Questions about personal training certification...

[Disciple X]

I've decided to get my personal training certification. I've wanted to do it for a long time, but i've always felt like there was so much i dont know that i wasnt ready. I know there are people out there who put my knowledge to shame... but what i realized over the past couple months is that although i'm not a guru, i do know a whole lot more than the average couch potatoe that needs some help. Lately i've helped several people out in the gym and i really enjoyed it. I always enjoy helping people out who ask for advise or even just need a spot. So i'm going for it.

There are a ton of programs and certifications out there and i hace no clue which ones to look into. I would like to persue the ones that mean the most/ carry the most respect... anybody out there that knows about this kind of stuff, please chime in. Also feel free to share your experiences with personal trainers/ trainees if you want to give me some insight on what to expect.

Any advise or input in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys...

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by Disciple X

Any advise or input in general would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys...

Best way to approach a certificate is to target a job. Look at what they require and go for it.

There are many out there that sound great but aren't worth the paper they are on as far as credentials for companies or knowledge and studying required.

After all look at 80% of big chain gym in house trainers.

[bamazav]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

Best way to approach a certificate is to target a job. Look at what they require and go for it.

There are many out there that sound great but aren't worth the paper they are on as far as credentials for companies or knowledge and studying required.

After all look at 80% of big chain gym in house trainers.

Rich makes some great points.

Until there is a singular nationally or Internationally recognized certification, they are all just paper. What makes the trainer is the person not the paper. There are some good certifications out there but you only get out of them what you put into them.

I have no plans to work in a commercial gym, I felt that the paper lends a little credibility to the ministry I started so I went through the process. Didn't help me start the ministry or do anything I wouldn't have already done, just allows me to say, "Certified Trainer." Not one person has ever asked, "Certified by who?" I am sure if I went to a commercial gym they would laugh me out of the place, but the results my Fit For the King folks are experiencing are not due to a test and a piece of paper. They put in the hard work, I just give them a little coaching and encouragement. I am not sure if I am going to recertify, as it really isn't needed in what I am doing.

[Disciple X]

Bamazav- love the "fit for the king" deal... thanks for the reply. Thats all i've been hearing is how the certs dont mean much, but i feel like i need it to get my foot in the door. After things get rolling, i'm sure i'll ghen feel the same way, but if it will help me get started, i'm all in. I just dont see a gym letting me train people there with no experience and no certification... maybe i could bs my way in, but thats not my style. Lol.