Questions for Personal Trainers?

[Kat2002]

I have a couple of questions..

1. I hear different people saying that some of the different certifying organizations are more prestigious than one another. Which ones do you have and based on what you've heard how would you rank them?

2. Do any of them have longer training classes than just a 2 day seminar...something like a 6 week class, for example?

3. After earning your certification, how easy was it for you to get started as a personal trainer? Is the certification enough for you to get your foot in the door at a gym?

Thanks.

 

[lisaannjam]

Hi Kathleen,

The types of personal training certifications really run the gamut. At the gym where I work, AFAA and ACE certifications are the most common. Some trainers have bachelors degrees in exercise physiology. I, personally, am a registered nurse and I got my aerobics and personal training certifications through AFAA.

I had been working out at my particular gym for about seven years before I got certified, so AFAA certifications worked out well for me, as I was very familiar with teaching and training before I got certified.

This also made it easy for me to get started as a personal trainer as I was already "in" at that particular gym.

I know there are "personal training" schools which have a year-long course. AFAA certifications require pre-study and some teaching experience, so you basically are ready to teach a combination when you go to test. They don't "teach" you how to teach or train per say. But I'm sure you would be more than ready to take the tests at this time given what you already know.

I've found that getting the certification, in and of itself, does not mean you are ready to teach or train if you've had no experience. It's really good to get certified after you've gotten a little experince under your belt. It is your knowledge and ability to apply yourself to teaching and training that really matter IMO.

I recommended getting some experience at a gym where you would like to teach. Join up if you don't already have a membership. Take some classes and I'm sure you will be able to find a mentor...be it a personal trainer or aerobics instructor.

Whenever we see anyone with interest and potential at our gym, we are only to happy to mentor them in how to teach, train and how to study for the exams.

Hope this helps a little and best of luck to you!!!

 

[Kat2002]

Thanks for the feedback, Lisa.

I'm still researching which cert. to take..has anyone out there taken ACSM? I hear it's one of the most respected certifications, I'm interested in getting the most hireable certification, but I'd also like to achieve my goal, so I'm just wondering if a 3-4 month dedication to learning the material is enough for this certification or if I go for this one will I really be in over my head?