Need Advice On Becoming a Personal Fitness Trainer!

R

Route66Life

0
Okay, as the title stated, I need any and all advice on becoming a personal fitness trainer. First off, a few things about myself.

So, just because I have this huge desire to be a fitness trainer does not mean I have the perfect body (yet). In fact, I will admit that it is just decent (normal), and I myself struggle with motivating myself to work out! I admit, I'm only an amateur. I have lots to learn.

Second off, I'm kinda a dummy when it comes to science! But, I'm willing to learn anything, especially if it's something that interests me in relation to fitness and health.

Thirdly, I just need a place to start. I recently decided that this was something I wanted to strive for, so....strong motivating start!

So, what certifications would you recommend? I heard that the ACSM and NASM are pretty good, but I'm kinda afraid that the ACSM will be too challenging for me right off the bat. But, that aside, what are some certifications that are considered to be the best?

How long does it typically take one to prepare for certification, and are there classes I can/should take along with the independent studying?

Well, those are some of the first questions I have. If you have any suggestions, please let me know! I really need help with this! I want to reach this goal in a year or two, at most! Thanks!
 
First and foremost, it is not the certifying agency that determines a good trainer, but the trainer themselves.

That being said, there are several known to be more reputable than others. ACSM and NASM are two of the ones that are well known and respected. There are only a few that are accredited by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies). ACE, NSCA, and NASM are the only ones that I'm aware of that are accredited certifications.

I am certified through ACE (the American Council on Exercise), so I can only speak of my experience with them. With ACE, you order your materials (they have a variety of study tools and resources available), and study at your own pace. Then, you register and go to a testing site to take the exam (not an at home, open book type). They require 20 continuing education hours from qualifying sources every 2 years, and a current CPR certification. While studying for the exam, they have workshops you can attend as well.

They have a lot more info on their website

They are not one of the "send us 100 bucks and take an easy at home test, and we'll send you a certification" type of places. On average, the fail rate for their personal trainer exam is around 40%, meaning if you pass their exam, you can be reasonably confident that you actually know something. ;)
 
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Best certs are ACSM, NSCA, NASM....these are also widely used so you can get a job anywhere and they provide a great foundation to build a smart solid trainer. ACE, is just an easy way in. If you are not so much interested in the education side and just want to get in....this one is easy to obtain and is widely used. The cert doesn't make the trainer. There are trainers and there are "gimmicky" hustlers in this game.

The top three may take a little time to get....so if you wish to educate yourself another way and kinda "fake till you make it"....get the ACE and research and learn.

Also, I am in shape and I am a trainer but I have been around trainers not in shape and have been impressed by the quality of knowledge they have. I have also been around your typical "monday bench press" meat head trainer and even though they look good...they know about as much as a chimpanzee.
Don't worry about looks impress clients with knowledge.

Good luck
 
Yes, it is 2.0 credits, which represents 20 hours of education. Each credit of 0.1 represents one academic hour, therefore 2.0 is 20 hours.

TrainerTy,

Almost 70% of the cadidates who take the ACE exams hold at least a four year degree in exercise science or a related field. The pass rate is around 60%, meaning 40% fail. I would hardly consider that the "easy way in".
 
deschain said:
Yes, it is 2.0 credits, which represents 20 hours of education. Each credit of 0.1 represents one academic hour, therefore 2.0 is 20 hours.

TrainerTy,

Almost 70% of the cadidates who take the ACE exams hold at least a four year degree in exercise science or a related field. The pass rate is around 60%, meaning 40% fail. I would hardly consider that the "easy way in".
Click to expand...

Ace has indeed come a long way since its beginnings.....but what are these 60% or 40% of.....all B.S. exercise science related graduates.....or just general population. (70% with degrees) I know of a therapist with M.S. with ACE and former collegiate strength coach B.S. with ACE..... they got it.....because ACE is an easy way in....if they really wanted to get another education ACSM or NSCA CSCS.....would be the choice and the elite of the certs.
You don't need a B.S. in anything to get ACE.....the people I know with B.S. choose it because....it's just easy stuff.
Just a fact about the cert.
Not saying it's bad.....just easy
 
Although it is not a requirement to hold a degree, 70% of the people who take the exam hold a degree in exercise science or a related field. An average of 60% of the people who take the exam pass, and 40% of them fail.

Which means even people who hold a four year degree in an exercise/health related field have failed this exam. That doesn't sound like an easy way in.

I am not arguing better or worse, just that it can't be too easy if people with a BS in exercise science fail it.

However, if I had to name who I would consider to be the top, I would say ACSM.
 
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