The term ethics can be described as a system comprising of moral principles and rules of conduct which are recognized with reference to a certain class of human and their actions. This can apply to a specific group of individuals, culture or others. Such principles and rules that govern the way members act and react are called ethics of culture.
Ethics can be of various kinds including Christian ethics and medical ethics. Professionally, ethics can be described as a philosophy branch concerned with values and believes relating to the conduct of human beings with reference to what is right or wrong. Standards of professional conduct (professional responsibility) refer to abiding by a set of standards that apply to your area of responsibility. Some of the standards involved include conduct rules as well as various codes of ethics.
Trained professionals in fitness gym are required to abide by the rules and regulation set by various authorized bodies. Fitness gym must observe ethics and professional standards when handling clients to meet their requirements. It will also prevent the professionals involved from misusing their expertise as well as authority. Any form of misconduct or failure to adhere to the ethics and professional standards might lead to license cancellation and sometimes suspension.
One area where ethics and professional responsibility apply to fitness gym is in the relationship between the trainer and the client in the gym. In order to enhance this relation, the trainers need to dedicate their efforts towards the clients’ welfare and safety. This is by application of their professional standards required in fitness gym. Everyone in the fitness gym including the client have rights that need to be respected.
There is no religious, gender or racial discrimination allowed under this ethical standard. Any evident abuse of professional power in fitness gym can lead to conviction. Some behaviors like inappropriate contact and sexual advances are totally forbidden. The standard also forbids other forms of conduct that are not specified under the fitness gym requirements. It is also unethical for the trainers to have any sexual relationship with the clients.
Qualification and practice is also an area of concern. Ethics and professional standards require that fitness gym acquire proper certification from recognized bodies (NASM) before running the gym. The trainers in the fitness gym need to consistently maintain their training knowledge. Under this ethical standard, the trainers need to improve their understanding on health and fitness. Honesty need to be enhanced by trainers when dealing with clients.
There are also conflicts of interests. It is required that the interests of the client take priority in case of any conflict of interests between the client and the trainer. The trainers need to seek legal clarification before making any recommendations like diet, drugs or medication. The interest of the client should be considered first before considering any gains or benefits associated.
Consent is also applicable in fitness gym. For any fitness training session, it is mandatory to obtain the client’s consent. The agreement between the client and the trainers can be written to prove that the client has accepted the training. Any risks and benefits involved should be well disclosed to the client. Incase of health complications, the client can claim compensation if he was not well informed about the risks involved.
Ethics and professional responsibility in fitness gym also calls for confidentiality. It is very important for the trainers to keep secret of any information concerning the clients. The status of health of the client together with other evaluations should not be disclosed to anyone. This will enhance good service delivery and integrity of the fitness gym.