Consumer Guide to Steamboat Bodyworks-Health Clubs & Fitness

IronEdge Coaching
Heather Gollnick

This listing mentions Personal Fitness Concierge, which is a trendy name for personal coach, for which the State of Colorado does not require licensing, former professional athlete, which is verified by her established record in triathlons, and published author, which is verified by her co-authorship of a book about her training experience.

Heather Gollnick's claim to be a fitness expert is misleading for consumers in that calling oneself an expert is usually self-promoted and consumers have differing opinions and expectations as to what constitutes an expert, in any field.

Furthermore, the claim for multiple fitness certifications doesn't tell consumers anything.

Professional individuals who are advertising their services for consumers and who have worked hard to receive certification should list their specific certifications. This information is of value to consumers who are making important decisions for their optimal health and well-being.

In this case, two certifications can be found for Heather Gollnick, one for triathlon coaching, and the other one for cycling coaching.

For consumers, this particular individual's areas of expertise appear to be limited to triathlon and cycling coaching.

Not just about fitness and sports

Before considering this business for any kind of training -

 - ask about certification that would ensure health care knowledge in the case of a client's potential health emergency, such as a heart attack.

 - discuss with a physician, beforehand, any and all exercise regimen recommendations.

 - ask coach for verification of liability insurance,

because,

personal coaches will not claim responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting from following their recommendations and suggestions.

No liability insurance means consumers need to look further in order to make the best decision regarding their health and fitness.

It's about health care for fitness and sports

There are no set standards of education or training for personal coaches, which means consumers cannot know what a particular coach knows or understands about injuries, but the nature of this business is such that there is a likelihood of injury that could occur, not just from a single event, but also from ongoing activities.

Consumers can expect expert health and fitness care from athletic trainers certified with the National Athletic Trainers' Association, NATA, who are qualified to determine athlete readiness to participate, risk management, injury prevention, recognition, evaluation, and treatment, and appropriate referral.