New to the forum

[kasca_grossa]

Just wanted to drop by and say hello.

My name is Mark, I've been reading on the forum for about a week.

I've been wanting to become a personal trainer for a while now (ever since '02) but just been bouncing back and forth in the mortgage business. Now that business isn't so great, I think it's my time to step up and get certified and start a new carrer. I have a good knowledge in health/fitness - I've done a lot of researching, spent a lot of hours in the gym myself, taken about 5 nutrition classes at the local comunity college (I don't hold any degrees at the moment), and currently fighting in BJJ.

I've done some research and I think I'm learning towards the ACSM certification. I hear a lot of good things about this school.

Would this be an ideal certification for me? I want to be able to work at local gyms (privately owned upscale gyms or maybe even hospitals) and also work with athletes (as I am one and train with a lot of them in this area would be a good market for me to tap into).

Thank you for any information.

 

[DBoh9]

Mark,

Welcome to the forums and congratulations on beginning your personal trainer search. It seems like the classes you've taken in nutrition and your experience in the mortgage business should serve you well in the fitness industry.

The ACSM certification is one of the most highly reputable in the industry and can be applied effectively to a clinical setting such as a hospital environment. That certification should also be favored in most health clubs.

If you are learning towards working with athletes, I'd suggest taking a closer look at the NSCA-CSCS certification, but I'd be careful about painting yourself into a corner or niche market (http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com/personal-trainer-business-development-idea.html)

Best of luck in your fitness search,
Boh

David I. Bohmiller, BS, NSCA-CSCS
President/Owner
My Personal Trainer School LLC
http://www.my-personal-trainer-school.com

 

[kasca_grossa]

Thanks for the reply and information.

I decided to go with the ACSM for now.

Has anyone heard much on the CrossFit certification?

Before my last fight, we had a CF instructor help us out with our strength and conditioning.. and I believe it put me at my best shape. I was thinking maybe getting into that kind of certification to work with athletes.

I won't be putting my self in a corner or niche market, but I would like to start working in hospitals or privatly owned gyms and also with the ahtletes in the beginning. I'm not exactly sure what my long term goal is yet.

 

[tbuzzell]

ACSM and ACE are top notch you will be able to get a job at a gym anywhere.