvements (which was taught to him by coach glassman on his course). in my experience, after doing CF for some time, a new person to CF can walk in and complete and even beat regularlt CFitters. people who do conventional weight and cardio programs seem to have absolutely no difficulty completing ANY of the WODs, which suggests to me that CF trains mediocrity, or a very poor standard, in the fitness domains it promotes. i am currently in a tactical police unit and have subjected myself to some very rigorous training programs. i gave CF and long trial, and my strength and cardio decreased dramatically. we have had shoulder and knee injuries, not to mention more than 1 hernia case. all this from people who are very active and very well trained. physcially and mentally. also, the CF website has SOOO many photos of these really muscular guys. marketing ploy? i think so. if anyone thinks those physiques are gained by CF alone are sadly mistaken. that only will come from long, dedicated weight training, genetics, and a well balanced diet (not the cave man diet). as i said i trialled CF for a long time with a very open mind. im not trying to offend anyone involved in it, im just putting forward my opinion and experience. cheers

Posted by: Darryl | 04-Sep-2009 11:54 AM |

i am have been doing both the main CF and the navy seals CF as part of PT for my employment. i'm not a big believer in it and still thinks its dangerous, and to some degree, even pointless. i believe a lot of injuries are caused by this random approach, and the mixing of exercises that should be seperate. eg, doing high reps of heavy lifts interspersed with other activities. we shouldn't be doing heavy lifts after completely wearing yourself out on other activities, as form naturally goes out the window. and i dont believe in the notion of training body parts that are still stiff and sore from previous workouts, but thats what invariably happens as the workouts are random. we have a certified CF instructor at work, and he suggests sacrificing a small amount of form to ensure you push the barrier and make improvements (which was taught to him by coach glassman on his course). in my experience, after doing CF for some time, a new person to CF can walk in and complete and even beat regularlt CFitters. people who do conventional weight and cardio programs seem to have absolutely no difficulty completing ANY of the WODs, which suggests to me that CF trains mediocrity, or a very poor standard, in the fitness domains it promotes. i am currently in a tactical police unit and have subjected myself to some very rigorous training programs. i gave CF and long trial, and my strength and cardio decreased dramatically. we have had shoulder and knee injuries, not to mention more than 1 hernia case. all this from people who are very active and very well trained. physcially and mentally. also, the CF website has SOOO many photos of these really muscular guys. marketing ploy? i think so. if anyone thinks those physiques are gained by CF alone are sadly mistaken. that only will come from long, dedicated weight training, genetics, and a well balanced diet (not the cave man diet). as i said i trialled CF for a long time with a very open mind. im not trying to offend anyone involved in it, im just putting forward my opinion and experience. cheers

Posted by: James H | 10-Feb-2010 09:32 PM |

I personally think there are ups, and plenty of downs to Cross fit. DOWNS A cookie cutter approach to exercising multiple people is dangerous. No concern for technique, even though they say scale it down, the competitive aspect allows people to push well beyond their capabilities The only safeway to train an INDIVIDUAL is to thoroughly assess them and then program design accordingly, crossfit does not do this UPS The community it has created on local, national and global levels is pretty phenomenal. The concept is great. Charles Polequin is surely one of the most highly respected people in this industry and he has a lengthy article highlighting his thoughts you can read it here.. www.tmuscle.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance/question_of_strength_vol_47 Cheers.

Post a Comment

Hate it Love it!

Do you have feedback? (optional)

Full Name (optional)

Email Address (optional)

So we know you’re not SPAM, please enter Word Verification in the box below: