Personal Trainers File Class Action for Negligent Instruction

PLEASANTON, CA: A group of personal trainers in California has filed a class action lawsuit against the organization that trained them.

So far, 18 trainers who received certification from the NFFP online personal trainer certification program have joined the suit with more expected to be added. Each trainer paid $199 for an internet distance learning program. NFFP's program involved a 42 page study guide and a 25 question test.

The suit claims that the NFFP provided defective training materials and inadequate instruction. It also alleges that the trainers certified under the NFFP program pose a health risk to the public if they were to use the NFFP methods.

In a press release group spokesperson Jeremy Thompson said "NFFP claimed that their materials would make us competent and effective personal trainers. In reality, their materials were riddled with errors that can lead to serious injury when put in practice."

The suit also claims that "NFFP exposed the public to unsafe exercise practices and the trainers to personal liability."

The licensing and regulation of personal trainers is unregulated in most states but a rise in personal injury claims against personal trainers is drawing attention from lawmakers.

Many of the members of the class action against NFFP have achieved certification from more reputable personal trainer certification agencies.

The personal trainer industry is coming under increased scrutiny by personal trainers themselves as independent reviews and advice become more readily available. Mr. Thompson recognizes this as an effort by "personal trainers to clean up the industry."

One resource for those seeking personal trainer certification cited by Mr. Thompson is the National Commission of Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA has had a positive effect on the industry by certifying the certification process.

NCCA is the accreditation body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCA's list of accredited certification organizations includes the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Registrar of Radiologic Technologists and the American Council on Exercise among others.

NCCA lists the National Academy of Sports Medicine as an accredited organization which offers a Certified Personal Trainer program.

The growing understanding of program accreditation is an important step in raising the industry's qualification standards. Mr. Thompson said, "People need unbiased information when changing careers and becoming a personal trainer."

Thompson does not expect that the group will be reimbursed for the cost of the program with NFFP but says they filed the suit on principle so that others can learn from their mistakes.

Sources:

"Dangerous Personal Trainers Fight Back -- File Suit Against Certification Provider" http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/3/prweb505969.htm March 6, 2007

Case References:Superior Court of California Alameda County Case #RG05249097

National Organization for Competency Assurance http://www.noca.org