PT certification?

Mark McArthey said:

Back when I was "in-shape", I had been big into weight lifting and
nutrition. I always considered becoming certified as a personal trainer.
Now that I'm on the road back to health, it has sparked my interest again.
Not only would I love helping others, but it'd be a great motivator to
continue staying in shape. Anyway, I'm not looking for justification, but
rather a recommendation from others that are familiar with the numerous
organizations out there.
I was looking at ISSA but after talking to someone at the gym, they
suggested AFTA. I noticed they're less expensive, but I wanted to get a
feeling for where I should begin. AFPA, NFPT, AFTA, ISSA, NSCA, ACSM... did
I miss any? 😉

You missed ACE PT, one of the more widely recognized and
respected certifications. If you don't have a BA or Associates
degree in a health related field (and aren't looking to go that
route), then you should consider getting the ACE Personal Trainer
certification. Be a little forewarned only around 63% for the
people who take the test pass, and the test cost over $200.00.
Personally I don't think that everyone needs to take their
seminars with are costly. The book and study materials cost
around $80.

Be careful there are a lot of organizations that will test you
and give you certification, but are not recognized by most gyms.
Call the places you'd like to work at and ask them about the
certifications they recognize.

But its actual experience and constant self study that you need
more than an organization that will give you certification.
Communicating with people, understanding how to implement a plan
design, and real world experience are more valuable than
credentials. And I'm not talking about the experience you've had
with your health and fitness. Its learning how to take on each
individual and their specific problems/needs that makes you a
good trainer or not. No matter what you're taught and tested on
you constantly need to stay up on research and be knowledgeable
on whatever is being pushed at the public so that you can answer
questions. Plus it doesn't hurt to be open minded to new methods.

Go volunteer at a Y, a youth organization or a senior citizen
center and start working with people in the area of fitness. Let
people who already have training show you real application of
fitness knowledge. A potential employer will be more impressed
by real experience than the fact you can pay for a test.

And last... you've got to be truly fit yourself... which is a
great motivation.

Quoted message said:

I notice that some (all?) require continuing education, so
is there any benefit to certifying through more than one organization? I
don't want to waste my money with an organization that is going to lag
behind the others in terms of education. Right away I noticed that AFTA
doesn't seem to have the breadth of courses that ISSA does. I'd hate to get
roped into furthering my education through an organization that isn't as
complete as some others.
Thanks for any help!
Mark

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