Fitness certifications

[Gerry Seymour]

Most people feel comfortable with the "certified fitness..." Not that it'll make much difference to traditional training methods but it will make a difference to those who want to feel comfortable with someone that's not going to be doing exercises that are destructive on the body. Crossfit is known for exercises that are horrible for joints and backs. Injuries are common.

If you are going to get a certification, get one that will allow you to get the most mileage and use from. Something that is nationally recognized.

That was my thought. Even something narrow, but reasonably recognizable/accepted would probably give me the best value for my effort.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Could you expand on your definition of cheap? A strength band/resistance certificate I think would be a great from a martial artist perspective, though the kettlebell is a great one as well. Bands are easy on the joints, builds strength, ROM and can also be used therapeutically.

That's a thought. Maybe a good other choice. I like the kettlebell specifically because it's easy to imagine working a few strength exercises into class warm-ups. Bands would have a wider application beyond that point - especially with recovery from injuries, both those from class and older injuries they bring with them.

Whatever certificate you get, be sure to work "I'm a fitness instructor" into every conversation possible. Regardless of how irrelevant and uninterested people seem. That's the only consistent behavior I've found with Fitness Instructors.

I'll keep that in mind. Should I have it printed on all my business cards, too?? (Even the ones for my management consulting)

 

[Gerry Seymour]

The working it into the conversation comment was a joke. Ever met a Vegan, Crossfitter or Marathon Runner? You would definitely know if they were within the first minute of talking to them?

I've only known one vegetarian who wasn't like that. Mind you, she was (and still is, nearly 20 years later) easily one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, so it's possible I just don't remember her mentioning it that quickly.

 

[JR 137]

There are many certification options, but the two most reputable Personal Training Certifications are as follows:

- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer - Become an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®)
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer - Personal Trainer Certification | ACSM

These are the most reputable by a mile. Others are more or less a mail-order cert that’s not much more than a money making scheme. I’m sure there’s an exception or two, but I don’t know them personally. NSCA is THE standard when it comes to being a college and above level strength and conditioning coach. ACSM is gaining some ground, but ACSM has in the past been almost exclusively an add-on cert to PT, ATC, etc. I think ACSM had the PES (performance enhancement specialist) letters behind it for a while if my memory serves me right.

A previous boss wanted the core of us who worked in the college’s fitness center to get personal training certification. She figured we’d learn a lot and it would be useful. She did a lot of research and felt AFFA or AFA (can’t remember if there were one of two Fs) was a reputable organization and it would meet our goals. We went through a weekend course that was brutal. All we learned was how to do an initial intake with a BS few standardized tests, and anatomy. The biggest waste of my time ever, and that’s saying a lot. People asked several times how to put a program together for clients. The response every time was “it’s the personal trainer’s responsibility to learn that on their own” along with an eye roll. The teachers’ response to safely perform some lifts was equally non-existent.

Look up NSCA and ACSM. Alternatively if you’re strictly interested in kettlebell stuff, try talking in-person to some local trainers.

 

[Charlemagne]

These are the most reputable by a mile. Others are more or less a mail-order cert that’s not much more than a money making scheme. I’m sure there’s an exception or two, but I don’t know them personally. NSCA is THE standard when it comes to being a college and above level strength and conditioning coach. ACSM is gaining some ground, but ACSM has in the past been almost exclusively an add-on cert to PT, ATC, etc. I think ACSM had the PES (performance enhancement specialist) letters behind it for a while if my memory serves me right.

A previous boss wanted the core of us who worked in the college’s fitness center to get personal training certification. She figured we’d learn a lot and it would be useful. She did a lot of research and felt AFFA or AFA (can’t remember if there were one of two Fs) was a reputable organization and it would meet our goals. We went through a weekend course that was brutal. All we learned was how to do an initial intake with a BS few standardized tests, and anatomy. The biggest waste of my time ever, and that’s saying a lot. People asked several times how to put a program together for clients. The response every time was “it’s the personal trainer’s responsibility to learn that on their own” along with an eye roll. The teachers’ response to safely perform some lifts was equally non-existent.

Look up NSCA and ACSM. Alternatively if you’re strictly interested in kettlebell stuff, try talking in-person to some local trainers.

They are roughly the same in regards to their Personal Training certs. In addition, ACSM's certs are fantastic for clinical settings, and you are correct in regards to the CSCS exam for NSCA. I am heavily involved in both organizations, have been for many years now. ACSM and NSCA are really two different groups with differing intents. While you do see some clinical stuff at NSCA and some performance related stuff at ACSM, the opposite is more the norm. I would consider them equally reputable.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Could you expand on your definition of cheap?

I just realized I never replied to this. I don't really know what that would be in certifications with meaningful and testing training behind them. The first one I looked at was $1,200 plus travel for the final training and testing, which is more than I'd be interested in spending. Under $12 would be great, but I suspect I won't find much I'm interested in at that range. Somewhere between $12 and $1,200 there's probably a useful and meaningful option.

 

[marques]

There are many certification options, but the two most reputable Personal Training Certifications are as follows:

- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer - Become an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®)
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer - Personal Trainer Certification | ACSM

I did the ACSM one. A big name for a little price. Much cheaper than any local and unknown institution, but no practical instruction.

There are also NASM and other big names. But these are generic PT certifications (always good, more suitable for gym). Perhaps you could find something more specific to your needs (kettlebell, no gym machines?, martial arts...).

 

[JowGaWolf]

I did the ACSM one. A big name for a little price. Much cheaper than any local and unknown institution, but no practical instruction.

There are also NASM and other big names. But these are generic PT certifications (always good, more suitable for gym). Perhaps you could find something more specific to your needs (kettlebell, no gym machines?, martial arts...).

Martial arts certifications usually comes from an organization. Start your own martial arts organization. Certify yourself. Then certify some instructors. hmmm. maybe that's what I need to do. Start a martial arts organization and then certify some people.

Functional Martial Art Association or Martial Arts Self-defense Association. Only teachers and instructors who can work their technique in free sparring environments against 5 different systems will be certified.

 

[Xue Sheng]

There are many certification options, but the two most reputable Personal Training Certifications are as follows:

- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer - Become an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®)
- ACSM Certified Personal Trainer - Personal Trainer Certification | ACSM

you also have ACE
and there is another many martial artists I have meant in the Boston area seem to like
Z-Health

 

[Charlemagne]

you also have ACE
and there is another many martial artists I have meant in the Boston area seem to like
Z-Health

There are many options for fitness certifications, but few that go through the process for accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Both ACSM and NSCA do.
ICE : NCCA Accreditation

 

[Xue Sheng]

There are many options for fitness certifications, but few that go through the process for accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Both ACSM and NSCA do.
ICE : NCCA Accreditation

Yes, I know. I believe ACE Fitness is.... I do not know of Z-Health is, but I do not think they are

 

[Anarax]

That's a thought. Maybe a good other choice. I like the kettlebell specifically because it's easy to imagine working a few strength exercises into class warm-ups. Bands would have a wider application beyond that point - especially with recovery from injuries, both those from class and older injuries they bring with them.

That's been my experience. I injured my shoulder years ago and started physical therapy. The physical therapist had me mostly doing band exercises and after a few weeks my shoulder was 100% again. I still had the bands and googled speed and power training exercises to do with them. I found dozens of workouts and was pleased with the results. IMO bands have the most versatility when compared to any one type of workout equipment.

I'll keep that in mind. Should I have it printed on all my business cards, too?? (Even the ones for my management consulting)

Yes, but be sure the font for the fitness trainer is obnoxiously larger

I've only known one vegetarian who wasn't like that. Mind you, she was (and still is, nearly 20 years later) easily one of the most beautiful women I've ever known, so it's possible I just don't remember her mentioning it that quickly.

From my experience it's more common with Vegans than Vegetarians.

I just realized I never replied to this. I don't really know what that would be in certifications with meaningful and testing training behind them. The first one I looked at was $1,200 plus travel for the final training and testing, which is more than I'd be interested in spending. Under $12 would be great, but I suspect I won't find much I'm interested in at that range. Somewhere between $12 and $1,200 there's probably a useful and meaningful option.

I would look into programs available near be, Gyms, Community Colleges/Centers and the YMCA are great places to look.

 

[Charlemagne]

For one who is interested in certifications more related to the Human Performance side of things, I would recommend looking into the following:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - National Strength and Conditioning Association - Become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
  
• Sports Performance Coach - USA Weightlifting - Level 1 Sport Performance Coach

Both of them together make a really good package. Both certs have strengths as well as areas that they fall a bit short on, and they happen to be the opposite for each cert. As such, they compliment each other very well.

 

[Gerry Seymour]

For one who is interested in certifications more related to the Human Performance side of things, I would recommend looking into the following:

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - National Strength and Conditioning Association - Become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
  
• Sports Performance Coach - USA Weightlifting - Level 1 Sport Performance Coach

Both of them together make a really good package. Both certs have strengths as well as areas that they fall a bit short on, and they happen to be the opposite for each cert. As such, they compliment each other very well.

The weightlifting cert is focused on specific exercises with equipment I'm unlikely to employ. So, while I like the approach of putting the two together, it's outside what I'm looking for.

 

[Brian R. VanCise]

Hey gpseymour, I personally know the people in the IKKF. I grew up with Ken Blackburn and their literally is no one in the business more knowledgeable or skilled at teaching people than him. He and Steve Cotter travel the world teaching people kettle bells and certifying people at the highest level.

IKKF

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Hey gpseymour, I personally know the people in the IKKF. I grew up with Ken Blackburn and their literally is no one in the business more knowledgeable or skilled at teaching people than him. He and Steve Cotter travel the world teaching people kettle bells and certifying people at the highest level.

IKKF

Endorsements don't get any more ringing than that, Brian. Thanks!