Any personal trainers on here?

cats_meow_0911

cats_meow_0911

Cathlete
I just ordered the ACE study materials and hope to get through it in about 6 months. I also heard about NSCA certification; which did you do? Is there a real advantage of one over the other (I see they are both accredited)? What was your experience preparing for the exam, and taking the exam itself?

I'm just hoping to get some insight before I get started. Thanks for your input!
 
AFAA

I did AFAA since they required a practical/oral exam. However, since ACE only requires a written exam...just study BIG TIME. Make 3x5 note cards/flash cards and STUDY!!! That's the biggest thing I tell people who are looking to take any personal training exam. Don't take it lightly since it's NOT an easy test. Let me know if you have questions via a private message and I'm happy to help.
 
I think I answered this very same Q on Friday! Anway, when I did PT in college I did ACE. NYSC is now requiring NASM, which seems to be the preferred cert for health clubs.
 
I am NASM certified and am an instructor for NETA. Everyone is nervous (frantic) for their PT test so consider yourself normal. Really, the two best pieces of advice I can give you are to spend A LOT of time studying. We get good at what we spend time at, so devote a lot of time to studying and you will do well. Also, if ACE offers a review class I would consider taking it. The instructor is there to clarify the information and answer any questions. Sometimes the way the instructor explains the information can really make it stick. Anyway, good luck.

Shayne
 
I did ACE. It took me 9 months and it was HARD! Much more science and human anatomy. I am so happy that I did it! My advice is to focus and yes study. Check out Exercise Etc. they have a web site and I took a few of there on line classes which were cheap and VERY helpful! They have one thats called "passing the ACE exam" and I took it the week before my exam and I swear to you that was worth every penny and so helpful!
Good luck
Elena
 
certification

Hi,

I just passed the ACE certification about 2 months ago. I studied hard. If you don't have an undergraduate in some related field, I don't think the type of certification makes THAT big of a difference; I'm sure there are exceptions everywhere. In my job hunting, for many of the positions, the undergraduate degree seems to be the limiting factor not the type of certification.

Tracy
 
Thanks, all. I'm actually just finishing a degree in exercise psychology (not physiology) and thought that being certified as a personal trainer would be helpful. I figure ACE must be acceptable as it is accredited, but now I kind of wish I had done a little more research (I actually did not know that there were options). My ultimate goal is to finish a doctorate in exercise psychology, but in the meantime, I'd like to work as a PT.
 
When I first planned on getting certified I did the same thing. I ordered all of the ACE PT materials and started studying thinking I was doing a great thing. Then I started interviewing and found out that in my area the places I was looking at working really wanted me to have NASM so I chose to order that material and pursue that certification. I still use my ACE materials for reference. Being slow to learn I did the same thing when I got my GX certification. I got the ACE materials, started studying, then my boss said she preferred a different certification. This time I went ahead and took the ACE exam for that and have not regretted the decision because in my area ACE GX is very recognized.

Good luck.

Shayne
 
http://www.cathenation.com/forum/group.php?groupid=43

Just crashing the party;) to say that theres a Personal Trainers Social Group that just got started today.

If any of you havent used the Social Groups yet a couple things...
You can access using the "Quick Links" button near top of the forums pages

There isnt any notification that you receive (subscription) when someone posts - just gotta remember to check

Doesnt add to your "Total Post" count:(

Everyone can read all entries - (so keep it clean for public viewing!);):cool:

Hope to see all you wise ones!
 
Okay, after all of the various feedback I have gotten, I am seeing if I can cancel my order with ACE and I would get the NASM course stuff instead. But after researching jobs in my area (Minneapolis), it appears that any certification is acceptable and many want a 4-year degree as well. So I think it will be okay if I can't switch. Thanks for the input.:D

I might have to pop over in the social group; I'll probably need all the help I can get!
 
Sadly I have been very sick for 2 years and been on medical leave. I do work for myself as working for clubs makes me crazy. I have a huge gym in my house and hand pick my clients to come and train in my home. Fortunately, once you build a good relationship with clients they become devoted and most of them have stuck with me and trained while I have been sick and I have a good day here and there.

Where are you thinking of working when you get certified? You can PM me and we can talk further. Of course I have never used the PM function so if I can't figure it out you can email me at [email protected]

Shayne
 
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