Question for all Personal Trainers [Forum Archive]

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Question for all Personal Trainers

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Posted by: Brad224

Just wondering if any of you had ever heard of the WORLD INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SCHOOL (or W.I.T.S. for short) and how reputable it is.

They offer courses all over the country using the Ace Personal Trainer manual, including a three-hour test for certification.

What types of certifications or courses should I be looking for if I'm interested in becoming a "real" personal trainer?

Posted by: ZECH

I think ISSA is the best! ACE is very popular!

Posted by: ponyboy

Any good personal training certification will have not only a written exam, but also a practical exam where you actually have to apply what you know with a real person in front of an examiner. I've never heard of that cert...ISSA, ACE, ACSM, NCSM are all good certs.

Posted by: gopro

I have done most of em. The best one I did was ISSA. Other real good one's are ASCM and NASM. After you get your basic PT cert, go for anything put out by Paul Chek...the man is awesome!

Posted by: Fit Freak

True GP...I'm a personal trainer here in Canada and evryone seems to love anything done by Paul Chek....

Posted by: Brad224

Thanks for all the help gang. I've sent the company an email asking what type of certification it is teaching, so we'll see what the answer is. From the looks of things, I need to be really looking for ISSA.

I appreciate the help.

Posted by: Snake_Eyes

NSCA is the best as far as I'm concerned, with ISSA coming up second. The reason is because NSCA is a quite extensive examination that not just any idiot off the street can pass, nor can you use the book.

ACE is little more than teaching how to count reps, IMO....and don't even get me started on Paul Chek.

Posted by: Training God

Hehe Paul Chek had me all wrapped up in his stuff. That's until I had a couple of my posts ripped apart at another site. Then I started looking into his stuff more in depth and found a lot of it to be based on what he's experienced. Now that's fine but not when you start preaching to everyone that it's the best way to do something.

His courses are over priced and his trainers are brain washed into believing that every human has imbalances and defincies in their bodies which will ultimatley lead to a painful life if they don't correct them. Sure he has some useful tips and info but he's not the end all be all that he claims to be.

Posted by: gopro

Regardless of what Snake and Powerman say, Paul Chek is amongst the most intelligent minds in the fitness industry. Ignore them and treat yourself to a few of his courses...it is well worth it!

Posted by: Training God

Ok

I didn't know I couldn't express my opinion even though I've taken several of his courses and have 5-6 of his videos as well (not including the ones that come in his courses).
I've been in contact with many people who've taken his courses and it's like they've been brainwashed into believing his stuff is the only way to go about training people. Sure you'll learn some neat stuff but overall you'll be better off taking other courses for the amount of money you'll spend on his courses. I've seen a number of his articles torn apart on the net and would be happy to post them here for you to decide. It shows the many mistakes and his lack of knowledge in various areas. I'm not saying he's not smart but buyer beware is all I'm trying to say. Of course if you want to blindly go about things and ignore these comments thats your choice.

Posted by: gopro

Paul Chek is one of the MOST sought after experts in this industry. Does he know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING in the world of fitness training...NO, NOBODY DOES. But he remains one of the most prolific and intelligent thinkers around. You can express your opinion...never said you couldn't...I just told the poster of this thread to ignore you...in MY opinion I think that would be best for him.

Posted by: Training God

In the bodybuilding community? I beg to differ.
Maybe in rehab and fixing imbalances but that whole area is so faddish right now. Too much emphasis on "functional training" it makes me sick. Anything specific to what your goal is, is functional really.

Also his intelligence on certain topics as I've alluded to is not up to par. I'd be glad to post some of his work which has been critiqued by several other "experts." You see everyone is out to make a name for themselves and while that is part of making money, preaching falsehoods is misleading and taints the very reputation he might be trying to establish.

I could very well say that the original poster would be smarter off if he ignored your posts. But I won't do that.

Posted by: gopro

Maki, you are still too new to this game to really know what to think and who to trust. Thats ok, you'll learn...maybe, eventually. Get back to me when you've been around for another 10 years or so.

Posted by: ponyboy

The guy who owns my gym is trained by Paul Chek, and while I believe his theories are sound and he knows his stuff, it seems that everyone who is trained by him is also made to believe that his way is the ONLY way to train. After hearing him speak at a conference a couple of months ago, I can understand why. The guy who runs my gym spends so much time focusing on balance and stability, etc. that he usually ends up confusing people and turning them off of the whole thing, which is what I don't agree with.

Personally I think everyone is an individual, and they should be trained as such, not everyone with one specific method. His methods work great for what they are designed for, but people who are trained by him often push that method on others who either can't understand it or can't handle it right away. Not only the guy who I work with but others I have observed.

That being said, the man is brilliant. I have no dispute with his knowledge.

Posted by: ponyboy

Hey Snake, I'm doing my NCSA in February.

Posted by: Training God

Originally posted by gopro
Maki, you are still too new to this game to really know what to think and who to trust. Thats ok, you'll learn...maybe, eventually. Get back to me when you've been around for another 10 years or so.

*** I didn't know that it should and would take more than ten years to understand if someones training methods are suitable or not. To me that would show that the person has a difficult time grasping onto the concepts of other so called 'experts' and applying them properly on individuals. We all have to start somewhere, and although I have not been in this industry as long as you I still can use my god given brain to decide whether something is junk or is useful in aiding myself and the people I train and give out advice to.

I have explained a couple times now that he has information to share, but at the same time people need to open their eyes and think for themselves. It seems that Mr Chek likes to do all the thinking for his students and spoon feed them his own versions of how training the human body should be performed.

Ponyboy attested to this in his post above. Although I do not need someone else on this board to renforce what I've been trying to convey, it just goes to show that I'm not alone.
Like I've mentioned now several times, I can post a slew of threads showing just how wrong he can be at times. No ones perfect, but when you claim to be an expert you should be very careful since there are people waiting in the wings to tear apart every word you write or speak. In his case he's been sloppy and it shows in several pieces of his work.

It's also interesting how in every thread you seem to dwindle down the posts into a show of who's been in the game longer and who's accomplished more between the both of us. Yes you train, write, compete etc.. That's all very respectable. But that shouldn't take away from someone else who works hard, loves this industry and wants to exceed in this area and be the best he can be. You see, I like to think of myself as being at least a half wit, not a complete dumbass (yes I'm setting myself up here).
Yes experience counts and I'm sure I'll be learning new things as I do every day. But the same applies for you. The difference between me and you is I'll admit when I'm wrong and I'm always willing to hear someone else's opinion.

It's sad that this thread had to turn into another uselss argument over our difference in opinions. I wish you could have just left it as is. I simply posted my opinions as everyone is entitled to one. You chose to counter it by telling Brad to ignore it.
Now the question is, if another respected member of this forum like Prince, Dr Pain, or Scotty the Body had posted what I said would you have told Brad to ignore their post?

Posted by: Prince

the only thing that I will say is Paul Chek sure has a crap load of products for sale on the net!

(the reason I say that is I just did a search hoping to find some writings/articles and all I got were links to books, videos, various products, seminars, etc.)

Posted by: Training God

That's because he's a shrewd business man.

Posted by: Snake_Eyes

Agreed.

Originally posted by PowermanDL

*** I didn't know that it should and would take more than ten years to understand if someones training methods are suitable or not. To me that would show that the person has a difficult time grasping onto the concepts of other so called 'experts' and applying them properly on individuals. We all have to start somewhere, and although I have not been in this industry as long as you I still can use my god given brain to decide whether something is junk or is useful in aiding myself and the people I train and give out advice to.

<snipped>

Posted by: gopro

Oh Maki...you are beginning to bore me. I'm really glad that you know of other "experts" that can tear what Mr Chek has to say apart, but whose to say that THEY are correct.

I have already said that Paul does NOT know everything about everything...all I did say is that he is a brilliant thinker and one of the smartest men in this industry...as is Ian King, Charles Poliquin, Charles Staley, Fred Hatfield, Jeff Everson, Jerry Telle, and many others.

:o That is me yawning at your posts.

Posted by: Duncan

There is no right answer to anything in this area. No one guy has all the right answers and perfect training method. NSCA is a good test to take, but your best bet is probably to take any old test, WITS is ok, and then develop your own techniques. You will never make any money in this field if you are a follower of just one mans principles. For example, I follow some of Louie Simmons principles, but differ greatly in alot of his others.

Posted by: Jodi

I heard that AFPA is a good one. Yes, No?

Posted by: Training God

[QUOTE]Originally posted by gopro
Oh Maki...you are beginning to bore me. I'm really glad that you know of other "experts" that can tear what Mr Chek has to say apart, but whose to say that THEY are correct.

***

Yes you are correct. Seeing as their credentials speak volumes more then Paul Cheks I would say they have not only the experience behind them but the knowledge. More so then Mr Chek. This I know for a fact. Like I said, say the word and I wil post the critiques of his work. You will see for yourself first hand if you choose not to be as stubborn as an ass that his work is flawed. So much so, that it turned me off from purchasing his work ever again. It doesn't take the brightest spark to see this.

Go Pro said,
I have already said that Paul does NOT know everything about everything...all I did say is that he is a brilliant thinker and one of the smartest men in this industry...as is Ian King, Charles Poliquin, Charles Staley, Fred Hatfield, Jeff Everson, Jerry Telle, and many others.

:o That is me yawning at your posts.

*** Here's what you're doing.

INDUCTIVE FALLACIE

Slothful Induction: the conclusion of a strong inductive argument is denied despite the evidence to the contrary

Straw Man: the author attacks an argument different from (and weaker than) the opposition's best argument

CHANGING THE SUBJECT

Attacking the Person:

1.the person's character is attacked

In other words Go Pro, you choose to ignore all my posts, attack my character and use a condescending tone with me. Your formation of rebuttals are something that need some work on.
I really don't like arguing with you because you always seem to turn things into a personal issue. Can you not just let us agree to disagree?

Btw, you should check out the "Supertraining" board. You'll be suprised how many of your "experts" post there. You might even learn a thing or two , god forbid.

Posted by: Trap-isaurus

Holy shit powerman let it go........I don't understand the fierce need to change someones opinion.

Posted by: gopro

Originally posted by BjUaFyF
Holy shit powerman let it go........I don't understand the fierce need to change someones opinion.

Don't worry about Powerman too much. He doesn't realize that he has outdone me 1000% in personal attacks. He spent quite a good amount of time at one point trying to do nothing more than discredit me and smear my name. For this he has forever lost my respect and could never get it back. He talks a very good game, but regurgitates his info like a robot. He is very well read and will quote famous authors, poets, and even the Bible...but I get the sense that he has a serious inferiority complex and attacks to mask his own failures.

*Now just sit back, relax, and wait for his next well worded comeback.

Posted by: Trap-isaurus

This is Just stupid, second guy who has this fierce need for you to believe everything he says like it's gospel.......I find it odd

......seems slightly educated but I wonder where this anal side to his personality comes from.........

Posted by: Scotty the Body

I personally enjoy the "little arguments" you always learn alot more when things get debated and people have different opinions.
Sure, some people may be out to lunch but most people are intelligent enough to make there own opinions.

Posted by: Training God

Originally posted by BjUaFyF
Holy shit powerman let it go........I don't understand the fierce need to change someones opinion.

*** Let what go?

It would appear if you've been reading the posts that I was merely chiming in and giving my two cents. I do believe it was Go Pro who told the others to ignore my post. Now please tell me who was trying to change who's opinion?

I also have asked that Go Pro let things go but it seems he must have the last say and rub my name in the dirt. I think it's more personal then anything. I think some things are better left to email eh?

Posted by: Training God

Originally posted by BjUaFyF
This is Just stupid, second guy who has this fierce need for you to believe everything he says like it's gospel.......I find it odd

......seems slightly educated but I wonder where this anal side to his personality comes from.........

*** It would help if you removed the ignorace cap you're wearing.
It's not becoming.

Posted by: Training God

Originally posted by Scotty the Body
I personally enjoy the "little arguments" you always learn alot more when things get debated and people have different opinions.
Sure, some people may be out to lunch but most people are intelligent enough to make there own opinions.

*** Why thank you. I'll take that as a compliment. Although those come far and few between on this board when my name is mnetioned.

As long as people learn a thing or two I'm glad to oblige.

Posted by: gopro

Originally posted by PowermanDL

*** Let what go?

Actually, in the future I will attempt to keep things from getting personal. However, after you started that whole roid campaign against me I have had alot of trouble letting bygones be bygones.

Posted by: Prince

Originally posted by PowermanDL
I'll take that as a compliment. Although those come far and few between on this board when my name is mentioned.

I think there is good reason for that, don't you?

Posted by: Training God

I wasn't complaining.

Posted by: Scotty the Body

Hehe, you the devil old friend.

Posted by: Trap-isaurus

Originally posted by PowermanDL

*** It would help if you removed the ignorace cap you're wearing.
It's not becoming.

ya wanna flame I can do it better than anyone all im saying is offer your opinion and let it go.

Posted by: Training God

I wasn't flaming you. I was actually stating a fact.
I gave my opinion but someone didn't like that.

Please reread the thread before submitting out of context posts that have no use to the topic at hand.

Posted by: Trap-isaurus

I am going to end this pointless debate and simply IGNORE you (excellent advice I should have heeded to begin with), you were flaming me and not stating a fact. The thrill of trying to get underneath peoples skin seems to be an enjoyable passtime for you, have fun, hope it all goes well for ya

Posted by: Prince

Originally posted by BjUaFyF
The thrill of trying to get underneath peoples skin seems to be an enjoyable passtime for you...

You hit it right on the nose!

would you believe that he actually used to be a moderator here?

Posted by: Robboe

So was cackerot for like...a day if my memory serves me correctly...

Posted by: Scotty the Body

Originally posted by The_Chicken_Daddy
So was cackerot for like...a day if my memory serves me correctly...

What ya mean was

He's still a mod here.

Posted by: Prince

Originally posted by The_Chicken_Daddy
So was cackerot for like...a day if my memory serves me correctly...

not even worth mentioning...he was a mod when this was xtreme-forums.com in the Open Chat forum only for around 2 weeks, and that was in December of 2000.

the way you stick up for Maki over here is really gay.

Posted by: Robboe

I'm sticking up for Maki?

Posted by: Scotty the Body

You guys wanna watch where your pissing!!! I'm wearing sandals over here.

Posted by: Prince

I am done...no more replying in this thread for me.

Posted by: Robboe

No, i seriously don't understand where Prince has this notion that I'm sticking up for Maki.

Just cause i mentioned that cackerot was a mod here at one time? That was just me poking fun at Prince. Nothing whatsoever related to Maki.

Posted by: gopro

This has been fun...lets move on...

Posted by: Training God

Originally posted by gopro
This has been fun...lets move on...

*** Agreed.

Posted by: gopro

Originally posted by PowermanDL

*** Agreed.

For once, LOL.

Posted by: Training God

I disagree Go Pro, it's been about three times now.

Posted by: gopro

Originally posted by PowermanDL
I disagree Go Pro, it's been about three times now.

I disagree

Posted by: MXQdRacer

Anywho, has anyone heard anything else on the WITS cert? I am enrolled in it right now..

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