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Alivewhenimdead
03-31-07, 3:25 pm
about to get my nsca certification...i'm a college student and my courses this term are easy enough that i went ahead and figured i'd get my pt certification, a job that fits in with my lifestyle...my question is how do you go about getting a job at a gym? it's like turning 21 and not knowing where a bar is...

do you just show up and ask the manager...
is there a online place or something...
or a company that hires pt's and tells them what local gym to go to...

thanks

Fury317
03-31-07, 3:35 pm
I just looked online for gyms and fitness clubs around my area. Most of them only required me to fax in a cover letter and a resume to the manager (or in some cases the guy who heads up the personal training division). Then they will contact you like any other job, and let you know if they want to meet with you. If you need help wiht a cover letter and resume PM me and i can let you look at mine. Hope this helps.

Jon
03-31-07, 3:52 pm
I'm a PT and you'll make more money working solo than working for an actual gym...Just get people to refer you, maybe post some flyer or something

spartan300
03-31-07, 4:20 pm
It is in your best interest to have some cards printed up as well as some catchy flyers. I did it for 15 years and it was quite lucrative plus I got to train some really great people.

Tron
03-31-07, 5:05 pm
So does that mean that you don't have to take a test for certification? I've never really wondered or thought about it. Just curious now.

Alivewhenimdead
03-31-07, 5:05 pm
as i'd expect from my animal bros i got nothing but fast answers...can't wait to get started...should be a blast helping ppl. towards their goals

spanish.iron
03-31-07, 11:19 pm
Yeah I can imagine it's a really rewarding job. not only is the gym like home, and not only do you get paid, but you also get to inspire and help people achieve something that they may not have had the strength to do on their own. A buddy of mine is setting himself up to go to college to become a trainer. He already makes a habit of finding guys in the gym who are lookin a little clueless and taking them under his wing. He has a way of spotting people who are thinking "Am I doing this right????". It's pretty awesome. Then he comes up with nicknames for people haha. his current workout partner is Conan. I don't even know the guys real name lol.

This is pretty useless to the thread but I thought I'd share.

Rock05
03-31-07, 11:37 pm
what organizations do you guys recommend....i was thinkin of ISSA, but ive heard of ACE among others...didnt kno if some more were reputable than others??

Arbalest
04-01-07, 1:30 am
from the guys that i've talked too (whom make a LOT of $$$) they say ISSA.


Seriously get your Cert... work for yourself! GET PEOPLE REAL RESULTS, QUICKLY!!! You'll get your referalls and make a lot of money. Once your rep is good, you can charge a lot for your time.

Hercules
04-01-07, 11:18 am
what organizations do you guys recommend....i was thinkin of ISSA, but ive heard of ACE among others...didnt kno if some more were reputable than others??

I ultimately chose NSCA over the rest because they are recognized everywhere and they have very comprehensive programs for both the CPT and CSCS. The local gyms here where I am will hire NSCA-certified trainers but ISSA, IFPA, and other certification organizations are not regarded and recommended as highly. Check out your local gyms and see what they prefer. That way, if you aren't successful on your own you can get hired by a gym - just something to fall back on. Choose the program with the coursework that will help you attain the goals you set for yourself. Here's a couple websites you may find informative:

http://www.nsca-cc.org/

http://www.acsm.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Certification/ACSMCertifications/Certification.htm

Don't limit yourself to just one certification. Once you become a trainer, your education is just beginning. Good trainers NEVER stop learning and studying techniques.

mjsef88
04-01-07, 11:32 am
what do you guys think about the AFPA. im in the same boat and thats the certification im leaning twards getting.

dIdDy
04-02-07, 6:40 am
how would you build a clientel to live off of at first??? maybe it would be wise to work with a gym, establish a rep, then get out on you rown...

Maccabee
07-02-07, 12:45 pm
I want to become a personnel trainer. There are so many places to get your license from. I was wondering which place is the best? Thanks

NickSP
07-02-07, 4:31 pm
As long as you know your stuff, a cert is a cert. Some are a littler harder than others that's all. They emphasize different things, some are more comprehensive. ACSM is kind of the big dog. NCSA and NASM are some of the better ones. There's also ISSA, NFPT, NCSF, from what I understand ACE isn't exactly the one to aim for. Some gyms also require specific ones.

workoutfreakk
07-02-07, 5:35 pm
from what I understand ACE isn't exactly the one to aim for

On the contrary, ACE is an excellent "entry level" certification. They are very well respected, and the exam will weed out the pretenders, without being so hard that a well informed individual should be afraid of not passing. If you already have somewhere in mind that you wish to work, check with them FIRST before buying the study materials and registering for the exam. Like was already said, ACSM is atop the food chain and I would highly recommend getting plenty of experience before shooting for this one.

king1
07-02-07, 5:38 pm
Im going to college first, then gonna try to be a coach for some elite athletes. Id love to be a strength coach for a football team. Check back in 4 years to see where thats going.........

NickSP
07-02-07, 8:06 pm
lol experience? I plan on graduating, starting my first job, and getting at least one other cert before I consider ACSM.

NeverContent
07-02-07, 10:26 pm
do you have to go to college to be a personal trainer? id like 2 be one also but im not sure how you get started on it..?

Legacy
07-02-07, 11:13 pm
The best way you can go is getting a program that is nationally accredited...There are plenty ads in many muscle magazine which say "get your personal trainer certification easily" but those certifications are all crap, a lot of gyms are now being smarter and hire people who are certified by well respected programs. I am certified by NCSF, which is nationally accredited and is an excellent program however I think that ACSM is the best certification you can have. You dont have to have a bachelors degree to get the certification, but you do have to be over 18. However, it does help to have a degree is exercise physiology lol....It took me around 3-4 months to complete the course at home and then take the exam which was pretty difficult, but if you got the desire to be one you can easily complete it, shit im only 19 but have been certified for a year now, and i have to say, its gotta be the best job ever.

Maccabee
07-02-07, 11:56 pm
You guys said that ACSM is the best, and that you need to get experience before going for that one. What types of things should I do to prepare for ACSM??

Legacy
07-03-07, 12:38 am
You guys said that ACSM is the best, and that you need to get experience before going for that one. What types of things should I do to prepare for ACSM??


Well the first thing you gotta do is contact the company. Once you give them your name and pay for the course, they send you a textbook that you gotta read, and you will also get study guide questions that go along with every chapter. Once you study all this information and think you understand the material, you set up to take the exam and if you pass it your a trainer, but if u dont you need to retake the test. ACSM is hard though, i think it was like 80% of the people dont pass their first time, so study your ass off

DetroitMuscle
07-03-07, 12:48 am
One thing that a lot of places are requiring for personal training is that the trainers also have a cpr and first aid certification.

I have 2 friends that are trainers. 1 just took the ace and the first aid, the other went to college for human biology then got his ace/first aid cert and they are both at the same point.

The part where the latter person gets farther career wise is that in college he obtained the nutritionist side as well.

I am in the process of getting mine. I cant wait.

niladmirari88
07-03-07, 10:19 am
Me and my brother are currently studying to get certified from ISSA.

Riesjs
07-03-07, 11:59 am
While in college, one of my courses was designed to prepare you to train whether it be for personal training, physical therapy, and everything in between. The final exam was optional....the exam itself was the PT exam for NCSF. Got a great discount on the exam being a student. Enroll yourself in the 'chapter' and go to clinics. I recieve quarterly news letters as well. It will keep you up to date on new training techniques, pretty general stuff tho, so take and leave what you wish. Not too expensive to keep the certification current either (every 2 years, either re-take the exam or accumulate CEU's)

workoutfreakk
07-04-07, 1:25 am
One of my fellow trainers told me that the ACSM exam is no joke... she has an undergrad degree in exercise science and is a RN, and barely passed.

rev8ball
07-04-07, 2:48 am
It really depends on what you want to do. If you just want to take on clients in a gym setting and keep it to simple personal training, then one of the 3-day certs like the ISSA are just fine.

However, if you want to do more than just train the 50 year-old soccer mom who only wants to "tone up," then the only two legitimate certs agencies out there are the NSCA and the ACSM, and each has different levels of certification available.

NSCA:
1. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)... tough ass test, but no degree required.
2. Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)... one of the toughest exams out there, very specific, minimum Bachelors degree required.

ACSM:
1. CPT... basic personal trainer, high school diploma needed only.
2. Health/Fitness Instructor... more specific populations, Associate's degree required.
3. Exercise Specialist... more clinical setting, minimum Bachelors degree plus clinic hours required.
4. Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist... research or hospital setting, minimum Masters degree plus clinic hours required.

Maccabee
07-04-07, 7:34 pm
Thank You guys you have been a huge help.

RedLine
07-17-07, 12:13 pm
Do you guys know a range on salaries depending on what certification you get?

ryanlemley1
07-17-07, 1:01 pm
i'd go for the NSCA exam. just my two cents. that is what i have and you really gain a lot of knowledge from studying the book.

workoutfreakk
07-17-07, 8:23 pm
Do you guys know a range on salaries depending on what certification you get?

Your salary will depend much more on your location, experience, and talent rather than your certfication... so long as it is nationally acredited.

RedLine
07-17-07, 11:37 pm
Your salary will depend much more on your location, experience, and talent rather than your certfication... so long as it is nationally acredited.

I see, just wanna make sure I would be making enough to put food on the table and still enjoy a decent lifestyle is all.

Bam Bam
07-18-07, 12:01 am
I am also becoming a personal trainer. I am going to ACSM to get my certification. Hopefully ill be able to get into the 3-day workshop at the end of August.

silent
07-19-07, 11:35 pm
I want to earn my P.T. Cert. Any suggestions as to how to go about and choosing the right association that will provide a certificate that will be taken seriously in gyms. Now, before some folks get crazy on me I know it's about how serious I take the training, I want to be able to have a gym look at me and say "This is an animal I want training our people."

calcaneous
07-20-07, 12:09 am
find the gym you want to work at and ask them what certification they want their personal trainers to have. some gyms dont care what certs. you have already, they will make you get the one they want before you can start working.

Riesjs
07-20-07, 11:15 am
In most cases gyms will say that they prefer something like ACSM, NSCF, ACE...find a certification that fits you. I have mine through NCSF, not as well known as some of the top dogs. Dont go out and get something that only cost you 10$ either. Do some searches, go to a few gyms in the area, ask the trainers who they are certified through and do some research on those cert's; how long are they good for, what are some requirements, that type of stuff. ALSO, getting CPR/AED/1st aid certified is a plus as well.

zahra
08-13-07, 9:02 pm
hi there,

Need your help guys. I'm getting certified with NCSF early October. I got all the materials and stuff, now I'm in the process of studying. SO MUCH info!
Well, hope it works, cause I quit my job to have time for studying...But that's another story. Anyways, I was wondering if anybody here got PT certificate with ncsf? How was the exam? English is not my first language, so I really need to prepare well, study 3x as hard. Not complaining though, nothing comes easy, I know...
So please, if anyone has any comments, suggestions, hints - I really appreciate your help here.

Zahra

Budsbythebeach
08-30-07, 7:25 am
So im looking to be a personal trainer, i already have a good night job with my father, and since i work only in spurts of a week here and there, i want/need a day job. But i want it to be something i enjoy, so of course personal trainer seemed to fit me.
Ive made huge gains in my only year of training, plus, and possibly more importantly, i have a great witty personality, im the guy that always likes to help those (who obviously need it). Well i do it in part because i need a spot from time to time also

So the local community college offers WITS world instructor training services, its a month and costs 500 bucks, sounds like a rip to me. Most trainers ive meet in both ballys and golds tell me its bs, if you know how to train and have people skills thats what matters.

But i would like to get into a better program, one that will teach me things i dont know, So any suggestions, in or near tampa area?

I heard of a great one in orlando NAMS or something like that, its 6 months every day, basically like going to school, BUT i cant move to orlando for 6 months so...

Toni69
08-30-07, 7:30 am
I had recived one of my certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine...you may wanna start there. Its a hard test and its all done online.
Its a great cert to have under your belt and is recognized by most gyms and trainers.

Budsbythebeach
08-30-07, 7:49 am
I had recived one of my certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine...you may wanna start there. Its a hard test and its all done online.
Its a great cert to have under your belt and is recognized by most gyms and trainers.

that might have been the one that i was told about ( in orlando ) i wasnt told it was available online thou, send me a link please. ;)

Toni69
08-30-07, 7:53 am
www.nasm.org

then you can always re-certify when it expires. Its a really good cert to have under your belt.

abefroman35
09-19-07, 8:32 am
sorry I couldnt figure where I should put this thread - But what cert would be best for a Personal Trainer? What book would be the best to start reading everything about it?

ghost
09-19-07, 9:20 am
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=10257&highlight=personal+trainer

MetalAsh12
01-04-08, 11:04 pm
I've decided that I'm going to get my personal training certification over the summer to save up for an apartment I'm looking at in the city...does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for a good certification program that doesn't cost over 400?

Thanks

Pizzalamp
01-04-08, 11:22 pm
I've decided that I'm going to get my personal training certification over the summer to save up for an apartment I'm looking at in the city...does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations for a good certification program that doesn't cost over 400?

Thanks

im actually gonna be testing in may with affa-im pretty sure its not that expensive

then again i might be wrong

MetalAsh12
01-04-08, 11:35 pm
ah alright, thanks

Hercules
01-05-08, 9:49 am
Do a search. This topic has been brought up a few times.

bobbymart
01-05-08, 5:33 pm
issa imo is the top dog of the quick certs

MetalAsh12
01-05-08, 7:01 pm
issa imo is the top dog of the quick certs

Wow, 600 bucks...looks enticing though. Thanks

Cstlfx
01-05-08, 7:03 pm
I've read things about ACE, but the lower rates advertised might have been there because they were advertised to students.

Riesjs
01-05-08, 7:41 pm
NCSF

oregonpanthers
01-05-08, 10:28 pm
If your going to work with clinical populations then go ACSM

If your going general population and dont have tons of cash or educational background then go ACE

If you have a solid education background and some cash and want to work with most any scope of population then go NSCA-CPT or ISSA (more expensive)

If you are working for a high end agency or company or other franchise related PT orgs then they may already instate NASM as do several here in the midwest.

I am very partial to the NSCA as a comprehensive cert to get that will get you higherd anywhere and it will get your clients results.

My two cents!

Ironone
01-06-08, 9:50 am
The price for ISSA online in more than if you call them they will give you a discount last time I heard it was $300-$400 give this a try

MetalAsh12
01-06-08, 1:01 pm
Thanks to everyone who responded with information, you've helped me out a lot and I appreciate it.

Carpe Diem P.T
01-07-08, 8:30 am
Just to let u know, i did mine here in australia - its cert 3 to get u qualified to work in a gym then cert 4 qualifies you to work as a p.t alone out in the big world with clients.

both courses cost me about $1500 ea. and took a year to complete. I studied at night part time. Glad i did because otherwise i would have been rushed through the course and then placed right in the middle of a corporate gym where all i would have learnt would be to tell people what they want to hear in order for me to get paid.

Taking my time with it has given me the opportunity to do a shit load of workexperience at different gyms and i have spent a lot of quality time reading.

In australia you also need your first aid certificate, and insurance and in a lot of cases to be registered with fitness australia.

xSwornxHardcorex
11-06-08, 12:39 pm
I wanna get a cert. in Personal Training but with all the different ones out there how do i know whick one is the best, anyone help? anyone else make a living in personal training? let me know something, which one should i go with, start with?

Renji007
03-04-09, 7:39 pm
I'm trying to get a Trainers license guys, but with so many around I want to make sure I get the best that I can, you know?

Any advice for a lost animal trying to find his way?

Also, I'm not looking for something simple, I want a course that can really show me something, and can help me help others in this field.

Thank for any advice :)

B-rad89
03-04-09, 8:29 pm
In my opinion your own personal experiences and gains are the best thing. Not something out of a book per-say.

Just about every PT I know only knows whats out the text books. Not from their own real experiences or from others.

Tron
03-04-09, 9:15 pm
In my opinion your own personal experiences and gains are the best thing. Not something out of a book per-say.

Just about every PT I know only knows whats out the text books. Not from their own real experiences or from others.

While I agree with this, I don't think many places don't agree... It's not what you know, it's what you've got to say you know something.

AFPA is a really common online certification... ISSA is one that is in many different magazines. I'm currently working on that one, although I've taken way too much time... I've just had so much more with my actual classes... Another possibility are local organizations. You can always check with your local gym to see what they know of being available.

MrMuscles22
03-04-09, 9:19 pm
ACE and American College of Sports Medicine are the probably the two best certifications for PT's and also have the most respect in the industry. They both have websites, just google them and check them out.

Carpe Diem P.T
03-05-09, 12:08 am
Before I got mine a few years ago, I called up the gyms i wanted to work at and spoke with the managers their. There were a few learning institutions that they would not recognise the qualifications from.

Personal Training studios have high expectations and hire quality staff, corporate gyms just want kids out of high school that they can make profit from as quickly as possible.

Jonisocool
03-05-09, 12:12 am
LOL I'd hope that they know the stuff outta the book. NASM test is like 500 for the first one, and 99 bucks per retest.

If you have a gym you have your eye set on working at, go there and talk to the gym owner and personal trainers. See what kinda certs they have, what they expect you to have, what they expect to see out of your resume.

If you're gunna be an independant trainer, still go in and talk to some local trainers lol.

I personally like APEX for my first one, was pretty cheap and simple. Got my stupid NASM book, but dont really have spare change layin around to go test 2_2

dannynb
03-05-09, 2:14 am
Before I got mine a few years ago, I called up the gyms i wanted to work at and spoke with the managers their. There were a few learning institutions that they would not recognise the qualifications from.

Personal Training studios have high expectations and hire quality staff, corporate gyms just want kids out of high school that they can make profit from as quickly as possible.

Exactly...

Now for certifications I recommend NASM, Cooper's Institute, ACSM and ACE. Any of those are respectable and will get you in the door of any gym.

J Will
03-05-09, 2:18 am
along with those stated. NFPT is also widely accepted. Especially by gyms like 24, LA, ballys

sjchris408
04-06-09, 12:48 am
(Apologies in advance to the moderators if this was posted in the wrong section.)

I know there's a ton of different certifications you can get for personal training/nutrition, so I was wondering what are the most worthwhile to get in terms of respectability/cost/ease/etc. I know that may be vague, if it helps to know I'm a fairly good learner and willing to put in the time to get a legit cert, but I don't wanna mess around getting a certification that isn't worth the time. I ask this question because I'm considering doing personal training as a part time job. I really enjoy working out and I'm fascinated with training and nutrition, so I think going into this industry would be more aligned with my passions. I'm also open to any suggestions anyone would have about this industry/profession and being successful at it. Huge thanks to those who respond.

-sjchris

Tifferzzz
04-06-09, 1:20 pm
Let me give you a bit of my personal history, and that might make it easier for you to decide.

I used to be fat. I'm not going to put it lightly, because a 270 lb woman who's 5'3 is fat - no matter which way you cut it. Doesn't matter how I got there, the point is, I'm no longer there. In fact, while working out at Gold's, I was solicited to become a trainer. They told me to get a certification - and I did. The AMFPT, American Muscle and Fitness Personal Training.

I no longer train at Gold's. I quit a week ago. The reason? I asked them if they would prefer that I get a different cert, or if I should just renew mine. Renew! They said, it will be fine. Then I get a message, 'Oh, we don't recognize your cert - if you don't go get another, you can't work here.'

I chose not to work there.

Here's the point. Personal Training is exhausting. Especially if you work in an gym that is more focused on signing people up then on the actual results themselves. You end up using all of your motivation to try to get them fired up so they'll see results. This job killed me on training. My personal focus started to wain because I wanted so much for my clients to succeed - even though they didn't really care if they did.

What I came to find out, was that the people who cared the most to succeed - couldn't afford the personal training. yes, well, being the bleeding heart that I am - I trained a lot of people for free.

Still - your motivation can only go so far before you no longer have any for yourself.

So, let's wrap this up.

Your Question: Best Certification?
Answer: ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine. It has four different levels. The first you can get without any college degrees, but the rest you cannot. Everyone recognizes ACSM. If you get the manual, you'll see why - body function. That's primarily what this cert is about. It's like getting a nursing degree. Cost is about $500, not counting the test.

Second best: NASM - National Association of Sports Medicine. Cost for books approx $300, unless you get used. This cert's focus is on personal training primarily.

If you're going to get either of these, make sure you find a job that will pay you well, or at least help you to pay for your cert.

Just some things to think about. Hope that helped.

C.Coronato
04-06-09, 1:23 pm
I personally have the ISSA. Its good and i like it, but i would go with what she ^ is saying. I wish i would have gotten one of the other ones and did more research.

Fury317
04-06-09, 1:38 pm
Let me give you a bit of my personal history, and that might make it easier for you to decide.

I used to be fat. I'm not going to put it lightly, because a 270 lb woman who's 5'3 is fat - no matter which way you cut it. Doesn't matter how I got there, the point is, I'm no longer there. In fact, while working out at Gold's, I was solicited to become a trainer. They told me to get a certification - and I did. The AMFPT, American Muscle and Fitness Personal Training.

I no longer train at Gold's. I quit a week ago. The reason? I asked them if they would prefer that I get a different cert, or if I should just renew mine. Renew! They said, it will be fine. Then I get a message, 'Oh, we don't recognize your cert - if you don't go get another, you can't work here.'

I chose not to work there.

Here's the point. Personal Training is exhausting. Especially if you work in an gym that is more focused on signing people up then on the actual results themselves. You end up using all of your motivation to try to get them fired up so they'll see results. This job killed me on training. My personal focus started to wain because I wanted so much for my clients to succeed - even though they didn't really care if they did.

What I came to find out, was that the people who cared the most to succeed - couldn't afford the personal training. yes, well, being the bleeding heart that I am - I trained a lot of people for free.

Still - your motivation can only go so far before you no longer have any for yourself.

So, let's wrap this up.

Your Question: Best Certification?
Answer: ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine. It has four different levels. The first you can get without any college degrees, but the rest you cannot. Everyone recognizes ACSM. If you get the manual, you'll see why - body function. That's primarily what this cert is about. It's like getting a nursing degree. Cost is about $500, not counting the test.

Second best: NASM - National Association of Sports Medicine. Cost for books approx $300, unless you get used. This cert's focus is on personal training primarily.

If you're going to get either of these, make sure you find a job that will pay you well, or at least help you to pay for your cert.

Just some things to think about. Hope that helped.

GREAT INFORMATION!!!

Id like to add ACSM is more of a "bodybuilder" type training cert while NASM focuses almost entirely on functional training. At my gym we are required to be NASM certified and the gym helps pay for the books and test. Its like a 5-15% discount or something. I would imagine a lot of gyms woudl do this if you were going to actual work for the gym and not your own PT company. Basically if you are going to be making the gym some sort of revenue, I would expect them to pay for a little of the test.

Either way, continue with hwat you love to do and definitely pursue the PT cert if that is what you choose to do. Good luck with every.

BTW there are about 3 other threads on this so use the search function if you wnat any other info.

IRBS
04-06-09, 1:47 pm
Tifferzzz pretty much nailed it as far as certifications go.

What you need to ask yourself is this: why should someone pay you to train them? (ESPECIALLY in this economy...)

Having a certification is fine if thats what you want, but some of the best trainers out there have no certs. They opened up their own small training facilities and started bare bones (and many still operate this way and make a VERY good living). No fancy gyms, just the basic tools you need to get strong. How does their client base grow? Word of mouth and results. And guess what? What you earn is yours. You dont get a measly percentage or have to pay the gym rent, you get to reinvest that money into yourself.

People will want you to train them based on results. Your results personally or the results you have had with other clients. (if you want to be in the business of training people, if you want to be in sales, a big box gym is the way to go). Those who are serious about being trained want to know they are getting something for what they are paying. Some people get gym memberships and hire trainers so they can tell their friends they "work out," I am not talking about these people. You have to think of this in terms of starting your own small business, not just getting a certification to get a job...

I have noticed that many people get a certification so they can get a job training people at a gym; Golds, 24/7, Powerhouse, take your pic. What Tifferzzz has pointed out is the honest truth...you are there to sell memberships. Thats it. Many times (and I know many, many trainers who have worked in environments like this) you can have a trainer who doesnt know a seated box jump from his ass, who happens to look the part and is really good with people get pinned as "a great trainer" when in all actuality he sucks at training people but is a good salesman.

So, I go back to my origional comment: why should someone pay you to train them?

What do you offer that any other trainer out there doesnt offer? A certification? Those are a dime a dozen and very easy to get, aside from some of the ones mentioned above. WHat have you done to put yourself a step above?

I am not knocking anyone with certifications who work at big gyms at all here. What I am saying is that if you want to make this a career and be sucessful at it, there are many ways to go about doing so. The longest, and possibly most sucessful (depending on the type job you get) is to go to school and get a BS and MS and your CSCS and start working your way up.

There are many roads, you just have to pick the one that works for you...

Good Luck,
IRBS

Tifferzzz
04-06-09, 2:05 pm
Tifferzzz pretty much nailed it as far as certifications go.

What you need to ask yourself is this: why should someone pay you to train them? (ESPECIALLY in this economy...)

IRBS

I have a gym down here that, once you become a trainer, will pay for the certifications. In addition, they will also provide a free membership. I didn't have my ACSM passed, and at the time wasn't able to work for them - it's an elite gym, so the people that are there have the money to spend on training, and actually care to train. Perhaps in the future I'll become a trainer again, but my goals don't allow for the time.

Here's what I would recommend:

#1. Go for the best Cert. If you're going to spend over $100 on any cert, just get the best since you're going for it anyway. Here's where I would caution you: ACSM is incredibly difficult, and it has reason to be. It's one of the top certifications in the entire country. If you love anatomy, memorization, piecing things together and knowing how they're working down to the ever-fine-minute details, then this cert's for you. Remember the Kreb's Cycle? Yeah - gonna have to know it. If you don't want to study your ass off for 6-12 months, then go with NASM, it's more 'general' based and training based. It's more about the why of training (lat pulldowns, one-mile walk test, client health tests) then about the how of training.

#2. Keep your receipt. You never know - you might be able to ride it off on taxes.

#3. Remember, once you're certified, you have to get continuing education, and re-certify every year.

#4. If there's a workshop for the cert, go to it. It helps so much more than reading a book.

#5. MOST importantly - if you don't know......ASK. Even if you think you'll look like an idiot, get your ass in here and say 'Hey, Lattissimus Dorsi - is that the Lat?' It's better to ask to much and know to much than the opposite.

Hope that helps. Really, I would first find the gym you want to work in. Money's tight and people are cutting back, so unless you're willing to train cheaper than your 'friendly' Gold's around the corner ($40 per 30 minutes), then you're going to have a problem. It's easier to get started in an establishment, build yourself up and then expand to your own place once your reputation is set. Oh - Credentials help. Remember, although Gym's care about your cert, 99% of clients don't. They don't care what you know, they care what you can do for them. It's as simple and as complex as that. Get used to hearing 'how many crunches do I have to do to get flat abs.' And get used to saying 'stop eating doughnuts and drinking soda.' It's a repetitive, pain in the ass business, but when you get that one client that loses a hundred pounds because of you - well, that makes it all worth it. That is - until the gym tells you 'Oh by the way, go get a $300 cert, and we're not going to pay for it.'

That's when you say 'I'm worth more than this' and you either go for the Olympics, or open up your own gym.

Heh. Random Thoughts. Silly Me. ;)

MightyMouse666
04-06-09, 2:18 pm
(Apologies in advance to the moderators if this was posted in the wrong section.)

I know there's a ton of different certifications you can get for personal training/nutrition, so I was wondering what are the most worthwhile to get in terms of respectability/cost/ease/etc. I know that may be vague, if it helps to know I'm a fairly good learner and willing to put in the time to get a legit cert, but I don't wanna mess around getting a certification that isn't worth the time. I ask this question because I'm considering doing personal training as a part time job. I really enjoy working out and I'm fascinated with training and nutrition, so I think going into this industry would be more aligned with my passions. I'm also open to any suggestions anyone would have about this industry/profession and being successful at it. Huge thanks to those who respond.

-sjchris

I am in the EXACT same situation... I am currently acting on it. About a month and a half ago I ordered the materials through www.acefitness.org. For convenience, this seemed to be the best, cost-wise as well. You can order the books (for around $150), and book your own test (around $200). ACE (american council on exercise) is highly recognized as well. Here is a sit that may help you break down your different options:

http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/accredited-personal-training-certification.html

I recently just finished the book and study guide and hope to take the certification test soon. I hope this is helpful to you.

Preservation
04-06-09, 8:50 pm
Personal trainers no offence but the one's I've seen and met know jack about working out and nutritional mumbo and makes me question where they even got there certifications just saying if you don't know your stuff don't be one.
For those who are looking for trainers look into them first make sure they know there stuff learn your self from fitness sites magz and knowing what you can do, if there awesome trainers go for it because there are a lot of good ones out there not dissing the experienced trainers just the low blow joes..

Iceiktitan
04-06-09, 9:00 pm
http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/default.aspx

Very reputable and not too costly.

Alk
04-06-09, 9:37 pm
Asking a PT related question here...

I noticed on the link Mightymouse posted that there's no college course req to get certified for any of these...and I'm about to go to college to get a degree in exercise science. Will that only affect my paycheck? Or is it clearly more beneficial to go to college to have a degree ontop of a cert? I'm not trying to get out of college or anything, just making sure the degree will be worth something...

I actually have my CPR/AED certs from lifeguarding the last couple years, but it's been very hard it seems to actually find information on PT stuff until I stumbled into this thread with a ton of sh!t on it.

Vinny G
04-06-09, 10:00 pm
i own a personal training studio.....shoot me any questions you have via PM.

Iceiktitan
04-07-09, 2:28 am
i own a personal training studio.....shoot me any questions you have via PM.


Their's the guy you need right their!

Tifferzzz
04-07-09, 3:02 pm
Asking a PT related question here...

I noticed on the link Mightymouse posted that there's no college course req to get certified for any of these...and I'm about to go to college to get a degree in exercise science. Will that only affect my paycheck? Or is it clearly more beneficial to go to college to have a degree ontop of a cert? I'm not trying to get out of college or anything, just making sure the degree will be worth something...

I actually have my CPR/AED certs from lifeguarding the last couple years, but it's been very hard it seems to actually find information on PT stuff until I stumbled into this thread with a ton of sh!t on it.

A degree will always trump a cert. It gives validity to your passion, and backs it up by saying 'hey I didn't just go online, and pay $80 and pass a course, I actually went to college.' The benefit of teh college degree is that there's so much you can do with it - especially with exercise science. If you want to work in the big leagues, you'll need a degree. If I were you, I'd stick with the degree, and then depending on the level of the degree that your getting, then get the first two levels (or all four if you're getting a masters and bachelors), and you'll be fully loaded, and set. But def. get the degree, don't think twice about it, it's to valuable, and when everyone's looking for a job, that will put you on top of the pack. Also, if you've started training or working with anyone, start building a portfolio.

fenix237
04-08-09, 11:56 am
excellent post and valuable advice for anyone interested getting into these careers!

Elite
04-08-09, 12:22 pm
Some PT related threads...
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=9019&highlight=personal+trainer
http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=4814&highlight=PT

bigweights74
05-08-09, 7:14 pm
I was just wondering if there any personal trainers on here sure there are where did you get your certifications and what do you think the best schools are??

Jwnelsn1
05-10-09, 10:34 am
yeah i'm a trainer in collierville,tn. if you don't have a degree in exercise and sports science, your best bet is NASM. There are 3 major certifications. ACE, COOPER, and NASM. To get a Cooper, you MUST have a exercise/sport science college degree. Anyone can get Cooper, however it is a certification mostly recognized in the west; texas and further west. NASM, in my opinion, is the best. Anyone can get a NASM. But, it's probably the hardest course, and hardest test you'll ever take.

99% of gyms now days will only accept those 3, b/c they're the only ones that are worth anything. I was training for a while on a crap cert. (AFAA), and took the NASM course and it changed everything I knew about training. hit me up on email if you need anything else bro - jwnelsn1@memphis.edu

FAL*FREAK*
05-11-09, 4:17 am
i just bought the issa package what does anyone think of thir program. really just bought it as a learning tool. almost done

Hercules
05-11-09, 6:07 am
Perform a search. This topic has been covered multiple times before. Those threads have a ton of info for you.

futurefreak101
05-11-09, 5:17 pm
i just bought the issa package what does anyone think of thir program. really just bought it as a learning tool. almost done

im alomost done with ISSA...very easy IMO...too bad personal training is not for me or what i thought it would be...i went on an interview and was not feeling it at all..im just going to complete the cert...now im looking to become a bouncer or something more my style..to be a personal trainer u need to be very freindly and able to sell..i made a big mistake but whatever...see i thought i was going to be training bodybuilders..but u end up training old people..and women.

Legacy
05-12-09, 9:02 pm
I am a personal trainer and a certified strength and conditioning coach. Some of the best personal training companies out there are ACSM, NSCA, and NCSF. These are all nationally recognized companies and are big names in the industry. I got mine through the NCSF. A lot of people seem to do the ISSA because its whats in every magazine, however it is not nationally recognized like these 3. I am also a certified strength and conditioning specilaist (CSCS) which I feel is another good thing to have that NSCA offers. Gives you a different perspective into the industry that is geared towards athletes and is a lot more detailed into the actual energy systems of the body and how the body works. I think the personal training certifications do not go into as much detail into the body and focuses more on the mechanics of exercising.

dannynb
05-12-09, 10:57 pm
I'm certified through NASM with PT, CES, PES. I would say any of the above mentioned will do. just do a search, plenty of info out there. Good luck with what you decide to do. Luckily my clients range from regular joe, to college and 1 pro athlete, to several competitors....just depends on your knowledge, location.

Tron
05-14-09, 2:22 pm
Perform a search. This topic has been covered multiple times before. Those threads have a ton of info for you.

x2

And punctuation in some form would be much appreciated. It's hard to understand somebody's typing whenever it is just one long string of words.

ActaNonVerba
08-16-09, 7:23 pm
Hahaha well maybe not to that degree...
But for the first time ever today I moved 315 on flat bench. Repped it for 5 with good solid form. Butt planted, minimal arch, no bounce. The only draw back being is I always bring the bar to the chest before I send it back up. Just no bounce. My spotter had a little pull on 6 so I'm obviously only counting 5. Just wanted to throw that on here as you guys always provide stellar motivation. You guys are awesome! RAAAAGGGGGEEEEEE!!!


On a side note with a bench of 315x5 squat of 375x6 and dead 315x5 do you think I would have any luck placing at at local big three lifts?? Just curious as I never even considered competition before. Oh I weigh about 206 right now. No clue how the weight classes work.
Thanks!!

MonTanaMusCle
08-17-09, 1:44 pm
HELL YA BROTHER !!!! congrats ! ! ! . . . 365 here we come keep working hard and reppin animal . . .

fenix237
08-17-09, 2:21 pm
good job bro- 315 seems to be the milestone where things get serious...what i find surprising is that for your first time doing 315, you did it 5 times!

keep up the good work!!!

Littlefry
08-17-09, 2:24 pm
315x5 is no joke. Im aiming for that during my next 5x5 program. You would have to check out your local PL contest to figure out weight class, and to see what the rest of the class lifts are like. I would think that you would probably over 405 to place good.

shizz702
08-17-09, 2:33 pm
Huge congrats bro, that is some serious benching!

Use this calculator here to get an idea of what your potential maxes may be: http://www.exrx.net/Calculators/OneRepMax.html

Pistola
08-17-09, 8:10 pm
315 for 5 is good shit man!! Congrats big time!!

BryanSmash!
08-18-09, 1:06 am
Great job!

Maccabee
10-27-09, 8:43 pm
It really depends on what you want to do. If you just want to take on clients in a gym setting and keep it to simple personal training, then one of the 3-day certs like the ISSA are just fine.

However, if you want to do more than just train the 50 year-old soccer mom who only wants to "tone up," then the only two legitimate certs agencies out there are the NSCA and the ACSM, and each has different levels of certification available.

NSCA:
1. Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)... tough ass test, but no degree required.
2. Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)... one of the toughest exams out there, very specific, minimum Bachelors degree required.

ACSM:
1. CPT... basic personal trainer, high school diploma needed only.
2. Health/Fitness Instructor... more specific populations, Associate's degree required.
3. Exercise Specialist... more clinical setting, minimum Bachelors degree plus clinic hours required.
4. Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist... research or hospital setting, minimum Masters degree plus clinic hours required.

I am going to apply to this ACSM school once I am done with business school.

You wrote here Associates Degree and Bachelots degree. Does it matter what the degree is for. Because I will have a bachelors in marketing in 6 weeks. Would I still get accepted or do I need a bachelors in some thing like exercise science.

msktyshha
11-02-09, 8:35 pm
I've got a ISSA/ISMA cert but now I just don't know what to do with it lol. Don't know how to start myself off, never trained anyone before. Any suggestions?

C.Coronato
11-03-09, 10:54 am
I've got a ISSA/ISMA cert but now I just don't know what to do with it lol. Don't know how to start myself off, never trained anyone before. Any suggestions?

I also have the ISSA. I just looked on line and went to some local gyms. It helps if you look the part as well. You are going to start off very slow, one or two clients. And it will build from there.

msktyshha
11-03-09, 9:44 pm
I was wondering if i can get some sort of an internship or something just for the sake of experience cause most gyms want someone who has prior experience and I have never trained anyone before

LSweet
02-13-10, 1:33 pm
I'm interested on doing personal training on the side in addition to my construction work and i don't really know where to start. I've heard or getting certified online through NASM or ISSA, does anyone know how credible these places are? Should i just look for an actual school where i sit down and learn? I've been training for 3 years and know what i'm doing but without certification i won't be taken seriously. If anyone has any words of advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Hercules
02-13-10, 10:49 pm
Do a search. This topic has come up quite a few times...