Personal Trainer Cert: Which one?

[ScorpDiesel]

I talked to my doctor today; she suggested while I'm between contracts, I should hustle personal training. I'm not lean but, I'm big (5'10, 295lbs) & could parlay that into personal training clients. So I thought "why not?". I haven't done personal training in years and when I did, I was certified thru AFAA which is an online exam that ya momma could pass. Real easy. This time around, I wanna be legit.

What nationally recognized certification is best and what are the caveats for the top certs? I'm lookin' at:

NASM
NFPT
ACE
ISSA

 

[Flawless]

wow 5 10 295 is obese man, but on a serious note I would never hire a fat personal trainer, I would look for someone who looks fit.

 

[ScorpDiesel]

You don't know what I look like, do you? By your classification, bodybuilders are obese, right?

 

[ScorpDiesel]

If I met clients thru the internet at told that I was 5'10 295lbs, I wouldn't get clients. Meeting in person is totally different.

 

[Pakaday]

This link shows essentially every single certification that is out there. I know NASM and ACE are the most well known, but they also specialize in different aspects of personal training. http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=110597151

 

[callbacc]

Yeah, it's all and how you carry it. Muscle weights the same as fat, fat just takes up more space.

 

[Pakaday]

Another link, comparing costs and many other facets of the different certifications. http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/accredited-personal-training-certification.html
Also, the absolute best certifications would be ACSM and NSCA's CSCS certification, the former being the hardest one to get but also carries the most weight. The latter is essentially the second best. NASM and ACE are easier to get and focus on more "fad" exercises, like kettle bells and bosu balls, but most gyms and potential clients see these as a plus, especially since new gym goers are intimidated by free weights.
Basically, the certification you get would be based on what sort of client and skill set you most prefer. But if I had to choose, I'd shoot for ACSM and the NSCA CSCS certs for more upper echelon opportunities, and NASM and ACE for the average personal trainer job.

 

[ScorpDiesel]

Another link, comparing costs and many other facets of the different certifications. http://www.starting-a-personal-training-business.com/accredited-personal-training-certification.html
Also, the absolute best certifications would be ACSM and NSCA's CSCS certification, the former being the hardest one to get but also carries the most weight. The latter is essentially the second best. NASM and ACE are easier to get and focus on more "fad" exercises, like kettle bells and bosu balls, but most gyms and potential clients see these as a plus, especially since new gym goers are intimidated by free weights.
Basically, the certification you get would be based on what sort of client and skill set you most prefer. But if I had to choose, I'd shoot for ACSM and the NSCA CSCS certs for more upper echelon opportunities, and NASM and ACE for the average personal trainer job.

Interestin'. Props!

 

[Punch]

CSCS or NSCA PT...Gold Standard brah


Punch C.S.C.S MPT

 

[rtm862]

OP you might want to look at becoming a Nutritionist also. A lot of kids are dropping out of med school for it. Nutritionist are in high demand. Starting salaries are like $50k and up. And in a few years you make well over $100k.

 

[Maxxam]

It doesn't really matter. If you're trying to get a job at a gym, they just want you to sell sessions/get members... as long as you have at least an ACE (I posted the text book and practice test here: http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=606683) you'll land a job. Any major one will do, but ACE is supposed to be the easiest and cheapest.

If you're trying to be independent, it probably matters even less. Average person doesn't know the difference, just as long as you say "certified personal trainer" . Looking good + selling yourself is more important than what cert you have. Do that, and get your clients results and you'll be . Referrals are crucial.

Good luck



NASM cert materials are here: http://www.bgol.us/board/showthread.php?t=311021

 

[APOPHIS]

Anyone got update d links for either NASM or ACE?

 

[bgbtylvr]

Even at 295, I bet homie still could smash mad clients.

 

[dasmybikepunk]

They're pushing ISSA on urban radio like it's the next best thing since Trump University, so I know it's not.

I think ACE is the biggest, oldest and most recognized, but do your own research, my cuzzo got out the clink 2008, got this cert and has turned his life completely around for the better.