09/05/2026
Sometimes the most important thing I notice as a trainer has nothing to do with someone’s form during an exercise.
During one session, a client was lying on the floor doing a core exercise when I noticed a spot near her ankle. Even though she was wearing pants, I could see enough to realize that it looked different than it had before.
I told her, “I’m not a doctor, but I really think you should have that checked.”
It was cancerous.
Thankfully, they caught it in time, removed it and told her they had gotten everything.
Over the years, I’ve also noticed cysts and an area of swelling that ultimately required surgery. That client later told me he never would have gone to the doctor if I hadn’t encouraged him to have it examined.
And today, a client trusted me enough to call about a deeply personal health concern because she was scared and unsure what to do. Her story is private, but the trust behind that call meant more to me than I can explain.
Certified Personal Trainers are on the front line of health and wellness. We are not doctors, and we do not diagnose but we often see our clients multiple times each week. We become familiar with how they move and what is normal for them.
We modify workouts when needed. We encourage people to listen to their bodies. We understand our scope of practice, and when something falls outside of it, we encourage them to seek appropriate medical care.
I take that responsibility and the trust my clients place in me very seriously.
Because being a Certified Personal Trainer isn’t only about knowing which exercises to prescribe. It’s about knowing your clients, paying attention to the person in front of you and recognizing when something has changed. 💚
