Seeking other certifications (group fitness, kettlebell, trx, sports conditioning)

[765]

I am currently NASM certified; trying to figure out what the cheapest nationally accredited group fitness certification is. Will probably be pursuing a 4 year kinetic related degree before going for NSCA certifications but I wanted to ask around and see if there are any other certifications that will make me some money.

[RamsdenF]

I am currently NASM certified; trying to figure out what the cheapest nationally accredited group fitness certification is. Will probably be pursuing a 4 year kinetic related degree before going for NSCA certifications but I wanted to ask around and see if there are any other certifications that will make me some money.

Let me ask you something....why do you want to take additional certifications? Did your NASM not properly prepare you in your opinion?

These extra certs will not make you extra money(unless the gym you are employed at tell you it will). To me, I fail to understand the concept of massing certifications. To begin with most certifications aren't that great. And getting certified in "equipment" is flat out silly(TRX, Kettlebells, etc). If you understand biomechanics you could make a stick and rock work for exercise, without having to get "stick and rock certified".

I love your idea to go to school though. 4 year degrees are rare in this industry so you will stand out. You also will gain valuable knowledge and experience that others will not have the opportunity to have(labs, practicals, internships, etc).

[WoofieNugget]

Every trainer can and should take continuing education beyond their original certification and higher education. In fact, every certifying agency requires you to take CEC's to keep it current, just like in many other professional designations. This is a good thing because it ensures that at least the person with that piece of paper has likely taken a basic course in something supplemental each year.

Instead of thinking of it as "massing certifications", think of it as expanding or adding detail into what you want to teach people or becoming a better coach. However, that requires that you have a bit of interest in a specific area or a path towards the types of clients you want to train, not just any old person. If you are looking into small group training then something like a kettlebell certification or a TRX course will add some tools into your box. If you are more interested in coaching groups of runners you might want to take a course in POSE running. If you want rehab type stuff then maybe a foam rolling course or FST would be valuable.

So really, the options are many - if you can define what you want to be able to do with people then I can certainly suggest some things.

[765]

Let me ask you something....why do you want to take additional certifications? Did your NASM not properly prepare you in your opinion?

These extra certs will not make you extra money(unless the gym you are employed at tell you it will). To me, I fail to understand the concept of massing certifications. To begin with most certifications aren't that great. And getting certified in "equipment" is flat out silly(TRX, Kettlebells, etc). If you understand biomechanics you could make a stick and rock work for exercise, without having to get "stick and rock certified".

I love your idea to go to school though. 4 year degrees are rare in this industry so you will stand out. You also will gain valuable knowledge and experience that others will not have the opportunity to have(labs, practicals, internships, etc).

NASM was just for the piece of paper; I have been working out for a long time and nothing I have learned from the course has contributed to my training knowledge. Maybe I am able to go a bit more in depth about anatomical positions/movements but nothing I didn't understand already. I haven't looked into schools yet and that might not be an option for a while.

Every trainer can and should take continuing education beyond their original certification and higher education. In fact, every certifying agency requires you to take CEC's to keep it current, just like in many other professional designations. This is a good thing because it ensures that at least the person with that piece of paper has likely taken a basic course in something supplemental each year.

Instead of thinking of it as "massing certifications", think of it as expanding or adding detail into what you want to teach people or becoming a better coach. However, that requires that you have a bit of interest in a specific area or a path towards the types of clients you want to train, not just any old person. If you are looking into small group training then something like a kettlebell certification or a TRX course will add some tools into your box. If you are more interested in coaching groups of runners you might want to take a course in POSE running. If you want rehab type stuff then maybe a foam rolling course or FST would be valuable.

So really, the options are many - if you can define what you want to be able to do with people then I can certainly suggest some things.

Gyms in NYC require group trainer certs (or specific cert pertaining to the class) to train group classes; TRX and kettlebell classes are becoming more common; I am not looking to amass certifications for the sake of it. Adding a group training, kettlebell and TRX cert can add atleast 7-8 hours of higher paid work to my schedule if I teach 2 classes or so per week in each one. What do I want to do? Make as much money as possible. Just having a hard time getting started as I make much more money bartending on the weekends even though the potential to make money as a trainer seems greater.

[Endevorforever]

I am currently NASM certified; trying to figure out what the cheapest nationally accredited group fitness certification is. Will probably be pursuing a 4 year kinetic related degree before going for NSCA certifications but I wanted to ask around and see if there are any other certifications that will make me some money.

For group, AFAA or ACE group training. There is also a NESTA CEU for it.

[Ragnar13]

And getting certified in "equipment" is flat out silly(TRX, Kettlebells, etc). If you understand biomechanics you could make a stick and rock work for exercise, without having to get "stick and rock certified".

You are entitled to your opinion. I find it strange that trainers find being certified in specialties "silly". Do you know how many trainers I see that are certified (and knowledgeable) but use specific equipment incorrectly? Or try to specialize in an area that is beyond their scope, but they feel that since they have a certification and an understanding of biomechanics, they are still good to go? Great example is strongman training and olympic lifting (and I don't mean cross fit, I mean olympic lifting). But that's your opinion….I just feel different. I learned an extreme amount of quality info from my kettlebell training certification and am working on the next level. No one gets RKC and doesn't walk the walk.

Anyway, OP…..if you want an additional certification I recommend two things:
1. Make sure it is something YOU are interested in…be it group fitness, pilates, TRX, kettlebells, Silver Sneakers…..whatever. But YOU have to have a passion for that specialty.

2. Choose one that will meet a need for your client base. Kinda weird to be a marathon specialist and all your clients want to get strong and buff…..lol….

Good luck.

[RamsdenF]

You are entitled to your opinion. I find it strange that trainers find being certified in specialties "silly". Do you know how many trainers I see that are certified (and knowledgeable) but use specific equipment incorrectly?

Ok well I can't speak to other trainers. If you have seen any of my posts you know I think the fitness industry isn't great in terms of knowledgable professionals. So I can't defend the trainers you see using equipment wrong. They probably SHOULDNT BE TRAINERS THEN.

Let me ask you a question....if I know how to instruct DB/BB Push Press, DB Swing, DB Turkish Getup...would I be able to instruct KB Push Press, KB Swing, and the KB Turkish Get up? It's rhetoric, of course I can. If a person can't teach a KB Shoulder Press....they most likely can't teach a shoulder press IN ANY CAPACITY. The problem is not the piece of equipment(and lack of certification for equipment), but rather the lack of any education in biomechanics period.

These courses would be better suited to the non fitness professional population.