Why Every Fitness Center Needs a Dietitian on Board
It's 2020, and we have learned that true wellness is not achieved by short-lived trends and fad diets. It's complex for a variety of factors and different for everyone. While there is not a one-size-fits-all approach (at least there shouldn't be if you want to stand apart), we can all agree that nutrition and movement play an important role.
We hire personal trainers and instructors who are experts in fitness, so why aren't we hiring experts in nutrition? If we truly want to help our clients and members reach longevity in their health and LIFE, a dietitian can provide the missing link.
What's the difference?
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not every nutritionist is a dietitian.
Anyone can take a course or read a book and call themselves a nutritionist. This can lead to clients receiving opinions and anecdotes vs factual information in terms of their diet. A dietitian has earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited program. This then qualifies them to apply for an accredited Dietetic Internship of ~1200 hours with clinical, community, and food service rotations and more. A dietitian's experience is enhanced over time through continuing professional education (CPEs), advanced degrees, and ongoing training. Some states also require licensure to practice - we’re talking fingerprints, college transcripts, background checks, the whole nine yards - in order to protect the public.
Benefits of Having a RDN on Staff
1) A dietitian can do more than just educate -- By providing nutrition counseling, a RD can empathetically communicate on a deeper level with a client, helping to address barriers, leading to a break throughs with their goals. Instead of just giving them a meal plan, a dietitian can provide an individualized approach to help the client feel empowered to not just make change, but sustain it.
2) Keep the revenue in your gym -- I often have clients find me on Google or are referred to me from another fitness professional. It would be much easier for a client to schedule an appointment while they are already at the gym vs the lag of waiting to communicate with someone outside their community. Seeing results towards these goals with naturally lead to improved client retention.
3) A dietitian is legally allowed to make nutrition recommendations - Unlike a fitness specialist or someone with a nutrition certificate, a RD can help those with specific dietary needs who may have diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or another complex medical or even social background. This scope allows for a more inclusive environment for clients to feel successful.
What are my options?
Create a referral system -- Find a RD you trust who understands your clients and their needs. Hand out business cards, or maybe the RD offers a discount for anyone coming from your gym and vice versa. I do this with a few trainers in my area for PT clients I do not have space for or would be better served by another professional.
Provide the space -- Consider finding a RD to rent out office space, even if just a few times per week. This is a win/win, especially for someone who has a side hustle and has availability at the times where your gym may have the most traffic.
Host workshops -- Pay a RD a consulting fee to do a monthly workshop . Tag this on to a Saturday morning workout or Sunday afternoon.
Whether you are a gym employee, executive, or simply a gym-goer — recognize the need in your space. We ALL need to part of this movement if we want to create a more inclusive industry that celebrates all body types in their goals. Create a synergistic team that makes the client feel fully supported through every aspect of their fitness and nutrition journey.
Please email katie@katiehake.com for inquires on brand partnership, speaking engagements, and consulting for your gym or team.