I've been lurking here for a while but have yet to post. Some of you may know me from the MH board.
I've been into fitness for about 4 years now. This past weekend I sat for a cert. with the ISSA. I also plan on becoming certified through the NSCA later this year.
My quesion is...how much will not having a degree in Excercise Science or the like hurt me? I do have a degree but it is in business...So I know how to attract clients and sign them up, etc. I also know how to organize and run a small business, cost accounting, etc.
But, without the degree, is it possible to be an expert in the business? I know there are bad trainer's with degree and great trainers that barely got past high school.
For instance, JP, do you have any trainer's on your staff that do not have degrees?
I learn something new everyday in fitness and could answer most of the questions on the personal trainer 'test' on another part of this board. I just can't obviosuly answer that question. I know I can do it...but the question is will people beleive I can.
However, what a formal education may provide you is the ability to sift through all the SH*T that gets promoted as truth in the fitness and sports training field.
A great many trainers adopt useless training methods and/or put clients at risk because an "authority" states that something is important when in actuality they are selling programs, "advanced" certifications, and expensive "toys".
If you know how to market your business, you are ahead of the game. However, you must continue to educate yourself. Just choose your sources wisely. FYI...The popular fitness literature and trade mags are not the greatest sources of info.
I have a crappy AFPA cert and its expired too but I have worked some of the most prestigious health clubs in NYC like Equinox and currently I work for a company called Plus One (usually they only higher people that have an exercise phis degree or something in that relam.) They also usually look for someone that has a ACSM, CSCS, cert.
But, I have proven to them my skills and knoweledge of fitness. Heck they consider me one of their best trainers they ever had.
The most improtant thing is the reputation of the trainer. If the trainer can provide results for the clients and not injury them in the process. They are a great trainer in my book.
I have put a lot of kowledge in by reading books and training clients. I have a library better then most course curriculim in college. And I know how to apply the information to my clients.
__________________
In Health,
Silas S Chen Exercise Specialist @ MorganStanely Fitness Center Mid-town NYC
Tracy,
You can get a certification without a degree, and possibly even become a decent trainer. For my own facility though, I have found myself to have become much more strict on my hiring policies. I have less problems worrying about my trainers doling out bad advice if they are degreed and certified. I generally require a CSCS cert, even though I myself do not have one. I am certified with NFPT and it has worked fine, but just remember that the cert doesn't make the trainer. YOu have to have good basic training ethics (committed to continuing to educate yourself), a good personality (you may possess the knowledge, but if you can't communicate then it will just get wasted sitting up there in your head), and a modicum of business acumen. Small things like keeping a really good schedule, being punctual, and showering regularly really help.
Fitone... I highly advise that you update your cert. Most gyms I know of won't hire a trainer with an expired cert, and for me, it shows a lack of repsonsibility on the part of the trainer for them to not keep up with something that basic. You may not want to work forever at the gym you are in now. Also, since you have so much experience and this is obviously your chosen career, it may behoove you to sit for the CSCS.
What you have queried is what I was trying to ask in this post , but I couldn't convey what I was getting at (must be all the paint fumes - we're getting the place painted and I can't seem to think or see straight. [img]smile.gif[/img] )
At any rate, you extracted the answers I was looking for (esp. from JP). Thanks!
PS: Congrats on the cert. I remember when you were talking about doing it on MH. BTW, I know you first not from the MH boards, but from your 'spread' in MH! For your marketing, you can add the tag-line: "as appeared in Men's Health" . When was that anyway? It seems like only a few years back, but I'm guessing it was over 5.
I just got the letter yesterday that I had indeed passed. Now the fun begins...what to do.
Anyway, I thought everyone had forgot about that spread. It still is on the MH site I think. It was in April 2001 or there abouts. Seems like forever ago.
I read your post. I'm glad this one was able to answer the question you were trying to ask. I'd say go for it...you'd make an excellent trainer!
Also, I enjoyed your post about MBA's on MH a while back. I've been mulling over that option in my mind as well. I am passing on it for now.
Hey JP - I can't get on the MH web site while at work. I get a nasty message about the content.
If you go on the main web site and click on weight loss tab at the top, I beleive the link is in there. It was one of the belly-off monthly stories. It was called "The Long Road to Leanness" or something like that.
BTW -thanks for your response above. It was very helpful.
JP- Don't worry I am. I am currently working towards getting my ACE or NSCA-CPT but, I think the ACE cert testing is coming around our area first. Then I'll be working on the NASM cert. As far as the CSCS goes I wish I can take it but didn't go to college. As for right now I am happy at where I am at. But, I am looking towards the future also.
__________________
In Health,
Silas S Chen Exercise Specialist @ MorganStanely Fitness Center Mid-town NYC
what a formal education may provide you is the ability to sift through all the SH*T that gets promoted as truth in the fitness and sports training field.
Even then it may not help. For me I am finding it to be a percentage game though. A lesser percentage of formally educated trainers are full of shit than the sheer DROVES of crap trainers that do not have a formal education. But there are young people I have met (thinking of Josh Hevel here) who -- although not knowing everything -- know a LOT about training, have an open mind for continuing to learn, and a critical mind with bullshit filters.
I am really frustrated with the market in my area. When I get enough cash flow I am going to seriously consider importing some talented trainers. The ones I have are great, but I need more of them!
. When was that anyway? It seems like only a few years back, but I'm guessing it was over 5.
or NSCA-CPT but, I think the ACE cert testing is coming around our area first. Then I'll be working on the NASM cert. As far as the CSCS goes I wish I can take it but didn't go to college. As for right now I am happy at where I am at. But, I am looking towards the future also. 
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