Thank you and introduction - JP Fitness Forums

Sweet Tart · 02-21-2007, 08:16 AM

Hello everyone. I’ve been reading this forum for a while (I wasn’t able to post due to a technical glitch, but it’s all fixed now

). I’ve read all of the past and present posts about becoming a trainer and certification and I have learned so much from all of you! There is a wealth of information available here, it’s pretty amazing.

As an introduction, I’m a 44 yo woman who came late into the fitness game, but I think I make up for it with passion and enthusiasm

. I’ve had a pretty successful personal and professional life, but 5 years ago I found myself 100 pounds overweight and seriously depressed. I have spent these past five years learning about fitness and nutrition with myself as a research subject. I managed to lose most of the weight and am ever striving towards fitness (I’m following Afterburn II right now). I have decided to give up a somewhat lucrative career as a real estate agent to become a personal trainer. Sometimes it seems crazy, but I feel a need to challenge myself and follow my passion. Starting at the bottom at my age isn’t easy, but I know that this is the right path for me.

Right now I’m trying to get a job at a gym and start studying for a certification. Like a lot of people who’ve posted here I’m trying to decide between the NSCA CPT or CSCS. Since my sports and science background is limited (I have a BA with very little science) I have a long way to go to study and pass the test. Right now I’m learning towards the CSCS (I tend to always try for the more challenging option), but I have a nagging feeling that the CPT might be a good place for me to start.

I am also considering a MS in nutrition in the future (I know I’m weird but I love school and research and after being obese I’d love to work on research in that area), but that’s a way off and a lot of science prerequisites away. First I’d like to get some hands on experience, some book learning, and a certification under my belt.

Anyway, thanks for all the information about starting out in the fitness biz – I’m so glad I found this forum - you guys are great!

UConnJulie · 02-21-2007, 08:38 AM

Welcome ST!!! I'm sure your personal "real life" experience (expiriments?!) will help you in your new endeavors ... and I look forward to learning from your experience on the boards!
Julie
38, SAHM to Michaela, 3 and Hayley, 2
per diem physical therapist
and newly certified NSCA-CPT
opening my own business in the next month or so ...

Jean-Paul · 02-21-2007, 09:45 AM

Great to have you join us Sweet Tart!

Congrats on your amazing progress. You really have to be proud of something like that, and it gives you amazing powers to motivate and inspire because you can truly empathize with people who are where you were. A 22 year old with no body fat trying to train while he works on his "acting" career has nothing to offer those people, and that is unfortunately the image conjured up in most people's heads when they envision a typical trainer.

Hope we can help you with your career. You are not at all too old. I just spent the better part of a year training a 43 year old woman to become a trainer, and she just got hired to be a trainer at a country club with a decent salary (upper 40's to start, plus benefits--Good money in AR... low cost of living), and I feel pretty confident that she will go far in her career. When she came to me, she just had a wild idea and a dream, but didn't even have a basic certification or a direction.

You obviously have some business acumen, so I'm sure that you will probably be much more successful in your endeavor.

Sweet Tart · 02-22-2007, 07:56 AM

Thanks Julie and Jean-Paul! I have my first interview at a gym this morning.

rem1956 · 02-22-2007, 10:22 AM

Good luck....and Welcome!

Victoria · 02-22-2007, 08:15 PM

Hi Sweet Tart, I just read your intro and couldn't help but relate to it. I admire your gumpshin for going after your passion. I went back to school as a "non-traditional" student (it's what UConn calls its "older" students) and graduated almost 4 years ago. It was terrifying, exhilerating, and exhausting all at once. But, it changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I was scared to death giving up so much to do something I wanted and believed in. But, sometimes you just have to close your eyes, plug your nose, and jump right in. I have never regretted it. When you get caught up in wondering if you're too old to start something like this, just remember, you will be 45, or 55, or 65 years old anyway, do you want to be that age with or without having achieved your dreams?

I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits. I'm fairly new here and have discovered, as you will too, that this is the most amazing bunch of people who really know their stuff and are always willing to help in any way they can. I, for one, would be very interested in following your progress. Keep us posted!

Jean-Paul · 02-23-2007, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Tart

Thanks Julie and Jean-Paul! I have my first interview at a gym this morning.

How did your interview go.

Sweet Tart · 02-23-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Paul

How did your interview go.

I got the job! I'll be starting March 5th. They really wanted the NASM PT certification, so I'm going to start there. I've ordered the materials and have also signed up to get my CPR/AED certification next week. I would still like to get the NSCA CSCS, I think it could lead to expanded career opportunities, but for know I'll jump right into the NASM.

The interview actually went very smoothly and I'm looking forward to starting. The gym itself is perfect for me, a local chain (6 locations, so not too corporate), and the one I'll be working at is less than 5 minutes from my house. My hope is that it will be great place to get some experience under my belt.

Lost Dog · 02-23-2007, 09:00 AM

Welcome aboard and congrats on the job!

Victoria · 02-23-2007, 10:00 AM

Hey Sweet Tart, that's great...congratulations! Sounds like you are well on your way!

James Newman · 02-23-2007, 01:01 PM

Congratulations on landing the job! I am a little late, but I want to say Welcome anyhow...

Newman

Sweet Tart · 02-23-2007, 03:50 PM

Thanks for the welcome everyone! I feel like I have so much to learn and I feel like this is a great place to get information from people who know what they're talking about. Hopefully I'll have something to contribute also.

gregl515 · 02-28-2007, 10:42 AM

Welcome Sweet-Tart:

I am embarking on a second career as well! I am 51 and it is exciting and paralyzing at the same time. I have struggled with my weight for years and am recovering from an amputation of my right leg below the knee due to a staph infection. If I was looking for a trainer, your background would be the sort that would attract me. I think that people who have been through the same struggles would be better at motivation for someone like me. Good luck! You may want to do what I did and keep your former gig going until you get set up with your new one though.