Personal Training Certification

[n3mo0101]

What is the best personal training certification you can get? I want to start doing some training on the side for extra cash but I just need my certification. Does it matter which one I get? Do I even need a certification at all if I look good and know what I'm doing?

 

[mr.giggles]

ACE and NASM are widely accepted so those are the ones I'd look into first imo

 

[aufootballar9911]

CSCS(Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) which is through NSCA must have a four year degree to take test though. Most gyms don't require any certification or just have you get a bs online certification for insurance purposes. The ACSM, NASM, and NSCA are only ones that hold any weight with any legit company or job. If you just want to make extra cash just train people at the gym you already use. As long as you aren't booking multiple clients in a row and hanging out there all day it probably wont be an issue. But plenty of people look good and don't know shit about actual program writing and specific needs of individuals. I see plenty of idiots training people that have no idea what they are doing. Not saying this is you, but if you don't have real knowledge don't take peoples money and have them do a cookie cutter routine or just what you do. Big pet peeve of mine.

 

[kcameron13]

NASM would be the most widely accepted for sure, besides an Exercise Science degree. But for what you are looking to do, go NASM.

 

[blackjack]

What is the best personal training certification you can get? I want to start doing some training on the side for extra cash but I just need my certification. Does it matter which one I get? Do I even need a certification at all if I look good and know what I'm doing?

You looking good, and having knowledge of your workout routine do nothing for anyone except you. This may be a shock, but the majority of any PT clientele aren't young/fit jocks. Personal trainers don't train themselves. They train other people, all people are different. Past/present injuries... physiological imbalances/diseases/limitations...etc etc etc.

I digress... NASM

 

[chinaboy]

NASM, ACE and CSCS are legit. I have had them in the past and look at them light money making scemes for themselves. I now would rather have a shitty online cert that doesn't cost $300 for a test and then $200 for continuing education classes 2x a year plus travel fees.

However, if you get the above certs and keep a decent clientele you can make it in the positive.

 

[Geardepot]

NASM would be the most widely accepted for sure, besides an Exercise Science degree. But for what you are looking to do, go NASM.

I agree. I think NASM is probably the best well known cert.

Do gyms these days actually verify your certification?

I wonder how many people who are getting training from someone out of a health club or gym actually look to make sure their trainer is certified?

My personal opinion is that it does not matter, but I may be a little biased. I've seen so moronic trainers in the gyms having clients do exercises (I use that term loosely) that can't be good or safe for them? .. I know a few guys who operate training/prep businesses who don't have any certification but know their craft well, and their clients and body of work speaks for itself.

Do certifications come with any kind of insurance or bond? If your certified by ACE and you have a client doing some movement you learned during the certification and he slips a disc or something can ACE be held liable? I am sure they have you sign your life away when they give your the certification, but it seems like the amount of dumb lawsuits these days we'd see someone suing for this.

 

[MightyJohn]

I run clubs at the district level...most in My area(North East) do verify certs...NASM, CSCS, ACE being the best options

 

[Flexpack215]

I have 3 NASM certs. I believe they are the most respected in the industry today. ACE I hear is a decent program. All are spendy though!


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[memphismuscle]

Nasm probably best way to go, recognized by most gyms. But really if you are a good trainer you're a good trainer, a cert just makes it legit.

 

[Airhonn]

Whats up guys,

Ill tell you from experience that using training "to make some extra cash" is going to be hard to do , honestly i did not make any sizable money from training until months and months of networking and clientele build up. Its not a hit the ground running sort of thing if you don't understand the industry. Just my opinion

(go with nasm!)

- Air