Hello all,

I am new to this forum I have only made a few posts... but anywho I am currently studying Nutrition with a minor in exercise sciense and communication... and would like to become a certified personal trainer as soon as possible. I am interested in group fitness as well as one-on-one. I have looked into several programs that offer training and will certify you but the majority of them are pricey.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I would like to become ACE certified at the very least.

Cheers,
MissDFITT

Why as soon as possible -why not take the time and really educate yourself...

I've yet to be impressed with ACE certifications... to me -- it seems far to easy to get - like i think you have to be 16 and that's about it... There are others that will actually make you think and engage some brain cells...

What's your background - what makes you want to pursue this as a career? And where do you want to "specialize" - with teens, adults, older adults, very obese, yoga pretzel chicks looking to fit into those size 1 jeans?

I would like to start a program as soon as possible rather. And ACE is one of the most nationally recegonized certifications, most gyms require that you be at least ACE certified to be a trainer.

And I am all about engaging my brain cells, I love to learn and would rather a program that makes me really have to work and study through it rather than one that doesnt.

My background includes personal experience and making being healthy and fit a HUGE part of my life. I have battled the bulge my whole life and now would like to share my experience to helps others. I am most interested in working with people who are seriously overweight and whoes overall health is at risk because of it. However I am also interested in working with teens as well because I was a teen when I started my weight loss battle and I totally understand the pressures they face as teens and the everyday battles they fight.

As I had mentioned I am currently stuyding Nurtition which was my first step in pursuing this industry.

Meh, I'm not a fan of ACE.

NSCA, NASM and ACSM are the 'most nationally recognized.'

ACE is average at best.

most gyms require that you be at least ACE certified to be a trainer.

Where are you located?

This is the main point... you have to pick a cert that not only are you happy with and respect, but one that the gyms you are interested in require. Though I'd wonder about the quality of the gym in terms of training staff if they only require an ACE cert.

At the end of the day, all these certs, even the good ones, are jokes. I studied to the NASM, which is one of the top certs in exactly 5 days. That was with a full work schedule and everything. Passed the exam the following week. Does that make me ready to start working with people?

No.

The material for these certs prepares you to pass their exam...nothing more nothing less.

So I wouldn't too much weighting on them.

And I am all about engaging my brain cells, I love to learn and would rather a program that makes me really have to work and study through it rather than one that doesnt.

I would not go with ACE then.

I am from Albuquerque New Mexico. There is a program offered through the continuing education program at the Universtiy I attend. Its a 6 week program that goes through the material for the ACE exam. Its once a week for 8 hours. 4 hours are theory and the other 4 are taught in the gym. Once you have completed the course they offer you an intership with a gym to give you practical experience.

For me I don't feel that a certification makes a trainer. As Maleficient mentioned they are seemingly easy to get. I am wanting the experience, but it seems to get experience I have to be certified. And I agree Steve that I would want to have a certification that I myself respect and am proud to hold.

Along with the above mentioned program I have recently looked into a program that the local community college offers and its a 2 semester course which again prepares you for the ACE exam.

There are so many different programs out there it is difficult to pinpoint the right one.... I am wanting a course with practical experience along with great theory.

Well take it for what it's worth. I've been in the industry a long time and have a pretty good feel for it.

ACE is not respected at all in the states as are the other certs I mentioned above. Of the three, I'd single down to NSCA or ACSM.

I know you're not saying this but simply b/c ACE found it's way into a few University programs doesn't mean all that much. Sure, there's a hands on component which I think is great. But again, that doesn't mean anything about the cert itself in terms of image and respect.

Since certs are 'easy' to obtain relatively speaking... I'd go with the ones that a) are respected in the industry as a whole and b) have great networks for research and continuing education.

NSCA is great for this.

I'd definitely go with a cert that has it's own research publication too.

If you're locked into getting ACE by way of your degree... go for it. It will get your foot in the door at least. From there, I'd move on to one of the 'better' certifying bodies.

There are so many different programs out there it is difficult to pinpoint the right one.... I am wanting a course with practical experience along with great theory.

Oh, and there is no 'right one,' since as I said before, at the end of the day in terms of application they mean very little.

Okay great, I will further research NSCA and ASCM and see if there is a local program offered.

Thanks a ton for your help! You really know your stuff Steve... hope you don't mind if I pick your brain often.

Cheers,
MissDFITT

Anytime really.

If I could give one piece of advice to the up and coming fitness professional it would be to find a trainer who actually knows their stuff, is in the industry for the right reasons, has a track record, and works under a code of ethics you relate to.

Then intern or follow him or her.

Everywhere, lol.

Anytime you have questions or want to discuss something, feel free to contact me. I like having my brain picked. :)

I have thought about doing that! My trainer was amazing.... expensive, but he really knew his stuff and has been in the industry for years. I tried to reconnect with him earlier this year but he was seemingly too busy for me or my questions. I would like to intern with him, but I got the cold shoulder....

I currently work full time in the engineering indusrty and have been searching for a way out, but its hard to up a leave a job that is both flexible and pays good.... but at some point I'm gonna have to make the jump.... I will look into finding a trainer to work with...

Ha but again thanks! I hope to have my brained picked one day too!

I have thought about doing that! My trainer was amazing.... expensive, but he really knew his stuff and has been in the industry for years. I tried to reconnect with him earlier this year but he was seemingly too busy for me or my questions. I would like to intern with him, but I got the cold shoulder....

Shop around.

I can't stress this enough. Fitness professionals who are genuine and well-intended (amazingly these are usually the only few who know their stuff well too) are usually overly willing to open up to novices entering the industry. That's the beauty of it, really. The good ones are more than willing to give you time, assuming you're not a complete asshat.

I currently work full time in the engineering indusrty and have been searching for a way out, but its hard to up a leave a job that is both flexible and pays good.... but at some point I'm gonna have to make the jump.... I will look into finding a trainer to work with...

I know what you mean....