One-Day Training Course: Drug Awareness for Gym Trainers

Objective

Provide gym trainers with knowledge about commonly used illegal drugs, steroids, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), as well as their impact on gym safety and client health. Equip trainers to recognize warning signs and uphold the FFI “No Drug” Policy to maintain a safe and professional environment.

Duration: 1 Day (6-7 Hours)

Morning Session (3 Hours)

1. Introduction to Drug Awareness in the Gym (30 Minutes)

Why drug awareness is essential for gym trainers
Responsibilities of gym trainers in ensuring safety and professionalism
Overview of the FFI “No Drug” Policy and its importance
Legal and ethical considerations
Maintaining a safe gym culture
Protecting the gym’s reputation

2. Commonly Used Illegal Drugs and Their Impact (1 Hour)

Overview of common illegal drugs in gym environments:
Cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, marijuana (where illegal)
Prescription drug abuse (painkillers, opioids, stimulants)

How these drugs affect users physically and mentally:
Impaired coordination, aggression, erratic behavior, cardiovascular risks
Increased injury risk for themselves and others

Signs to look out for in gym members:
Slurred speech, erratic energy levels, excessive sweating, paranoia
Signs of withdrawal or dependence

How drug use can impact gym safety and liability:
Increased risk of accidents, fights, or medical emergencies
Legal and insurance implications for the gym

3. Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) and Steroids (1 Hour)

What are PEDs and anabolic steroids?
Types: Testosterone, human growth hormone (HGH), insulin, SARMs, stimulants
Why people use them: Muscle growth, fat loss, performance enhancement

Recognizing steroid use in gym members:
Rapid muscle growth, acne, aggressive behavior (“roid rage”)
Enlarged body parts (jaw, forehead), excessive sweating

Health risks associated with PEDs:
Heart disease, liver damage, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances
Psychological effects: Anxiety, mood swings, depression

Risks for the gym and trainers:
Association with illegal activity
Ethical and legal responsibilities if members use or promote PEDs
Educating members on safer alternatives:
The role of natural training, diet, and proper supplementation

Midday Break (1 Hour)

Afternoon Session (3-4 Hours)

4. Recreational Drugs and Their Impact in the Gym (1 Hour)

Understanding recreational drug use among gym members:
Alcohol, cannabis, party drugs (MDMA, ketamine, LSD)

How they affect gym performance and safety
Spotting signs of recreational drug use before or during workouts:
Sluggishness, confusion, unsteady movement, hyperactivity
Smell of alcohol or cannabis, dilated or constricted pupils

Why this matters for the gym environment:
Increased risk of injury to the user and others
Impact on equipment handling and high-intensity training

How to approach and handle a suspected case of drug use in the gym:
Steps to follow if a member appears intoxicated

When to involve management or authorities

5. Reinforcing the FFI “No Drug” Policy (45 Minutes)

Why FFI has a strict “No Drug” Policy:
Member safety and gym integrity
Legal compliance and liability risks
Creating a professional and positive gym culture
Communicating the policy effectively to members:
Making sure members understand gym rules
Handling complaints or resistance professionally

What to do if a gym member is suspected of drug use:
Reporting to management
Documenting incidents and maintaining professionalism
When to deny access or revoke membership

6. Role-Playing Scenarios and Discussion (1 Hour)

Scenario 1: A member appears overly aggressive and is suspected of steroid use
Scenario 2: A gym-goer smells of alcohol and is unsteady while lifting weights
Scenario 3: A client confides in a trainer about PED use—how to respond ethically
Scenario 4: A trainer notices a group discussing selling PEDs or illegal substances
Discussion: Open Q&A on experiences trainers have encountered

7. Final Recap, Q&A, and Certification (30 Minutes)

Key takeaways:

1. Identifying drugs and PEDs in the gym

2. Recognizing health risks and behavioral signs

3. Upholding the FFI “No Drug” Policy

4. Q&A Session

5. Issuing participation certificates

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, gym trainers will be able to,

1. Identify common illegal drugs, their effects, and safety concerns in the gym.

2. Understand PEDs and steroids, their risks, and their impact on gym culture.

3. Recognize the signs of recreational drug use and how to handle it safely.

4. Uphold and enforce the FFI “No Drug” Policy in a professional manner.

Certification: Participants receive a “Drug Awareness for Gym Trainers” certificate, valid for 1 year.

This course ensures that gym trainers are equipped to maintain a safe, professional, and drug-free training environment, protecting both clients and the gym’s reputation.