Mental Health Promotion in the Personal Trainer–Client Relationship: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis

ISSUE ADDRESSED: In Australia, one in five adults experiences a mental disorder and 1.5 million individuals exercise with a personal trainer or coach. Consequently, personal trainers are likely exposed to individuals with mental health concerns, despite having minimal mental health training. This study aimed to explore personal trainers' exposure and responses to clients' mental health concerns. METHODS: Australian personal trainers responded to an online survey which assessed how frequently personal trainers observed clients with mental health concerns and their responses to these concerns. Bivariate correlations, chi-square tests of independence and independent samples t-tests were used to assess relationships between variables. RESULTS: Of 56 personal trainers, almost all (96%) reported encountering mental health concerns from clients and 48% reported a frequency of at least weekly. Worry/anxiety (50%) and significant interpersonal stress (46%) were identified by the personal trainers as the most frequently observed client concerns. In response to client concerns, most personal trainers (89%) used listening skills, while those who had received mental health training were more likely to refer clients to mental health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lack of formal training, personal trainers are frequently exposed to individuals with mental health concerns. There is a need for appropriate mental health training in this profession to allow for adequate referral pathways. SO WHAT?: Our findings indicate personal trainers play a role in mental health promotion. By providing personal trainers with adequate training, they can refer clients with mental health concerns to mental health professionals.