Need info on ISSA cert.

[sysopt]

I'm interested in becoming a certified personal trainer; I got this thing in the mail from ISSA. My parents think it's a scam, ha, yeah. For those of you with this certification, how good is it? How much dough could I expect to make working with a gym. Are there lectures or a course or the like or just the book and the test? I need info, the more info, the better, please..... thanks in advance.

 

[Bigsatan13]

I don't know about the money, but I know that Tom Platz and Dr. Fred Hatfield are among the founders. If I was going to pick a program it would be this one.
They have a website www.fitnesseducation.com

 

[ballast]

I think it's one of the better ones out there.The study guide for the test is 5 inches thick and it covers everything.There's in-depth chapters on physiology,anatomy,kinesiology,sports medicine,etc.There's also a manual about the business side which has ISSA trainers give tips and advice.One thing interesting about that manual, is that one of the trainers was responsible for getting Kevin Spacey in shape for American Beauty.I guess the amount of money you make is up to you.It's basically a home study course, but they provide a two day seminar which includes a lecture by people like Tom Platz and Charles Staley and ends with the test for certification.Definetly worth the money.I'm sure there is someone your parents can contact to verify it's not a scam.Maybe the Better Buisness Bureau?Not sure about that.

 

[Jowers]

I'm going to get certified over the summer by ISSA they said they have a program where you can take it over the internet. I know a few people who are certified by them and only have good things to say

 

[tzan]

I'm scheduled to take my certification test in early April. I used the NSCA which provided me with a detailed book covering a lot of info and some cassete tapes that have lectures on them. I'll tell you one thing, the shit is a lot harder than you think. Good luck with whichever one you decide to go through.

 

[Rocket]

Info at www.drsquat.com

Rocket

 

[spida]

I think the NSCA give one of the better certifications out there. I know several PT's and athletic trainers who possess this one

 

[spida]

heres the addy http://www.nsca-lift.org/

 

[GRIMMER]

I've been ISSA certified for 6 years and its one of the top three out there. I recomend going to the seminar for the certification it is very informal and you cna actually get some good connections from it.

 

[SteelWeaver]

I'm doing the ISSA right now. If I had to choose again, I'd probably go for the NSCA cert., but I do think the ISSA provides a very good foundation, and I've learnt a lot from it. It could be more detailed and in-depth in my view, though. My main problem with it is the ... slightly less than scientifically objective way that Fred Hatfield expounds upon his philosophy, and the textbook is written mostly by him. (Especially his obvious dislike for Arthur Jones - I mean, I'm not a fan or anything, but one expects objectivity and professionalism in a textbook - it mostly is objective and professional, just not 100%) The NSCA text is a collection of essays/studies/chapters by a wide variety of people in the field, and goes into greater detail than the ISSA book.