When it comes to health and fitness, there is no shortage of advice out there. Everyone seems to have an opinion on what you should eat, how you should exercise, and what supplements you should take. Unfortunately, not all of this advice is good. In fact, some of it can be downright harmful.
As a professional fitness coach, it’s important to be aware of the poor health and fitness advice that’s out there so you can avoid passing it on to your clients. Not sure how to become one?
By enrolling in a fitness trainer program like W.I.T.S Education, you can ensure that you have the knowledge and expertise you need to help your clients achieve their goals safely and effectively.
Without further ado, here are some common examples of bad advice that you should steer clear of:
1. “Cut out all carbs to lose weight”
While it’s true that reducing your carbohydrate intake can help with weight loss, it’s not necessary to eliminate them altogether. Instead, encourage your clients to focus on complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid refined carbohydrates like sugary snacks and white bread.
2. “Do as much cardio as possible to burn fat”
While cardio is an important part of any fitness routine, it’s not the only way to burn fat. In fact, excessive cardio can actually be counterproductive, as it can lead to muscle loss and a slower metabolism. Encourage your clients to incorporate strength and resistance training into their workouts, as this will help build muscle and increase their metabolism.
3. “Take this supplement to lose weight quickly”
There is no magic pill when it comes to weight loss, and supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some supplements may even be harmful, so it’s important to do your research and only recommend supplements that have been proven to be safe and effective.
4. “Work out every day, no matter what”
While it’s important to be consistent with your workouts, it’s also important to give your body time to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injury and burnout, so encourage your clients to take at least one or two rest days per week.
5. “Don’t eat after 6pm”
The idea that eating after a certain time of day will automatically lead to weight gain is a myth. The overall amount of calories ingested throughout the day is what holds greater significance. Encourage your clients to focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet and to pay attention to their overall calorie intake.
6. “Skip meals to shed weight faster”
Skipping meals is never a good idea, as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, low energy levels, and a slowed metabolism. Encourage your clients to eat balanced meals regularly and at equal intervals in a day to keep their energy levels up and their metabolism firing.
7. “Do lots of crunches to get a six-pack”
While targeted training like crunches can help strengthen the abdominal muscles, they are not the only exercise needed to get a six-pack. Encourage your clients to incorporate a variety of core exercises into their routine, such as planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches.
8. “Use heavy weights to bulk up”
Well this one right here is super important. While heavy weights can certainly help build muscle, they are not the only way to do so. Encourage your clients to use a variety of weights and resistance levels in their workouts, and to focus on form and technique rather than just lifting heavy.
9. “Drink lots of protein shakes to build muscle”
While protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, it’s not necessary to rely on protein shakes as the sole source of protein. Encourage your clients to focus on getting protein from whole foods like chicken, fish, and legumes, and to use protein shakes as a supplement if needed.
10. “Stretching is not important”
Stretching is a crucial part of any fitness routine, as it helps improve flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and promote relaxation. Encourage your clients to incorporate stretching into their workouts, both before and after exercise.
How to Help Your Clients Instead?
To help your clients achieve their health and fitness goals, it’s important to focus on evidence-based recommendations and individualized programming. This means taking into account your clients’ specific needs, goals, and limitations, and creating a plan that is tailored to their unique circumstances.
Some ways to help your clients include:
- Conducting a thorough assessment to identify any areas of weakness or imbalance
- Creating a well-rounded workout program that includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises
- Providing guidance on proper nutrition and hydration
- Offering ongoing support and accountability to help your clients stay motivated and on track
- Monitoring progress and making adjustments to the plan as needed
Become A Certified Fitness Professional Today!
If you’re looking to become a certified fitness professional, consider enrolling in W.I.T.S Education. Their personal fitness certification program will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help your clients achieve their health and fitness goals, while their business management course will teach you how to run a successful fitness business.
In addition to providing top-notch education, W.I.T.S also offers ongoing support and resources to help you succeed in your career. From networking opportunities to job placement assistance, they are committed to helping their graduates achieve success.
For those who don’t know, W.I.T.S Education has been in the industry for more than three decades and offers courses that equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified fitness trainers. Their approach includes in-person training at labs equipped with cutting-edge fitness equipment and interactive online classes taught by highly qualified instructors.
They also have multiple labs located throughout North America. Their personal trainer programs are accredited by NCCA and the American Council on Education, which allows them to offer academic credit to college students.
Furthermore, they have a vast network of colleges and universities associated with them. Thus, if you intend to pursue a career as a professional fitness coach or personal trainer, we recommend contacting W.I.T.S Education today.
