TweetI got mine from ISSA. Actually I'm still taking the class. Look at the gyms near you and see which ones they take. ISSA seems to be recognized by everyone. I worked at Golds Gym which let me start before my cert was done but id get a pay raise once it completed. Working at a gym helps get you started and helps build a clientele. Doing it independently is where you make more money. It's also a good way to supplement income too.

Tweeti agree...ISSA seems to be the gold standard so to speak but I may be wrong...I enrolled in a course a few years ago and due to low attendance it was dropped...I still have the damn textbook though lol..

I also want to get my cert...It's nice to have on the side and maybe I can train on the weekends while I'm not at the other job

Tweetdont take it on as a sole job. when the economy tanks just like it is now, the market goes down. do not work for a freaking gym chain, you will lose money at least 75% of the time. get your insurance which is pretty freaking cheap and be a contracted pt and work wherever you want to work. you pay the facilities you utilize a fee and you have all the acess you want and need. if i had to make a rec on a cert i would go with ace or one of the college levels ones that give you a degree in some sort of exercise technology. ace if you dont want to go to school or the other if you want to get into it big time. the options are limitless but the gov in its facilities will only recognize the ace certs with their employees. so that puppy is good to go across the country

TweetI agree with guns you don't make crap working for a chain gym. I did when I started to help get my name out. I knew a few other that did the same. I'm luckily that here in town is a small private gym that you can train clients at for a very small fee. It's tough to do as a solo job like he said. However it can put some decent cash in your pocket as a side gig. Ace is a great program as well.

TweetNSCA's CSCS is probably the most respected in the industry (imho). I have NASM's CPT and PES and used to work for Lifetime Fitness. And, yeah they take all of 50+ percent of whatever rate they make you charge. It depends on your education and certs. I actually like NASMs OPT model for training a new client but once you get them in shape, I've found that they get better results when you go back to a bodybuiding routine. That's just a humble Blackfoot's opinion though. Best of luck to you brother.

TweetI just watched a video from lee priest where he got asked about certs! He said in his Aussie accent "certs? Who needs a fucking cert, you should look the part" that's why they came to you right?

He went on to say too many people have certs and don't know shit. (Which I agree with)...having a cert doesn't prove you know what your doing!

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Originally Posted by 6p6

I just watched a video from lee priest where he got asked about certs! He said in his Aussie accent "certs? Who needs a fucking cert, you should look the part" that's why they came to you right?

He went on to say too many people have certs and don't know shit. (Which I agree with)...having a cert doesn't prove you know what your doing!

Very true! I've seen some complete morons who had certs that did more damage than good.

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Originally Posted by MemphisMax

Very true! I've seen some complete morons who had certs that did more damage than good.

Seems like the over whelming majority in gyms (not freelancers or contracted) seem to be the worst offenders!

TweetThanks for the responses guys. I've reading the different certs. all over lately. I want to do something I enjoy, I dont really care about making alot of money, I never have made alot anyway.

I've already trained some people on my own, just on the side for a little extra $$. But I'm going to be moving to a new area and wont know anyone so I'll have to work at a gym chain for a while I suppose. I have some college classes under my belt already, so if I get into it and like it after I get certified. I may go and get associates then bachelors in exercise science.

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Originally Posted by animal87

Thanks for the responses guys. I've reading the different certs. all over lately. I want to do something I enjoy, I dont really care about making alot of money, I never have made alot anyway.

I've already trained some people on my own, just on the side for a little extra $$. But I'm going to be moving to a new area and wont know anyone so I'll have to work at a gym chain for a while I suppose. I have some college classes under my belt already, so if I get into it and like it after I get certified. I may go and get associates then bachelors in exercise science.

Like guns said gyms do take a huge chunk out of your commission. Golds here took 40% but my gym manager was cool and loaded my schedule with clients. I was able to clear about 900 every two weeks. But like I said I had a manager who was cool and knew my story so he helped me out. Going private is the way to go. Build your clientele. Build your knowledge. Learn to promote yourself. Those are my suggestions brother. I enjoy it. I'm a recovering fatty so I truly enjoy helping people reach their goals. It's not always about money if you love what you do. Just my opinion.

Tweetwell I'll attempt to study and get the cert. then soon. Better buckle down


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Originally Posted by animal87

well I'll attempt to study and get the cert. then soon. Better buckle down


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And they are called doctors! Lol