Personal Trainer Certifications: A Closer Look at the Need
I have a feeling this article may ruffle some feathers, but the facts are the facts. I’ve been a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and sports nutritionist for many years. Guess how many of my clients have asked me who I’m certified through? The answer is zero. I will say, however, that many people have asked for my credentials. They wanted to know if I have a degree in the field (which most don’t—and I in fact do) and if I’m certified. That was the extent of it. No one even asked for proof that I’m indeed certified or in good standing with my instructor certifications. So, I’m a little jaded when people ask me, “what fitness certifications should I consider?” I’m not even sure there’s a right or wrong answer, honestly. There are so many personal trainer certifications out there today.
This brings up another question as to whether you should even be certified? While automatically I say yes, I often wonder if that piece of paper and the letters after your name are really worth anything these days? And I’ll be totally honest, I’ll put my four-year kinesiology degree up against any personal trainer certifications out there—I don’t care whose it is. These personal trainer certifications can’t hold a candle to what is covered in a four-year degree in kinesiology.
Do You Really Need Personal Trainer Certifications These Days?
While personal trainer certifications are not legally required in many places, they are highly recommended and often preferred by fitness industry employers. Certification ensures that a personal trainer has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to design safe and effective exercise programs, understand anatomy and physiology, and provide appropriate guidance to clients.
Certifications from reputable organizations, such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), or the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), are widely recognized and respected in the fitness industry. Clients may also feel more confident working with a certified personal trainer.
Moreover, having a certification demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to industry standards. It can enhance a trainer’s credibility, potentially leading to more clients and better career opportunities.
While certification is not a legal requirement, it is a valuable investment for personal trainers who want to excel in their careers and build trust with clients.
Who Are the Best Fitness Instructor Certifications Through?
There are several reputable organizations that offer fitness instructor certifications. The “best” certification can depend on your specific goals, preferences, and the type of training you’re interested in. Here are some well-recognized personal trainer certifications out there:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE is one of the largest and most widely respected personal trainer certification organizations. They offer certifications for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, health coaches, and more.
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM is known for its evidence-based approach to fitness training. They provide personal trainer certifications for trainers, corrective exercise specialists, and performance enhancement specialists.
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA): ISSA offers a variety of fitness certifications, including personal training, sports nutrition, and group fitness. They provide a flexible and self-paced learning environment.
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA): NSCA is well-regarded for fitness certifications related to strength and conditioning. They offer personal trainer certifications like the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) for those interested in athletic performance.
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): ACSM is a respected organization in the field of sports medicine. Their certifications, such as the Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP), are recognized globally.
- Fitness Australia: If you’re looking for personal trainer certifications recognized in Australia, Fitness Australia provides certifications for fitness professionals.
When choosing a certification, consider factors such as the organization’s reputation, the content of the certification program, whether it aligns with your career goals, and any specific requirements in your region. Additionally, it can be beneficial to seek feedback from industry professionals and explore job opportunities that may prefer or require certifications from specific organizations.
Does Who You’re Personal Trainer Certifications Are Through Really Matter?
You could be certified through, ISSA, ACE, ACSM, NASM, AFPA, AMFPT, NSCA, ISSN or whoever and in my opinion, the only thing that could hold you back from getting a job is if a certain gym only wants to hire trainers with a specific certification. Maybe one gym only hires trainers who are NSCA or ACSM certified yet you’re certified by another great organization such as ACE. That would be a limiting factor on whether you get hired or not. But, the fact of the matter is, if you have a fitness instructor certification you can train clients. And an extremely high percentage of those clients won’t even know the difference between all of those certifications anyway.
Related Article: Consider a Kinesiology Degree If You Love Health & Fitness
So, this all begs the question – in the grand scheme of things does it matter who you’re certified through? Yes and No. If you want to work somewhere specific that requires a certain personal trainer certification, then go ahead and get certified through them if that’s the gym or location you want to work at. Otherwise, pick a personal trainer or fitness instructor certification that you are well educated on and feel would be the best fit for you.
Regardless of who you got the personal trainer certification through, the key thing is to ensure you are constantly educating yourself on new techniques and staying up to date on what’s trending in the industry. People are going to learn about and hear different training techniques, so it’s good to be well-rounded. Your main focus should be on being the best at what you do to ensure your clients achieve their goals through your programs and protocol.
Knowledge is power and if you don’t keep up with the times and your clients aren’t hitting their goals, they’re bound to leave you for another trainer. Never stop learning and improving your skill-set. Try to attend as many conferences and workshops that you can in order to learn something new. It doesn’t mean you NEED to apply it to your training style, but just looking at things differently or learning new techniques could help you think more creatively about the things you are currently doing and could tweak them a little in order to make them better.
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