Career In Training

**MAURER** · 04-Jan-07, 11:45 PM

Hey guys, I'm a freshman in college and I really would like to be a personal trainer, athletic trainer, or something along those lines. I was wondering if anybody on here has pursued a similar career and how they recommend I go about being successful.

**maverick** · 05-Jan-07, 08:44 AM

MostMuscle is currently a trainer, I think SarahPT is as well. You migh want to ask them specifically. There's probably also posts on this site about this exact subject if you search.

Eric_B · 05-Jan-07, 09:27 AM

As long as you are first-aid/cpr certified, you can take the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Training certification test. The same prerequisites apply for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Personal Training test. MostMuscle recommended the NCSA-PT cert when I asked him. If you are looking for part-time work during college, I think either of them would be acceptable. There are more prestigious certifications, but they are not available until you earn a degree in the exercise sciences.

The Flash · 05-Jan-07, 10:47 AM

I think you should try and get certified in as many areas as possible to enhance your resume. Also, start looking now. Talk to people in the gym you go to or local gyms. I know at my old gym, they've taken on some of the members to be part-time trainers when they have absolutely no business training anyone. It wouldn't hurt to ask and it would be a foot in the door and great experience. Also, talk to people who are already trainers and pick their brains. I know you will have to take a lot of "science" related classes to learn about the body, etc.

Blaze · 05-Jan-07, 01:17 PM

http://www.discussfitness.com/forums...highlight=nsca

Check the link. Most Muscle helped me when I was looking for this info. I am currently taking a class to study for the NSCA-CPT test....scary, but exciting.

**MAURER** · 06-Jan-07, 12:43 AM

thanks for the tips guys. do any of you guys know what kind of college degree i could get in excercise sciences and where that might take me?

SarahPT · 06-Jan-07, 01:12 PM

Hi there,
I'm a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist, and I own my own business. I got my PT cert through ACE (which someone posted above) and my sports nutrition through a similar program of studying on my own, then taking a lengthy exam. I went to college, but for nothing related to this. So I can't answer anything about that.

If you want to work in a gym, you might want to look around at some local gyms for ones you find interesting. Find out what qualifications the trainers there have.

Starting your own business is a whole other thing. I've been at it for 3 years and I have a long ways to go. It's hard. You have to constantly promote yourself. I like the route I've chosen though. I really like the fact that I'm qualified to work with people on both their nutrition and exercise, so they can be the most successful.

Good luck!

Sarah

**MostMuscle** · 08-Jan-07, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAURER

thanks for the tips guys. do any of you guys know what kind of college degree i could get in excercise sciences and where that might take me?

Summary of human performance related degree areas:

Exercise Science/Exercise Physiology- Sets you up for possible careers in Strength & Conditioning, Cardiac Rehab, Fitness & Wellness, Corporate Fitness, and Personal Training. Some use it as a stepping stone to other fields such as Podiatry, Biomechanics or even MedSchool. You learn why and how the body responds to exercise and learn how to program for special populations. I am most familiar with this as this is what I have.

Sports Medicine/Athletic Training- Preps you to become an ATC which is the guy/gal you see running onto the field when an athlete gets hurt. Main focus is on injury prevention and rehab. You will get to the anatomy of the human body by heart and be able to identify specific (VERY specific) parts on the body with ease. Taping techniques and all the different rehab modalities will be perfected (from simple R.I.C.E to ultrasound etc). Demanding major as you should plan to spend a great deal of time in the training room or on the field before and after each game and practice. Many continue on to PT school (more $$$ better hours). This was my original major but soon realized I did not have a healing touch .

Physical Education- Focuses on teaching and coaching techniques. You learn a little about everything as far as physiology and injuries, but the main focus is on teaching, education and motivations. Pass the teaching exam and you are ready to teach in schools or even pursue a coaching career (usually requires a Masters).

Sport Management- A bachelor's degree in Sport Management will prepare you for a broad range of careers and enable you to focus on your particular area of interest, such as sport administration, sport marketing, or risk management. Career paths include: managing and marketing professional and collegiate athletic organizations or resort establishments, owning and managing a sport-related business, or operating recreational programs in municipalities or leisure/tourism settings.

Sport Psychology- This is a new field that I am considering getting into. Sport and Exercise Psychology can provide you with the basis for understanding the thought processes and attitudes of athletes and individuals involved in sport or exercise activities. With this understanding, you can then learn to help others improve their performance and/or psychological well-being. Basically, work with athletes and general population to help with mental aspects of physical performance or eating habits etc.

Dan C · 09-Jan-07, 07:47 AM

Nice summary MM! I would just like to elaborate on the Athletic Training degree and how the name is SO misleading.

As an ATC, you do not train athletes! Like he said, it's mainly prehab and rehab, but as my Care & Prevention professor told me, ATC's do everything from apply band-aids to shave feet! (Yes, callous build up on the feet needs to be shaved off and if they athlete is too lazy to do it himself, it's your job!)

I almost got into Athletic Training myself, but fortunately could not commit to full-time program. It wasn't until later when I realized just how misleading the term "athletic trainer" was.

Khaine · 09-Jan-07, 10:31 AM

Great info MM... Appreciated...

judo · 09-Jan-07, 10:53 AM

the national council of strength and fitness is from my opinion is cheaper and you don't need a degree in science. check it out.

Dan C · 09-Jan-07, 11:16 AM

Truth be told, most clients you might have as a personal trainer have no idea between the different certifications. Most don't even ask. However, your "peers" know the difference between the cheaper certifications and the better ones.

LINDA · 09-Jan-07, 11:41 AM

You should decide what kind of environment you want to work in and what kind of people you want to be working with.

Do you want to work with young athletes or perhaps the average Joe or even seniors, healthy or not?

My first thoughts when I hear "personal trainer" make me think of overly educated and underemployed young people hawking gym memberships because it's a cool sounding job title. The whole profession needs a makeover to separate the real deal from the glorified snakeoil salesmen.

The science of sports, health and fitness is unlimited in opportunity and I do believe it's a great time to be involved. There are lots of niches in the industry to be filled.

Blaze · 09-Jan-07, 12:34 PM

I'm studying for my NSCA cert right now and I agree with Brat. Many people like to say they train people or are capable of training people. But half the time their provoking injury or something of the ilke without knowingi it.

And if asked to explain WHY to do this excercise or that one, they simply shrug in confusion. They know what brings results, but can't understand applied sciences. Thats the key.