Becoming a Personal Trainer

antman8969 · 01-14-2008, 05:39 PM

I was hoping to become one soon but I'm not really sure on any of the specifics, as in the tons of organizations, where their recognized, how employment works, how to actualy get the license. If any trainers or anyone with information could post a link or explain it a little, itd be greatly appreciated (obviously doing my own research as i wait for responses)

gfundaro · 01-14-2008, 05:46 PM

I am on my way to it.
There are a lot of different organizations in the US: NSCA, ACSM, ACE, and ISSA are what I'm most familiar with, and you need a highschool degree for this. A CSCS is another one that's a bit different, but you need a college degree for that.

You will need to buy the reading materials which are anywhere from $200-$600, and then take the exam which are in the same price range. You need to be CPR certified. You have to earn credits to remain a CPT by attending seminars and doing other cool stuff. Every 3 years, you renew your certification, and there are different ways you can do that.

antman8969 · 01-14-2008, 08:36 PM

lol wow...

and as far as being employed once all thats done with... do they employ you or do u apply to gyms, and the gym will tell u which certifications they accept?

Epictetus IV · 01-14-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antman8969

I was hoping to become one soon but I'm not really sure on any of the specifics, as in the tons of organizations, where their recognized, how employment works, how to actualy get the license. If any trainers or anyone with information could post a link or explain it a little, itd be greatly appreciated (obviously doing my own research as i wait for responses)

repped for striving to become a physical trainer (i figured you could use it

)

TEmike81 · 01-14-2008, 08:48 PM

i'm interested in becoming a personal trainer also, however i was under the impression that you needed a degree to do it? either way im interested in the answer too...

antman8969 · 01-14-2008, 09:07 PM

LOL thx for the rep.... i got negged for reposting a few months ago

yea any other info is good too, i know theres non colege degree certificates out there, just dont no where to start....or work... o and wats an average pay check look like for a new trainer?

MTUNUPE56 · 01-15-2008, 02:34 AM

yea I'm takin my ACE test in march. Yry looking at some of the community colleges in your area they may offer what they call a fitness professional certificate program. It basically prepares you for whatever test you plan on taking. plus it will help on your resume as it is a legit cert.

As far as employment goes there are a variety of ways to go. You could apply to gyms. I know the cert programs in my area provide internships which eventually lead to positions. The other certifying bodies may give you info on job opportunities but as far as providing you one. I dotn think so

GOOD luck Bro!

Dfresh2787 · 01-15-2008, 07:11 AM

You have to apply to gyms, i've never seen them offer jobs upon graduation. ACE & ISSA are the 2 top programs. As mentioned above you have to renew every 3 years (for a fee). You don't need a degree to do it, but if thats what you want to do as a career then yes you can get a degree in exercise science. And finally, prep yourself to start working with middle-aged fat women :P

AbAbber2k · 01-15-2008, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dfresh2787

You have to apply to gyms, i've never seen them offer jobs upon graduation. ACSM & NSCA are the 2 top programs. As mentioned above you have to renew every 3 years (for a fee). You don't need a degree to do it, but if thats what you want to do as a career then yes you can get a degree in exercise science. And finally, prep yourself to start working with middle-aged fat women :P

Fixed for accuracy.

There's nothing wrong with ACE. But the only thing it has going for it above the rest of the certs is that it's the most common and one of the cheapest to aquire (both in terms of money and time spent studying for it). I get ACE trainers telling me all the time how impressed they are that I went with ACSM. If you want to impress a potential employer (especially if you're new to the industry) go with ACSM or NSCA. If you REALLY want to impress people, get NSCA's CSCS cert. It's the BEE's KNEES of training certs. Though I think you need to have/be studying for a Bachelors in a related field for CSCS.

dynamo22 · 02-13-2008, 11:09 AM

I would recommend NASM. Its Optimum Performance Training model is the most applicable to people in general. It teaches corrective exercise, strength and power training. Plus they do an amazing job on the teaching aspect, its not very hard to pick up at all. I would get the CPT and then the PES. After building a good base with them, I would go with Charles Poliquin (www.charlespoliquin.net) and then Paul Chek (www.chekinstitute.com). These guys will help seperate you from the average trainers and really open up your view on anatomy, training, and nutrition. I've been doing this for over 2 years, which isn't an eternity, but I work at a small, open community personal training studio with over 150 members, and I've trained every single one of them using the methods of the above teachers and I've been able to apply all the knowledge learned from bodybuilders, athletes, senior citiziens, "middle aged fat women", young kids, the whole nine yards. Just study hard and use your training methods on yourself. Make them second nature, then you'll be fine.

bigg_K · 02-13-2008, 11:16 AM

I'm taking the NCSF test in march.

As for employment, your options are going around applying to all your local gyms. (Some will take you without certification, and give you some period to pass the test)

Or you can try to go it privately (probably a better idea once you have some clients/experience) where you deal directly with the costumer. Workout at their home, at their gym, etc.

Good luck

Pridehurtsform · 02-13-2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dynamo22

I would recommend NASM. Its Optimum Performance Training model is the most applicable to people in general. It teaches corrective exercise, strength and power training. Plus they do an amazing job on the teaching aspect, its not very hard to pick up at all. I would get the CPT and then the PES. After building a good base with them, I would go with Charles Poliquin (www.charlespoliquin.net) and then Paul Chek (www.chekinstitute.com). These guys will help seperate you from the average trainers and really open up your view on anatomy, training, and nutrition. I've been doing this for over 2 years, which isn't an eternity, but I work at a small, open community personal training studio with over 150 members, and I've trained every single one of them using the methods of the above teachers and I've been able to apply all the knowledge learned from bodybuilders, athletes, senior citiziens, "middle aged fat women", young kids, the whole nine yards. Just study hard and use your training methods on yourself. Make them second nature, then you'll be fine.

x2. i got mine and i couldn't be happier with it.

Richie_Awesome · 02-13-2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dfresh2787

You have to apply to gyms, i've never seen them offer jobs upon graduation. ACE & ISSA are the 2 top programs. As mentioned above you have to renew every 3 years (for a fee). You don't need a degree to do it, but if thats what you want to do as a career then yes you can get a degree in exercise science. And finally, prep yourself to start working with middle-aged fat women :P

Ahh, man. I want to get into personal training. You think I could get a scholarship if I did online courses for exercise science at a college?

tysmith08 · 02-13-2008, 11:41 AM

I'm currently in school taking Sports Conditioning and am also a certified personal trainer.
The head of our program has been a coach for the National Olympic Weightlifting Team for decades and has trained NHL, CFL, NFL athletes as well as top gymnasts, track athletes and skaters for years.
Also, he is the author of the International Powerlifting Association's guide to powerlifting...

Needless to say he knows what he is doing and knows what is going on in the industry...and he has always been very forthcoming with me in my studies and has taken my under his wing a bit and showed me what is right and what is filled with bull**** in the industry...

Save wasting time with worrying about all the different organizations and get your certification with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
You will have to buy the book, but it is well worth it as it is the #1 source for all personal trainers.
You will take the test to become a Certified Fitness Consultant (CFC) and then once you have that you are able to take the test to become a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

The NSCA's certifications are recognized beyond any other and are worth the time and money it takes to become certified through them...

I am lucky.... Because I am already certified through another organization and am now in school taking the sports conditioning I will be able to take their highest certification, the Certified Sport Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) upon graduation...

As far as employment it all depends what you are looking for...
just about any gym in North America will hire an individual who has NSCA certification and some experience in the field behind them as good trainers are invaluable to successfull fitness facilities...

however, if you are more interested in training athletes then applying with minor sports organisations to get your foot in the door and get experience is the way to go...then as you become more experienced and make a name for yourself you can work your way into more prominent leagues...

and then of course you can do what i do now while in school and take on private clients...but in order to do this you will be very well served to do the research on insurance and liability and stuff like that so u can ensure that you are covered...

If you have any more questions feel free to contact me

hope this all helps

BOLDERNECK · 02-13-2008, 12:50 PM

a good education is important most certs are a joke,meaning if you have the money you have a cert..with the exception of nsca.i went to golds for a job,personal trainer which i did get,but my boss said issa wasa good cert and told me it was very hard..i had to stiffle my laugh,i did that in my sleep..with most certs you get what you pay for...i went to npti which was a liitle expensive but extremely informative...you have to actualy go to class,and really study!! i had a classmate take ace after he graduated and he told me it was a joke!! you study alot about bones,anatomy,drugs,supps...so much!! employment is easy...but working for someone means that they take most of your money...i mean you do most of the work...if you can do it privately that would be better....you dont need a fancy eqiupment to get in shape..i know it is a little harder but worth it...when i train people in their homes they often show me their equipment and i often tell them it is overkill...you dont need that much...i have had my own bussiness for 8 years...i like it....give it a shot...good luck!!!

carpster · 02-13-2008, 01:04 PM

All the information you could ever desire is right here:

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

Certification will cost you quite a bit of dough, but you don't need a college degree to become one. On the NSCA site you can take a "sample test" which will give you an idea of what kind of questions will be asked on the exam. Tinker around on the site and all your questions will be answered.

brian997 · 02-13-2008, 01:13 PM

Here is Canada, we go with Can-Fit-Pro, its run through the universities mostly. The course was 25hrs, then a written exam 3 weeks later, then a practical exam after that.
I got it a couple months ago, and employment is really easy to find. I work at two gyms, they took my info and my resume, book them in a biography book, then when people want a trainer they look up my info, sign up and the gym calls me back telling me I have an appointment... Easiest $25/hr I've ever made, and you learn a lot in the process...

gfundaro · 02-13-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AbAbber2k

Fixed for accuracy.

There's nothing wrong with ACE. But the only thing it has going for it above the rest of the certs is that it's the most common and one of the cheapest to aquire (both in terms of money and time spent studying for it). I get ACE trainers telling me all the time how impressed they are that I went with ACSM. If you want to impress a potential employer (especially if you're new to the industry) go with ACSM or NSCA. If you REALLY want to impress people, get NSCA's CSCS cert. It's the BEE's KNEES of training certs. Though I think you need to have/be studying for a Bachelors in a related field for CSCS.

I recently read up on the CSCS cert, and from what I gathered you have to be a college graduate to get it. Definitely a great one to have though. I'm working on my ACSM cert this semester and next year I'll be aiming for CSCS. I'll be training for money through grad school following that. I see that you're ACSM certed, coolness

How long did you study and how did you feel about the exam? I feel comfortable already, I took the practice tests before cracking the books and got 75% on both of them just from what I already know. I think I'll have it by the end of the semester.

qdiddy69 · 02-13-2008, 02:33 PM

any 1 know as to how long this cert takes to achieve, how many credits, or wateva, man i really think i can pass those test right now haaha i know alot more then most of the personal trainers i see in the gyms

gfundaro · 02-13-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qdiddy69

any 1 know as to how long this cert takes to achieve, how many credits, or wateva, man i really think i can pass those test right now haaha i know alot more then most of the personal trainers i see in the gyms

Without any previous education, I'd say take about 6 months. You have to know WAY more than just lifting and nutrition. You need to know anatomy of the human body, biomechanics of lifting, how to read EKG's and what different ones say about the heart, the body systems, how to calculate cardiac output and VO2 Max, how to do a skinfold, as well as nutrition and exercise prescription.

joeflex73 · 02-13-2008, 02:43 PM

Glad I got to see this thread, personal training is what I want to do (went to school for nutrition....working in a hospital or nursing home= not for me) and their was a lot of helpful info here.

Are the online courses any good? Or doesnt it matter?

Richie_Awesome · 02-13-2008, 03:54 PM

I want to be a PT!!!!

I wish I could create a chatroom with you all to discuss it

I'd love to share info/ask questions.

BOLDERNECK · 02-13-2008, 11:56 PM

THERE IS ALOT OF GOOD ADVICE HERE...REMEMBER YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR...I GOT A DIPLOMA,THAT NEVER EXPIRES..IF YOU GET A CERT YOU MUST RENEW IT EVERY FEW YEARS...WHO HAS TIME FOR THAT?? YOU CANT SAY THEY HAVE NEW TECHNIQUES OR WHATEVER...THE HUMAN BODY DOES NOT CHANGE..EVER! JUST MAKE SURE WHATEVER OU PICK WILL PREPARE YOU FOR PERSONAL TRAINING....MOST OF THOSE CERTS ARE extremely EASY TO GET...CHOOSE WISELY!!

bobby1057 · 02-14-2008, 12:02 AM

I wann be trainer too,Ii'm looking in to this school around boston, ma. its called npti, there all over the contry. Any one you guys here of them. Sounds like a pretty solid program.

Dr. Horse · 02-14-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfundaro

how to read EKG's

Really? Most MDs can't read EKGs for ****. And what purpose does it serve a personal trainer.

BOLDERNECK · 02-15-2008, 10:25 AM

bobby1057 read what i said about npti,it is like going to college...it really is the best school..its not a cert its a diploma...i will tell you this if you are not seriuos about personal training dont go....its rather expensive..therefore you would to better with a cert. i took it it was a blast,veryeducational....look into it!

bobby1057 · 02-15-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOLDERNECK

bobby1057 read what i said about npti,it is like going to college...it really is the best school..its not a cert its a diploma...i will tell you this if you are not seriuos about personal training dont go....its rather expensive..therefore you would to better with a cert. i took it it was a blast,veryeducational....look into it!

yeah i am serious about going just visted them a couple days ago. I cant wait to start, hopefully i be starting in april. It sounds like a real knowledgeable program, and the gym it at is awesome

AbAbber2k · 02-15-2008, 02:36 PM

NPTI? Have fun paying $6k for a junk diploma that every single employer you approach will roll their eyes at. They aren't even an accredited certification program.

$6k is more than the cost of a year of tuition at a State university.

Go with ACSM or NSCA, and then if you really want more, get a 4 year + your CSCS cert.

gfundaro · 02-15-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Horse

Really? Most MDs can't read EKGs for ****. And what purpose does it serve a personal trainer.

I know. I have no idea why, but it's in the ACSM certification review, and I learned about it in exercise phys and exercise prescription. I can understand having to be familiar with the physiology of the heart and different conditions for future clients, but it's not like they're going to bring their EKG in for me to take a look at it hehe

AbAbber2k · 02-15-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gfundaro

I know. I have no idea why, but it's in the ACSM certification review, and I learned about it in exercise phys and exercise prescription. I can understand having to be familiar with the physiology of the heart and different conditions for future clients, but it's not like they're going to bring their EKG in for me to take a look at it hehe

EKG readings are in the ACSM PT cert review because it's necessary for their more advanced degrees, Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Exercise Specialist.

From the ACSM website:

"The ACSM Exercise Specialist? certification for professionals performing exercise testing and training clients with cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic diseases. ACSM Exercise Specialists? are competent in graded exercise testing and exercise prescription, performing emergency procedures, and providing health and fitness counseling for patients in clinical settings.

The ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist? provides exercise management for patients with a broad spectrum of chronic diseases or disabilities. This national registry for clinical exercise physiologists catalogues allied health professionals who work in the preventive or rehabilitative application of exercise and physical activity for populations where exercise has been shown to provide a therapeutic or functional benefit."