How many times have you heard someone say that a personal trainer's job is "just counting reps"? Well, this reductionist view is as misleading as thinking that a doctor only serves to write prescriptions or a teacher only serves to grade.
The reality is that the Physical Exercise Coach is the only professional legally qualified to prescribe physical exercises, monitor their safety, and evaluate their effectiveness. You're not just a "gym motivator" or a "rep counter"—you're a healthcare professional who practices science and regulations.
What the law says
According to Portuguese legislation, the Physical Exercise Technician has very clear functions:
- Plan and prescribe training to improve physical condition;
- Guide and conduct activities in the context of sports facilities;
- Do all this under supervision and legal framework , ensuring safety and effectiveness.
And not everyone can take on this role. It's necessary to have a degree or specialized technical course in the field of sports, and to obtain a professional license issued by the IPDJ ( Brazilian Institute of Justice). This certification is valid for five years and is renewed based on continuing education. In other words, it's a regulated profession that requires ongoing training and education.
What science proves
In addition to the legal basis, there is extensive scientific evidence demonstrating the added value of training accompanied by a qualified professional.
Recent studies show that:
- People accompanied by a coach have a greater reduction in fat mass and a greater increase in muscle strength , compared to those who train alone or just with friends.
- In cases of obesity, professional monitoring is associated with greater weight loss and greater adherence to exercise .
- Individualized, pleasure-oriented programs result in 77% more frequency and greater consistency in training.
- Training with professional supervision significantly improves strength, power, lean mass and aerobic capacity .
- Additionally, these professionals help reduce the risk of injury, correct technical errors, and adapt exercises to individual needs and limitations.
In other words, it's not about counting reps — it's about applying science, ensuring results, and protecting your health.
The choice is in your hands
The next time you think about working out, remember: exercise is health, and health shouldn't be left in the hands of someone without proper qualifications. Always ask for a professional ID . This guarantees that the person accompanying you has the training, knowledge, and legal responsibility to prescribe your training.
Because yes, a personal trainer can count reps. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real work happens much earlier—in planning, adaptation, correction, motivation, and nurturing your progress.
References
- Storer, TW, Dolezal, BA, Berenc, MN, Timmins, JE, and Cooper, CB (2014). Effect of supervised, periodized exercise training vs. self-directed training on lean body mass and other fitness variables in health club members . J Force Cond Res, 28(7), 1995–2006. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000331
- Heliyon (2024). Comparing the impact of personal trainer guidance to exercising with others: Determining the optimal approach . 10(2):e24625. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24625
- Leahey, T. M., & Wing, R. R. (2013). A randomized controlled pilot study testing three types of health coaches for obesity treatment: Professional, peer, and mentor . Obesity (Silver Spring), 21(5), 928–934. doi:10.1002/oby.20271
- Teixeira, DS, Bastos, V., Andrade, AJ, Palmeira, AL, & Ekkekakis, P. (2024). Individualized pleasure-oriented exercise sessions, exercise frequency, and affective outcomes: a randomized controlled trial . Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 21(1):85. doi:10.1186/s12966-024-01636-0
Casimiro-Andújar, A. J., Martín-Moya, R., Maravé-Vivas, M., & Ruiz-Montero, P. J. (2022). Effects of a personalized physical exercise program on university workers' overall well-being: "UAL-Activa" Program . Int J Environ Res Saúde Pública, 19(18):11331. doi:10.3390/ijerph191811331