Is ACE certification the way to go?

[loveteachin]

I'm finally ready to take on something challenging, and I think this could be it- the personal training cert. Is ACE the most recongized, established, or sought after certification? I'll only want the best!!! I figure doing cathe's tapes are some serious training for understanding the fitness process. I feel like she's motivated me and prepared me for this. Anyways, what are your thoughts. I teach elem. school for about 5 years, and also coach many teachers throughout the year, and take many professional development courses, love to learn. How long do you think it would take me to prepare for the exam?

thanks, in advance

Amy

 

[slnewmanpt]

ACE is an excellent certification. I studied up on the different certifications and decided to go with AAFA. AAFA involves pre-study, then and intensive hands on three day workshop. I talked to my boss at the gym I was working at at the time and she suggested AAFA. She has been certified through both AAFA and ACE. There's a link on the bottom of Cathe's homepage that tells you all about the different certifications.
Hope this helps!

Sherry

 

[murph]

Hi. ACE is certainly a fine and well recognized cert. AAFA is too. I am certified with ISSA International Sports Sciences and I am happy with it--plus all of the gyms (Bally's; Lifefitness; YMCA) accept trainers with any of the three I've mentioned--plus there are some others out there, too.
They all cost about the same--and you need a CPR cert in all cases, too. Depends on what's available in your area. I went to a three day personal seminar; a live test--but, I could have tested from home, too. It took me about 9 months to study the material--but, I have a full time job, too. so it was tiring :-sleepy Murphy

 

[honeybunch]

I would say go with ACE. I got certified in May, and was hired at my Y on the strength of my certification. The Y suggests that all their trainers get the ACE paper, although few don't. I think they are scared to try it because they think it's too hard or something.

I took a prep course through Exercise Etc. which was excellent.

Just my 2 cents worth.