How to start? NSCA or ACSM; no fitness degree; Please help!

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How to start? NSCA or ACSM; no fitness degree; Please help!

by Prospective Trainer
(Chicago)

I have a bachelors degree in psychology and have decided to get my personal trainer certification to work part time, full time if I can make enough money. I spoke with a trainer at my gym and she suggested NSCA, which she has, or ACSM. I have read on this site that both NSCA and ACSM are difficult. I consider myself an intelligent person but am getting nervous already for the exam and I have not even ordered the materials yet! How do I choose? Are these good to start with? I have also been told I should try to shadow a trainer. I called a couple of chain gyms but they said I need my certification. Any suggestions on shadowing or getting a mentor? Any help in getting started is appreciated!

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ACSM -> Health NSCA-> performance
by: Anonymous

ACSM is good certification if you are working with diseased, sedentary and unfit people. Their guidelines are the standard for this type of population.
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NSCA is mostly based on performance. If you want to train athletes or Fit people go for NSCA.
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YOU HAVE A BACHELORS!! dont waist your time go for the NSCA-CSCS.
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This certification can only be taken if you have a bacherlos degree(Does not matter if it is Pychology). This is the next level of the NSCA CPT.

Remember ACSM or NSCA depends on the clients you are woking with.

LC CPT

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Thanks for the comments!
by: Prospective Trainer

Thank you both for the comments. I called NSCA and spoke with a gentleman who also suggested I go for the CSCS; however, he said it does not focus on personal training but more working with athletes. He also suggested I may want to get the cpt first as it may help me with passing the CSCS due to the material being completely new to me. Decisions, decisions....

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not just any any bachelors!
by: Tim L

Just because a trainer has a bachelors degree, in ANY field, doesn't qualify to help in fitness.
As I have said before, I will put my BS in Health, PE and Fitness, and my MA, and MA research in the fitness field against ANY certification.As well as my 21 years of actual classroom instruction in the same. Would you take advice on counseling from the local bartender? He, he talks to a lot of people. The PT business is too easy and too many certs, and not enough quality, college level educated people.

I went to school in the fitness field for 7 years and have 10 hours toward a PHD in wellness. Who is more qualified/ The ACE NSCA certified person, or the college educated professional with a state instructional LICENSE that states MASTER on it? THAT hangs on my wall.

So, takes some advice, go back and at least take college level courses in anatomy, physiology, exercise physio, biomechanics, adapted PE, greriatric wellness, and then apply that to a decent cert.

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TIM L you are a freak
by: LC CPT

WE ARE HERE TO HELP PEOPLE -- NOT TO TRY TO GET THEIR ATTENTION BY JUDGING THEM TO MAKE THEM FEEL BAD

Go tell your mom about your personal issues because we don't care.

I understand you want our field to be well known but everybody has to start somewhere to work our way up.

If you have a masters, great for you use it to help people not to judge them.

LC CPT

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u took it too hard
by: TimL

Read what I say
It is too easy to get a cert. WE NEED EDUCATION, not just certification.
I would be glad to help. But right is right.
Too many gym rats, that's all.

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name calling not the way to respond
by: Tim L

I meant to harm or offense to anyone. Calling me a freak is way off the mark.
I have dedicated 30 years of my life to fitness, and you say I have a Master, true, but it's much more than a degree.
I am merely saying too many people that work out think they can be a trainer. Psychology is great: you have to know people and read them. I have several courses in that as well.
My point is the best way to give the best, most informed, and SAFEST training is to take the courses in college for that area.
If a person wants to be a PT and has college in mechanical engineering, does that mean he/she will be a good trainer because they work out?
The fact is most PTs are underqualified and have a piece of paper that says they have training.
I have taught actual classroom courses for 21 years. I took courses that lasted 3 months for 10 years, done dissertations, research, and applied them to what I do.
In the very least, get at least college level courses in these areas: anatomy, kiniesiology, exercise science, and nutrition. Add to that wellness, and you got cake.
As well as helping those who want to start it up? I am relocating to Tampa in late august and will offer any Tampa area trainer, or someone aspiring to be a trainer a start. And as a former fitness educator, they will be taught properly, effectively, caringly, and will be successful. Sorry if I offended you: you mistook passion and love for what I do for glory. That is not me. Again, anyone in Tampa that wants a chance to get in the biz, I will have the equipment, the space, and the advertising, and you will get taught by me: a fitness TEACHER, willing to share his 30 plus years of knowledge.

Thanks

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Submitted by: Tim L

Title

Comment
I meant to harm or offense to anyone. Calling me a freak is way off the mark. I have dedicated 30 years of my life to fitness, and you say I have a Master, true, but it's much more than a degree. I am merely saying too many people that work out think they can be a trainer. Psychology is great: you have to know people and read them. I have several courses in that as well. My point is the best way to give the best, most informed, and SAFEST training is to take the courses in college for that area. If a person wants to be a PT and has college in mechanical engineering, does that mean he/she will be a good trainer because they work out? The fact is most PTs are underqualified and have a piece of paper that says they have training. I have taught actual classroom courses for 21 years. I took courses that lasted 3 months for 10 years, done dissertations, research, and applied them to what I do. In the very least, get at least college level courses in these areas: anatomy, kiniesiology, exercise science, and nutrition. Add to that wellness, and you got cake. As well as helping those who want to start it up? I am relocating to Tampa in late august and will offer any Tampa area trainer, or someone aspiring to be a trainer a start. And as a former fitness educator, they will be taught properly, effectively, caringly, and will be successful. Sorry if I offended you: you mistook passion and love for what I do for glory. That is not me. Again, anyone in Tampa that wants a chance to get in the biz, I will have the equipment, the space, and the advertising, and you will get taught by me: a fitness TEACHER, willing to share his 30 plus years of knowledge. Thanks

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misspelled my word
by: TIm L

last post may have had a misprint:
first line should read "I meant no" not "to"
Sorry

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My coment was too harsh
by: LC CPT

Yes I understand where you are coming from and it's great that people like you are making our field well known. I makes sense what you say about people who want quick money and not to learn and they make our field look bad.

I was too harsh with my comment too.

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PLEASE
by: MD

Tim my friend, relax. You sound offensive, which means your not comfortable with your abilities. I myself posess a BA in HISTORY with minor in Phys Ed. and an Advanced PT cert from International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA). Street smarts and desire will get you further in this business than brains. Obviously you need to have the desire, ability, and initiative to learn. I am now upgrading to a CSCS. BUT I also have 8 years of PT experience, which is what adds value to my time.

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Tim
by: Anonymous

I am just starting out to get my certification in PT and I am fixing to order the study materials...I will Take my exam in April if all goes well. I don't have a degree but I am very centered and passionate about working out and learning the right way. I am 46 years old and a great motivator. What certification would You suggest that I start with...I was going for the ACSM...any suggestions?

Bethy
Natchez, Ms

P.S. Tim , how much would you charge for your help?

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Learn to spell
by: Anonymous

TIM L, since you're correcting your spelling I thought I might point out that greriatric isn't a word.

How to start? NSCA or ACSM; no fitness degree; Please help!

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How to start? NSCA or ACSM; no fitness degree; Please help!