Happy 30th Birthday to ALL Medical Exercise Specialists around the world!! Thank you for all the great work you have done to help clients improve their level of function, develop relationships with medical professionals, and build strong practices. You have set the standard for medical exercise/post-rehab services worldwide.

Jeffrey Wright, DPT, ATC, and I started the Medical Exercise Specialist concept in Washington, DC in February 1994. We saw the need for a responsible and effective transition of their patients from outpatient physical therapy into an exercise setting. The drastic cuts in healthcare reimbursement for physical therapy beginning in the early 1990's prompted a need for this transition. Jeff and I wrote the Medical Exercise Specialist program outline and curriculum over several weeks and presented the first Medical Exercise Specialist workshop and certification in July 1994 in Silver Spring, MD. That original course had 14...

The "MET101 eBook" is a detailed manual containing 101 tips for fitness professionals evolving into Medical Exercise Training (MET), crafted by Michael K. Jones, PhD, PT. This guide aims to integrate healthcare and fitness, providing a foundation for creating successful MET practices. It distinguishes MET from other fitness disciplines by concentrating on exercise programs for individuals recovering from medical treatments. The eBook encompasses a wide range of topics, from MET's fundamentals to the requisite skills for initiating a MET practice, making it vital for those looking to enhance patient care and build connections with the medical community.

1. Understanding MET and Its Scope:
• The focus on function in MET
• Types of MET clients
• Differences between MET services and physical therapy
• Explaining MET to clients
• Offering MET services in healthcare professional offices
• The comprehensive nature of MET beyond...

In the "MET 101 Ebook Tip 9," the focus is on the critical aspect of accessing a client's medical records to create an effective and personalized exercise program. This step is essential for medical exercise trainers and fitness professionals who aim to tailor their exercise regimens based on the specific medical condition and the functional limitations of their clients. The process of and importance of obtaining medical records, including x-rays, blood tests, and operative reports, can significantly influence the design of an exercise program. Make sure to only request the records you need and nothing more.

Key takeaways from the video include:

1. Obtaining Medical Records: It's crucial to have access to a client's medical records for an effective exercise program, though this may require a written release form signed by the client.
2. Specific Notation and Consent: Emphasizes the need for clear notation on the release form and obtaining specific client consent, respecting their comfort...

This is "MET 101 Ebook Tip 8," Dr. Mike delves into the critical role of strength training within the broader context of medical exercise training (MET). This post highlights the key points discussed in the video, offering valuable insights for both fitness professionals and individuals interested in enhancing their wellness through exercise.

Key Points from MET 101 Tip 8:

Integration of Strength Training: Dr. Mike emphasizes that strength training, while vital, is just one component of MET. It should be integrated with other functional components like proprioception, power, stability, and endurance for a holistic approach.

Clinical Anatomy and Pathology: The understanding clinical anatomy and pathology in developing conditioning programs for clients with medical conditions IS CRITICAL. Dr. Mike outlines the three levels of anatomy, stressing the application of pathology to basic gross anatomy.

Personal Anecdotes: The video includes personal stories, such as Dr. Mike's friendship...

"MET 101 Ebook Tip 7," reviews the critical aspects of medical exercise training (MET) and the dynamics between Medical Exercise Specialists and healthcare professionals. The video emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding roles, and maintaining professional boundaries in medical settings.

Key Points from the Video:

1. Establishing Professional Relationships: The video underscores the necessity for medical exercise specialists to establish and maintain clear relationships with doctors, therapists, or chiropractors. It highlights the importance of transparent communication and understanding each professional's role in providing services.
2. Clarifying Roles and Credentials: Medical exercise professionals must articulate and explain their roles, credentials, and backgrounds to clients and patients, especially when operating in a medical setting. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that services are not mistakenly billed to insurance carriers...

Happy Birthday Dr King! Thank you for your courage, wisdom, and DREAM!!

Hey Medical Exercise Professionals and Personal Trainers! ‍

This video titled "MET 101 Ebook Tip 6", part of the renowned Medical Exercise Training 101 ebook series, offers valuable insights for professionals in the medical exercise field. It focuses on the nuances of building a successful medical exercise training practice, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, and understanding in the realm of medical exercise. The video addresses common misconceptions and provides practical advice for professionals navigating the intersection of exercise and medical care. Here's why every medical exercise professional needs to watch this:

1. Mastering Client Management: Learn the art of managing clients and forging strong connections with medical professionals. This video is your guide to building a robust medical exercise practice.
2. Demystifying the Field: Say goodbye to the confusion between medical exercise trainers and physical therapists. This video clears the air, setting the...

Key Insights from MET101 - Tip 5: 

In "MET101 - Tip 5," Dr. Mike delves into the nuances of medical exercise training (MET), distinguishing it from physical therapy. This video is a crucial resource for professionals in the medical exercise field, offering clarity on the role and scope of medical exercise training.

Medical Exercise vs. Physical Therapy: Dr. Mike emphasizes that medical exercise training is not medical care, and it is distinct from and should not be confused with physical therapy. MET focuses on managing the residual functional deficits associated with chronic conditions and does not involve medical treatment or terms like "patient" or "therapy."

Understanding the Stages of Care: Physical therapy is crucial in the acute, subacute, and chronic stages to reduce inflammation and restore function. In contrast, medical exercise training is more focused primarily on managing chronic conditions, due to the reduction in licensed therapy services due to...

“Exploring the risks posed by the Medical Exercise Training (MET) myth and emphasizing the urgent need for the fitness industry to transition from personal training to a specialized medical exercise approach, aligning with evolving healthcare perspectives.”

There seems to be a misconception moving through the fitness industry that “simply exercise”, without an understanding of the detailed effects of exercise and its application, is not needed when developing an exercise program for a client with a medical condition. This misconception I’ve termed the “Medical Exercise Training Myth” or “MET–Myth”.  The phrase emphasizes the urgent need for the fitness industry to transition from personal training to a specialized medical exercise approach, aligning with evolving healthcare perspectives.

The MET-Myth represents a prevalent misconception within the fitness industry, particularly among fitness professionals...

Happy 2024!!

Best wishes to you and yours for 2024!! 2024 will have great opportunities for medical exercise professionals. Make sure you have the necessary education to produce outcomes for your clients. Check out our MET CEC courses at METI CEC Courses and use the coupon HAPPY2024 to take 50% off the registration for any METI CEC course. Special rate available until January 3rd.