Getbig.com: American Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: figgs on July 01, 2007, 03:02:41 PM
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
Thanks!
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If you are more into serious training I suggest you go more into the strength/conditioning field. More money in this area as well if you get the right position.
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Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients?
Lie about your age and experience.
Most people who can afford a personal trainer are 30's, 40's or older. Most of these people think 18 year old kids know jack shit. And, for the most part, they're right! :D
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If you are more into serious training I suggest you go more into the strength/conditioning field. More money in this area as well if you get the right position.
I'm looking to work in a local gym as a trainer. What kind of jobs are you suggesting?
Lie about your age and experience.
Most people who can afford a personal trainer are 30's, 40's or older. Most of these people think 18 year old kids know jack shit. And, for the most part, they're right! :D
I'm going to have to work a lot harder to prove myself because of my age.
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I love Pt's that throw around the BS in Exercise Science degree. ::) Your better Pt's will have more time under there belt, learning someone limitations is the hardest thing to judge. People sometimes think they have been pushed to hard because they are sore for 2 days follwing a session. I did it part time for about 2.5 years....
I start tomorow actually again Part time again for some extra cash. The manager of the gym has been practically BEGGING me too, all of the Pt's at this gym look like the belong making biscuits at Hardee's.....
I don't use Bosu balls and do core type training, this crap IMO is for the yuppies, lift some damn weights if you want muscle.
Certification's vary from club to club...
Most all clubs will take the follwing:
ISSA
ACE
ISMA
IFA
You can get an ACE Certification in 2 days and for about 300 bucks.
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rather than working with the typical individual who just wants to lose a few pounds for the beach, you would be working with actual athletes(ex:NFL team, individual track athletes ect).
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I love Pt's that throw around the BS in Exercise Science degree. ::) Your better Pt's will have more time under there belt, learning someone limitations is the hardest thing to judge. People sometimes think they have been pushed to hard because they are sore for 2 days follwing a session. I did it part time for about 2.5 years....
I start tomorow actually again Part time again for some extra cash. The manager of the gym has been practically BEGGING me too, all of the Pt's at this gym look like the belong making biscuits at Hardee's.....
I don't use Bosu balls and do core type training, this crap IMO is for the yuppies, lift some damn weights if you want muscle.
Certification's vary from club to club...
Most all clubs will take the follwing:
ISSA
ACE
ISMA
IFA
You can get an ACE Certification in 2 days and for about 300 bucks.
Thanks, man. Sounds like we have similar approaches for our clients. Good old weights on a solid program. I see trainers having their clients pulling ropes and squatting atop exericise balls and wonder how they got the job, but I plan on doing what I know works the best.
I was considering ACE above all else for it's ease of completion and affordability.
Thanks
rather than working with the typical individual who just wants to lose a few pounds for the beach, you would be working with actual athletes(ex:NFL team, individual track athletes ect).
That's not what I'm interested in. I'd feel awkward training sports athletes when I'm not one.
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Without a PROVEN track record it is hard to get a job with NFL,NBA, NCAA type trainers. Start small get your name out and then move forward. I have 2 guys that want me to help them prep for a local show next year. I will more than likely just be working with 3-4 people as I will only be training Mon, Wed, Fri nights. I still need family time. The pay is ok they usually start PT at 16 an hour, I got 21.50 since I have exp, cert through a GOOD source. I also believe that a BIG thing for me hiring a trainer would be the "look" of health, I just do not understand why ANYBODY would want a 250 lb fat slob training them.... ::) I love the conversations these guys have telling there clients "make sure you do some cardio work to keep that BF% in check" GOOD LORD STOP THE MADNESS!!
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Without a PROVEN track record it is hard to get a job with NFL,NBA, NCAA type trainers. Start small get your name out and then move forward. I have 2 guys that want me to help them prep for a local show next year. I will more than likely just be working with 3-4 people as I will only be training Mon, Wed, Fri nights. I still need family time. The pay is ok they usually start PT at 16 an hour, I got 21.50 since I have exp, cert through a GOOD source. I also believe that a BIG thing for me hiring a trainer would be the "look" of health, I just do not understand why ANYBODY would want a 250 lb fat slob training them.... ::) I love the conversations these guys have telling there clients "make sure you do some cardio work to keep that BF% in check" GOOD LORD STOP THE MADNESS!!
Plata talks...
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Without a PROVEN track record it is hard to get a job with NFL,NBA, NCAA type trainers. Start small get your name out and then move forward. I have 2 guys that want me to help them prep for a local show next year. I will more than likely just be working with 3-4 people as I will only be training Mon, Wed, Fri nights. I still need family time. The pay is ok they usually start PT at 16 an hour, I got 21.50 since I have exp, cert through a GOOD source. I also believe that a BIG thing for me hiring a trainer would be the "look" of health, I just do not understand why ANYBODY would want a 250 lb fat slob training them.... ::) I love the conversations these guys have telling there clients "make sure you do some cardio work to keep that BF% in check" GOOD LORD STOP THE MADNESS!!
NFL, NBA, MLB, college won't hire you even if you do have a proven track record, they're looking for a degree, CSCS along with experiance.
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Without a PROVEN track record it is hard to get a job with NFL,NBA, NCAA type trainers. Start small get your name out and then move forward. I have 2 guys that want me to help them prep for a local show next year. I will more than likely just be working with 3-4 people as I will only be training Mon, Wed, Fri nights. I still need family time. The pay is ok they usually start PT at 16 an hour, I got 21.50 since I have exp, cert through a GOOD source. I also believe that a BIG thing for me hiring a trainer would be the "look" of health, I just do not understand why ANYBODY would want a 250 lb fat slob training them.... ::) I love the conversations these guys have telling there clients "make sure you do some cardio work to keep that BF% in check" GOOD LORD STOP THE MADNESS!!
You can't make money getting bodybuilders contest ready, unless you're Charles Glass.
Also the "yuppies" who you refuse to train have the money and therefore you may want to broaden your training and learn how uses a stability ball or a bosu ball.
Here are some useful threads on the business board to actually answer your post Figgs:
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=145770.0
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=66735.0
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You can't make money getting bodybuilders contest ready, unless you're Charles Glass.
Also the "yuppies" who you refuse to train have the money and therefore you may want to broaden your training and learn how uses a stability ball or a bosu ball.
I'm a 30-something "yuppie" with money, and if I were working with a trainer and he brought out some BS swiss ball I'd fire his ass on the spot. True, the money for PT's is to be made helping middle-aged folks get into shape, but at least do it right. Weight training is the key, not fuccking around with oversized beach balls!
**cue Mr. Intenseone to post about how wonderful and effective Swiss balls are** ::)
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The way it works in Australia is you have to be qualified or you can't get insurance coverage. End of story. There are several different ways to get qualified. Those with a degree in exercise science or rehab will have an advantage. Combine bodybuilding with learning and you will be set for life. It is unlikely those short courses are going to educate you sufficiently to be properly qualified.
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
Thanks!
Short and sweet:
Go with ACE
Be honest with clients....they can sense when you're just going for the sale, and once they sense you're just after their money you're done.
Good luck ;D
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**cue Mr. Intenseone to post about how wonderful and effective Swiss balls are** ::)
I would try to explain, but trying to explain to someone who thinks that only bench, squats, curls and presses are the only methods of training would be fruitless.
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
Thanks!
Being just out of high school, You're going to have a tough time getting clients because of your age.
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I forgot, everyone is an expert in bodybuilding and training. Even guys just out of high school.
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I would try to explain, but trying to explain to someone who thinks that only bench, squats, curls and presses are the only methods of training would be fruitless.
You forgot deadlifts! >:(
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You forgot deadlifts! >:(
Ok...........and "deadlifts" ::)
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
Thanks!
You really want to learn how the human body works. A book you get with the ISSA course is great . "Fitness: The Complete Guide" Is really great for learning. I'd suggest you read it sooon! I promise you'll learn a TON!
I thought baasic knowledge would be enough but after reading that youy see its nowhere near enough.
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You really want to learn how the human body works. A book you get with the ISSA course is great . "Fitness: The Complete Guide" Is really great for learning. I'd suggest you read it sooon! I promise you'll learn a TON!
I thought baasic knowledge would be enough but after reading that youy see its nowhere near enough.
That's a $500 book you better be right!!
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The course is about $500 which includes material plus the book. Fred Hadfield was behind this course.
If I were just out of high school I would look into getting the best qualifications that I could. We have technical colleges that offer such courses in Australia. That is better than those short courses. The ISSA course can be done at home. The one thing I would stress is that there is a heck of a lot of stuff to learn about exercise and bodies. Hypertrophy is just one topic. Rehab is also important if you want to be a valuable trainer.
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You guys think I'm closed-minded and a fool! I know I know shit! I havn't even begun the job I'm not supposed to know anything until my experience piles up. I'm not going to have my clients strictly doing free weights either, although that's what I prefer. I do what I do because I enjoy it and I'm going to employ what I learn my clients enjoy in a way that makes it the most effective. And of course I'm going to have to make them do things they'll hate, too. There's no avoiding that.
I already care about my clients and I don't have any. I want to see their results and know that I've helped improve the quality of their lives to some degree. I've been training for 2 years. I've taken weight training in high school for that long and have either worked along side my teacher or I've completely taken over his class while he reads the paper. That class was always lifting. I loved showing them an exericise and motivating everyone in the room to try it. Damn, I'm going to miss that. But now I get paid for that work! And I can't imagine anything more I'd rather be doing in this time of my life.
I appreciate everyone who's taken the time to come and help me out because this is what I intend to do with the next few years of my life, at least until I'm out of college. I'm using your advice as wisely as I can.
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You guys think I'm closed-minded and a fool! I know I know shit! I havn't even begun the job I'm not supposed to know anything until my experience piles up. I'm not going to have my clients strictly doing free weights either, although that's what I prefer. I do what I do because I enjoy it and I'm going to employ what I learn my clients enjoy in a way that makes it the most effective. And of course I'm going to have to make them do things they'll hate, too. There's no avoiding that.
I already care about my clients and I don't have any. I want to see their results and know that I've helped improve the quality of their lives to some degree. I've been training for 2 years. I've taken weight training in high school for that long and have either worked along side my teacher or I've completely taken over his class while he reads the paper. That class was always lifting. I loved showing them an exericise and motivating everyone in the room to try it. Damn, I'm going to miss that. But now I get paid for that work! And I can't imagine anything more I'd rather be doing in this time of my life.
I appreciate everyone who's taken the time to come and help me out because this is what I intend to do with the next few years of my life, at least until I'm out of college. I'm using your advice as wisely as I can.
you'll do well figgs, you've already got the right build and that's the most important part.
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check your PM.
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check your PM.
nothing there, why ???
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The course is about $500 which includes material plus the book. Fred Hadfield was behind this course.
If I were just out of high school I would look into getting the best qualifications that I could. We have technical colleges that offer such courses in Australia. That is better than those short courses. The ISSA course can be done at home. The one thing I would stress is that there is a heck of a lot of stuff to learn about exercise and bodies. Hypertrophy is just one topic. Rehab is also important if you want to be a valuable trainer.
I'd like to know about anything I'll need to use on my clients and be able to answer any questions they might ask me. I took the practice exam for ISSA 2 days ago and learned that although I've read over a dozen books on bodybuilding and fitness I knew 1/5 of what was being covered. It blew my mind.
So you're saying the more a certifying body covers in its training the better chance I'll have of getting a job, or the better equipped I'll be to be able to understand the job more thoroughly?
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nothing there, why ???
Not You!
Figgs...
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Not You!
Figgs...
oh :'(
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nothing there, why ???
lol
check your PM.
Done.
you'll do well figgs, you've already got the right build and that's the most important part.
Thanks. That improves my impression and the overall confident my clients will have in me. That's half the battle!
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get certified.
take pics of yourself, your family, ANYONE you can - the before/afters speak to people more than anything else. Show results you have achieved - don't sell a line about what you will achieve.
get a website :)
follow trends in mags... core strength and whatever else is big this week. dont be blindsided when they test you with what they read in M&F this month.
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get certified.
take pics of yourself, your family, ANYONE you can - the before/afters speak to people more than anything else. Show results you have achieved - don't sell a line about what you will achieve.
get a website :)
follow trends in mags... core strength and whatever else is big this week. dont be blindsided when they test you with what they read in M&F this month.
Good point! My own website... hmm... I think I'll benefit from one once I get some more rep. When that day comes we shall talk business. ;)
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Good point! My own website... hmm... I think I'll benefit from one once I get some more rep. When that day comes we shall talk business. ;)
make him a lowball offer then let him work his way up, I bet you could talk him down to $175 ;)
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
NASM.....
The rest comes with experience.
Don't change your personality for the sake of keeping clientelle.
There is nothing worse than a PT who comes off with a fake attitude.
Nobody like that.
Be who you are and if the client can't take that, they'll move on to the metrosexual soon enough. :-X
DIV
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make him a lowball offer then let him work his way up, I bet you could talk him down to $175 ;)
Then out the window with his rep. It ain't www.175website.com!
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Then out the window with his rep. It ain't www.175website.com!
SHHHHHHHHH.......keep it on the down low ;D
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NASM.....
The rest comes with experience.
Don't change your personality for the sake of keeping clientelle.
There is nothing worse than a PT who comes off with a fake attitude.
Nobody like that.
Be who you are and if the client can't take that, they'll move on to the metrosexual soon enough. :-X
DIV
Thanks. I don't plan on changing the way I behave I'd just like to know how to influence people to keep them motivated and all.
I called the local gyms in the area and talked to the head of their personal trainers departments asking what sort of certification and experience is required. Most said that getting the certification was the most important step but I was also surprised at how many recommended NASM, which is why its a top choice.
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SHHHHHHHHH.......keep it on the down low ;D
:-X ;D
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I called the local gyms in the area and talked to the head of their personal trainers departments asking what sort of certification and experience is required. Most said that getting the certification was the most important step but I was also surprised at how many recommended NASM, which is why its a top choice.
that was the best move to make, call the people you want to work for and ask them what they are looking for in an employee. No better way to find out what you need.
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dont get your ass-whipped by one of your clients husband for having sex with her.
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I'm a 30-something "yuppie" with money, and if I were working with a trainer and he brought out some BS swiss ball I'd fire his ass on the spot. True, the money for PT's is to be made helping middle-aged folks get into shape, but at least do it right. Weight training is the key, not fuccking around with oversized beach balls!
**cue Mr. Intenseone to post about how wonderful and effective Swiss balls are** ::)
hahahahahahahah
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NFL, NBA, MLB, college won't hire you even if you do have a proven track record, they're looking for a degree, CSCS along with experiance.
if u know your shit they will hire u without jack of a acertification.
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NASM
Use common sense. Dont have overweight 58yr old ladies doing squats and "core" work.
What works for you, works for them = BASICS
be passionate and sincere with clients as it is they who determine how good of a trainer you are.
Great trainers have a nice client base due to word of mouth and other gym members seeing results happening.
Practice what you preach, Dont be a personal trainer if your gonna come in hungover, or eat candy and junk in the gym. Shit just doesnt fly, you have to look the part.
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The way it works in Australia is you have to be qualified or you can't get insurance coverage. End of story. There are several different ways to get qualified. Those with a degree in exercise science or rehab will have an advantage. Combine bodybuilding with learning and you will be set for life. It is unlikely those short courses are going to educate you sufficiently to be properly qualified.
you really think that $100 insurance everybody gets is gonna cover anybody who really screws up a client vince?
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NASM
Use common sense. Dont have overweight 58yr old ladies doing squats and "core" work.
What works for you, works for them = BASICS
be passionate and sincere with clients as it is they who determine how good of a trainer you are.
Great trainers have a nice client base due to word of mouth and other gym members seeing results happening.
Practice what you preach, Dont be a personal trainer if your gonna come in hungover, or eat candy and junk in the gym. Shit just doesnt fly, you have to look the part.
i dont know about that. i go to golds gym outside cleveland ohio and there is an abundance of stick thin trainers and chibby trainers. personally, if i was fat and out of shape, i dont think i would pick someone who liked like what i didnt want to look like, but to each his own.
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I'm fresh out of high school and am preparing to become a personal trainer. I'm just getting started now with chosing a certifying body. Here's my first few questions:
-Do certain gyms only hire trainers under specific certifications?
-Will I have a hard time finding a job compared to someone who paid $600 to become certified?
-Does it matter if I don't know advanced kinseology and physiology but am a wiz at exercise and nutrition? Is a certifying body that requires one to know about that advanced subject better than one that doesn't?
Also, do you have any tips on how best to interact with my clients? How do I keep them motivated and to not fear to make an effort? How do I keep them coming back to me?
Thanks!
First perfect your ILS. Then focus all your remaining energy on perfecting the best way to tell a 260lb bb they need to hold their bicep/tricep contractions longer...that way their arms will go from 22" to 22.25".
If there's any time left, while holding a half empty protein shaker work on giving unsolicited training advice to every woman you have no chance of fvcking.
Master that and you're on your way.
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First perfect your ILS. Then focus all your remaining energy on perfecting the best way to tell a 260lb bb they need to hold their bicep/tricep contractions longer...that way their arms will go from 22" to 22.25".
If there's any time left, while holding a half empty protein shaker work on giving unsolicited training advice to every woman you have no chance of fvcking.
Master that and you're on your way.
hahahaha, you forgot the old Talking on the Cell Phone in Code about Pending Steroid Deals While Counting Reps on the Ab Crunch Machine.
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hahahaha, you forgot the old Talking on the Cell Phone in Code about Pending Steroid Deals While Counting Reps on the Ab Crunch Machine.
AHAHAHAHA!!!! Yes, a personal trainer classic. He may also wanna work on continuously touching his chest and grimmacing as though he's terribly sore from his previous workout.
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if u know your shit they will hire u without jack of a acertification.
True but a CSCS only helps in the hiring desicion, not very many S&C coachs WITHOUT a CSCS and yes, I can bury you with the "shit" I know. BTW, when are you going to post your pics from your swim meet?
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Is there an age when a person is too old to be a personal trainer and do gyms like 24 hour fitness and golds tend to hier younger people? I'm 39 and thinking about NASM certification.
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Is there an age when a person is too old to be a personal trainer and do gyms like 24 hour fitness and golds tend to hier younger people? I'm 39 and thinking about NASM certification.
i know a guy that started in his 50's and has tons of clients... all baby boomers
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you're not in San Diego are you? I'll be hiring a couple PTs soon.
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That's a $500 book you better be right!!
Ebay it or osmething lol but tust me its worth it. Maybe you can download it somewhere?
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Figgs, I just bought the ACE study package. It comes with quite a bit of study material (books, workbooks, DVD, CD's). I called around the Chicago-land area and found that most places recognize ACE as well as NSCA (whether it be CSCS or CPT), NASM, and ACSM. I don't know where in particular you're looking to work but for instance one chain (Lifetime Fitness) ONLY hires NASM certified.
Anyway, good luck with which ever certification you choose.
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hahahaha, you forgot the old Talking on the Cell Phone in Code about Pending Steroid Deals While Counting Reps on the Ab Crunch Machine.
lololoz
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Figgs, I just bought the ACE study package. It comes with quite a bit of study material (books, workbooks, DVD, CD's). I called around the Chicago-land area and found that most places recognize ACE as well as NSCA (whether it be CSCS or CPT), NASM, and ACSM. I don't know where in particular you're looking to work but for instance one chain (Lifetime Fitness) ONLY hires NASM certified.
Anyway, good luck with which ever certification you choose.
PM me if you want a PT job in Chicago. I tried to PM you but, alas: User 'mar10s' has blocked your personal message.
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PM me if you want a PT job in Chicago. I tried to PM you but, alas: User 'mar10s' has blocked your personal message.
hahahha ;D
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You might want to carve out a niche for yourself. It seems like everyone is a certified personal trainer, because certifications can basically come off the back of a cereal box. Most trainers seem to only be up to date with the knoweldge that was present at the time they took their exams (same with doctors!). However, specializing in some smaller subgroups could payoff big. Some examples:
1. Pregnant women (I imagine you need some heavy insurance for this though; obstetricians have been sued 18 years after they have delivered the baby)
2. Crash dieters such as women getting married in 6 weeks
3. training after common inuries such as groin pulls or hernias
4. transexuals
5. cripples
That's what I would go for. Imagine your name on a business card saying you specialize in transexuals and cripples.
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Imagine your name on a business card saying you specialize in transexuals and cripples.
LMAO
However you do bring up a good point. Specializing in specific subgroups can be very profitable.
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True but a CSCS only helps in the hiring desicion, not very many S&C coachs WITHOUT a CSCS and yes, I can bury you with the "shit" I know. BTW, when are you going to post your pics from your swim meet?
hang on tight lubejob....they're coming.and for the record....u don't know shit.
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hang on tight lubejob....they're coming.and for the record....u don't know shit.
1. WTF are you talking about?
2. Try me!
3. How'd the swim meet go......did ya win? Or are you ready to be owned yet?
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1. WTF are you talking about?
2. Try me!
3. How'd the swim meet go......did ya win? Or are you ready to be owned yet?
listem mr aa big shot....i actually had the chance to play a bit of tennis on the professional tour as in atp tour. so next time u talk about athletes please don't include youself. I don't need to "try " u...i've already read your crappy posts.