Hello and a Question...

[soleo]

First of all, as a new member and first-time poster I just want to say how amazing this forum is! It is truly a plethora of fitness knowledge! Secondly, and more specifically, I have a question for JP and really anyone else who wants to answer. I have been considering getting certified for the last 6 months or so and have been doing a lot of heavy reading into everything fitness related including certs and have gotten mixed advice as to which cert to go for first. Some say get a decent basic cert like ACE just to get your foot in the door and others say go for ACSM or NSCA. (Not having a degree yet, I can't go CSCS.) BTW, if you're familiar with Arkansas, I live in Hot Springs (about 45 min away from LR) and most trainers here have ACE and/or AFAA. So I guess my questions are: What are the attitudes in your areas regarding certs? Is there a big difference as to what certs trainers have when comparing larger cities with smaller cities and towns? And JP, what do you see the most of in the LR area?

Thanks!

[Lisa~]

JP will probably come by with a more specific answer to your questions about Arkansas, but in the meantime, here is an informative thread on the different certification choices available: Which certifiication?

[Jean-Paul]

I see a lot of NFPT here in LR, and some ACE and a few Cooper Institute folks.

As I've said though, I almost don't care who you're certified with. If I hire anyone here, they just have to have the basics, and I'll teach them the rest... My philosophy, my system, da woiks!

Welcome to the forums Soleo. Since you're so close you should consider coming to my summit next week. You'll get to meet some of these characters in here face to face, not to mention get to witness two world-class speakers without having to travel out of state.