As a personal trainer who started her career in rehabilitation, I’m often asked “Are you going back to occupational therapy?” No, I am not. But I do believe that my background as a therapist has hugely contributed to my efficacy as a trainer. This blog post aims to shed light on the inherent connection between personal training, strength and conditioning, and effective physical rehabilitation, emphasizing how the principles of occupational therapy underpin the transformative impact of our fitness routines.
1. Enhancing Physical Capabilities for Daily Life: As a personal trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how improving strength, endurance, and range of motion significantly enhances an individual’s ability to meet the physical demands of everyday life. This aligns perfectly with the core goal of occupational therapy – enabling individuals to engage in any daily activity they desire or need. The connection between personal training and occupational therapy becomes apparent when we understand that building physical capacities serves as the foundation for effective rehabilitation.
2. Integrating Principles of Rehabilitation: The biomechanical and physiological principles that underlie range of motion, strength, and endurance are the building blocks of effective rehabilitation. Remediation and prevention of limitations in these capacities pave the way for individuals to fully engage in purposeful and occupation-based activities, promoting health and participation in life. This integrative approach mirrors the principles at the core of both personal training and occupational therapy.
3. The Evolution of Occupational Therapy: The 2020 update to the OT Practice Framework, 4th Edition recognized health management as an essential area of occupation. This shift towards a more preventative approach in healthcare aligns seamlessly with the preventive nature of personal training. Exercise has been proven to impact overall health positively, reducing the risk of various conditions. Much of what I do as a personal trainer involves equipping clients with tools to develop and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle – a form of preventative medicine.
4. Holistic Approach: Reflecting on my experience, I’ve come to understand that it’s the knowledge and skills gained as an occupational therapist that have shaped me as a trainer. A foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, coupled with training in active listening, therapeutic use of self, and psychology, allows me to address the whole person – heart, body, and mind. Meaningful changes occur when we approach fitness holistically, integrating the principles of occupational therapy into our training programs.
By integrating the principles of rehabilitation, embracing a preventative mindset, and adopting a holistic approach, we empower individuals not just to exercise but to enhance their overall well-being. Bridging the gap between personal training and rehabilitation, Eastside Athletics strives to create a space where health, fitness, and rehabilitation seamlessly converge.