Do you really need a degree; best certifications?

[pawmpuawp]

I already know I can get results for potential clients (provided they are personally motivated to listen and follow through), as I have helped a number of relatives, as favors. But as most things related to careers seem to be more about paper credentials and policies dispensed from a distant ivory tower (corporate headquarters), I'm unsure of how to go about getting my foot in the door. Do most major gyms require a four-year Bachelor's Degree (that typically takes five years, from my understanding) to consider personal trainers for employment, nowadays? There seems to be a ridiculous number of certification abbreviations related to personal training, when you do an online search. Are there any "must-have" certs. to be taken seriously in this business?

Any knowledgeable responses would be greatly appreciated.

 

[callmejay]

A simple way to find out is to pick up the phone and call some gyms in your area...

I don't know very many in-gym trainers with related 4 year degrees. But it may be different in your area. Find out. Good luck.

Sent from my PG86100 using EliteFitness

 

[rose12]

I don't really think so that you would need any certificates to pursue this profession.

 

[JodiAaby]

You certainly don't need a certification but it doesn't hurt. There are three that I know of that are the most renowned and those would be; ACE, CSCS, and, ACSM.

CSCS requires a four year degree (bachelors).
ACSM is more clinical than ACE.
ACE only has a 40% failure rate, so that will be easier to attain.

ACSM is considered very difficult to pass, with more than a 60% failure rate. Some say it is equivalent to stuffing three years of college courses into a few hardcover books (there are three main ones that ACSM recommends.) But again, no degree is actually required to teach fitness, though most gyms do require their PT's to have one of these certs. No worries though, often they will let you work while you earn your cert. Just be sure you check what the local laws are because they vary from state to state. Hope that helps!

 

[zazen5]

Personal training is an unlicenced profession. Credentials add credibility but are not required. What is required is liability insurance. Fitness deals with multiple variables such as exercise adherence, nutrition, and numerous other factors. Book training is not always applicable for real world application. This is precisely why fitness is unlicenced. If you have expended time and money on the fitness industry for education you may be at a disadvantage due to the money required to at least break even. For those not wanting to invest in much education but who are thoroughly persuasive at selling fitness training offers not only a chance to help people, you can make a good income as well. The income levels can be a bit unreliable with long hours which is precisely why I abandoned the industry. There are so many self appointed experts who really dont know what they are doing. I dont need to compete with these people which is why I retrained in the medical business and took my time and energy elsewhere.

 

[TrueLiberal]

People often define competence by paperwork. If you have a prestigious certification and/or degree it is an automatic marketing plus. Also some club and individual personal trainer insurances require degrees and/or certifications. Ideally you want an NCCA accredited certification like NSCA, ASCM, NASM, or ACE.

Personally I think NASM is the best of the certifications for a run-of-the-mill trainer. NASM teaches a very interesting periodization model called the OPT. Once you have the NASM certification, you can opt to study for further, more specialized NASM certifications like the NASM CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist) or NASM PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist).

NSCA is more geared toward training atheletes. The NSCA-CSCS requires a four year degree, but your degree can be in any field. You could have a bachelors degree in basket weaving and qualify to take the CSCS test.

ACSM treaches a very cautious approach to training, focusing on cardiovascular and other health issues rather than athletic performance.

ACE is the Toyota Corolla of the bunch, ie. it will get you from point A to point B, but I found the teachings of ACE ridiculously simplistic. A lower tier of nationally recognized, NCCA certifications would include ISSA and AFFA.

 

[Memphis Rainnes]

I understand the line of thought behind being skeptical of certifications and college degrees, especially if you have years of weightlifting experience and can get people results. However anyone can get results with a new client because of the how training adaptations develop in individuals new to exercise. A personal trainer needs to be able to recognize potential injuries and movement dysfunctions specific to each individual. A personal trainer doesn't write work outs, they develop exercise prescriptions. Advanced schooling and years of experience need to be a part of every trainer's resume. The days of weekend certified personal trainers simply moonlighting on their nights and weekends is diminishing. Trainers are actual professionals with advanced knowledge of the human body.