Steps to being a qualified personal trainer??

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DanHarris

0
I was wondering if anybody can describe the qualifications etc you can get to become a fully certified personal trainer. Does it require University (As I am already just going into my third year in september doing Computer Science BSc (Hons))

Just curious as to how many years of training are required and what the general cost etc is of all of this. Also what are the qualifications called that all personal trainers should have to work in the UK.

I am not sure I could go into a career doing this as I have been a computer student forever and that is sort of the logic career for me to go into as I have no problem saying I am damn good ;)

But this does seem extremely interesting though. I would make sure I was 100% confident it was the way for me to go before starting though but any advice is greatly appreciated. Are there qualifications that are know worldwide or are they specific to the UK , US, etc etc.

Cheers for any help guys :D
 
It will vary a little based on the country you are from I think. I am sure the UK has different certifications.

That being said. In the US, You don't NEEEED a degree or certification to be a personal trainer. Your don't NEEED these things to be a successful personal trainer. As long as you are good with people, can get them results, and do not get them hurt.

It helps to have a degree and certifications. This will raise your credibility, if not your actual ability.

My degree is in exercise physiology. I have also had every nationally recognized certification here in the states. (NSCA-CSCS, NASM-PES, ACE, ACSM-CPT, and USAW-Club Coach)

I have to say that I use maybe 5% of what they taught in college and what I got out of the certifications. I have let all of my certifications lapse because what you have to pay to stay certified is not worth what you actually get out of it.

Being certified basically means that you probably know enough not to kill somebody.

Having a degree means that you probably know why you are not killing them.

After that is is your own research, finding mentors and coaches, and practical experience that will set you apart from the rest.

Like everything else, being successful has nothing to do with institutional accreditation, and everything to do with who you learn from, how well you do your own research, and practical experience.

So, being qualified, is still kind of a gray area here in the states.
 
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goergen1 said:
Being certified basically means that you probably know enough not to kill somebody.

Having a degree means that you probably know why you are not killing them.

After that is is your own research, finding mentors and coaches, and practical experience that will set you apart from the rest
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:yelrotflmao: That was perfect!
 
maybe your university course just wasnt up to standard.

and i didnt know you didnt need a personal trainer certificate in the US :eek:
 
matt182 said:
maybe your university course just wasnt up to standard.
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Most aren't...but then again, as G said, it's all about the individual that takes the courses. Just like any education, the knowledge has to be applied and integrated into practice...assuming that a degree is the beginning and end of the educational process just isn't true, for any career/profession. I'm getting my clinical doctorate and I know fully well that I won't know a damned thing when I graduate...in fact, I have 3-5 years of additional specialization and fellowship training planned ahead of me (if all goes to plan) so that I *will* know something when I practice!
 
I agree, its defenitely not the beggining and end of education, but obvisouly the thoery and clinical experience is a major part of finally applying your profession and sets the foundation for further improvement.
 
maybe your university course just wasnt up to standard.
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I thought about that. But I know people all over the country that have had similar experiences at dozens of different schools.

I agree, its defenitely not the beggining and end of education, but obvisouly the thoery and clinical experience is a major part of finally applying your profession and sets the foundation for further improvement.
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After having been in the fitness arena for close to 18 years now, I can only attest to one thing.

Formal education and certification mean precisely...... D!CK!!!

Of the three most qualified coach / trainers that I have met, 2 do not have degrees or certifications, 1 has a degree in business.

By qualified I mean the ones that will get the best results out of people, without having any injury, in the shortest time possible, and with clients from beginners to professional athletes.

What I find in people who have higher education is a certain amount of follow the leader / institutionalization. Their creativity also seems to have been stifled to a certain extent.

This is also the group most ready to completely throw out all practical knowledge and rely purely on research. They also seem to be the ones who have trouble getting themselves good results.

(the above statements are a generalization, certainly there are people out there with higher educations that do not fit my description. Those that do fit the description are in the vast majority though.)

I know who I would go to for advice. It is definitely not a university professor.

This is also based upon personal experience, and is not meant to ruffle feathers. :D
 
Your best bet if you are serious about becoming a personal trainer is to get a job at Gold's Gym, then get really fat.
 
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