| Our industry, much like our world, is transforming at an | | | | with a much better answer. Right? |
| accelerated pace. | | | | So how does this idea apply to the question at |
| The unthinkable and impossible soon becomes the | | | | hand? What is the best personal trainer certification? |
| inevitable and forgotten. | | | | Honestly, I have learned important things from each |
| The fitness industry, as you know, is relatively | | | | and every certification. I think a much better question |
| unregulated, which is an advantage and a | | | | is “What area am I passionate about learning |
| disadvantage. There are so many certifications out | | | | about?” If it is biomechanics, RTS is the best |
| there, so many experts, so many things we can learn | | | | certification. If it is the heart and cardiac rehab, |
| to help transform our clients’ bodies and minds, but | | | | ACSM is the best. If it is about sports performance, |
| how does one go about choosing the best educational | | | | you may want to go with an Athlete’s |
| path? | | | | Performance Internship or get you C.S.C.S from the |
| Is there even a thing such as the one best personal | | | | NSCA or look into the Charles Poliquin certification |
| training certification, or is it possible that some | | | | program. Want to teach Olympic lifts? No one does |
| certifications excel at teaching one specific area, while | | | | it better than USAW. |
| some excel at teaching a different area, while others | | | | So ask yourself, what are you excited to learn |
| only excel at building their own business and following? | | | | about? Just as importantly, what kinds of people do |
| We all know how important education is for our | | | | you want to train? If you are focused on the elderly |
| industries credibility, our client’s success, and our | | | | and post rehab, MES makes a lot more sense than |
| career stability. Our client’s come to us looking for | | | | USAW. |
| leadership; we wield great power over them, and with | | | | One very cool certification that I just learned about is |
| great power comes the need for responsibility. Of | | | | PTA Global. They are unifying some of the best |
| course, they are ultimately responsible for their own | | | | teachers and trainers in our industry under one |
| success, but we are responsible for providing them | | | | certification system. |
| with the best shot at realizing their full potential, while | | | | Asking yourself “What knowledge and clients am I |
| also being responsible for their safety and joint integrity. | | | | excited about” is an important first step in laying the |
| And in order to give our client’s the best shot | | | | foundation for a successful fitness business. Based |
| possible, we must be passionate about learning and | | | | on your answers, you can begin to identify a career |
| dedicate ourselves to the study of many topics. | | | | path that will allow you to realize the business and |
| | | | lifestyle you deserve, while enjoying what your life’s |
| “Those who love wisdom must investigate many | | | | work and client’s successes. |
| things.” Heraclitus | | | | I encourage you to continue learning about all the |
| I have personally, in 9 years of being a trainer, been to | | | | different certifications out there, and pursuing the ones |
| numerous courses and conferences across the | | | | that make the most sense for your market and |
| country, including Florida, California, and Oklahoma, | | | | passion. It is very important to not only continue |
| taken 8 certifications, several all day workshops, 2 | | | | learning, as you already know, but learning from multiple |
| internships, and read numerous books, textbooks, and | | | | sources. Our job as elite fitness professionals is to |
| research studies. | | | | empower our clients and provide them with real world |
| If I could point to one thing, it is my passion for | | | | practical solutions to their health and fitness needs; |
| knowledge that has allowed me to create a very | | | | having the ability to shift perspective is incredibly |
| successful career in the fitness industry. | | | | important for us in this capacity. |
| A wise man once said “A better question will lead | | | | Please leave me some comments below. Show me |
| to a better answer?” This is absolutely true. | | | | you are alive! What is your favorite certification and |
| Think about it. If you ask “Why am I so fat?” | | | | why? What is the next certification you plan on |
| you may come up with the answer “Because I am | | | | taking? How did you decide what certification to |
| lazy or stupid”. But if you ask yourself “How | | | | take? For more information, check out |
| can I lose weight while having fun” you will come up | | | | Until next time, keep your business fit. |