Awareness of Fitness Training Principles amongst Fitness Trainers

There is an increase in awareness of fitness and optimum health amongst literate population in urban India, who regularly visit privately owned gymnasiums. However, there are no set standards for the educational qualifications of the instructors employed in these gymnasiums. Hence there exist lack of knowledge as well as use of prescribed methods of fitness testing and prescription in these professionals. Objective: To determine the level of awareness amongst fitness trainers about the fitness protocols and the principles to be followed for exercise testing and prescription. Method: This is a survey based study conducted using a self devised pre-validated questionnaire. Results. There are lacunas in information, usefulness as well as application of standard methods of pre exercise testing and fitness protocols adopted by fitness trainers for gym going subjects. Conclusion: Lack of standardization of pre-requisite educational qualifications amongst trainers employed in local gymnasiums has led to variability as well as inadequate following of fitness principles and hence less than optimum outcomes of exercises.