Michelle Bridges says unqualified personal trainers put lives at risk

Australian fitness superstar Michelle Bridges has expressed concerns over numbers of unqualified personal trainers, questioning those who set themselves up as trainers despite being unqualified.

The Biggest Loser star told Brisbane newspaper The Courier-Mail that too many people are jumping on the exercise bandwagon without qualifications, stating “it seems like every second person is a personal trainer these days.

“I am still doing my work with the Australian Institute of Fitness and think it is important to have properly qualified trainers out there.”

Fitness Australia's Manager - Business Development Andrew McCallum agreed, saying he was concerned there were a number of “cowboy trainers” out there operating without qualifications, insurance and basic first aid skills.

McCallum said people’s lives were at risk if they didn’t choose a qualified personal trainer, highlighting the need for personal trainers to be qualified, insured and registered.

McCallum stated "we want more people to exercise but we want them to do so safely and with trainers who are qualified and registered."

“It’s certainly a concern for us and we are encouraging the consumer to be aware of that and ask that their trainer is qualified. Personal trainers really need a minimum fitness industry qualification, so a certificate IV in fitness, as well as ongoing training and development, CPR and first aid training.

“With more and more people entering the fitness industry compared to 20 years ago, people need to be careful."

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