Should I get a personal training cert?

[p2tog]

Seeing as the job search is continuing to be unfruitful, I am considering a career change. I'm at the gym a lot.. I know a few things about lifting.. I like helping people, and I've taught fitness classes before, so I am entertaining the idea of doing the personal trainer thing.

 

Anyone here certified? If so, which certifications would you recommend (or not)? Pros/cons? Things I need to consider that I may not have thought of?

[jfreaksho]

Just remember that your business is, at the start, all about getting new clients.  This is sales- you have to be able to sell yourself and your services.  The training/nutrition part might be much easier for you than this.  I would venture to guess that most trainers who get out of the business do it for business reasons, not for lack of ability to train others.

[JPrev]

I only train on the side, but from what I know of full time trainers, it definitely takes a lot of energy and self-starting.  Need to think about where you're going to train clients: at a commercial gym?  Rent out a space?  Home gyms?  Also, how you're getting clients in the first place: start out with friends/family (without making them hate you), word of mouth advertising, from the gym itself (if going the commercial route), set up a referral network with healthcare professionals (nutritionists, physical therapists).  You need to be as much of an entrepreneur as a trainer.  The financials cause some trainers to dabble in things they probably shouldn't to supplement (no pun intended) their income, such as nutrition plans (illegal if you're not a nutritionist) and vitamin pushing.

 

I'm certified with the NSCA.  It's up there with ACE, NASM, ACSM, and ISSA as one of the equally reputable organizations.  You should look into the different ones to see which focuses on the kind of training you enjoy.  Personally, the NSCA felt one of the most "sciency" to me and a number of my fitness idols speak at its conferences, so that's the one I chose.  Keep in mind the upfront costs of certifying: membership to the organization, exam materials, the exam itself, insurance, start-up materials.

 

Also, make sure you stay humble even after becoming a trainer: fitness is a complicated thing, and your learning doesn't stop just 'cuz you have a cert!

 

I love training people, but full time training isn't right for me.  The experience did lead me to work on becoming a physical therapist, though!

[TurtIe]

It's hard work if you want to be good and a highly competitive industry. Like jfreaksho said, it's all about sales at first, you have to make sure you have value as a trainer and that you can communicate that to potential clients. 

I've done it in a load of different capacities (big box, private boutique, head trainer, privately run) loved it, it's rewarding, it's a lot of fun and you get plenty of opportunities if you work hard. On the other hand, if you're doing it to a high standard there is plenty of 'take home work', the hours are quite terrible (early morning, late afternoon) and you can say goodbye to paid holidays unless you're lucky enough be offered a wage. The money is quite good, though that will depend on where you're working with and how experienced you are.

All in all, it's a job just like any other. Plenty of pros and cons based on your individual circumstances. If you're really torn, I'd go to some of the gyms where you could see yourself working and talk to the trainers there, they'll give you the lowdown for your specific area.

[Machete]

Are you planning on working as an employee, a contractor, or are you going to freelance? From an educational point-of-view, different organizations have different characteristics. ACSM and NSCA are the "big dogs" in the fitness industry and pretty much dictate the standards. NASM has a special periodization model called OPT, and has a heavy focus on biomechanics. NESTA is a nationally accredited organization that offers multiple specializations. ISSA is an organization that offers basic certification you can take completely online (though it's no walk in the park) as well as an Associate's Degree. ACE is also nationally accredited, and I've heard is a basic and relatively easy one to acquire. There are also others that I have heard of and have no experience with, like The Cooper Institute, C.H.E.C.K. Institute, and Westside Barbell. Then there's CrossFit.

 

From my experience looking, most employers like ACSM and NSCA certs. If you're willing to deal with all the science and the conformity, you can't go wrong with either of those two for street cred purposes. NASM is also widely-recognized in fitness centers (I believe Planet Fitness prefers NASM certified trainers), and so is ACE. NESTA is usually enough, and ISSA does get you through the door, though employers don't seem too impressed with it. Different places have different preferences. If you're going to freelance, you really require no certification (unless of course they start regulating training); a strong marketing/referral system and testimonials might or might not be better than having a certification. But acquiring one does help. For example, ISSA includes a separate book on how to manage your personal training business. (I still haven/t read it,) Establishments mostly like having someone with a certification as a way of covering their asses in case they hire someone incompetent. (It shifts most of the blame to the organization that certified the individual.) Because everyone is apparently a fitness expert these days.

 

*I have certifications under NSCA, NASM, ISSA, NESTA, and am CF-L1.

[Noname123]

What kind of work did you do before? 

 

I'm in the same boat. However I'm thinking of doing something hybrid with my current work and fitness (I work in HR/Benefits so shifting from that to Corp. Wellness isn't a huge leap in my own head, though maybe I'm wrong.)

 

Machete, as you have all these certs do you think having them could help in the realm of working in Wellness vs. strict personal training? 

[Nubbins McGee]

When my wife was training, her NSCA cert definitely helped her get the job.  

[Machete]

What kind of work did you do before? 

 

I'm in the same boat. However I'm thinking of doing something hybrid with my current work and fitness (I work in HR/Benefits so shifting from that to Corp. Wellness isn't a huge leap in my own head, though maybe I'm wrong.)

 

Machete, as you have all these certs do you think having them could help in the realm of working in Wellness vs. strict personal training? 

 

There's a boot camp fitness group in my area, and several of them actually also have full-time jobs in HR. (Another is a Planet Fitness trainer.)

 

For educational purposes or personal achievement, you can pick whichever suits your style. But ACSM, and NSCA dictate the standards. (ACSM even sets the definition for what exercise is.) ACSM, NSCA, and NASM are highly recognized, and having one of those will definitely help in landing you a job with a company. Studying for NASM and NSCA felt like studying for med school, so they'll be reassured that you've at least read about exercise.

 

Personal training isn't that strictly-regulated, so technically you can just train whomever you want and you'll be fine (as long as they sign a waiver). Most layperson clients don't even know what those letters mean and don't care what organization you were certified in (or even if you are certified, though it would probably be reassuring if you were) as long as you can deliver results. At the end of the day, personal trainers are salespeople. You convince clients to give you money to do something they can't/aren't willing to do themselves. (e.g. designing workouts, researching physiology, motivation, accountability, social support, etc.)

[Machete]

Being a personal trainer:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kZg_ALxEz0

[p2tog]

What kind of work did you do before? 

 

I've done all kinds of things. It seems like every time I get a new job it's something totally different from the ones before...

 

In high school it was cashier and then supervisor at the local grocery store, I've done a few years at two different Jimmy John's locations, I worked in medical (prosthetics) for a while, I have a BFA in graphic design, did pretty well with a catering company.... Fitness in general is something that has been important in my personal life for a long time, and so far (I managed to land a job at a new gym as a trainer after all) this gig is going well. It IS a lot of take-home work, but I'm still pumped -- no pun intended -- about it enough that it's not so bad. I enjoy genuinely helping people get healthier and reach goals that they've set, and for once I feel decently qualified for the work I'm doing. It's also helped motivate me to change up my routine and work at losing a few % of body fat -- something I didn't bother with this past year with the justification of "I'm bulking."

[Noname123]

 change up my routine and work at losing a few % of body fat -- something I didn't bother with this past year with the justification of "I'm bulking."

 

 

lolol that sounds like me in the last 5 or 6 months. I wanted to drop bf but I wanted to get stronger so I justified calorie surplus by 'bulking' and telling myself I'll start my cut in a week or two. This challenge saved me from another 6 weeks of 'bulking', haha. 

[Machete]

I've done all kinds of things. It seems like every time I get a new job it's something totally different from the ones before...

 

In high school it was cashier and then supervisor at the local grocery store, I've done a few years at two different Jimmy John's locations, I worked in medical (prosthetics) for a while, I have a BFA in graphic design, did pretty well with a catering company.... Fitness in general is something that has been important in my personal life for a long time, and so far (I managed to land a job at a new gym as a trainer after all) this gig is going well. It IS a lot of take-home work, but I'm still pumped -- no pun intended -- about it enough that it's not so bad. I enjoy genuinely helping people get healthier and reach goals that they've set, and for once I feel decently qualified for the work I'm doing. It's also helped motivate me to change up my routine and work at losing a few % of body fat -- something I didn't bother with this past year with the justification of "I'm bulking."

 

Fantastic. Congratulations. Someone should totally make a Personal Trainer Support thread somewhere here. #PersonalTrainerProblems. Haha

[Noname123]

Fantastic. Congratulations. Someone should totally make a Personal Trainer Support thread somewhere here. #PersonalTrainerProblems. Haha

 

I'd love to read them!

[rybo]

Glad things are going well for you. I think having the ability to go full time training is easier than trying to do it on the side. With a full time job I have very limited time to actually train others, and very little time to promote myself to even get that many clients. If I did get a few more clients I would work continuously. 

[ryan15]

If that is what you are passionate about then yes you should do it. Then you can always gets job at your gym and slowly start building your clientele. 

[Noname123]

Current PTs out there, what are your thoughts on the NCCPT? 

 

 

I would love to splurge and spend 2k on the full NASM package, but I can't currently justify the funds.  

[Machete]

Current PTs out there, what are your thoughts on the NCCPT? 

 

 

I would love to splurge and spend 2k on the full NASM package, but I can't currently justify the funds.  

 

Haven't heard of it, but it seems more affordable than the others and is NCCA accredited.

 

If you're going to be working for someone looking for certifications, I'd recommend more reputable ones. NASM is pretty reputable; the NPTI awards you a NASM CPT designation if you graduate with them. All the trainers at the studio I work in have NASM certs. I personally don't think you need the whole package though; I think you can just get the book and test out, as long as you have a good grasp of anatomy, biomechanics, periodization, etc. They also offer discounts every few months. (Then you can learn everything else on the job. Maybe take a business / marketing workshop.) It also has room for advancement. You can later get PES, CES, and a few other courses to get a NASM Master Trainer designation, which sounds pretty sweet. NESTA also has a Master Personal Trainer package that can sometimes get down to as low as $700+. One particular less-known course that I'm interested in is the Precision Nutrition certification. They concentrate on coaching compliance by building cumulative habits.

[Noname123]

Haven't heard of it, but it seems more affordable than the others and is NCCA accredited.

 

If you're going to be working for someone looking for certifications, I'd recommend more reputable ones. NASM is pretty reputable; the NPTI awards you a NASM CPT designation if you graduate with them. All the trainers at the studio I work in have NASM certs. I personally don't think you need the whole package though; I think you can just get the book and test out, as long as you have a good grasp of anatomy, biomechanics, periodization, etc. They also offer discounts every few months. (Then you can learn everything else on the job. Maybe take a business / marketing workshop.) It also has room for advancement. You can later get PES, CES, and a few other courses to get a NASM Master Trainer designation, which sounds pretty sweet. NESTA also has a Master Personal Trainer package that can sometimes get down to as low as $700+. One particular less-known course that I'm interested in is the Precision Nutrition certification. They concentrate on coaching compliance by building cumulative habits.

 

I was thinking about dipping my toes in with it- this is going to sound awful but a livingsocial deal popped up for the cert (materials+ exam voucher) for 100 bucks so I might just do it to learn more for myself. I'm not planning to leave my day job, but am trying to shift from pure HR to HR/Wellness which is why I'm looking at things like PT and Nutrition courses/certs to supplement my HR/Wellness program knowledge. 

[Machete]

I was thinking about dipping my toes in with it- this is going to sound awful but a livingsocial deal popped up for the cert (materials+ exam voucher) for 100 bucks so I might just do it to learn more for myself. I'm not planning to leave my day job, but am trying to shift from pure HR to HR/Wellness which is why I'm looking at things like PT and Nutrition courses/certs to supplement my HR/Wellness program knowledge. 

 

Doesn't sound awful at all; it sounds like a deal.

[Machete]

Here's a free course that can prove to be useful, especially for anyone prepping for a test.

 

Introductory Human Physiology