Personal Training Certification???

[lucidblue]

I've been considering getting certified in personal training. I've been researching getting certified and many of the programs seem to be "learn at home from a book" type courses. I don't see how you get enough knowledge this way. However, I found two programs that combine time in the gym with time in the classroom. One course is 6 weeks and one is 6 months:

http://www.witseducation.com/certifications/ptcert.htm

http://www.nationalpersonaltraininginstitute.com/

Anyone familiar with the credibility of either one? Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[msboss]

I went through a college which had a 2 year certification course which covered many different aspects. It was quite in depth. You might try looking into your local college. I know what your saying about the study at home things. With ACE all you have to do is study the book and go take a test. If you have a good memory and test well you should do well. I'm a hands on kind a gal a found the AAFA cert to be more in depth. There's a written and practical segment. I don't know why ACE is the more widely accepted though. Marketing I suppose.

Good Luck,

msboss

 

[pwr_machine]

On the Training Discussion page, there is a thread entitled, "Questions about being a personal trainer" that list a few of the certifications. It's a few days old, but scroll down and you should find it.

 

[spatts]

On the Training Discussion page, there is a thread entitled, "Questions about being a personal trainer" that list a few of the certifications. It's a few days old, but scroll down and you should find it.

http://boards.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=237645

 

[bignate73]

Anyone familiar with the credibility of either one? Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

never heard of either. most clubs will want nationally recognized certs. to my knowledge those arent in the top 5 of national certs. it very well may give you a good foundation of knowledge, i cant say otherwise having not taken them, but ive never heard of it. usually the most popular are popular for a reason, because they are affordable and comprehensive....oh and marketing too.

 

[lucidblue]

Thanks everyone. I read through the thread from the Training Discussion page and I checked out all of the programs everyone listed. Problem is like MSBoss I'm more of a hands on learner... a certification program with classroom and practical learning would be much better for me. I will check out the AAFA that MSBoss went through. Maybe the best idea is to take some college courses and then work toward one of the other certifications.

 

[bignate73]

NASM, ISSA both have hands on. AFAA is a general PT cert. most of the aerobics instructors (where i work) are required to take that one, they dont recommend it to us for some reason.

 

[pwr_machine]

Most certifications offer weekend seminars prior to the actual test. However, there isn't much hands on experience associated with just one weekend.

 

[lil k]

for what i am doing i went with ISSA and NESTA, i have them both and with NESTA i have an advanced cert as well...