I heard a certificatoin by ACE is a “joke”, according to an article in Testosterone (April 2001 issue). I was wondering if anyone could suggest some creditable options. Getting a degree in this is not an option for me. I want to get a semi-quick and inexpensive, yet GOOD certification. I have been training for 1/2 of my life already, and grew up in a gym.
I don’t know about “semi-quick and inexpensive”, but I always recommend ISSA. www.issaonline.com They’re not perfect, but no certification agency is.
The NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) and the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) are probably the two most comprehensive certifications to have. They’re not easy or cheap, but they’re nationally recognized. AFAA, IFPA, and ACE are fairly easy and inexpensive, but most fitness professionals know that anyone with a 7th grade education can get certified. The question you have to ask yourself is why are you getting certified. If you plan to travel or move to other cities and you’d like to be hired to do personal training just about anywhere, I’d shoot for the NSCA or ACSM. If you just want a stamp behind your name so you can continue to train wherever you are right now, get one of the others. The truth is, your clients don’t know and probably don’t care what certification you have and your skill as a trainer will not improve by getting one certification or the other.
Id agree with Spacemonkey. Client dont know the difference. I am certified through ISSA and NSCA. The NSCA is widely recognized across the country. ISSA is getting there. The NSCA test was quite a bit tougher than the ISSA but, the ISSA helps you every step of the way. Their service is unparalleled. Tech support, business setup, question board, and all kinds of medical journals. Best bang for your buck Id go w/ ISSA.
ACSM is considered the gold standard, but you have to have a degree to sit for the exam. You’re right about ACE; I’m ashamed that I ever wasted an afternoon to take the exam. I read through the book once, didn’t study, and got over 98 on all four sections. If you need an idea of what the ACE stands for, listen to their “ideal” respons to the following hypothetical situation: “A client, Anna BOlick, has been a bodybuilder for two years. She approaches you with an advertisment for a protein supplement. Describe how you would discuss protein supplements with Anna.” Here’s what those brainiacs over at ACE recommended: “Explain that athletes who eat a balance diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins [notice that protein is always listed last] have not shown any significant muscle gains from taking protein supplements. Using protein supplements can be expensive and dangerous, particularly in large amounts, which can cause liver or kidney stress, dehydration, and loss of urinary calcium. Ask Anna what her goals are, what she has heard about protein supplements, and about her current diet. Assess whether her diet is balanced, or if the excess protein is taking the place of other valuable nutrients (especially sources of calcium like milk products). Finally, explain to Anna that excess protein in the diet can be converted to fat.”
Back-up the bullshit wagon! I’m surprised that they didn’t recommend soy. Also, isn’t it funny how they imply that only excess protein can be converted to fat, but not carhoydrates? Last time I checked, the thermal effect of protein was greater than carbs, which makes it less likely to be stored. One one hand, I’m excited to be entering the fitness industry (exercise science and sports management double major) because I can work to discredit these boneheads and dispell stupid myths. On the other hand, I am dreading the fact that I will have to deal with ignorant assholes like this book’s authors on a daily basis. Just my tow cents, but I’d go with ACSM, ISSA. or NSCA, and then let your reputation for getting results speak for itself.