Best Certifcation

M

michellec1210

Member
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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!
 
>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.
 
Hi Alice,

ACE does have other certification, including Group Fitness - you might want to check out the website before you state something.
 
Thankyou Juice, I'm not too worried about the exam part - although I have heard they can be rather difficult. My initial search for the best certification did bring me ACE, so more than likely I will go that route. Do you know how often this certification needs to be renewed?

Thanks for the information.

Michelle
 
Thank you! This has helped out a lot! I initially went the ACE certification route, but have also looked into NASM. With this wealth of knowledge you have provided for me, I think I am going to get the ACE certification (which appears to be unanimous) and then I will proceed to go for NASM.

Thank you.

Michelle
 
Hi Cheryl,

You should contact the Department of Mental Retardation in your area and ask to speak with the person who runs the activity department, the State usually sets aside money for activities for these kids that they will benefit from - a kicking shield or even a wave master usually do not cost more than $100.00 - both of these items would make a great difference to these kids. I am fortunate enough that where I teach these items were already there for me to utilize.

I also do a few other things for the kids: like to get them to do half squats and use their fingers (this helps their fine motor skills in their hand) I lay out about 100 pennies on the floor, I tell them they can keep any penny that they pick up as long as they bend their knees (squat) pick them up using a different hand each time. It gets crazy because I can't watch them all, but the fact that they can keep the money really gets them motivated.

Well, I'm glad I got a chance to meet/talk with you. We should keep in touch - we are basically teaching the same thing and I feel the same way that you do about these kids.

Michelle

p.s. most of these kids have weight issues because of their medications that they take.
 
It needs to be renewed every 2 years. I would suggest taking the group exercise cert and then taking the personal trainer cert. Each cert will give you CEUs for the other one.

Carolyn
 
Hi Michelle! For a general/primary group fitness certification you can't go wrong with ACE. ACE is recognized both nationally and internationally and is accepted with high regard in almost all fitness facilities that I know of around the country. Good Luck!
 
Hey Michelle,

That is a good idea. I'll have to try that. I also never thought of contacting the dept of mental retardation. Why, I don't know :)

We should keep in touch. Hmmm...is there a way to send a private e-mail?

Cheryl
 
Hi Cheryl,

You can email me at [email protected].

We should definitely keep in touch, share ideas - that would be great. Do you play music for your guys? Sometimes I let them pick or even bring in their own music if they have it. Always remember that change is a little difficult for them, so whatever you can do, even if its one thing, to make them feel secure, do that. I love what you are doing - I mentioned it to one of my staff that brings in my guys - they were so impressed that there are other people out there who want to help. You can also visit my studio where I work at at bashtasmartialarts.com.

Talk to you soon.

Michelle
 
Hello Everyone!

I was wondering if anyone has taked the Primary Group Fitness Exam for either AFAA or ACE?

I would like to become aerobics/step aerobics/kickboxing certified within the next year.

I am a terrible test taker, but I am certainly not going to let this get in my way (it never has - and I am a reading teacher!!!)

Any feedback on these exams would be much appreciated.

Thank you!!!



:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top