Personal trainer certification

[Paynne]

I have a friend who is interested in becoming a personal trainer. Could anyone point me in the right direction on how to go about this? There seems to be quite an array of certifications available. What are employers looking for? Her interest is in weight training and nutrition rather than fitness instructor.

 

[Mudge]

What are employers looking for?

That is what the prospective employee is supposed to find out, usually its one of the big 3, if its not a hole in the wall outfit.

Search the Training Forum for NASM, that should bring up one of several threads.

 

[Vieope]

Her interest is in weight training and nutrition rather than fitness instructor.

I thought they got the same type of certification.

 

[P-funk]

this has been discussed tons of times. check out the search function.

NSCA and NASM are the better two IMO and are most recognized by just about every gym and organization. They are also deep in science and research.

 

[maniclion]

I had a friend who did training on the side, his size and body got people to just ask if he would help them. He would do 1 or 2 clients a night after work. One day he got asked if he wanted to be a trainer at the gym and now he does it full time.

 

[Mudge]

I thought they got the same type of certification.

A personal trainer is not a nutritionist/dietician, what they might know is just a small section of learning. If you want to specialize, then there is going to be a lot more in-depth study of that particular subject.

Just like a brain surgeon knows a lot more about that than a regular MD.

 

[Vieope]

Sweet, thanks Mudge.

 

[andyo]

I was with ACE for 3 years before moving to ISSA. Both are relatively the same, but ISSA provides better research materials and references.
NASM and NACM are the two best out there, but any will do so long as you know your stuff.

 

[Nachez]

ISSA, seems to be number one in my book
they certified me.

the longer u been into health n fitness the better off u r with clientel.

 

[theGame46]

NASM.org NASM is now the leading one and they work directly with the National acemty of athletic training as well as California Univerisity of Penn.

Last time I applied at a club, they said thats what they were looking for b4 considering anyone anymore.

 

[theGame46]

I know a guy doing the program right now that says its not bad. $500 for materials and testing and they have a lot more testing areas than most cert companies which was big for me cuz I live in the midwest

 

[andyo]

ISSA, seems to be number one in my book
they certified me.

the longer u been into health n fitness the better off u r with clientel.

Definitely true man, definitely true. I really like ISSA and their organization, I am really glad I switched thus far.

 

[andyo]

I know a guy doing the program right now that says its not bad. $500 for materials and testing and they have a lot more testing areas than most cert companies which was big for me cuz I live in the midwest

Really, that's not too bad at all. That is the same thing that ISSA Charged.

 

[RexStunnahH]

Anyone doing Issa or any other online course? or have done it?
If so,how was it? Like in how long it took to complete? and if the materials they gave were suffecient?

 

[P-funk]

I think PWGriffin took that one and said it was a joke.

 

[RexStunnahH]

Really?....................... damnit..........
Hopefully somebody had a good experience out there with it.
I know he's got a personal trainer thread on here,I'll check around more,Thanks P-Funk.