Ep. 227 - Is Formal Education Worth it? (MASScast 3 ft. Lauren Colenso-Semple)
Jun 19, 2023
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Lauren Colenso-Semple, nearly finished with her PhD, discusses the value of formal education for personal trainers and reviews research on women's rugby coaches' reliance on social media. They debunk misconceptions about female physiology, emphasize the importance of continuous education, staying informed, and challenging beliefs. They also address the flaws in traditional education for personal trainers, the significance of practical skills and understanding psychology, and the importance of gaining work experience before pursuing formal education.
Continuing education is crucial for personal trainers to stay updated with the latest research and knowledge.
Trainers should focus on debunking fitness myths while providing actionable content based on solid scientific principles.
Online resources, such as podcasts and research reviews, play a vital role in bridging the knowledge gap for trainers.
Mentorship and building a supportive professional network are important for personal trainer development and growth.
Deep dives
Importance of Seeking Continuing Education
One key point discussed in the podcast is the importance of seeking continuing education in the field of personal training. The hosts highlight the limitations of traditional certifications and the need for trainers to stay updated with the latest research and knowledge. They emphasize the value of mentors, formal education, and critical thinking skills in furthering professional development. Additionally, they recommend resources like textbooks and research reviews, such as the monthly application in strength sports (MASS) publication. By continually expanding their knowledge, trainers can provide better services, critically evaluate new information, and avoid spreading misinformation to their clients.
Challenging Myths in the Fitness Industry
The podcast also touches on the importance of challenging myths within the fitness industry. The hosts discuss the problem of misinformation and pseudoscience and how it can be detrimental to clients. They highlight the need for trainers to critically think, question, and challenge claims in order to provide accurate and evidence-based guidance. They point out that while debunking myths may be an ongoing task, it is equally important to focus on providing actionable content based on solid scientific principles. This can empower trainers to make a positive impact by applying research-backed strategies in their programs.
The Increasing Value of Online Resources
The podcast recognizes the growing value of online resources, such as podcasts, YouTube channels, and research reviews, in bridging the knowledge gap for trainers. They highlight the advantage of these platforms in disseminating the latest research findings and challenging misleading information. By engaging with such content, trainers can access a higher fidelity of information and stay updated with new research developments. These online resources not only provide valuable information but also foster critical thinking skills and encourage the cultivation of a strong evidence-based approach.
Building a Supportive Professional Network
The importance of building a supportive professional network is also discussed in the podcast. The hosts emphasize the value of mentorship and peer collaboration in personal trainer development. They suggest engaging in discussions with fellow trainers, attending conferences, or participating in forums or group meetings where experiences and knowledge can be shared. Such interactions provide opportunities to learn from others, seek advice, and gain different perspectives. By surrounding themselves with knowledgeable and like-minded professionals, trainers can enhance their growth, learn from their peers' experiences, and develop as well-rounded practitioners.
The Importance of Education and Experience in Personal Training
This podcast episode discusses the significance of both education and practical experience in the field of personal training. The hosts emphasize that while formal education provides a foundational understanding of exercise physiology and other related subjects, practical experience is equally important in developing the skills and critical thinking necessary to be an effective trainer. They highlight the need for trainers to continuously update their knowledge through research and staying up-to-date with current information. The episode also emphasizes the importance of finding mentors who can provide guidance and support in one's career as a personal trainer. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that incorporates both education and experience to become a well-rounded personal trainer.
The Benefits of Mentorship in Personal Training
The hosts discuss the value of mentorship in the personal training field. They emphasize the importance of finding mentors who possess expertise in specific areas and have a willingness to share their knowledge and experience. Having multiple mentors with different backgrounds and perspectives can provide a well-rounded learning experience. The hosts highlight the benefits of having mentors who are open-minded, willing to challenge their own ideas, and continuously learning themselves. They also discuss the role of networking and connections that can arise from a mentoring relationship. Overall, the episode emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal training education and career development.
Customizing Personal Training Education and Career Path
This podcast episode explores the importance of customizing personal training education and career paths. The hosts discuss how education should be tailored to individual goals, interests, and motivations. They emphasize the need for a broad skill set that includes knowledge of exercise physiology, nutrition, behavior change, and business practices. The episode also highlights the significance of practical experience and exposure to different mentors to gain a well-rounded education. The hosts encourage trainers to explore different directions in their career, such as working with specific populations or expanding their business. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of individualized education and career paths in personal training.
Let’s face it, going to school isn’t cheap. Moreso, you can learn almost anything online that you can learn in school. So is it worth it? How about for personal trainers? If it is worth it, for who and when? We’re joined on MASScast 3 by Lauren Colenso-Semple who is nearly finished with her PhD. Not only does she share her valuable perspective, but she also reviews some interesting new research on women’s rugby coaches, many of whom - despite holding a bachelor's or master's degree - don’t see the value in staying up with research, and prefer to get continued education from social media. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many of the same coaches also have some shocking misconceptions about female physiology…
00:00 Welcoming Lauren back as a host of Iron Culture??!!
09:10 Continued education of coaches, trainers, and practitioners
Nolan 2023 ‘There’s a perfect way to do things, and there’s a real way to do things’: Attitudes, beliefs and practices of strength and conditioning coaches in elite international women's rugby union https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17479541231169371
27:37 Barriers to entry and incentivising continued education
56:54 Busting myths vs creating actionable content: evaluating the quality of information
1:07:07 The educational structure in the personal training industry and considerations for your career
1:21:15 Practical applications (education makes you a worse personal trainer!?)
1:34:40 Considering specific and specialised education to improve your practice
1:41:40 Closing statement and where to find Lauren
