My 1st paid personal training session

[JanB]

I went through ISSA which is International Sports Sciences Association. It was an online course where you could get completely certified online. I opted for the 2 day seminar option because I had heard that the final exam was a bit easier. I had a friend who did it online and it was time consuming but she did it.

[ridebikeme]

It's alot of fun being a personal trainer, but also A LOT of work!! I would definitely take Stacies advice... it's way too easy to think that you are safe and that people wouldn't take advantage of you.. but unfortunately it's not the way of the world. Also, like any field, it definitely takes more than two days to become a trainer... although you can understand the equipment very well that is in the local gym... there are many other things to think about as well... anatomy, physiology, recovery, diet, and of course the business side of things as well. I had many years of classes in that area, and I wouldn't dream that I could have covered all of that in a two day seminar.

Good luck in the process!

[logdiva32]

I have looked at many of the online, but I am leaning towards the at home study and proctored exam.
I totally understand the energy it is taking. My problem now, is getting in my own workout.
We should always continue to learn and progress in our chosen field. As for my clients I only work with people I know. I give them my ups and downs.

[Crankin]

Give the amount of material that ACE sent me to prepare for the pt exam and the amount of knowledge required, it seems irresponsible and also it would be putting yourself and your clients in a legal quagmire, if something went wrong. You would definitely be kicked out of the gym I go to! The trainers there all have degrees in exercise physiology, or a degree in something else and a certification. That's the route I plan to go.
I worked for many years as an aerobics instructor. When I first started, the certification process was new. I was in the first group of people to be ACE certified in group fitness in 1986 . After a couple of years, no club would hire an instructor without certification. The liability is too great. While I fully agree that the populations you mention are underserved and have health issues because of it, it just isn't right to have these people pay you before you are certified. Personal training is a medically related profession. In order for trainers to be taken seriously, they need to be qualified. Perhaps you could find a gym where you could work under some type of internship arrangement while you are studying?

[logdiva32]

[I] have spoken with a few gyms who are willing to allow me to intern. The only problem is that my "clients" would have to pay the full rate, as it is split with the gym. That defeats my true purpose. So I will continue. I have known several others in the military who have become certified and part time trainers. I have looked into some programs in my area, there schedules are stupid, not for working people, for sure. But I am sure I can become certified. I am just trying to decide on the best one, for me. The donations my clients give me are already funding my education/certification process.

In college our trainers had big time degrees, and the school paid them big time money. But what about every body else. I have not run into not a single personal trainer doing pro bono.

I have been training soldiers on fitness for years, it has taught me at a minimum to know when they need someone else besides me, so I apply the same rule here.
I help people get moving, get motivated, get educated. Once I have taken them as far as I can they will need to seek someone else.

I have a few family members who have been doing this for years all part time. A major police dept cop/PT fitness instructor for body builders. A nurse/PT fitness instructor/ group fitness instructor, military officer (like myself)/ PT fitness instructor also for body builders. They have been doing this for years and stand behind my intent and method, they all started out the same as I. Again, it is about my people more than myself.
While I understand all of you trainers concerns, not one of you has addrressed mine. Low income clients, I cannot run around to gyms, pay daycare, and gym fees by volunteerism. The gyms are a business and have little concern for these people. Thanks for pointing out all the issues, but does anyone have a solution/suggestion?????

[ridebikeme]

That's wonderful that you have checked into doing internships... although right now you are a bit against that idea. I applaud the fact that you want to help these people, but I still feel that the internship would be a great opportunity! It's an obvious fact that a business has to look out for the bottom line... they have expenses that you don't. First, they have the overall expenses... payroll, self employment taxes, liability insurance, a building lease, property taxes, ... you get my picture. That has to be the number one concern for a business, other wise you can't even plan to be around to help these customers... which by the way make up every race.

Secondly. you are putting them in a very bad position... they are now responsible for your actions with these clients! Whether you are giving them instructions in the gym or not, it is definitely something that someone could choose to sue ... if they chose to! And even though, you are the one giving them instructions/ training tips... the gym can now be added to that as well. Did you also know that each and every member of your family could also be tagged into that same lawsuit? The employees and their families of the gym are also responsible in a lawsuit.While I may not have given you the suggestion that you want, it's simply NOT fair to put everyone at such a risk. While you were in the military doing this job, the US government(hence the tax payers) and the military are responsible for your and your comrades actions. It's a much larger situation, than most people are aware of. I'm not
mentioning this to you to be negative.. the bottom line is that it is reality in todays world!

I'm sure that you have heard of many of the cases that contractors have been involved with... some contractor will work without insurance and underbid other contractors, and while competition is a good thing, it's not when they are not insured and the homeowner is left with a problem that the contractor is ultimately responsible for. The bottom line is this: there are many good videos/books out there to help people get in better condition ONCE they have had a physical, why don't you recommend those and in the meantime take that internship? It sounds like you will be a great advocate for people and getting them in better condition, but you will be much more helpful with more training/certification under your belt.

[mountainchick]

Honestly, and I'm not a personal trainer here ( I do have fitness instructor certs) but this is my 0.02 cents...(and I don't claim to know everything about any subject!)

You say you know personally the clients you are taking on, but it just takes one injury to have them sue you. My cousin and his wife sued his sister because his sisters friends dog bit their daughter after she harassed it (confusing no?). Family suing family!!!! If families can sue each other your clients can sue you, and then thats the end of your dream.

I know a lot of the posters are coming off harsh, they're (and I) aren't attacking you, but trying to look out for you.

I think you're letting your desire to help people get in the way of common sense (which I know you have, being a military officer!) and good judgement (as far as not taking the internship, and waiting until you're certified). In the long run I'm going to agree with the other ladies here.