What cert is best for my situation?

[medic1230]

Ok, so here's the deal. I'm looking into getting my personal trainer cert but can't figure out which one I should go for. Obviously I want to get a good one, but I also want to get the right one for my plans. So, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Me: I just turned 33 and I'm a full-time firefighter and paramedic. I was a gymnast and coached for over 15 years. I've also been a martial artist for 24 years. Always been involved in fitness and worknig out ever since I can remember. Need to work a little more on the nutrition part though. Love my cheeseburgers.

Plan: I want to do more freelance. Kind of develop specific workouts on an individual basis as well as occupationally oriented (i.e. a firefighter's workout, etc.). I have my career so I'd just be doing this on the side.

I have plenty of medical knowledge including anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, etc, with being a paramedic. I dont' want anything that's going to break the bank with study materials and exam costs, but I don't want something that's not worth the paper it's printed on. I've been looking into a few different certs but would like your input based on my background and goals. I'm sure you are all sick of posts like this asknig the same question and I apologize for being yet another one. Thank you for any advice you can provide.

Sincerely,
Todd

 

[medic1230]

No replies yet so I thought I'd add in which certs I've been researching.

ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA

 

[AJ Elite]

NACSM is great

 

[Serenty03]

stick with NSCA

 

[boubou]

Hi Todd,

ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA they are all good, but I agree with Serenty03.

www.personaltrainermatch.com

 

[Jennsfitness]

It depends on where you are, educationally. Some other realy good certifications are WITS, Cooper and ISSA.

 

[ScotterBMe]

Doesn't anyone consider going to college anymore. Obtaining a real education should always be your first choice.

 

[gymnastmo]

I'm kinda in the same boat here...I'm 21 years old. I have been doing gymnastics for 15 years and I have been coaching for a few years now. I am in love with fitness and everything about it. I'm getting my degree in International Business and Marketing(1 more year left!), but my passion is fitness and sports training. I'm kinda lost on what I need to do next. I know I need to get certified now and I'm thinking I am going to go with NSCA...and I really would love to work with specifically athletes. I'm still looking at all possiblities and trying to get as many opinions and as much information possible. Any information about how to start building clientele and next steps to take would be greatly appreciated

-Margaux

 

[ScotterBMe]

Good job! Stay with it because you are going to soon have a real credential. It won't be in fitness, but the CEO's you end up training will have far more respect for you if you finished college. They will not refer their business associates to an uneducated guy. ACE, NHE, ACSM, ISSA.... they won't give a shit because they don't know those credentials. Your pt cert will only impress your colleagues and maybe your girlfriend.

 

[Jennsfitness]

Viva Exercise Physiology!

 

[gymnastmo]

Does anyone have any extra study material for the NSCA-CPT exam??....I bought the book and I've been studying and taking notes everyday, but I'd like to get the practice exams or DVD's also....and being a college student money is pretty tight so if anyone has any used material they are willing to sell or any online study material please let me know!!! It would be greatly appreciated


Thanks!

 

[Academy780]

No replies yet so I thought I'd add in which certs I've been researching.

ACE, NASM, ACSM, NSCA

It doesn't matter, just get certified and go get some clients. No one will give a rats ass what certification you have. It's not like a college degree.

 

[forged71]

OK well not giving a rats ass is not true by any means. Weather private or in the health club atmoshpere which Cert is what gets you hired unless your trianing through some shitty club. Ace or NASM is required norm for upper end health clubs. I have course material for both if you needing it. Both offer add on's for various areas of the business....
Peace, Forged

 

[Jennsfitness]

OK well not giving a rats ass is not true by any means. Weather private or in the health club atmoshpere which Cert is what gets you hired unless your trianing through some shitty club. Ace or NASM is required norm for upper end health clubs. I have course material for both if you needing it. Both offer add on's for various areas of the business....
Peace, Forged

If you are not bringing business with you, look like someone who may not immediately draw in clients, the manager may stick with the company rules. But don't be fooled in thinking the treatment you received when you got your job is the same for everyone. Those rules are very flexible, just like car prices. Some people get stiffed when buying a car and others get a great deal.

It's always an individual circumstance and many hiring situations are individual and will remain private between the person getting the deal and the employer. So, if you are the shit, then it doesn't matter what cert you have. The manager is not going to turn you away if you are presenting true value. On the other hand, if you are just some eager, enthusiastic trainer off the street with your hand out, well there are hundreds like you and the manager has been down that road before and has no reason to bend the rules for you because you'll be gone in 7 months anyway. In that case, you better possess one of their "preferred" certifications.

 

[Academy780]

If you are not bringing business with you, look like someone who may not immediately draw in clients, the manager may stick with the company rules. But don't be fooled in thinking the treatment you received when you got your job is the same for everyone. Those rules are very flexible, just like car prices. Some people get stiffed when buying a car and others get a great deal.

It's always an individual circumstance and many hiring situations are individual and will remain private between the person getting the deal and the employer. So, if you are the shit, then it doesn't matter what cert you have. The manager is not going to turn you away if you are presenting true value. On the other hand, if you are just some eager, enthusiastic trainer off the street with your hand out, well there are hundreds like you and the manager has been down that road before and has no reason to bend the rules for you because you'll be gone in 7 months anyway. In that case, you better possess one of their "preferred" certifications.

This is very insightfull. I totally agree.