Best Certifcation

[michellec1210]

Hi Cathe,

What is the best certification to get for a group fitness instructor? There are so many out there now that I am getting confused. I know that ACE, AFAA & NASM are good, but which one should I choose? I currently teach kickboxing now - I study Martial Arts, Tae Kwon Do method. I have been training for 5 years - I've finally reached my black status, but I would like to have a fitness instructors certification to go along with this. If you can provide me with some input, I would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Michelle

[JumpHigher]

I would love to know this, too -- I'm just starting studies for an ACE Personal Trainer certification.

The owner of the gym I attend urged me to get a NASM certification instead, saying that most gyms prefer that for group instruction.

My current goal, though, is to work one-on-one with clients, specializing in senior fitness (in their homes, retirement homes, etc.). So I'm still thinking that ACE would be the best for me.

I sure would love some wisdom and insight.

Thank you! :)

Marla

[michellec1210]

Hi Marla,

I heard the same thing, but I don't see many instructors with that credential. I prefer ACE (which is the direction I would be heading if I hear nothing otherwise). They offer the group fitness cert. which is what I need. I als teach kickboxing (a very downscaled version) to special needs kids. I usually start them up about 3-4 months before they attend the Special Olympics - it is very rewarding.

If within you search for the best cerfitication you a are directed a way that you completely comfortable with and believe that is it, please let me know.

Michelle

[kblover]

Hi Michelle,

I also teach kickboxing to special needs - but they are adults in their 30's +. I would be very interested in hearing about the kinds of moves you use with them as well as how you get them to participate (some of the more mentally challenged ones). Some of my students can comprehend very well, while others don't seem to understand at all. I think there is something going on in their minds though, and I'm at a loss as to how to break through to them.

If you have any suggestions, i would love to hear them.

Thanks!
Cheryl

[JumpHigher]

I sure will, Michelle. Please let me know what you find out, too.

Best wishes in your search,
Marla
:-)

[michellec1210]

Hi Chery,

My guys are older too. Some of the girls lost interest, but the guys love it. I go through the basic kicks - only front kicks and side kicks. For punches, again very basic, jabs (which I tell them goes to me) and reverse punches we aim towards the walls. I keep the class short - 1/2 hour tops with warmups and ab work. My sister is mentally challenged so I understand their way of thinking easier. If you can remember to recoginize that their minds (some not all) are functioning on maybe a kindergarden level. The more fun they have, the better. They also love the exercise balls, I hold them each one at a time on them so they can start to develop their core muscles. They love to bounce up and down on them. I live in Connecticut, where are you from?

Michelle

[kblover]

Hi Michelle,

Sounds like we do a lot of the same things. My class is about 1 hour - which is not something I can change. I don't have balls in my class, which stinks cause I'm sure they'd love it. I do have to get some mits for them to hit. I currently go around with a mat (one that you would use to lay on) and they love to kick or hit it, but it's hard to get to everyone and if I miss someone, they are sure to let me know :)

I love teaching them - sounds like they are the same level as your class. It is funny, because no matter what kind of day I've had or what mood I'm in, they always have a way of making me laugh and smile. I guess I just want to do that for them.

Also, many of them do have serious weight issues, but also serious mental issues and I don't know how or if I'm breaking thru to them. Then I feel like I'm not doing my job. I can't focus on just one individual either. So, if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

BTW - I'm in Michigan :)

Cheryl

[Flyweight]

There are hundreds of questionable certifications around. You are better off getting something that is ACCREDITED. Read below for more information:

************************************************** **************

NCCA is the third-party accreditation body for personal training certifications in America. NCCA also serves as the accrediting body for other health professions (see "Role of the NCCA" below) The following is a current list of all NCCA-endorsed certifications as of August 24, 2006. These are certifications that met minimal requirements to receive the NCCA accreditation. It is advisable to copy this list before talking to a personal trainer. People considering a career in this field should also become familiar with this list.

* American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) sets the knowledge base for the industry, has the most rigorous certification process, is a member of accreditation boards, and is widely considered to be the "Gold Standard" in the industry[citation needed]. ACSM certified professionals are also able to work with the widest variety of populations and must master the most up-to-date information in the field. ACSM does not require a bachelor's degree for certification.
* National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) - UCLA conducted a study on personal trainers who were already in the industry. The study attempted to test individuals with different levels of experience and different certifications. Experience after five years was not a strong predictor of the personal trainer's knowledge, however certain certifications were. Only two certifications were identified as having the highest levels of knowledge: ACSM (above) and NSCA. The researchers recommended that clients seek out those trainers. They also emphasized the value of getting a trainer with a degree in the field. Malek, et al (2002). "Importance of Health Science Education for Personal Fitness Trainers". The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 16 (1): 19-24.
* National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
* National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
* National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
* American Council on Exercise (ACE) This certification is available to those who have not yet received their college degree in a health field. ACE trainers work with the general, healthy population. Many people earn an ACE certification as a stepping stone to a higher certification.

[Juice]

Not Cathe, but I have been a group fitness instructor and trainer for 20 years and have been certified by ACE (American Council on Exercise) for about 16 years. In my neck of the woods (Detroit area, MI), I have found that everywhere I have ever worked, an ACE cert is held in the highest regard. That said, I am told that the exam is rather difficult in comparison to some of the other certs.

Good Luck!

[pixie9]

>Not Cathe, but I have been a group fitness instructor and
>trainer for 20 years and have been certified by ACE (American
>Council on Exercise) for about 16 years. In my neck of the
>woods (Detroit area, MI), I have found that everywhere I have
>ever worked, an ACE cert is held in the highest regard. That
>said, I am told that the exam is rather difficult in
>comparison to some of the other certs.
>
>Good Luck!

Hi Juice, I hold certifications in PT and GE from ACE. I found the exams a little difficult myself, but I was just starting out in the industry. Compared to AFAA, they are difficult. But compared to NSCA, ASCM, and NASM, I think they would be easy. ACE does have some higher level certifications beyond the basic personal training cert though.