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There's been a lot of talk on what the expectations are from a personal trainer. Many of them, I've always considered as my own personal opinions. In fact, one of my all time favourite write ups is my article on my site. (I can even still remember that night I sat down at my dining table and typed that out.)

Over time, I've received plenty of feedback from my readers - both positive and negative, and one feedback that I'd always get is that the majority of Personal Trainers in the gym aren't bothered about correcting/helping those who aren't their clients. I guess it's okay if you do not approach them to seek help when you're unsure of operating a machine/lifting the weights, but it's just plain wrong when they see you do it wrongly, risk injuring yourself - and yet ignore you. Almost to a point where we wonder what it is that they're supposed to do at the gym anyway? Even strangers help strangers!

Also, by now, most of my readers also think that I despise Personal Trainers - so I need to set the record straight - I think that they've got one of the most life changing and rewarding jobs.

Anyway, I recently came across an online recruitment ad placed by one of Malaysia's fitness giants, and here's what it says:

As a result of our rapid expansion, we are looking for dynamic, high motivated, passionate self starters to fill the following key positions:-

Gym / Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer

Responsibilities: * Strive to motivate members on the exercise programs * Assist members on the use of the exercise equipment and design personal fitness programs to meet member's needs * Strive to attain excellence in fitness management, innovation, creativity and professional service

Requirements: * Diploma in Sport Science or relevant qualification * Responsible for executing standardized fitness systems, maintenance of gym equipment and gym area, must be able to develop fitness programs for different type of members * Knowledge of personal training and group fitness instruction is a must

As you can see, they're supposed to be there for us when we need them (client, or not), and also be there for us when we don't realize that we need them. If only every Personal Trainer here in Malaysia would take the above responsibilities to heart - the scene at your gym would be different.

The reason I've written many write ups about the state of Personal Training here, is because at that time, the Personal Training scene here in Malaysia was at a sorry state. It really was. However, today, I'd say that it has shown much improvement. I guess it takes awhile to sink into them that being a Personal Trainer is not JUST A JOB. Additionally, the set up of the country's first international standard training and certification centre for Fitness Professionals (more on this to follow) also shows that slowly, but surely - the standard of being a Fitness Professional is being raised - right here in Malaysia.

Here's to the future.

Josh Stone, also known as DM, is the author behind the site http://www.dailymuscle.com which offers the authors personal views on real-life fitness, bodybuilding, sports nutrition, cardio, fat loss, training information, and on all things that surrounds fitness.