Who has a nutrition certification?

[Al Shades]

I want to get a nutrition certification to help market my services.

What's the cheapest cert out there?

[Be-Be]

I'm interested in people's experience and thoughts on this cert too.

[John Prophet]

pretty sure there is a lot of confusion between the word "nutritionist" and "dietician". I looked into it but cant remember all the details. One word is "protected" while one isnt.

Im assuming that one has to go thru a certain process to be a "registered dietician"....but that almost anyone can be called a "nutritionist"...just like anyone can be called a "personal trainer"

but I could have those words backwards, lol

[Be-Be]

You have it right. But I'm interested in learning more about nutrition without getting another bachelor degree. Seems that there should be nutritionist certs like there are personal trainer certs - and probably some are more legit than others.

[oregonpanthers]

I used NESTA as my certification course and examination. I found it very comprehensive and scientific as well as real world applicable. Its not an exam you can just sit and take. You need to review the CD-ROM at minimum if you have a background or degree in a related feild. I took this exam last year early spring after studying from the CD. I did not get the manual as was suggested. Its a study at home and take at home exam, you then mail in your test and wait for scoring. I was nearly finished with my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and a minor in sports nutrition at the time so it was not all that difficult for me. Look at the site for more information. Its 300 for the exam and CD-ROM and 35 bucks or the manual.

http://www.nestacertified.com/nutritionist.html

I just wanted more then a college minor to use as a credential on my resume and with my athletes. Bodybuilding taught me so much about nutrition I just had to pursue some kind of additional certificate.

I want to note that this is not a dietetics license or anything of the like, you cannot work with diseased clients on nutritional matters with this certificate. Your state laws may also dictate your freedoms with this certificate.

[Be-Be]

Thanks. That's exactly what I'm looking for and about exactly what I wanted to pay.

[John Prophet]

yeah, I just picked up a nice anatomy/physiology textbook at the used book store...id LOVE to find a big nutrition/metabolism textbook as well.

[MassFreak2063]

no other suggestions? I feel i definitely need some kind of nutritional certification to get clients anywhere near their potential

[John Prophet]

I used NESTA as my certification course and examination. I found it very comprehensive and scientific as well as real world applicable. Its not an exam you can just sit and take. You need to review the CD-ROM at minimum if you have a background or degree in a related feild. I took this exam last year early spring after studying from the CD. I did not get the manual as was suggested. Its a study at home and take at home exam, you then mail in your test and wait for scoring. I was nearly finished with my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and a minor in sports nutrition at the time so it was not all that difficult for me. Look at the site for more information. Its 300 for the exam and CD-ROM and 35 bucks or the manual.

http://www.nestacertified.com/nutritionist.html

I just wanted more then a college minor to use as a credential on my resume and with my athletes. Bodybuilding taught me so much about nutrition I just had to pursue some kind of additional certificate.

I want to note that this is not a dietetics license or anything of the like, you cannot work with diseased clients on nutritional matters with this certificate. Your state laws may also dictate your freedoms with this certificate.

so as far as nutrition goes, what do u call yourself to clients? a nutritionist? certified nutritionist?

[Be-Be]

I call myself a nutritional consultant and have been recently hired by a company for a series of 12 nutritional seminars based on my current pt certs and experience but I think it would definitely boost my resume for counseling and seminar jobs to have something more official.

[ny58]

so as far as nutrition goes, what do u call yourself to clients? a nutritionist? certified nutritionist?

i call myself a certified sports nutritionist. .

[Al Shades]

pretty sure there is a lot of confusion between the word "nutritionist" and "dietician". I looked into it but cant remember all the details. One word is "protected" while one isnt.

Im assuming that one has to go thru a certain process to be a "registered dietician"....but that almost anyone can be called a "nutritionist"...just like anyone can be called a "personal trainer"

but I could have those words backwards, lol

Aye, you're right. You don't have the words backwards.

Nutritionist is the easier/less regulated one and that's what I'm interested in.

I don't want to pay thousands of dollars to have to learn the government food pyramid. That's what dietiticians do.
I just want to get the piece of paper as cheaply as possible.


i call myself a certified sports nutritionist. .

Based on your NASM-CPT alone? Just curious. Nothing against it.

[John Prophet]

I call myself a nutritional consultant and have been recently hired by a company for a series of 12 nutritional seminars based on my current pt certs and experience but I think it would definitely boost my resume for counseling and seminar jobs to have something more official.

thats cool.

okay, u seem very nice and I have read several of your posts...so its not hating but I have to ask you...how do u manage the sort of credibility gap of u being 5'8" 200 lbs yet being a nutrition expert?

I ask partly because I too have had my struggles etc. I tend to sell myself short sometimes because I am not perfect.

(dont be mad, just asking....i see u used to weigh more etc)

[Al Shades]

I used NESTA as my certification course and examination. I found it very comprehensive and scientific as well as real world applicable. Its not an exam you can just sit and take. You need to review the CD-ROM at minimum if you have a background or degree in a related feild. I took this exam last year early spring after studying from the CD. I did not get the manual as was suggested. Its a study at home and take at home exam, you then mail in your test and wait for scoring. I was nearly finished with my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and a minor in sports nutrition at the time so it was not all that difficult for me. Look at the site for more information. Its 300 for the exam and CD-ROM and 35 bucks or the manual.

http://www.nestacertified.com/nutritionist.html

I just wanted more then a college minor to use as a credential on my resume and with my athletes. Bodybuilding taught me so much about nutrition I just had to pursue some kind of additional certificate.

I want to note that this is not a dietetics license or anything of the like, you cannot work with diseased clients on nutritional matters with this certificate. Your state laws may also dictate your freedoms with this certificate.

Thank you for the link. I reckon $300 is probably the cheapest they come.

Is there a good deal of biochemistry on it? Do you think that someone from this forum who is well versed in "bodybuilding nutrition" would be able to pass it with little or no studying?

Also, with a take home exam, how do they prevent cheating?

[Be-Be]

thats cool.

okay, u seem very nice and I have read several of your posts...so its not hating but I have to ask you...how do u manage the sort of credibility gap of u being 5'8" 200 lbs yet being a nutrition expert?

I ask partly because I too have had my struggles etc. I tend to sell myself short sometimes because I am not perfect.

(dont be mad, just asking....i see u used to weigh more etc)

Actually, I'm known as the "mean" trainer. :) No reason to get mad. If I wasn't able to accept reality, I wouldn't post it. But yeah, I've wondered that myself and sometimes I talk to my clients about it. Here are my best guesses. And for the record I'm around 29-31% bf.

1. My energy and passion appeal to people. I know how to get up in front of a room and entertain while teaching.

2. In "normal" clothes, you can't really tell that I weigh 200 pounds in part because I know how to pick clothes that flatter my figure. I wear size medium tops and size 14 bottoms so I look "average". You've been to my bodyspace so you know I don't look like I typical 200 pound woman. (I love my muscles.)

3. I am very honest and upfront about my eating disorders past and present. I use myself as an example and I can nail them on their behaviors since I've lived them. They feel I'm "real" and can understand their issues, challenges, and weaknesses. They feel more comfortable opening up to me because I've been there - recently.

4. When it comes to nutritional knowledge, I know a lot just from my training and reading up on things myself. I get some of the nutritional trade magazines. So when they start shooting questions at me to challenge my knowledge, I come through with flying colors. I also know tidbits of nutritional trivia that impress.

5. I have lost 50 - 65 pounds and kept it off for 5 years. Only 5% of the population can keep it off once they lose it. To the "common" person, the extra 10 - 20 pounds that I carry are no big deal compared to what I accomplished. In fact, one of my training clients who, a few years ago was winning figure competitions and thinking about going pro, is more impressed by this than by my certs. Though, to be fair, my workouts are what she loves.

6. My clients can tell that I really care about them, their goals, and their lives. That's really important to them. I have empathy and sympathy. And I teach them how to push themselves and build up their own self confidence.

7. My male clients actually like my bulk. They feel safer with me. Like I can spot them better or something. My female clients like to see that I'm extremely strong but still have curves.

I find many people are intimidated by the super-fit and scared by clean diets. Both in training and in counseling/seminars I place myself as a normal person who has learned to incorporate nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. I show them that you don't have to be perfect to be better and that you can make improvements and still have a life outside the gym. I actually downplay some healthy aspects of my diet at times.

You got to have confidence. Even on days when you feel like a big fake, you walk into that room and up to those clients like you have the world by the tail. They want that positive energy and they will believe in you even if you're only pretending to believe in yourself.

Actually, the only time I get down on myself is when I start playing the "should" game. Because I'm a trainer, I "should" look a certain way or eat a certain way or whatever. Being sidelined by injuries is actually making me feel guilty because I'm exercising less then some of my clients. But in the end, I'm me and a lot of people are willing to pay for what I have to offer and that's all that matters.

P.S. But if my huskiness disqualifies me for hanging around with all you "real" trainers, I can go back to my regular sections. No worries.

[John Prophet]

Actually, I'm known as the "mean" trainer. :) No reason to get mad. If I wasn't able to accept reality, I wouldn't post it. But yeah, I've wondered that myself and sometimes I talk to my clients about it. Here are my best guesses. And for the record I'm around 29-31% bf.

1. My energy and passion appeal to people. I know how to get up in front of a room and entertain while teaching.

2. In "normal" clothes, you can't really tell that I weigh 200 pounds in part because I know how to pick clothes that flatter my figure. I wear size medium tops and size 14 bottoms so I look "average". You've been to my bodyspace so you know I don't look like I typical 200 pound woman. (I love my muscles.)

3. I am very honest and upfront about my eating disorders past and present. I use myself as an example and I can nail them on their behaviors since I've lived them. They feel I'm "real" and can understand their issues, challenges, and weaknesses. They feel more comfortable opening up to me because I've been there - recently.

4. When it comes to nutritional knowledge, I know a lot just from my training and reading up on things myself. I get some of the nutritional trade magazines. So when they start shooting questions at me to challenge my knowledge, I come through with flying colors. I also know tidbits of nutritional trivia that impress.

5. I have lost 50 - 65 pounds and kept it off for 5 years. Only 5% of the population can keep it off once they lose it. To the "common" person, the extra 10 - 20 pounds that I carry are no big deal compared to what I accomplished. In fact, one of my training clients who, a few years ago was winning figure competitions and thinking about going pro, is more impressed by this than by my certs. Though, to be fair, my workouts are what she loves.

6. My clients can tell that I really care about them, their goals, and their lives. That's really important to them. I have empathy and sympathy. And I teach them how to push themselves and build up their own self confidence.

7. My male clients actually like my bulk. They feel safer with me. Like I can spot them better or something. My female clients like to see that I'm extremely strong but still have curves.

I find many people are intimidated by the super-fit and scared by clean diets. Both in training and in counseling/seminars I place myself as a normal person who has learned to incorporate nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. I show them that you don't have to be perfect to be better and that you can make improvements and still have a life outside the gym. I actually downplay some healthy aspects of my diet at times.

You got to have confidence. Even on days when you feel like a big fake, you walk into that room and up to those clients like you have the world by the tail. They want that positive energy and they will believe in you even if you're only pretending to believe in yourself.

Actually, the only time I get down on myself is when I start playing the "should" game. Because I'm a trainer, I "should" look a certain way or eat a certain way or whatever. Being sidelined by injuries is actually making me feel guilty because I'm exercising less then some of my clients. But in the end, I'm me and a lot of people are willing to pay for what I have to offer and that's all that matters.

P.S. But if my huskiness disqualifies me for hanging around with all you "real" trainers, I can go back to my regular sections. No worries.

lol. uhmm, I currently have 25%. Pretty sure if they run u out ill be next to go.

But for me, I am definitely NOT satisfied with my looks. I am fat right now and there is no excuse for it...I simply have not exercised dietary discipline.

I have found it hard to really motivate clients to change their eating habits and it seems that I have to go find others in the gym (with 6 packs) to qualify the things I tell my clients.

Like I tell them to eat 5-6 smallish meals with a protein at each meal etc. They look at me like im from mars. Then I grab some random lean dude who I dont even know and in front of the client I ask the dude what he eats and invariably he is like "5-6 smallish meals with a protein at each meal "

But it would be easier if I could just flash my OWN 6 pack. So I am quite discontentand motivated at the moment (even though I basically refuse to do cardio, lol)

At a xmas party they had sort of a "hot body" contest. I had no idea id be called out because my name was never nominated (I nominated a couple other peeps though)...in any case my name WAS called out, lol. So maybe 10-12 guys were called out. We went up and were standing around. I did have the balls to take my shirt of and pose along with one other trainer. (other guys leaner than me pussed out) Problem being he has way less bodyfat and is sort of the metrosexual/stylish type. I got my own cheers but needless to say he got way more and that doesnt really sit too well with me. maybe its a male thing.

In any case, deep down I wont feel like a "proper" trainer until I myself am around maybe 10-12% bodyfat. I damn sure wont feel like a "leader" until I can say "do as I DO...not as I SAY"


That being said, I see plenty of trainers who make good $$$ yet they dont look the part. I have a friend who runs his own private training gym. Dude has let himself go BADLY yet he could sell ice to an eskimo. I struggle too much with self confidence for that....I need all the legitimacy I can muster.

[Be-Be]

[/b]

lol. uhmm, I currently have 25%. Pretty sure if they run u out ill be next to go.

But for me, I am definitely NOT satisfied with my looks. I am fat right now and there is no excuse for it...I simply have not exercised dietary discipline.

I have found it hard to really motivate clients to change their eating habits and it seems that I have to go find others in the gym (with 6 packs) to qualify the things I tell my clients.

Like I tell them to eat 5-6 smallish meals with a protein at each meal etc. They look at me like im from mars. Then I grab some random lean dude who I dont even know and in front of the client I ask the dude what he eats and invariably he is like "5-6 smallish meals with a protein at each meal "

But it would be easier if I could just flash my OWN 6 pack. So I am quite discontentand motivated at the moment (even though I basically refuse to do cardio, lol)

At a xmas party they had sort of a "hot body" contest. I had no idea id be called out because my name was never nominated (I nominated a couple other peeps though)...in any case my name WAS called out, lol. So maybe 10-12 guys were called out. We went up and were standing around. I did have the balls to take my shirt of and pose along with one other trainer. (other guys leaner than me pussed out) Problem being he has way less bodyfat and is sort of the metrosexual/stylish type. I got my own cheers but needless to say he got way more and that doesnt really sit too well with me. maybe its a male thing.

In any case, deep down I wont feel like a "proper" trainer until I myself am around maybe 10-12% bodyfat. I damn sure wont feel like a "leader" until I can say "do as I DO...not as I SAY"


That being said, I see plenty of trainers who make good $$$ yet they dont look the part. I have a friend who runs his own private training gym. Dude has let himself go BADLY yet he could sell ice to an eskimo. I struggle too much with self confidence for that....I need all the legitimacy I can muster.

I hear where you are coming from. I've been working on self-esteem issues and legitimacy issues all my life. That silly contest certainly doesn't help.

First off, it depends on your clientelle. Slimmer women in their 20s who want 15% bf don't train with me. Pudge/overweight women in their 40s struggling to balance life and keep healthy do. Not nearly as glamerous as training a stable of fitness competition contendors but it is a steady income from people who need help to improve their lives and in some cases, save their lives.

Even before I started training, I had women following me around the gym copying my routines and following me around the grocery store copying my purchases. So apparently not everyone wants to lose their curves and look like a supermodel or fitness model. Remember that everyone has their own goals. While I judge my body harshly, my clients see nothing wrong with it and many people would like it. (Yeah, including the guys who also follow me around for entirely different reasons.)

In fact, 3 years ago, I posted a bikini pic of myself here by way of introducing myself and whining about how fat I was. The great people on this forum made me realize that I wasn't obese any longer - no matter what my bf was. (Yeah, it's on my bodyspace you perverts.)

Second, I remember at some point in my 20s, I was selling jewelry at a mall store. I learned everything I could about gold and diamonds and such but every month I missed my goals. Meanwhile this other woman who knew nothing surpassed hers. She was confident and strong and never doubted herself. Even though I didn't like her, it was a good lesson on how to sell ice to eskimos. You are what you project. PT is about selling yourself and then deliverying results.

You know obese people who put their lives on hold? "I'll buy cute clothes when I lose weight." "I'll date when I lose weight." "I'll get a better job when I lose weight." "I'll have friends when I lose weight." "I'll finally be worthwhile for all my dreams and goals when I lose weight."

"If you spend too much time working on your weaknesses, all you end up with is a lot of strong weaknesses." - Dan Sullivan, business coach

You are what you are right now. We don't know who you'll be in the future and the past is gone. Embrace the now and accept that you are doing the best you can right now. Maybe your right now can include making 1 positive change to your diet? Your eating plan is 80% of your weight loss success or failure. Can you think of and make 1 positive change today that you try to make into a healthy habit?

My problem is emotional binge eating. I can down 2,000+ calories in an evening. I have been using exercise to combat that but now that I'm benched, I no longer have my stress release and I quickly put on 15+ pounds. So am I going on a 1200 calorie diet to compensate? I would just boomarang and end up eating more 3 days later. So my plan is to try a cleanse next week to try to find some new healthy habits. For the first time, I'm going to try a diet plan without gluten, dairy, eggs, artificial sweetners and reflined food. Just for a week. Then I'll keep the positives and drop the rest.

If you can eat properly most of the time, the occassional, moderate "mistakes" will not hinder your progress and may help you.

Third, I know a trainer who has 1 leg. Do you think she feels that her clients can't accept cardio advice from her? Nope, she know her stuff and allows herself to be confident with her knowledge. (She's also incredibly innovative on modifying exercises.) Your clients will pick up on your energy.

You are at an age where you are ready to start working on yourself internally - your emotional and spiritual health. This is what will help you create the energy that draws people to you like flies.

Some of the books that helped me realize myself:
Behond Anxiety and Phobia by Edmund J. Bourne
Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss
The Secret
A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle

They all talk about the same thing and its the same thing I've seen a lot of other places. It just now finally sank in and I'm a much better person and trainer because of it.

Finally, play up your strengths. Since I'm eating too much, I'm bulking. Okay, its a perpetual bulk but it explains to people why I'm not a low bf and gives me a chance to educate them on muscle growth versus bf loss. Also, I arm myself with knowledge. People with more experience training and with fitness related degrees come to me with questions because they respect how much I know. Those are two of my confidence builders when I'm not feeling comfortable with my body.

Oh, and I whine a bunch in my journal to release the negative energy. :p

Okay, that was your freebie. Next session will be $45 please. :D

[John Prophet]

Since I'm eating too much, I'm bulking.

yeah, my joke line is like "yeah, ive been bulking since Bush got elected.....Bush senior"

you and I are coming from slightly different places...Im NOT happy with who I am and I dont want to be at this point, lol. Since unwise choices have brought me to a place I don tlike, I refuse to be happy about being here.

Now, will I be truly happy when I am 9% bodyfat? Probably not, since I never really HAVE been "happy" and have no clue how to be, lol. But id rather be unhappy with a sharp 6 pack than unhappy AND fat!

yes, ive been doing plenty of internal work...really for years now but lots lately. Its incredibly hard to change thought patterns that u were born with (your father and his father had the same issues etc etc)..not impossible I suppose...but incredibly hard. thats not a cop out, thats just what im up against



I gotta call u out on one thing though. The whole line about "So apparently not everyone wants to lose their curves and look like a supermodel or fitness model" sounds like a big ol' cop out type of thing. U make it like there are only 2 choices: stick woman or superfatty. Im pretty sure there is a whole world in between. I bet at 175 youd still have plenty of curvature left.

There r these 2 sisters I work with. one is lean and wears supertight jeans to work everyday and she has the whole Halle Berry thing happening. Her sister is pretty overweight although u see the same pretty facial features under there and u can see that she too would be really sexy if she werent overweight. She said something like "Im not skinny like my sister". To me she was making an excuse as if there was something wrong with her sister.

I know that as a trainer I have to be EXTREMELY careful about saying such things in front of clients because they take that inch and run a mile with it. They already generally lack willpower etc so I am not going to say ANYTHING that even remotely gives them an excuse to stay fat or weak or whatever. I dont WANT them to be comfy where they are, lol...I want them to be extremely DISsatisfied so that they will have some impetus to improve.

[Be-Be]

I understand what you are saying. But many people find that until they accept who they are and where they are in life, they can't lose weight. This isn't being complacent or settling for being less than you want. This isn't about sitting in your comfort zone and dying an early death because of it. Self-love and self-acceptance means accepting your flaws and working with them.

Being miserable and beating yourself up isn't making you lose fat and may be part of the reason you can't find the motivation to do what you need to do.

And yes, I could lose fat and still have curves. But that isn't the point. My point was that a lot of people don't want to be trained by a fitness model or bodybuilder.

I've also never said I was satisfied with my weight. The fact that I call myself the fat trainer should be a huge red flag of issues there. But I can be compasonate to myself and understanding with my own issues. Just as I would be with a clients. So I am always struggling to lose weight and am depressed when I gain. So I would be thrilled if I could break the 187 barrier and keep it broken. But ruining my life, my attitude, my career and being unhappy because I'm not is not going to help me or anyone else. I have complete faith that as long as I keep trying, I'll figure it out.

[John Prophet]

But that isn't the point. My point was that a lot of people don't want to be trained by a fitness model or bodybuilder.


yeah, and I dont understand that. The part of my brain that understands that is missing, lol. I would think youd want to be trained by 'the best'...by someone who showed they practiced what they preached...but u r fully correct, not everyone sees it that way.

on the other side of the coin, to teach or lead someone u really only have to be a few steps ahead of them..u dont have to be 20 miles ahead.


I had some flyers up when I firrrrssstttt started PTing. I thought all u had to do was post flyers and people would come running out of the woodwork. Of course, it didnt work that way. But one of my flyers had 4 pics of me on it. Well to get them to fit exactly one of the picks had to be stretched to fit...so it made me look a little wider than I am. So a couple buddies teased me and asked why I was photoshopping my pics to make me look bigger etc.

I immediately pulled the flyer down because Im all about some legitimacy....even though I myself knew I wasnt trying to fool anyone by it, I still pulled it.

Contrast that to a trainer who posts up a 10 yr old pic of himself when he was 40 lbs lighter. That I just dont understand and id have issues sleeping at night if I had to resort to that. But amazingly clients arent bothered by it. I dunno...seems wack to me.

Hell, I can post up all kinds of pics of my nice 6 pack....FROM WHEN I WAS 17...but whats that got to do with now??


I do understand a little about people not relating to a trainer who is "perfect"...but by that I mean someone who has NEVER been overweight or out of shape to start with..like some 19 yr old kid who weighs 155. What the hell is he going to know about weight issues etc? But other than that I would want to be trained by someone who pretty much has control over their looks and habits. How can they teach me what they dont know?

Then again, id probably never hire a trainer anyway, lol

[Be-Be]

yeah, and I dont understand that. The part of my brain that understands that is missing, lol. I would think youd want to be trained by 'the best'...by someone who showed they practiced what they preached...but u r fully correct, not everyone sees it that way.

on the other side of the coin, to teach or lead someone u really only have to be a few steps ahead of them..u dont have to be 20 miles ahead.


I had some flyers up when I firrrrssstttt started PTing. I thought all u had to do was post flyers and people would come running out of the woodwork. Of course, it didnt work that way. But one of my flyers had 4 pics of me on it. Well to get them to fit exactly one of the picks had to be stretched to fit...so it made me look a little wider than I am. So a couple buddies teased me and asked why I was photoshopping my pics to make me look bigger etc.

I immediately pulled the flyer down because Im all about some legitimacy....even though I myself knew I wasnt trying to fool anyone by it, I still pulled it.

Contrast that to a trainer who posts up a 10 yr old pic of himself when he was 40 lbs lighter. That I just dont understand and id have issues sleeping at night if I had to resort to that. But amazingly clients arent bothered by it. I dunno...seems wack to me.

Hell, I can post up all kinds of pics of my nice 6 pack....FROM WHEN I WAS 17...but whats that got to do with now??


I do understand a little about people not relating to a trainer who is "perfect"...but by that I mean someone who has NEVER been overweight or out of shape to start with..like some 19 yr old kid who weighs 155. What the hell is he going to know about weight issues etc? But other than that I would want to be trained by someone who pretty much has control over their looks and habits. How can they teach me what they dont know?

Then again, id probably never hire a trainer anyway, lol

I love the posters. If only it was that easy. I'm struggling with that with my business too. I sent flyers and no one called! Geesh.

I so agree about using past pics to promote yourself. If I was going to hire a trainer, which I wouldn't either, I would want to see what they are like now. I suppose if I was wanting someone to train me for competition it would be different.

But, you see, that's what it's about for the majority. They want someone they can connect with and that they feel cares. I am miles ahead of my clients in that I'm extremely strong and fit. I am also miles ahead of them in eating habits as I eat extremely well most of the time. Remember, I'm mostly training older, out of shape people that don't know the first thing about how to exercise or eat right. "What's a protien?" Seriously, I've gotten that question. So think of it this way - I'm training/counseling people through their AA degrees and then, if they want to continue their fitness education, they go with someone who is able to take them through a bacheolors, masters or phd. Most people don't care to take it that far. They just want to be healthier, live longer, and be able to play with their grandkids and enjoy their hobbies. I may look average (dang fat hiding my muscles) but my average client well exceeds average in the wrong direction. They are thrilled when I can take them to my level and by then they trust me enough to work with them for the last few pounds if fat loss is their goal. But by then most of them aren't as anxious about their weight because I've taught them about balance and healthy lifestyles and building muscle. At that point, it's the relationship that keeps them coming back.

Today, one of my clients who had been with me the longest told me that she appreciates that I'm a real person and that I have never given up on her even when she's given up on herself. She also said that she found my journey and struggles extremely motivating because if I keep trying so can she. That means more to me than a six pack ever would.

So should we have the mods change the title of this thread to "John and BeBe's discussion"?

[Al Shades]

Here is ISSA's Nutrition Cert. $550

http://www.issaonline.com/courses/spn/index.cfm

[L-Mendes]

nutrition certs are a waste of money.

just do your own research for free.

[John Prophet]

costly...but at least for me I DO see quite a value in being able to confidently say "I am a Performance Nutrition Specialist"

hey, silly or not, the average person on the street totally defers to titles like that. WE may know that the title doesnt mean that much...but if it gives u added leverage for better clients and better rates..so be it.

IMO basically ANYTHING to increase your confidence is a big plus



oh, can someone spot me $550?

[John Prophet]

nutrition certs are a waste of money.

just do your own research for free.

yeah, but what pull does that give u with perspective clients?


which of these 2 statements is more impressive?


they ask "are u a certified nutritionist?"

1) yes, I am a certified sports nutritionist

2) no, but I read a lot online

[Be-Be]

Certs and titles impress the people who hire you. Gives you an edge over someone who doesn't have one. I actually have people who have hired me as a trainer because I have a MBA. That one confuses me every time. Post-graduate business degrees = health and fitness results?????? But I definitely support always learning and studying on your own. For one, it makes passing the cert tests easier. :D

[Al Shades]

I think I'm going to go for the ISSA.

Want to have it ASAP.

Then I put print up new business cards and put Nutritionist on them.

[dasixthsun]

I think I'm going to go for the ISSA.

Want to have it ASAP.

Then I put print up new business cards and put Nutritionist on them.

Dont think that it is a walk in the park! You will have to do case studys 6 of them to show that you are competent in the area of performance nutritionist. I hear how people say that issa is open book and its easy but when doing case studys your kind of on your own.

[Be-Be]

In most states, anyone can put "Nutritionist" on their business cards with no training or cert or background so he's probably safe regardless of how he does on the test.

[MassFreak2063]

In most states, anyone can put "Nutritionist" on their business cards with no training or cert or background so he's probably safe regardless of how he does on the test.

i dunno how accurate that statement is......i can see getting the **** sued out of you if you claimed to be a nutritionist without a proper cert and then caused harm to someone by prescribing their diet.

[Be-Be]

i dunno how accurate that statement is......i can see getting the **** sued out of you if you claimed to be a nutritionist without a proper cert and then caused harm to someone by prescribing their diet.

Well, as a trainer you can get sued for tons of stuff but most states do not regulate the title "Nutritionist". "Dietitian" is very regulated though. On the other hand - better safe than sorry.

On a personal level, I'll feel more comfortable with a cert so I can say "Certified Nutritionist". Feels more legit although it may not add much to my knowledge base. Kind of the same reason I went for an ACE PT cert instead of settling for my other 2 lesser known certs. (Though to be fair, I did learn much more than I thought I would.) Not sure if I would get a nutrition cert if I wasn't starting my seminar/counseling business though. Nobody has ever questioned my qualifications as a "Nutritional Consultant".

I'm back and forth on it - can you tell? That's why I don't want to spend a bunch of money if I do get a nutrition cert. $300 - 500 seems pretty reasonable though.

[Be-Be]

Regarding liability: My ACE cert very clearly spelled out the limitations of what I can and can't do as far as nutritional counseling. According to them, as long as I use commonly accepted nutritional resources - food pyramid, aha, etc - and don't "prescribe" diets, I can probably successfully defend my advice in court. If I go beyond that, I'm at risk. So I'm very careful in my wording if I suggest something like a 40/40/20 diet. This is one of the reasons that I take the client's base diet and "suggest" improvements and "discuss" options. Self-protection.

[Al Shades]

Dont think that it is a walk in the park! You will have to do case studys 6 of them to show that you are competent in the area of performance nutritionist. I hear how people say that issa is open book and its easy but when doing case studys your kind of on your own.

Have you taken this exact course? What's a case study?

ACSM-CPT was a walk in the park. I simply walked in and took the test after studying up the night before.

I was planning to do this the same way. Hope it wouldn't take longer than 2 weeks, because I'd like to order it by the end of this month.

[Sikk]

Have you taken this exact course? What's a case study?

ACSM-CPT was a walk in the park. I simply walked in and took the test after studying up the night before.

I was planning to do this the same way. Hope it wouldn't take longer than 2 weeks, because I'd like to order it by the end of this month.

You studied for one night for the ACSM yet can't figure out what a case study is?

I highly doupt you did that, unless you are sporting a 4 year degree in exercise science. ACSM is in no way shape or form a "walk in the park"

This latest post from you, as with most of your posts, is complete bull****.

[Al Shades]

You studied for one night for the ACSM yet can't figure out what a case study is?

I highly doupt you did that, unless you are sporting a 4 year degree in exercise science. ACSM is in no way shape or form a "walk in the park"

This latest post from you, as with most of your posts, is complete bull****.

I could guess what a case study is but I'd prefer that he told me so I'd know for sure. I am looking for real information from someone who has taken the ISSA Nutrition cert., not random speculation.

I don't have any degree. I've been studying independently for years. I have more free time than most people and I use it to educate myself on a wide variety of subjects.

ACSM-CPT was not that difficult. The hardest part for me - a bodybuilding enthusiast - was teaching myself all the aerobic and cardio related crap. That's the part that I had to read up on.

I've already examined the course outline for the ISSA Nutrition cert. and I'm sure it will be every bit as easy, if not more so. I didn't see any topics listed there with which I'm not familiar. My only worry was that they'd make me regurgitate FDA/AMA approved garbage about the food pyramid, "healthy" grains and "bad fats". Since I'm pro-saturated fat, anti-carb, I would have to lie on this portion of the test if it came up. But reading the outline, it doesn't seem to be too bad. Seems like they actually have some content on there that's applicable to sports nutrition and bodybuilding.

[Sikk]

Lying to pass those exams is commontrend.

There were probably 10 questions on the ACSM exam that I didn't agree with at all, yet had to check the appropiate box to pass the exam.

It's sad really.

But like I've stated before, you take and pass the test to get the job (or insurance) then practice however you'd like to (legally of course)

[dasixthsun]

I could guess what a case study is but I'd prefer that he told me so I'd know for sure. I am looking for real information from someone who has taken the ISSA Nutrition cert., not random speculation.

I don't have any degree. I've been studying independently for years. I have more free time than most people and I use it to educate myself on a wide variety of subjects.

ACSM-CPT was not that difficult. The hardest part for me - a bodybuilding enthusiast - was teaching myself all the aerobic and cardio related crap. That's the part that I had to read up on.

I've already examined the course outline for the ISSA Nutrition cert. and I'm sure it will be every bit as easy, if not more so. I didn't see any topics listed there with which I'm not familiar. My only worry was that they'd make me regurgitate FDA/AMA approved garbage about the food pyramid, "healthy" grains and "bad fats". Since I'm pro-saturated fat, anti-carb, I would have to lie on this portion of the test if it came up. But reading the outline, it doesn't seem to be too bad. Seems like they actually have some content on there that's applicable to sports nutrition and bodybuilding.

a case study is where they give you a scenario and you have to write a 750 to 1000 word essay about it. There will be six of those

[Al Shades]

a case study is where they give you a scenario and you have to write a 750 to 1000 word essay about it. There will be six of those

Not a big deal. I wrote essays in High school. I know more about training and nutrition than I did about 11th grade history.

[Al Shades]

Attention: ISSA is running a promotion now through June 9 that lets you take $100 off any of their certs.

For me, it's a no brainer. I'm getting the Specialist in Performance Nutrition (SPN)

[Jamps]

http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org