Okay, I'm very confused! RE: fitness certifications

[Fit_mommy]

I have been browsing the different web sites for fitness certifications. I see there is a lot to choose from...from a Physical trainer to a general group fitness instructor as well as specific class certs for step, spin, kickbox and beyond.

I have an interest in possibly getting certified but I look at these sites but the wealth of information is simply overwhelming and confusing! I don't know where to begin!!!

Plus the fact that there are countless organizations that certify so I have no idea which one to even consider!!!

Is there anyone that can direct me a bit?

Also, I am in the market for a p/t job. Would it be in my best interest to try and find some kind of job in a gym prior to even considering the certification thing?

TIA!

 

[amyg]

1. Personal trainer is probably a good place to start. A group fitness instructor, from what I've seen, is more of an aerobics instructor and teaches beat counts, etc. Way over my head!!
2. Go look at the 2-3 certifications you see most often. For me, I saw ACE and ACSM most often, at gym websites that identified their trainers, and at the bootcamp website.
3. Call the gyms around and see if any of the trainers would be willing to talk to you and tell you what they think. I found everyone I asked to be more than willing to offer opinions on the best course for me, and how they did it themselves.
4. Think about whether or not you want to learn from hands-on training or from a book. A book is much cheaper, of course, but I would have benefited from going to a hands-on training.
5. Also talk to the places you might work to see if you think it would be in your financial interest to get certified. I know a bunch of people here didn't find it to be a good deal for them.
6. Hurry up and then we can do the IDEA world fitness expo together in July in Las Vegas.

 

[Fit_mommy]

Amy,

Thanks so much for the tips! I'm printing this out!

I guess a great thing to do would be to talk to the folks at the gym I just joined, ey? (smacks self in forehead) DUH! I should've thought of that myself! LOL

BTW, what exactly is the IDEA world fitness expo together in July in Las Vegas anyway??? I simply have no clue! LOL

 

[amyg]

It's this HUMONGOID gathering of "fitness professionals" and they can earn continuing education credits by attending different workshops. The workshops are either lectures, teaching workouts, or workouts with teaching tips (as far as I can tell). Kind of like what I think the Road Trip is, but not with Cathe and not with you guys (at least not yet }() but instead with a bazillion other workout people with great ideas for keeping things interesting for clients.

http://www.ideafit.com/world/index.asp

 

[MadnNatsmom]

What I did was contact the gyms where I was interested in working. Ask the hiring person what type of certificiation they're looking for. I found that AFAA and ACE were widely recognized (probably because they're been around the longest).

There are some certifications that are more geared toward sports conditioning rather than general fitness, so you DO need to be picky. These certifications are not cheap. AFAA was around $450 total for a weekend workshop (or was it two? I can't remember), and you have to have continuing education to keep your certificate current.

If I were to do it again, I would get the NASM certification. The study material is more comprehensive and they're beginning to get more recognition.

Just be warned that a lot of gyms, especially the big chains like Bally's and 24 Hour Fitness look for trainers who can sell or have a "look." I was told right off by 24 Hour Fitness that PTs are salespeople there.

It costs nothing for clubs to hire you because YOU actually make money for THEM. Usually the split is 60/40 or 65/35. Call the gyms and ask how much they charge per session so you can get an idea of how they pay.