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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q:
I'm thinking of becoming a personal trainer, what type of
certification should I get?
A: Unfortunately, the fitness industry is an unregulated
industry and there is not any "one" certification that is expected
by all health and fitness facilities. Ask the health and fitness
facility where you plan to work if they have a preferred certification
and if not, pursue one of the major national certifications
such as AFAA, ACE, ACSM or NSCA.
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Q:
What's the difference between certifying organizations?
A: There are several national organizations that are both
widely respected and widely accepted for both trainers and instructors.
They are as follows (in alphabetical order):
ACE - American Council on Exercise - based in San Diego,
CA. This non-profit organization offers certification examinations
in the area of personal training, group exercise and nutrition.
Their examinations are "do-able" yet rigorous - about 175 questions
with an objective format (matching, multiple choice, true/false).
Use their textbook to prepare and study hard!
ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine - based in Indianapolis,
IN. This organization is geared towards individuals with an
academic background and offers certification examinations for
group exercise leaders, health fitness instructors and clinical
exercise physiologists. If you have a degree or are near completion
of a related degree - this certification will get the attention
of a potential employer. If not, better pass on this one for
now!
AFAA - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - based in
Sherman Oaks, CA. This organization provides training and certification
in the areas of personal training and group exercise. They also
offer many programs for fitness professionals in the areas of
mat training, weight training, aqua, step training and many
others. This is a reputable company whose exams are respected
but considered "entry-level".
NSCA - National Strength and Conditioning Association is based
in Colorado Springs, CO and offers certifications for personal
trainers and conditioning specialists. Their examinations are
rigorous and require in-depth preparation - particularly in
the area of strength training (hence the name!).
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Q:
I recently attended a mat workshop and the presenter demonstrated
exercises that I was told were "contra-indicated". Has the industry
changed that much?
A: Yes and No! Yes, the industry has changed and will continue
to change - we are a dynamic industry! And…. No, the exercises
weren't (at least for the most part) "forbidden" and then allowed.
With the onset of personal training and a variety of new training
methods entering our industry, we must be open minded to other
disciplines and their approaches. The bottom line is as it always
was - consider the risk, the benefit and the population - then
decide for yourself! Consider these exercises to be on a "double
rating scale" where benefit is considered and weighed against
risk. The intended population must also be carefully considered.
If the risk outweighs the benefit for your population - select
another exercise that will provide the same results!
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Q:
How do I get this job or that job - I want to do what you
do…..
A: I get questions all the time about how I got in the position
I have in the fitness industry. Well - first and foremost -
it didn't happen in a day - or a week, or even a year. If you're
looking to advance in fitness, put on your sneakers and get
out there - be visible - particularly to the organization that
you'd like to be affiliated with. Don't be afraid of hard work
or even volunteer work - whatever it takes to become visible!!
Continue your education - you'll never know it all! If you're
looking for instant fame or instant money - you're definitely
in the wrong industry - try the dot com world!
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