Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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How to become a Personal Trainer????

qualters
qualters
Posts: 343
Joined: 2002/04/21
United States
2002/05/25, 01:17 PM
How does someone become a personal trainer? Is the pay good? how does all this jazz work? What type of hours do you have? Any websites that can tell me more about it?
Thanks!
BQ
dahayz
dahayz
Posts: 794
Joined: 2002/05/08
United States
2002/05/25, 11:01 PM
There are a lot of ways to become a personal trainer. The path that I am taking is through college. A 2 year exercise science degree. Or you can apply at one of the major health clubs and they will certify you through them. The only bad thing about that is, is that you are only certified at that particular club. Hope this helps a little.
jbennett
jbennett
Posts: 1,558
Joined: 2001/02/28
United States
2002/05/26, 12:54 PM
Do a search online on "personal training AND certification" and you'll come up with a few thousand hits. Some of the companies to get your personal training certification from include ACE, ISSA, NFPT, NSCA, AFFA, NCST, NAFC, IFPA, NESTA, etc, etc. The companies that seem to be the most reputable (and most demanding) are ISSA, NSCA, and ACE because they are recognized worldwide; but I'm sure whatever you decide will be fine. Best of luck to you!!

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--JBennett
"I've up-ed my intensity.... now up yours!"
"Pain is only weakness leaving the body."
Philia2
Philia2
Posts: 4,078
Joined: 2001/10/19
France
2002/05/27, 01:25 AM
It's just like driving thou...... If you just pass your test but don't keep learning after then you'll always be a beginner.......

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- Nina :o) La vie est toujours aussi belle.....
qualters
qualters
Posts: 343
Joined: 2002/04/21
United States
2002/05/27, 01:09 PM
I have found out some info, thanks jbennett. Most of the programs are short and seem resonable. already recieved my B.S. and can become a trainer by doing the work at home. I looked at the ISSA, and think I am gonna do it!
thanks again!
BQ
msaunders
msaunders
Posts: 2
Joined: 2002/05/23
United States
2002/05/31, 10:14 AM
I used to wonder that as well....until I saw a help wanted sign at my gym (a Bally Total Fitness). I talked to the PT manager and she loved my attitude ans was inpresses with my knowledge even though I didn't have any formal training. She agreed to hire me and help me go through the certification process. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO BREAK IN TO PT!!! The other trainers at the gym have been so helpful, suggesting certification programs, helping me study...plus I get hands on training...doing fitness evaluations and gym orientations to ream members looking for advice. It's great.

I can't speak for other gyms (as I have a great team in place at mine) but you make your own hours and are responsible to the amount of money you take in. The more PT sessions you sell, the more cmomission you make, the more clients you have, the more your take home paycheck. Plus you work when you want - you and your client pick the days and times that work best for you...

I use PT as a second job (as I am doing the 9-5 as I type) and spend a few hours at the gym with clients a few nights a week and a couple hours on the weekend.

HTH - Marcy