Directions toward a career in fitness.

[darrenkhalaf]

The health and fitness and health area is so attractive to so many, and why would not it be. The mixture of looking good, remaining healthy, doing better, and impacting these changes in others is quite pleasant. Some people go into training because they’re sick to death of their desk jobs.

[Crimzin]

I apologize if this has been asked already but I haven't read every page of the thread - can anyone give me a ballpark on how much study time it takes to prepare for the basic CPT certification? NSCA and NASM seem to be highly recommended - I have the money for the certs so if I'm going to do it I want to do it right...so I'm interested in NSCA-CPT and/or NASM-CPT. I know there's no uniform answer but I just want to get an idea of if these certs require a very long-term commitment to study or if a couple of months is sufficient time to cover the material and pass the test. I don't have an exercise science-related degree... I'm actually about to graduate with a B.S. in Finance but I'm a quick learner, good test taker and was always pretty good at science for whatever that's worth. Thanks in advance.

[1dafox]

I haven't seen a lot in here about the best way for a personal trainer to market himself, and would like to hear some opinions. Are there websites out there that trainers might recommend for someone looking to build a one-on-one personal training business? I am in San Diego, and there are plenty of trainers here, but it feels like there is lots of room for growth. Some of us are not naturals at the business side of things, so looking at all options.

Thanks! Great stuff here, and I appreciate everyone's time in sharing.

[raularmandogarc]

Thanks for the information, I graduated almost two years ago and have been a CPT for about a year, and I really have been flying blind, working for a big chain gym and finding out I wasn't a trainer I was a janitor, to stepping out on my own recently and finding out the first few months I spend more than I bring in. So thank you for the information it was very helpful. I am just now about to be breaking even. I love what I do and will keep at it, my market is very weird though, people want to lose weight and be fit by taking a pill instead of putting in the work at the gym. I lose most clients to miracle pills and teas than to other trainers and gyms. Once again thanks for the info. All the best.

[cptfreddie]

I apologize if this has been asked already but I haven't read every page of the thread - can anyone give me a ballpark on how much study time it takes to prepare for the basic CPT certification? NSCA and NASM seem to be highly recommended - I have the money for the certs so if I'm going to do it I want to do it right...so I'm interested in NSCA-CPT and/or NASM-CPT. I know there's no uniform answer but I just want to get an idea of if these certs require a very long-term commitment to study or if a couple of months is sufficient time to cover the material and pass the test. I don't have an exercise science-related degree... I'm actually about to graduate with a B.S. in Finance but I'm a quick learner, good test taker and was always pretty good at science for whatever that's worth. Thanks in advance.

For you or anyone else that plans on taking the NASM or a similar certification with no previous health or wellness career or training this is for you.

If you really want to pass the test I recommend you get the flash cards online study prep the text book and any other study materials you can find. Take 3 months to actual learn the content because you could just memorize answers to pass but you will have no answers for the questions of your clients. The more you know the better the product you are selling. Invest in yourself and keep learning more and reading your study materials after the test because the more you know the more valuable you are and the better job you can get as you progress in your field. Also go back to school and get another certification in a specialty so that you can expand your business.

Good luck!

[ShackledOrphan]

First off, good job on the articles, I enjoyed reading and gaining insight into nutrition and training! And this made me laugh pretty hard "I was much more content sitting on my butt at a desk talking about nutrition rather than handing off dumbells, switching plates, and counting reps. Not to mention, none of my nutritional clients have audibly farted while straining to tell me the truth." hahaha

Thanks

[sonup]

good stuff

I want to make muscular body plz help me

[CWPierce]

I definitely enjoyed reading these article, thanks for the post!

[Charlie581]

Thank you based Aragod for you wisdom :3

[rise1]

I have been looking for such information for a couple of weeks and that is the reason I find this thread very productive....

[BCpilot81]

Insanely helpful, and motivating, at the same time! I am in the process of starting a second career in fitness. Your "matter of fact" writing style kept me very engaged while I soaking up every word. At least now I feel that there is an an oar to navigate the different channels the industry has. Thank you again!

[Charlie581]

Eric Cressey has come out recently with some really well written articles about entering the fitness field also

Part 1: http://www.ericcressey.com/smart-thi...ess-business-1
Part 2: http://www.ericcressey.com/smart-thi...ess-business-2

He's stated there will be a 3rd part, not sure when he plans to write it.

Also his "Is an Exercise Science Degree Really Worth It?" posts are good thought provokers as well
Part 1: http://www.ericcressey.com/is-an-exe...ience-degree-1
Part 2: http://www.ericcressey.com/is-an-exe...ience-degree-2

[veerall]

Great, I was plannin on the same thing like ill do a nutritional course and with that a fitness course. Only problem is I dont have a science degree, im a xommerce graduate. Im also a bit late since im 30. I had to leave bodybuilding for 5yrs of my life due to personal issues, but now im back and wana make a career in it. Im from india, but we do have acsm ace cscs nsca issa and ifbb. Can u suggest what nutritional degree or certificate course I can n should do? Also what personal training certificate is more accepted across the globe? Since im plannin to shift abroad.

[ArifFitness]

Very informative... Thanks.

[peardan]

awesome thanks man

[Nzmisc]

ah thank you so much for this! really has set me on the right path.

[Bodybylirio]

GREAT information!

[AntonisD]

Wondering if Alan's opinion on ISSA has changed since back in 2009...

[ClearCutDom]

Very useful knowledge. I'm starting school this spring and wondering is diagnostic health and fitness going to help a career oath of athletic-fitness training ?

Follow this fitness account all you bloggers:via Instagram @domtheenthusiast

[MsManners]

Awesome read!

[Menon001]

very nice post. i like it.

[jsparks13]

Greetings all!
I am currently studying for the ACE Exam myself...buried in flashcards to say they least. I'm doing a little research experiment to compare the client base of personal trainers who do/don't have personal web pages. Feel free to leave your opinions here or send them directly to my e-mail myrawwork@gmail.com, I work as a software engineer and do freelance web design in my spare time so don't be scared to reach out if you would like some help creating a personal training web page to jump start your business. I look forward to your feedback.

Cheers!
-Jarvis

[toast2you]

so 3 months studying 1 hour a day - pass the nasm no problem? for average intelligence?

[LeonBest]

Thanks

[CoachMal]

Great insight! Question for you sir- How do you recommend marketing your online training services? I've been a trainer in a basic gym since i started training 5 years ago and I am looking to expand my online business. Recommendations?

[briansyuki]

Thanks alan, this is very helpful

[Coryk1990]

Thanks

[jessica693254]

looking forward to it

[Bradfordx2]

imo being independent personal trainer is the way to go...clubs rip u off and the sales goal isn't realistic.

[palufitness]

Hey Alan thanks for links really appreciate it.