Any personal trainers?

honeysprinkles

I am considering doing the ACE personal trainer certification. I'm still looking into it and trying to learn more before making a decision and I figured there had to be some trainers on here, considering it's a fitness based site.

So if you are currently a certified personal trainer, would you mind sharing some of your experiences with me? Specifically, is it hard to get a job, do you like your job, is it a stable career choice, and anything else that you think is important to know or consider before making a decision.

I will be very appreciative of anyone who takes the time to reply!

(I hope this is an okay place to post this!)

MavenMassage505

The first thing you have to do is stop second guessing yourself. If you feel its right, GO FOR IT. Working for yourself isn't easy. You have to build up your own clients and believe in what you are saying and doing for them and they need to believe you. You have to be able to talk to total strangers and say,. Hey I can help you with that and I charge this amount without losing your confidence. This is key.

I work for myself and work with a lot of personal trainers and other professionals and you have to believe in your product. So go for it and give it a try. You will never know if you have the talent unless you try.

honeysprinkles

The first thing you have to do is stop second guessing yourself. If you feel its right, GO FOR IT. Working for yourself isn't easy. You have to build up your own clients and believe in what you are saying and doing for them and they need to believe you. You have to be able to talk to total strangers and say,. Hey I can help you with that and I charge this amount without losing your confidence. This is key.

I work for myself and work with a lot of personal trainers and other professionals and you have to believe in your product. So go for it and give it a try. You will never know if you have the talent unless you try.

Thank you! I really think I'm going to do it! In your opinion, how does working on your own compare to working for a gym? And which do you think is a better way to get started?

I'm currently a business/real estate major but I've been saying for a while that I'm not really interested in my classes, the only thing that's been of any interest to me for the last year is losing weight and getting in shape and just recently I learned that my school offerend a personal fitness minor, that's what got me thinking about this! Then I was looking up information online and learned that instead of paying $4000 to get a minor (19 credit hours of classes), I could go directly through the ACE and do their study program and exam for $600.

Changing my own lifestyle and becoming healthier has been my main focus for the last 15 months and I feel like my experience will help me have a personal understanding for any future clients who might be going through the same thing and I'd love to help people!

annepage

bump.

honeysprinkles

bump.

thanks :flowerforyou:

veggiesalltheway

Agreed- If you want to become a trainer- do it. Its a fun career that allows a lot of freedom with regards to schedules etc. The one thing that you should keep in mind is its difficult to actually make a living ( enough to live on, or support a family on) as a trainer. I've been a trainer for over 10 years. People come and go. Clients go on vacation, move, go through life changes etc, and your income will go up and down according to your client's schedules, vacations etc. Also in my experience unless you get a job as a supervisor in some kind of fitness/health club, chances are you will not have any benefits (no paid vacations, sick days, holiday etc. ) For me this hasn't been a problem because I am not the main "bread winner" in my household. Work hard and good things will happen- Good luck

LovesGG

The biggest mistake I made was not going to where I wanted to work and ask them what they're looking for (in terms of certifications). I ended up getting certified but I still couldn't work at this one location because that wasn't the particular certification they were looking for

I have had difficulties getting jobs in the past. When you lack experience, in anything really, getting a job seems to be impossible. 90% of job listings wanted people who had 3 years of experience so I recommend that you start the job hunt even before you get certified. Get to know people who know people who know people in the industry. Is it stable? At first, no way. Eventually, it can be if you learn from your mistakes and do your best to meet the needs the clients and those happy clients will spread the word about you. Then before you know it, you won't even have to put yourself out there anymore.

honeysprinkles

Agreed- If you want to become a trainer- do it. Its a fun career that allows a lot of freedom with regards to schedules etc. The one thing that you should keep in mind is its difficult to actually make a living ( enough to live on, or support a family on) as a trainer. I've been a trainer for over 10 years. People come and go. Clients go on vacation, move, go through life changes etc, and your income will go up and down according to your client's schedules, vacations etc. Also in my experience unless you get a job as a supervisor in some kind of fitness/health club, chances are you will not have any benefits (no paid vacations, sick days, holiday etc. ) For me this hasn't been a problem because I am not the main "bread winner" in my household. Work hard and good things will happen- Good luck

Okay, thanks!
I read online that the median salary for a personal trainer was $49,000 in my area... Does that sound inaccurate to you? As with almost anything, I would expect to make less than that until I get some experience but does that sound reasonable or inflated?

honeysprinkles

The biggest mistake I made was not going to where I wanted to work and ask them what they're looking for (in terms of certifications). I ended up getting certified but I still couldn't work at this one location because that wasn't the particular certification they were looking for

I have had difficulties getting jobs in the past. When you lack experience, in anything really, getting a job seems to be impossible. 90% of job listings wanted people who had 3 years of experience so I recommend that you start the job hunt even before you get certified. Get to know people who know people who know people in the industry. Is it stable? At first, no way. Eventually, it can be if you learn from your mistakes and do your best to meet the needs the clients and those happy clients will spread the word about you. Then before you know it, you won't even have to put yourself out there anymore.

I don't have anywhere specific in mind, but I'd like a certification that is generally accepted in most places. Like I mentioned, I was looking into getting certified by the American Council on Exercise. I'm still trying to do more research before making a final decision. I don't plan to start studying for the course until July when my summer classes end.

Also, I just looked at your profile and I'm in Florida too (Orlando) and we're about the same age!

Loftearmen

The most reputable certification would be the NSCA. Then some people would say ACSM although I would have to disagree and ACE would fall far below at third. Just keep in mind that most personal trainers have no idea what they are talking about because proper exercise technique, programming and periodization is not included in the testing rubrik. I have known dozens of personal trainers (many of whom held CSCS credentials and masters degrees in exercise physiology or kinesiology) and none of them knew how to lift properly or organize a well thought out training program; conversely, I have also known dumb, redneck powerlifters who never graduated from high school but could whip someone into shape faster than you can tie your shoes because they had years of experience under the bar. My point is, it doesn't matter which certification you get because the certification doesn't actually mean ANYTHING. Your actual education on exercise will take place outside of formalized education and the certification process. So go ahead and get your certification, but do not neglect to get an ACTUAL education on the subject.

Loftearmen

Agreed- If you want to become a trainer- do it. Its a fun career that allows a lot of freedom with regards to schedules etc. The one thing that you should keep in mind is its difficult to actually make a living ( enough to live on, or support a family on) as a trainer. I've been a trainer for over 10 years. People come and go. Clients go on vacation, move, go through life changes etc, and your income will go up and down according to your client's schedules, vacations etc. Also in my experience unless you get a job as a supervisor in some kind of fitness/health club, chances are you will not have any benefits (no paid vacations, sick days, holiday etc. ) For me this hasn't been a problem because I am not the main "bread winner" in my household. Work hard and good things will happen- Good luck

Okay, thanks!
I read online that the median salary for a personal trainer was $49,000 in my area... Does that sound inaccurate to you? As with almost anything, I would expect to make less than that until I get some experience but does that sound reasonable or inflated?

Expecting to make $49,000.00 as a personal trainer is ridiculous. That might happen if you have a bachelor's degree and CSCS credentials + 10 years or more of experience and have been working in one high end gym for a long time and developed a large client base and reputation. However, coming out with no experience you'd be really lucky to break $20,000 your first year.

honeysprinkles

The most reputable certification would be the NSCA. Then some people would say ACSM although I would have to disagree and ACE would fall far below at third. Just keep in mind that most personal trainers have no idea what they are talking about because proper exercise technique, programming and periodization is not included in the testing rubrik. I have known dozens of personal trainers (many of whom held CSCS credentials and masters degrees in exercise physiology or kinesiology) and none of them knew how to lift properly or organize a well thought out training program; conversely, I have also known dumb, redneck powerlifters who never graduated from high school but could whip someone into shape faster than you can tie your shoes because they had years of experience under the bar. My point is, it doesn't matter which certification you get because the certification doesn't actually mean ANYTHING. Your actual education on exercise will take place outside of formalized education and the certification process. So go ahead and get your certification, but do not neglect to get an ACTUAL education on the subject.

Okay, thanks so much! That makes a lot of sense. I have a LOT to learn and I have to admit I'm still a bit intimidated by weight lifting BUT I really do want to learn and I plan to change that! I do think that I'd prefer to work primarily with women or clients interested in weight loss, but I want to learn it all and I also have a lot of work left to do on my own body to get to where I want to be! They say the best way to learn something is by doing it, so that's what I plan to do!

honeysprinkles

Agreed- If you want to become a trainer- do it. Its a fun career that allows a lot of freedom with regards to schedules etc. The one thing that you should keep in mind is its difficult to actually make a living ( enough to live on, or support a family on) as a trainer. I've been a trainer for over 10 years. People come and go. Clients go on vacation, move, go through life changes etc, and your income will go up and down according to your client's schedules, vacations etc. Also in my experience unless you get a job as a supervisor in some kind of fitness/health club, chances are you will not have any benefits (no paid vacations, sick days, holiday etc. ) For me this hasn't been a problem because I am not the main "bread winner" in my household. Work hard and good things will happen- Good luck

Okay, thanks!
I read online that the median salary for a personal trainer was $49,000 in my area... Does that sound inaccurate to you? As with almost anything, I would expect to make less than that until I get some experience but does that sound reasonable or inflated?

Expecting to make $49,000.00 as a personal trainer is ridiculous. That might happen if you have a bachelor's degree and CSCS credentials + 10 years or more of experience and have been working in one high end gym for a long time and developed a large client base and reputation. However, coming out with no experience you'd be really lucky to break $20,000 your first year.

I am okay with that honestly and I didn't expect to make anywhere near that much starting out...but 10-15 years down the road I'd like to know if that's reasonable or not.

And I'm working on a bachelor's degree in Business/Real Estate currently, I plan to continue with that at least until I see how this works out for me.

Loftearmen

The most reputable certification would be the NSCA. Then some people would say ACSM although I would have to disagree and ACE would fall far below at third. Just keep in mind that most personal trainers have no idea what they are talking about because proper exercise technique, programming and periodization is not included in the testing rubrik. I have known dozens of personal trainers (many of whom held CSCS credentials and masters degrees in exercise physiology or kinesiology) and none of them knew how to lift properly or organize a well thought out training program; conversely, I have also known dumb, redneck powerlifters who never graduated from high school but could whip someone into shape faster than you can tie your shoes because they had years of experience under the bar. My point is, it doesn't matter which certification you get because the certification doesn't actually mean ANYTHING. Your actual education on exercise will take place outside of formalized education and the certification process. So go ahead and get your certification, but do not neglect to get an ACTUAL education on the subject.

Okay, thanks so much! That makes a lot of sense. I have a LOT to learn and I have to admit I'm still a bit intimidated by weight lifting BUT I really do want to learn and I plan to change that! I do think that I'd prefer to work primarily with women or clients interested in weight loss, but I want to learn it all and I also have a lot of work left to do on my own body to get to where I want to be! They say the best way to learn something is by doing it, so that's what I plan to do!

It's a good idea to specialize in taking overweight women as clients because A) that must be your niche since you're a woman who has lost a good deal of weight and Overweight women are what you're going to get as clients regardless of how you market yourself.

The only thing that sucks about taking only overweight women as clients is that they tend to be harder to train because they are experts at making excuses and they whine more than most other people (of course there are plenty of exceptions, but you'll run into it a lot and if you don't have the patience for it then you'll hate your job). Good luck to you though. If you have any questions regarding training I have a lot of experience and don't mind helping a newb get started.

honeysprinkles

The most reputable certification would be the NSCA. Then some people would say ACSM although I would have to disagree and ACE would fall far below at third. Just keep in mind that most personal trainers have no idea what they are talking about because proper exercise technique, programming and periodization is not included in the testing rubrik. I have known dozens of personal trainers (many of whom held CSCS credentials and masters degrees in exercise physiology or kinesiology) and none of them knew how to lift properly or organize a well thought out training program; conversely, I have also known dumb, redneck powerlifters who never graduated from high school but could whip someone into shape faster than you can tie your shoes because they had years of experience under the bar. My point is, it doesn't matter which certification you get because the certification doesn't actually mean ANYTHING. Your actual education on exercise will take place outside of formalized education and the certification process. So go ahead and get your certification, but do not neglect to get an ACTUAL education on the subject.

Okay, thanks so much! That makes a lot of sense. I have a LOT to learn and I have to admit I'm still a bit intimidated by weight lifting BUT I really do want to learn and I plan to change that! I do think that I'd prefer to work primarily with women or clients interested in weight loss, but I want to learn it all and I also have a lot of work left to do on my own body to get to where I want to be! They say the best way to learn something is by doing it, so that's what I plan to do!

It's a good idea to specialize in taking overweight women as clients because A) that must be your niche since you're a woman who has lost a good deal of weight and Overweight women are what you're going to get as clients regardless of how you market yourself.

The only thing that sucks about taking only overweight women as clients is that they tend to be harder to train because they are experts at making excuses and they whine more than most other people (of course there are plenty of exceptions, but you'll run into it a lot and if you don't have the patience for it then you'll hate your job). Good luck to you though. If you have any questions regarding training I have a lot of experience and don't mind helping a newb get started.

Okay, thanks a lot! I appreciate it!

Leadfoot_Lewis

Not going to say one certification is better than another. That said, you need to research what certifications gyms in your area prefer. I'm certified through NASM which is a VERY good certification and was a big factor in getting hired without experience at a reputable gym. Certifications are not meaningless. The important thing is that after you get your certification that you continue your education through research, studying, experience, etc.

honeysprinkles

Not going to say one certification is better than another. That said, you need to research what certifications gyms in your area prefer. I'm certified through NASM which is a VERY good certification and was a big factor in getting hired without experience at a reputable gym. Certifications are not meaningless. The important thing is that after you get your certification that you continue your education through research, studying, experience, etc.

I don't know where I'll end up living yet, I just want a certification that will be widely accepted. What about NASM did you really like? I'm looking into the different certifications now and it's a bit overwhelming!

Leadfoot_Lewis

I don't know where I'll end up living yet, I just want a certification that will be widely accepted. What about NASM did you really like? I'm looking into the different certifications now and it's a bit overwhelming!

Just by doing research I found NASM to be one of the best certs and preferred at the gyms in my area. It's also a difficult test to pass. NASM is geared towards corrective exercise and which exercise progressions (or regressions) to use with clients.

honeysprinkles

I don't know where I'll end up living yet, I just want a certification that will be widely accepted. What about NASM did you really like? I'm looking into the different certifications now and it's a bit overwhelming!

Just by doing research I found NASM to be one of the best certs and preferred at the gyms in my area. It's also a difficult test to pass. NASM is geared towards corrective exercise and which exercise progressions (or regressions) to use with clients.

I looked it up a bit after you posted and I did see a lot of positive comments about it! I've got at least 2 months to make my decision so I'll definitely do more research. Did you order their study program? If so, which one did you go with? How difficult was it to study for and did you find that their program prepared you for the test and in general? Sorry for so many questions, thanks for answering them so far! I appreciate it!