Personal Trainers forum??

**oldman** · 04-02-2006, 11:10 AM

At one time I thought there was a forum for personal trainers... did I miss it or is it gone?

I would like to pick the brains of a couple of pro's on what certifications are decent ones to have.. Not looking for college degree type certification but a program that focuses on training for general fitness I guess you would call it.

I have seen

NFPT
AFPA
ACE
ISSA

and some others but what is the difference and are any of these courses worth the $$..

Thanks

Robert

**aLLSTaRWRX** · 04-02-2006, 04:08 PM

NASM is one of the best you could get, plus there advanced learning is good as well. just do a search on google for nasm and you will get there site.

***D7M*** · 04-02-2006, 06:45 PM

yah, I was wondering where that forum went, too.

**Papi93** · 04-03-2006, 07:32 PM

I am a certified personal trainer and, also, a certified strength conditioning specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association. When the forum was up, I was a regular visitor there. Anyways, a certified strength & conditioing specialist requires that you have a bachelor's degree. This will definitely help you stand out among your peers. I would only recommend getting that certification if you want to make a career in training. If you want to do it on the side, I would go with a personal training certification. This one does not require a degree but you will have to sit for an exam. Not an easy exam.

My brother is a certified fitness trainer through the ISSA.

**oldman** · 04-04-2006, 04:56 AM

Thanks Papi93 I will look at that cert also.

Good info..

~Old

**Papi93** · 04-05-2006, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by oldman

Thanks Papi93 I will look at that cert also.

Good info..

~Old

My brother's certification allows you to take the exam at home. You complete the study material and then have to write essays. Most think it is an easy way out but it is not. If you give it your all, it is very time consuming. It is great for people who are not good test takers. You can work at your own pace and you will learn from your study material.

**iwillsleepwhenidie** · 04-16-2006, 10:08 AM

i am in the same boat with papi i have a degree and cscs. in my opinion NASM is the best you can get. just my .02

**Papi93** · 04-17-2006, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by iwillsleepwhenidie

i am in the same boat with papi i have a degree and cscs. in my opinion NASM is the best you can get. just my .02

You can really have any certification. People that you train, generally, won't be able to tell the difference. The biggest key to success in personal training is being a good salesman. You can have all the knowledge in the world but if you are not good at selling your services, you won't be able to teach anyone.

If you're looking to become a strength coach, it's really more who you know than what you know. That is a universal truth with all good jobs. Sucks but true.