Fitness Career

crissyb

crissyb

New member
I figure there might be some professionals on here that could possibly give me advice?

I am interested in getting a certificate in fitness. However, I am not sure on how I go about doing that. I know there are online courses but I don't know what would be best.

I would like to be a fitness trainer, or something like that. Right now I am trying to lose this extra weight I have ( wouldn't make any sense to be an unfit trainer). I've always had an interest in fitness/nutrition. I lost 40 pounds a year ago, but have since put some of it back on (it's been a bad year). But I love working out and I love to challenge myself.

So, I'm just looking for information in that field.
 
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Here's the gist of my current thinking.....

I like leading people into the industry who are actually willing to commit themselves to a lifelong pursuit of learning. The science that is the backbone of what a personal trainer does is extremely dense and deep. It's not easy stuff. I'd say less than 5% of trainers in gyms today really know the stuff.

Of course it's about applying what you know too, to various populations. That's where the 'art' comes into play. That's the fun stuff for most.

You can certainly get results with clients without knowing the 'real' information, but that doesn't earn respect in my world. Anyone can go out there and motivate people, so to call oneself a personal trainer, you need to bring something else to the table.... and IMO, that's an understanding of said sciences.

These people are putting their trust and faith in trainer's hands. That's not an easy thing to do. The sooner PTs realize that this is an honor and a priviledge, the better off we'll all be.

I'm not trying to shy you away. If this is where you feel your heart is.... by all means, have at it! I just like to fire a warning shot b/c the barrier to entry is slim to none to be a PT. This easy entry coupled with people who don't really understand the importance of training leads to an industry jam packed with 'boobs' from my perspective.

That out of the way, I'd start by finding a good PT in your area who you can observe for a bit. See if it's really want you want to do. Also pick up on some of the 'hands on' material that no book or certification is going to teach you..... that's the priceless stuff. Most good trainers love sharing their experience and knowledge. It's part of what makes this industry so great.

From there, figure out where exactly you want to train. If it's for a gym, figure out which one and ask them what certification/s they like their trainers to have. Get that one.

If it's for yourself for training people at homes and whatnot, or if the gyms don't mind which certs you have, I'd shoot for something like the NSCA, ACSM, or the NASM. They are the most reputable. I don't have the ACSM, but my partner does and I'm well aware of what's included in the material. All are thorough exams and prove some competence.

That said though, certs are just a foot in the door. They don't cover a fraction of the material a *good* PT should understand.
 
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