Looking For Advice On Getting Started In Being A PT

I've been a white-collar, desk-jockey, for the last 23 years. But, I've always had an interest in fitness training as well - going back to 1980.

Through the years, I've learned a lot in terms of what works, and what doesn't work, with respect to maintaining a training routine and eating properly. (Most of what I learned was by making mistakes on my own until I found out what worked.)

Recently, my job in the corporate world was eliminated. I've spent the last 90 days trying to find a new job in the same field with no luck. At the same time, I've been thinking about going into something new, something that I have a passion for, like being a personal fitness/wellness trainer.

I've looked at what's available in terms of certification and I believe that ACE is the best route for me. I realize that there are stronger certifications out there. But, time is not on my side. I need to start making an income again sooner rather than later. And, I believe I can become ACE certified in three months time.

Has anyone else here made the switch from some "traditional" form of occupation to being a PT? How did that go? How old were you when you did it? How did you go about being certified? How was that process? Did you start your own business after that? What were the biggest challenges for you once you got started? What are the biggest challenges now? Have you been able to make a steady income at it? What's the trick to that? What should I avoid?

Is there anything else that I should be thinking about now?

Yes, so many questions! Thanks in advance to all who can help me with these concerns!
 
I am in the same boat you are kinda (wanting to become a PT) so when you find out some good answers let me know.

p.s.

are you ordering the marterial and studying then taking the test?
 
I'd be more than happy to share what I find out, once I start getting some feedback, somewhere.

My plan is to order the home-study ACE kit in the next few days and than take the test in November.
 
I've read a few threads on here and it seems most favor NASM, so I'll probably go with them, but I've also looked into ACE.

I am probably going to order the study book from online too and study my butt of and hopefully pass! I am nervous on hard the test is. I believe the material is $600 .......so I BETTER pass it lol!
 
I believe they suggest 3-6 months..if your not busy probably 3 is for you, but maybe 6 if you work a lot - not sure - just assuming.

I am trying to find someone on here who might have ordered material from online and taken the test (the way we plan to) and see how hard/okay/easy it is...Just not a good test taker thats all:)
 
Thanks
I actually found a nice site that compares all the certs
but, I cannot post the link here
the forum admin says I need at least 15 posts before it will allow me to post a URL
 
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