Trauma-Informed Personal Training a Healing Approach to Fitness

Emily Young, a Licensed Certified Social Worker (L.C.S.W.-C.), noticed that the traditional approach to fitness, with set workouts and rigid programs, wasn't working for many of her clients. Some clients revealed a history of mental illness, and Young, with her background as a therapist, recognized that others may have experienced trauma. Many clients showed up to sessions stressed and disconnected from their bodies, feeling ashamed for not following the pre-planned program perfectly. This led Young to develop her own training approach, which she later discovered was called trauma-informed personal training, pioneered by Laura Khoudari.

Trauma-informed personal training focuses on making clients, particularly those with trauma or mental illness histories, feel safe in their bodies through movement and creating supportive and approachable fitness programs. This approach goes beyond traditional coaching, treating clients as partners and embracing flexibility and change during workouts.

Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Personal Training:

1. Clients Have Choice: The trainer collaborates with the client to create workouts that suit their preferences and needs. Trainers encourage clients to express their likes and dislikes regarding movements and exercises and allow them to make choices during training sessions.
2. Trainers Are Curious and Open to Change: Trauma-informed trainers pay attention to clients' physical and emotional responses during workouts and adjust the program accordingly. The focus is on creating a safe and supportive environment for the client.
3. The Method Prioritizes Client Safety: Trauma-informed fitness spaces must be welcoming, inclusive, and safe. Trainers should avoid triggers and harmful elements that could retraumatize clients.
4. Trainers Are Anti-Oppressive: Trainers need to be aware of systemic issues that may be at the root of trauma and avoid causing further harm to clients. An anti-oppressive approach ensures that trainers are conscious of their impact on clients and avoid unintentional harm.

Trauma-informed personal training benefits all individuals, regardless of trauma history. It's especially valuable for clients who have experienced trauma, mental illness, or difficult experiences with personal trainers in the past. Those in eating disorder recovery may also benefit from a trauma-informed approach.

When seeking a trauma-informed personal trainer, look for someone who understands how trauma affects movement and the body, even if they don't have a specific certification. Set up a discovery call with potential trainers to discuss their approach and see if you feel safe and comfortable with them.

Trauma-informed personal training creates a space for healing through movement, promoting autonomy and agency in clients. It helps clients navigate stress, connect with their bodies, and establish or re-establish safety through exercise. By focusing on healing and collaboration, trauma-informed personal training can have a powerful impact on both physical and emotional well-being.

Trauma-informed personal training acknowledges the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for clients. It helps individuals who may have had negative experiences in the fitness world or faced traumas outside of it to reconnect with their bodies and regain control over their physical well-being. The approach goes beyond just focusing on physical fitness; it aims to improve mental and emotional health as well.

In a trauma-informed personal training session, the trainer and client start with a conversation about how the client is feeling that day and what their body needs. Clients are encouraged to express their preferences and dislikes, and trainers work together with them to create a workout plan that aligns with their comfort levels and goals.

During the session, the trainer uses the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) to monitor the client's distress level. By staying attuned to the client's feelings and behaviors, the trainer can adjust the workout if necessary. The focus is on empowering the client to make choices and collaborate with the trainer, which can be a healing experience for individuals who have felt disempowered due to past traumas.

Trauma-informed personal training creates an environment of consent and transparency. Clients are fully informed of what will happen during each session, and nothing is imposed on them without their agreement. By giving clients a sense of control over their workouts, trauma-informed trainers help them rebuild their sense of autonomy and agency.

One of the essential aspects of trauma-informed personal training is the recognition that everyone can benefit from this approach, not just those with specific trauma histories. The principles of inclusivity, curiosity, and openness make this approach valuable for all individuals seeking a safe and supportive fitness experience.

Trauma-informed personal training is not just a method for trainers to follow; it is a mindset that can transform the fitness industry. By being aware of how trauma affects clients and committing to a compassionate and collaborative approach, trainers can create a positive impact on the lives of their clients.

Summary

Trauma-informed personal training is an approach that emphasizes creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for clients. It allows individuals to feel empowered, make choices, and collaborate with their trainers. This approach benefits not only those with trauma histories but anyone seeking a healing and empowering fitness experience. With its focus on autonomy, consent, and compassion, trauma-informed personal training has the potential to transform the fitness industry into a more inclusive and understanding space for all individuals.