12) Becoming a Genetic Testing for Diet, Fitness and Health Partner
Genetic testing is a new and exciting tool that you can offer your clients to further improve their health. Becoming a genetic testing partner with dnaPower is yet another way that you can make genetic testing work for you. Offer fresh insight, stand out with your specialization in diet, fitness and health genetic testing, book consults to review client results and earn a commission on sales of genetic tests.
Learning objectives:
- Learn how to bring genetic testing to your clients.
- Learn how to prepare for frequently asked client questions.
- Learn about factors to consider when comparing genetic testing competitors.
12.1) Introducing DNA Testing to your Clients
Genetic testing can bring fresh insight to existing clients that you are already working with, or it can be a great basepoint for preparing a program for a new client. By knowing where the body is heading, it’s easier to plan for the future. Your clients will feel more confident in their own ability to reach their goals if they know they are working with their genetics.
Genetic testing is the new generation of personal training. Every person should know their genetic makeup to improve their diet, fitness, and health and to train for their unique body type.
Using genetic testing with your client, you will be able to:
Improve client results and success
- Advise your client on diet changes for better health.
- Customize a personal training program for your client for their unique body.
- Reduce the risk of injury and health related concerns.
- Provide your clients early risk detection.
- Practice preventative health.
- Provide knowledge to help your clients live their most productive, healthiest, happiest and longest lives possible.
Improve business results and success
- Increase your client success rate and improve customer satisfaction.
- Enhance client relationship and the perceived value of your offering.
- Increase referrals based on successful clients.
- Earn commission on sales of genetic tests.
You will be offering a program that is unique and tailor made to the needs of your client. Your success is just a simple cheek swab away!
Diet, fitness or health professionals can introduce clients to genetic testing. During the intake of any training program your client’s motivation is high and they are determined to experience success with you as their new trainer. Genetic testing can be equally valuable to someone who has been working with you for many years. It can provide a fresh approach to the training and demonstrate your focus on improving your knowledge and value to them as a world-class personal trainer.
Before you begin, remember to follow fundamental steps to establish your rapport. Your client needs to see that you are invested in understanding their needs and that you are committed to their success.
Introduce genetic testing as soon as possible. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for genetic testing results to be run at the lab. You can offer this service as part of your intake program. This time is ideal as it bridges the understanding of client needs with a revolutionary and exciting way to fine-tune results.
This system has been built, based on science, for the purpose of helping individuals achieve their fitness and health goals more easily and safely. You are offering your client a unique new tool in their health and fitness journey.
Personal Trainer: I think we should take this time to also discuss what brought you here today and what your personal goals are.
Client: Oh great… I guess I’m not happy with a lot of things and don’t think I can get out of this rut on my own. Which is why I hired you. I don’t sleep well, I hate my spare tire, I feel unattractive, and I think I’m at risk for a bunch of chronic illnesses with the way things are going.
Personal Trainer: Well, I appreciate your utter honesty and I firmly believe that we can improve upon all of those aspects with a sound health and nutritional plan. How does that sound to you?
Client: I like the sound of that.
Personal Trainer: Wonderful. Can I assume that you have had challenges achieving results on your own previously?
Client: Yes…
Personal Trainer: I’m going to tell you about something new that can dramatically improve your health and fitness results. Ten years ago, this service was not available. You may or may not have even heard about it in the recent press. It is called genetic testing for diet, fitness and health. The results of the genetic testing can help me, your trainer, formulate a tailor-made program unique to your genetics. This enhances the possibility you will achieve success with your program, it can also help you avoid unnecessary injury.
Client: Wow… How much?
Personal Trainer: It’s a few hundred dollars for the full results. A great investment as you only have to do it once in your life. Your DNA doesn’t change, and you will always have that information.
Client: Hmm. Tell me more.
Personal Trainer: The results are very comprehensive. The more data we have about you to create a customized workout and nutrition plan, the better the results we can achieve. I have used this in my own program, and it led me to changes that I wish I would have known earlier!
Client: I see, that makes sense. Still, it is a lot of money.
Personal Trainer: I can understand where you are coming from. However, based on your past experiences, wouldn’t it be nice to have access to another tool designed to help you devise a program you can essentially follow for the rest of your life? This would be a program that takes into consideration all that is unique about your body including how it recovers, your tendency towards injury, how well it builds muscle, how it processes micronutrients, what macronutrients you digest best. Can you see how having this information could fine tune your health program? I think this would work really well for you.
Client: Alright, let’s try it.
Some clients will be happy to get on board with genetic testing and others will take more time and want more information. Genetic testing is a relatively new tool and not everyone is ready to be an early adopter! A lot of people are programmed to say no to something new, they may be risk averse, or simply scared or skeptical.
Taking this course is a good first step to gather information and learn about genetic testing as it can be used for diet, fitness and health. You will be a more knowledgeable trainer with cutting edge options for clients who are willing and ready to jump into the future.
When you first become a genetic testing partner you may feel like you need a second opinion when reviewing client genetic testing reports. This is natural, and your confidence will build with every consult. When you partner with dnaPower we are happy to review your first few clients genetic testing reports with you to ensure that you have the resources you need to offer an exceptional customer experience.
12.2) Solutions to Objections
Objections will arise where clients don’t feel ready to sign on for genetic testing. You can be ready with information to make clients feel more at ease with this new tool.
“I don’t have that kind of money/It’s too expensive”
I included this tool in my program because I realized how much incredible value it has. This type of genetic testing used to be entirely unaffordable, it is actually pretty amazing to have DNA sequencing available to you for just hundreds of dollars. Because of the advanced nature of the product and the technology involved, the price point is very affordable, especially for information that you will have for the rest of your life. This is information that everyone should have and know. It is even more valuable when you consider how reading your DNA test could change your life! Queen Victoria, who at the time of her death was the richest person in the world, said on her death bed, “All my wealth for just a few more moments of life!” If this DNA test can add healthy years to your life, is that worth it to you?
“Won’t I get results regardless of whether I buy a DNA test or not. I mean, isn’t that your job as a personal trainer?”
My job is to do my absolute BEST for you. This new genetic testing technology provides me with new tools to do an even better job for you! Before genetic testing, we relied on assessment tools and experience to figure out how to provide the best result. And yes, this can work. The challenge is it can take weeks, months, or possibly longer to determine exactly what program is optimal for you. With genetic testing we can fast forward to the workouts that are best for you and skip some of the challenges of trying various programs and exercises that might not work in your favor.
“How are you qualified to interpret my DNA? Isn’t the field of genetics a highly skilled realm?”
The report you receive is simply written so that you and I can understand the results. In addition, the IFPA in partnership with dnaPower offer a comprehensive training program which teaches trainers more about what the DNA information means and how it can be applied to training and diet programs. I’ve completed the certification course and testing to be sure I can guide you with the results.
“Why will this make any difference to my health? If I eat and exercise right, shouldn’t that be enough?”
A person can expect a large positive impact to their overall health and well-being when they eat well and exercise regularly. If you lead a super healthy life, then you are already on the right track. However, when you have your DNA results, you don’t need to play a guessing game with your health and diet. Genetic testing helps ensure the nutrition and fitness program is tailor made to your genetics. In addition, it provides you with important health information on some inherited conditions that could impact you in the future. Doing a DNA test can provide advanced warning on chronic disorders such as lactose intolerance and tendon injury risk that could impact your health. Knowing your genetic risk factors enables you to take positive action years in advance to prevent possibly debilitating health issues. Our genetic testing can help you practice proactive health, preventing potentially challenging conditions using knowledge of your DNA to create a customized program that will support long term health. Knowledge is power!
12.3) Frequently Asked Questions
How old do you have to be to take the test?
Any age. Anyone can have a DNA analysis done – from babies to grandparents! However, in some places parental consent is required if you are under 18 years of age. Parents may wish to have their children tested for genes including APOE related to contact sports and concussion and to help their children focus on the diet best for their long-term health.
How is DNA relevant to my health?
Depending on your genetic makeup, you might find that your body responds to certain exercises and foods better than others. The variations in an individual’s genetic makeup can also predispose a person to certain health issues. Variations of genes may be beneficial in some circumstances, but problematic in others.
How can genetic testing help me avoid health risks?
By testing your DNA in areas proven to impact diet, health and fitness, you can understand how your body is uniquely set up for common areas related to wellness. This knowledge can help you make decisions that are right for you and can help you to avoid risks based on your personal genetics. You can have a customized diet or exercise program developed to support your strong and weak genes.
How are my DNA samples collected?
The DNA sample collection kit contains a sterile cheek swab and simple instructions on how to collect your sample at home. Simply rub the swab on the inside of your cheek 10x on both sides, seal it and send it in.
How long can I keep my samples before sending them to you?
An unused swab can be kept for years. When you collect a sample, the swab has cheek cells containing your DNA. These cells and the DNA within them degrade if left at room temperature for an extended period of time. Therefore, it is recommended shipping your sample soon after the sample is collected. Because a DNA stabilizing solution is included with most swabs, it actually takes months (if not longer) for any degradation to happen to the DNA.
Why should I not drink tea or coffee or eat for 30 minutes prior to sample collection?
Both coffee and tea contain chemicals that cause cells to tighten and adhere to the cheek more firmly. The effect is temporary, but it may impede collection of sufficient amounts of DNA to perform the test. The lab is also trying not to test what you had for lunch. It is the cheek cells that are needed. Even water can dilute the sample. So, 30 minutes of not eating or drinking is recommended.
How safe are the tests?
There is no danger to you and the tests are completely non-invasive. A simple cheek swab contains the necessary DNA for the tests.
How long do I have to wait for my results?
Timing depends on the mail, sequencing runs and the number of tests in queue to be processed. Generally, results are available 14 to 30 days after dnaPower receives your sample in the mail.
Does it test for any serious inherited diseases?
The tests include common variations in the population related to diet, exercise and health. The only specific diseases tested for are Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s which can be influenced by lifestyle and are very helpful to know. If you prefer not to learn those results, you can decline to receive brainPower.
Can my DNA tell me if I am ill?
No, DNA cannot tell you where your health is today. Your DNA is virtually the same at birth and at death. DNA can only determine what types of genes people have and how they relate to certain metabolic processes involved in well-being. If you have health concerns, speak to your healthcare professional.
If I have a genetic variation or mutation is this bad?
Genetic variations make us who we are. On average, each person has 10-30 million variations that make them unique and who they are. Certain genetic variations will predispose you to certain outcomes – both positive and negative. What’s important to keep in mind is that even though you may have an increased risk due to a certain variation, nothing is set in stone. By learning your personal DNA, you can be more aware and knowledgeable in making better health and fitness decisions to promote a healthy mind and body and reduce any likelihood of a weaker gene being expressed.
If a test area comes up as red for a food, does that automatically mean that you should reduce or remove it from your diet?
No, not always – Make sure to read each category individually. For Fats and Carbohydrates, if the test area comes back as more than 50% red than yes, you would want to decrease your consumption of that item from your diet. However, if Protein Need is more than 50% red, then you want to increase your daily amount of easily consumable protein.
12.4) Competitor Analysis
Client’s may wish to know more information about genetic testing companies available for testing in diet, fitness and health. The field of genetic testing is changing frequently.
Here are some of the factors that make dnaPower stand apart from its competitors.
- Experience in consumer lifestyle genetics. There are new companies emerging. See how long they have been working in this area.
- Custom gene panels. Choose a genetic company that uses custom gene panels to target the most important genes for preventative health. Many companies use large generic panels that are missing key health information.
- Polygenic scoring, multiple locus and SNP targets per test area to produce reliable results. Sometimes one gene can be a good predictor of health, but in many cases combinations of genes provide that most well-rounded health picture, with the best, most predictive information.
- Qualifications and reputation of laboratory. Ensure the genetic company uses a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified laboratory operating under GLP guidelines.
- Research scientists on staff. As already mentioned, the field of genetic testing is changing rapidly. A well-qualified research scientist is constantly evaluating new scientific reports and updating genetic data analysis as needed.
- Client-focused reports. The results are easy to understand, for both you and your client. While you will be doing the initial consultation with your client when they receive their results, the client’s results and recommendations are designed to be easy for them to refer back to 6 months or a year later.
- Customer support. dnaPower offers its partners excellent support. If you have a question about how to interpret a certain client’s report, someone will be available to answer your question.
- Privacy. dnaPower is commitment to privacy. They follow the latest standards in privacy and encryption. They are not selling data to a 3rd party.
dnaPower is IFPA’s trusted genetic testing partner of choice because they meet all the above criteria and more! dnaPower’s original company began in 2008 – one of the first in the world doing consumer lifestyle genomic testing. They use custom gene panels, with polygenic test areas (more than one SNP used where possible to produce a more holistic result). Their lab is CLIA certified and they have their own scientists on staff. Reports are client-focused and easy to understand. They have strong customer support for their customers and partners. And dnaPower will never sell your data. Their purpose is to use DNA information to help create a healthier you and a healthier world.
12.5) Becoming a Partner
Adding DNA testing to your practice is simple. Simply sign up at https://www.dnapower.com/ref/IFPA. With your Genetic Diet, Fitness and Health Specialist certification, you are qualified to order tests at wholesale and deliver report consultations. You have the option to stock the kits yourself or you can have a special link for your clients to order that identifies you as the referring partner. You are automatically paid commissions each month on every test sold. Many partners prefer to have testing kits on-hand, so they can swab clients on the spot. Once a partner has swabbed their client, they mail the kit for processing at the lab.
12.6) Summary
DNA diet, fitness and health testing is a valuable tool to use to enhance your client results and business results. It is simple to sign up and use with your clients. IFPA has recommended dnaPower to provide genetic testing in diet, fitness and health as a new offering for your clients.
With your knowledge you can reassure customers that they are in good hands and can guide them in their health journey.