Question for Personal Trainers

[themamasan]

I'm interested in the ACE certification (or other) programs to be a personal trainer. Over the last few years I have become very interested in the field, and would like to have the qualifications to do it full-time or part-time at some point in the near future.

How long do these certification programs take? Also do you have to go to school for a degree, or can you just learn on your own and take the test?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Witchblade]

It all depends on which course you're going to get. You usually don't need a degree.

All your questions should be answered on the sites of the courses. Take a look at NASM and NSCA. Don't work with the ISSA.

 

[Double D]

ACE doesnt need a degree. IMO ACE is pretty much a watered down version of NASM. You can have ACE passed in a matter of a month if you got a background in fitness.

 

[themamasan]

ACE doesnt need a degree. IMO ACE is pretty much a watered down version of NASM. You can have ACE passed in a matter of a month if you got a background in fitness.

I always here about ACE, but I will take a look at NASM. I don't have a background in fitness in terms of coursework, just the last 10 years of reading about fitness and putting it into practice for myself. So I would like to go with a program that is pretty thorough.

 

[Double D]

ACE is 300 bucks cheaper. If the club you want a job at accepts it then go for it.

 

[themamasan]

ACE is 300 bucks cheaper. If the club you want a job at accepts it then go for it.

What about doing it on your own? I read it is easier to start out with a gym before going out alone. But are there legal reasons why one program is better than the other, or would you even have to have certification? I read one program (can't remember which one) has full "defense protection" or something like that, and don't understand if it applies to a gym employing you or if you are on your own.

 

[P-funk]

a gym wont employee you without a certification.

if you go out on your own without a certification, you wont have liability insurance, which isn't a great idea.

get a good certification, learn proper anatomy and learn exercise science.....if you aren't going to do that, then don't bother getting certified and stop cluttering the industry with brainless morons that know absolutely nothing about how the body works.

 

[GOtriSports]

I am 19 years old and just got in to the Athletic Training program at College of Charleston. I also am a minor in exercise science. When we graduate we take the ATC exam. Is this a good path to head down if I want to be a professional personal trainer? I may look in to injury rehabilitation too (physical therapy probably) in the future.
Sorry to Hijack the thread!

 

[Double D]

get a good certification, learn proper anatomy and learn exercise science.....if you aren't going to do that, then don't bother getting certified and stop cluttering the industry with brainless morons that know absolutely nothing about how the body works.

Oh god so true! Its amazing the shit I have heard.

 

[P-funk]

I am 19 years old and just got in to the Athletic Training program at College of Charleston. I also am a minor in exercise science. When we graduate we take the ATC exam. Is this a good path to head down if I want to be a professional personal trainer? I may look in to injury rehabilitation too (physical therapy probably) in the future.
Sorry to Hijack the thread!

unfortunately, you will have to get a certification to work in most commercial gyms, as they wont recognice your ATC/L credential as being a training certification.

Rehab would be a great way to go.

Try to start out by getting an intership or grad assistant position with a pro or college team though.