training to be a personal trainer

[jenn buck]

Hi Cathe,

What kind of certification and/or training program do you recommend for someone who is interested in becoming a personal trainer? I have just recently started my research and would very much appreciate your opinion.

In fact, if anyone on this forum has any helpful information please don't hesitate to give your input!

Thank you
Jenn

 

[rnyogamom]

Try AFAA and ACE - both are universally recognized and not so expensive. Good Luck!

 

[ella]

this thread may help. it goes into some of the programs and cathe responds.

http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=71276&mesg_id=71276&page=2

"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!" --cathe

 

[BeethovenRocks]

Cathe's response here also carefully outlines some of the pros and cons you might want to think about. In the 3rd para, 4th sentence I think she meant 'trainers' instead of 'clients'

http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=72541&mesg_id=72541&page=4

 

[[email protected]]

Hello!

I looked into both AFAA and ACE to become aerobics/kickboxing certified and I think I am going to go through AFAA. I ordered the study materials for the Primary Group Certification, and they look great! You can't go wrong with either AFAA or ACE. Good luck and have fun!

 

[jenn buck]

Thank you for your very helpful advice!

Jenn

 

[newswoman13]

Hi -

I'm certified through AFAA for both my group fitness and personal trainer certifications. I've been certified through AFAA for group fitness since '99, and just last summer I took the PT exam.

While I've been doing group fitness (aerobics!) for over ten years, I'm a journalism gal, not a science brain. So, I went the AFAA route for the PT exam because I heard it was slightly easier than the ACE exam. Additionally, my AFAA exam required you to "sit" the whole weekend for the exam (Friday - Sunday, exam on Sunday), so it was a great live study with an AFAA representative.

Getting certified and then getting your first client are key starting points. You can sit with a 5-star certification for years, but if you lack the enthusiasm and heart to put yourself out there, what good does it? Over the long haul, continuing education (formally or informally) and safety are key, so go with your natural interests and stay educated.

Last thought: Depending on where you want to work, some studios or gyms require certain certifications. Figure out your target market, then talk to trainers who are already certified in that area. They can give you great advice.

Good luck, and if you go the AFAA route, while I think each exam differs, feel free to shoot me questions via the email tab on my username.

Cheers!
Caroline



;-)

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Jenn! I just had this question recently and was looking to direct you to it, but I see that others already have (thanks ). If you still have questions, let me know. Also, please be sure to ask this question in the open discussion forum if you would like greater input


Take Care and Good Luck Jenn!