Name: Trent Mitchell
Location: Torrance, CA
Website: FitnessCoach4U.com
Occupation: Fitness Professional, Co-Owner of Mitchell Fitness Systems
How do you or your business help those with chronic disease/medical conditions or who need pre & postnatal care?
I love working with (what I label as) the “wiser older adult”. Within this group there are many chronic medical conditions to be aware of and understand to give my client the best personal training care possible. We have a system called “Triple D”. The first “D” is Discovery. This is where we collect subjective data and learn all personal and medical information to properly screen and understand who our client is! Medical release forms are sent to make sure we’re on the same page as our client’s doctors and other medical staff. The second “D” is Diagnostics. It’s in this phase that we collect objective data using our InBody scale. We also do one of two functional movement screens. The first is for the client without chronic pain symptoms. It’s called the Functional Movement Screen. The other is for those with chronic pain symptoms. It’s called the Selective Functional Movement Screen. These functional movement screens help us to identify faulty movement patterns that may potentially lead to cyclic injury for our client and many times already have. We also use appropriate “field tests” to give us an idea of the client’s present physical ability. The third “D” is Development. This is the phase that we use the first two “D’s” to properly prescribe the best exercise protocol for our clients. There’s an old saying, “If you aren’t assessing, your guessing.”
What makes you different from all the other fitness professionals out there?
Our passion and interest in what’s best for our clients. We have an actual system (see previous answer) that we follow to provide the best possible personal training experience for our customers.
What is your favorite activity or class to participate in?
Personally, I enjoy any activity outside! I love to workout outside. For my clients, it’s teaching them proper exercise mechanics and talking to them about self-care and wellness.
What is one piece of advice that you would give other fitness professionals about working with special populations or those who need pre-& postnatal care?
Be knowledgeable and understand that knowledge is only powerful if it’s properly applied.
What type of community activities are you involved in?
We’ve been involved in Pushups for Charity raising money for The Wounded Warrior Campaign.
What is one of your favorite memories involving working with someone who has a health challenge or disability?
Several years ago, I began working with a quadriplegic client. My credentials were few at that point and the only one that qualified me was that I was strong enough to help transport and move this young man from his chair to the floor and back. He’s 6’8” tall! Watching how hard he works and is committed to his program over the years really has changed my perspective in many healthy ways. One in which is to always be grateful and happy with my circumstances; just as he is.
What would you like to see change/develop/emerge in the future of healthcare and the fitness industry?
I would like to see more education at every level helping others to understand how their body, mind, and spirit is connected and how it works in harmony. Many know more about their smart phones than they do about their own body!
And what are you doing to make this happen?
Trent and his wife Vicki, also a trainer, co-own Mitchell Fitness Systems
We have a program called OnBoard101 that our clients participate in when they begin their program. Much like anyone who gets a new job will onboard with a procedure manual, etc. Our clients start with OnBoard101. It’s a 12-chapter video and quiz presentation that they complete and if they do, their awarded a completion certificate and other recognition including prizes (gift certificates, complementary sessions, etc.) I also offer myself to any club, church, or organization for quest speaking opportunities.
What is your favorite fitness/inspirational/motivational quote?
I always tell my clients, “There is strength through the struggle!”
Anything else we should know about you?
Yes! I’m very proud of the fact that I’ve been married for over 37 years to an angel of a wife. Without her, I would not be the person God made me to be. We have three grown children and they are wonderful productive people!
