Need info on becoming personal Trainer.

[damien0311]

Hi everyone, im about to get out of the marines and am looking for information on becoming a personal trainer. What certifications are the best, whats the average salary or hourly pay, whats job availability like? I allready have 4 years in marine infantry in which it was my job to stay fit and do physical training at least 3-4 times a week plus I worked at a fitness center for half a year and got a marine corps certified fitness certificate out of that ( was just a couple day class on all the basics). I want to know whats the best path to take on this one or if it is even worth doing at all. Any info would be appreciated.

-Damien

 

[Becoming]

what kind of numbers do you put up? just curious - I don't knwo jack about training..

 

[damien0311]

being a personal trainer from my knowledge has nothing to do with what kinda numbers you put up , ive seen personal trainers that didnt look very jacked.... im 5'8 154 ilbs 6% body fat, i can max bench about 215, never maxed on anything else but when i go to the gym with friends that usually weigh around 185 i can match up with them on a lot of excersizes. I went in the marine corps weiging 118 lbs. due to my body type its very hard for me to put on weight but im really cut( what are those called again?). Anyways if anyone knows a good amount about this subject please post it for me. Thanks,
Damien

 

[Becoming]

being a personal trainer from my knowledge has nothing to do with what kinda numbers you put up , ive seen personal trainers that didnt look very jacked.... im 5'8 154 ilbs 6% body fat, i can max bench about 215, never maxed on anything else but when i go to the gym with friends that usually weigh around 185 i can match up with them on a lot of excersizes. I went in the marine corps weiging 118 lbs. due to my body type its very hard for me to put on weight but im really cut( what are those called again?). Anyways if anyone knows a good amount about this subject please post it for me. Thanks,
Damien

just asking dude - there are a few peeps around here who do train peeople... if you don't hear on it try a search..

 

[wtlftr]

ACSM
NSCA..CSCS or PT

Hourly rates around 50 - 125 $ an hour. I get $75 an hour for once a weekers and 50 dollars an hour for two time a weekers. Prices vary based on location.

wtlftr, CSCS

 

[damien0311]

how do you get customers? do you work for a gym or fitness center? are all those certifications pretty much the same or is one better than the others. Right now I was looking at doing the one by acefitness is that the ACSM?

 

[wtlftr]

acefitness is by ACE. A lot of folks do not like the certification. I had it a few years back but i am now NSCA..CSCS. The CSCS is far superior, but if you work at a gym and need a quick easy exam try the ACE. NSCA and ACSM are challenging. I got clients initially from working at a gym, now I have clients from a referral basis. It is tough getting started but it is a good ride once you get there.

 

[Silent Method]

The NSCA/CSCS is no joke. ACSM is considered the gold standard, and worth pursuing if you are serious about this career path.

 

[bowling ball nutz]

if u are a good car salesman than you area a good personal trainer, u dont have to know dick all about training and u can be the best(in sales that is), seen it happen too many times..

many corporate gyms now require you to prospect and get your own work, it doesnt matter how jacked you are, people will take a fat trainer that is bubly and knows how to sell, over you, sad but true..

 

[Silent Method]

Bullshit. That may make you successful at takign peoples money, but it doesn't make you a "good personal trainer."

 

[damien0311]

Ok thanks for the info....one more question. What would you estimate a personal trainer just starting out w/out any referalls is gonna make working at a gym or fitness center?

 

[from zero]

Try posting this on the Training Board too ...

 

[bowling ball nutz]

Bullshit. That may make you successful at takign peoples money, but it doesn't make you a "good personal trainer."

obviously it doesnt make you a good trainer, but in the companys eyes you are a good trainer and thats all they care about is $$$$$, which is why I refuse to work for a corporate gym again

 

[strongsmartsexy]

Most of what I've seen the personal trainers do at my gym won't get results for anyone. It tends to pander to the lowest common denominator gym newbie. Their rates are so perposterously high as to be self correcting in terms of their retention of clients.

 

[wtlftr]

The money starting out is a relevant to what you do. Are you working in a gym for a company or for yourself? Are you going to get paid an hourly figure or totally commission? You need to build critical mass (people who continue month after month). Have a good background in health and fitness, nutrition and hands on experience with a lot of ideas that work. Learn the tricks of the trade. Think about rewarding a prize to the winner of a fat loss company. It might cost $550 or so but with $4k a month coming in who cares. Money starts out slow but does come in. Good Luck. BTW..looking the part helps.

 

[damien0311]

Ok one more thing ..... out of all the certs is ASCM the only one that requires a 2-4 year degree and is it worth doing if it is or would you reccomend just doing the NSCA/CSCS which is respectable but doesnt require a degree?

 

[wtlftr]

NSCA does require a four year degree. At least I was under that impression years ago when I got certified. Check into it a nsca-lift.org.

 

[Hahnb]

Ok one more thing ..... out of all the certs is ASCM the only one that requires a 2-4 year degree

I don't know why people continue to say this.

ACSM Personal Training Certificate

Minimum Requirements

* A high school diploma or equivalent AND
* Possess current Adult CPR certification that has a practical skills examination component (such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross)