Nice article! Thanks for the link.

I agree with Alan that paper credentials are not a diagnostic of expertise, but I think the key is not experience in the fitness industry but rather the willingness and ability to educate yourself about your field of interest. All of the people that he lists as examples of non-credentialed authorities are good at educating themselves, and yes, a dash of charisma definitely helps (that bit is discussed in the comments).

I linked that article on one of the threads that the pilates instructor who took some cooking classes derailed. She ignored it, along with anything else that did not support her lollable 'I know more than you' stance.

If you have knowledge and/or experience and/or credentials worth anything related to the topic at hand, then you should be able to support your stance with facts and science and keep to the topic at hand rather than trying to shout loud enough to try to avoid actually supporting your claims.

In my opinion, the most respected people in the 'industry' are those willing to back up their claims with logical and supportable positions. All the credentials in the world are not worth squat if you cannot do so.

Also, if you are going to go shouting about your credentials making you right automatically, it is usually good to have them in the appropriate field.

I mean, Dr Oz has some 'credentials'

I was initially embarrassed for her......what a butt. Appreciate all you guys do to help us wade thru all the crap & misinformation out there. I'm 52 and still fighting to let go all the things hammered as truth my whole life. Who knew I could, skip "the most important meal of the day", lose 50lbs, & lift heavy things! Life is good

Easy for you to say. You've never taken a multiple-choice exam online, with no time limit, no proctoring, and a pamphlet that provides all the information needed to pass the exam.




(I wonder how many times she had to take it before she passed).

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Easy for you to say. You've never taken a multiple-choice exam online, with no time limit, no proctoring, and a pamphlet that provides all the information needed to pass the exam.




(I wonder how many times she had to take it before she passed).

ROFL

His point about experience was a recommendation to get some of that experience before launching into a business of your own -- if I'm reading him correctly.

Oh, I agree. I am sure there are lots of useless classes one would take as part of a college program in sports medicine or whatever. But *just* experience will not make you a great trainer; there are some extra ingredients that go in the mix. Continuing education, ability to synthesize information, and ability to convey it clearly to non-specialists are all important.

His point about experience was a recommendation to get some of that experience before launching into a business of your own -- if I'm reading him correctly.

Oh, I agree. I am sure there are lots of useless classes one would take as part of a college program in sports medicine or whatever. But *just* experience will not make you a great trainer; there are some extra ingredients that go in the mix. Continuing education, ability to synthesize information, and ability to convey it clearly to non-specialists are all important.

This is something that seems to be lacking in a lot of self proclaimed experts also. One's education in a field should not end with the certification or credential. That should really be the beginning if one is to become proficient in what they've chosen to pursue. I have several credentials/certifications/whathavya for my job. Some of them I've had for several years and I instruct other people in the subjects in which I'm certified/credentialed. I didn't quit studying, researching and learning about those subjects as soon as I finished my first class in them and just point to my certificate and say "because I'm the fuucking esspert, b1tch! You should listen to me!" I also go to great lengths to make what I'm instructing as easy to understand as possible. Knowing more than everyone else isn't what makes one an effective instructor/trainer/whatever. Being able to make others understand what you are instructing is.

/Early morning rambling.