help w/becoming a personal trainer

[x_y2556]

can anyone let me know what orgainization they went through to get certified as a personal trainer? was looking into American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). good/bad? anything would be helpful. want to get started asap. thanks

[stroutman81]

I have certs from NSCA and NASM. I'd recommend both... I think they actually compliment each other nicely. That said though, they certainly aren't the be-all-end-all to knowing everything there is to know about training and the sciences dealing with the human body. No certification gives you that.

I don't have the ACSM so I can't comment specifically. My partner has the HFI cert from them, but I never really delved into it with him.

Are you planning on training at a gym? If so, I would suggest contacting the gyms you had in mind and asking who they like their trainers to be certified by.

[x_y2556]

stroutman81, thanks. was wondering how much that cost you to get certified? books? classes? exam? also was wondering if you might be able to ask your partner about ACSM? id really appreciate it.

to be honest, im not sure what id want to do after getting certified. working at a gym would be an option, but i dont have a specific one in mind. im sorta the type that just goes w/the flow. maybe thats why i havent got a degree from college after 6 yrs. thanks again. just joined this site today and glad i found it.

[stroutman81]

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure you need a 4 year degree for the NSCA, ACSM, and the NASM. I could be wrong, I haven't checked in a while.

You might want to check their websites. I would do it for you but I'm waking up in a few hours to leave for a fishing trip and need some shut eye!

NSCA Certification Commission:

ACSM | For the Exercise Sciences and Clinical Sports Medicine

National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) - Personal Training Certification, Fitness Training Certification

You can also price out everything on those sites as well. I only paid for the book for each of my tests and the test itself. I didn't get any of the extras or the courses, but I was pretty well versed in the stuff.