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I actually started looking into this myself. I've been looking online at different programs and was wanting to talk to the trainers at my Y to see what certs. they have. I'll let you know what I find out.

Ant

Posts Member

As a USAT Level I coach all I can say is good luck! Email me if you have any quesitons.

Posts Member

This is great. Thanks for the feedback!

Evaluating the programs, they do seem a bit different in focus. I am still curious about several things so I'll throw these questions out for the masses.

Dave and Brett I'm especially interested in your feedback:

1. Is it important to evaluate other cert options from the same place you get your personal training cert? Or is it common to get your personal training certification from one program and then add later certifications from another program? Or is this bad professional practice? In other words, are you 'locked in' (so to speak) to one association once you get your certification from them?

(I'm really interested in eventually focusing on training and nutrition for AG endurance athletes. So I would eventually like to get a tri-specific coaching/nutrition certification of some sort. Anyone familiar with the new NESTA tri coach certification?)

2. How does the payment structure work? I assume this depends on the type of environment you're in (gym vs. on your own). How do clubs typically employ trainers?

Dave, you mentioned your gross income but that you wouldn't see all of it? Could you ellaborate on this a little? I would be relying on this as my FT job and am curious as to whether I'll be taking a pay cut (currently make b/w 40-45k a year).

3. What do you like the most about being a trainer/coach?

4. Brett, how are you developing a client base of triathletes?

So many questions, I know. I just want to be fully aware of any issues before I make this leap. And I want to get the best certification possible.

My degree is in journalism, so quite a stretch from exercise-science. Thus, I want to get the most from this experience. I do have five years of endurance sports under my belt will do my first IM next year.

Anyway, thanks! :)

Posts Member

>1. Is it important to evaluate other cert options from the same place you get your personal training cert? Or is it common to get your personal training certification from one program and then add later certifications from another program? Or is this bad professional practice? In other words, are you 'locked in' (so to speak) to one association once you get your certification from them?<

I think it is important to first identify your client base, and then investigate the certifications that will give you the most knowledge (tools) in which you can help your client.

For example, I love working with athletes and people who just need a "tweaking" in their program so they can hit their goal(s) quicker. I don't like dealing with children, pre/post natal, and obese clients. They take a lot of work and patience to work with, many with very long term goals. An obese client looking to lose 100 pounds might be looking at almost 2 years of training, depending on their level of fitness at the time training begins.

I identified several certifications which would provide me with the information I would need to serve that client population I wanted to work with. I identified ACE and NASM. I currently have the CPT certification for each. You can get a cert in each of the nationally recognized organizations, or you can get all of the certs which one organization offers. My next cert will probably be the NASM-PES (performance enhancement specialist). ACSM to follow. I like the idea of getting a few different certs from different organizations since I get a different point of view of what there is to offer to your client and to obtain different “tools� to serve them better.

>(I'm really interested in eventually focusing on training and nutrition for AG endurance athletes. So I would eventually like to get a tri-specific coaching/nutrition certification of some sort. Anyone familiar with the new NESTA tri coach certification?)<

I leave the nutrition to our Nutrition Coach (RD) at work. I know training. She knows nutrition. I don’t need to be an expert at everything. ;-)

>2. How does the payment structure work? I assume this depends on the type of environment you're in (gym vs. on your own). How do clubs typically employ trainers?

Dave, you mentioned your gross income but that you wouldn't see all of it? Could you ellaborate on this a little? I would be relying on this as my FT job and am curious as to whether I'll be taking a pay cut (currently make b/w 40-45k a year).<

Depends of the payment structure you would have at your gym. Where I work, I currently bill out at $70/hour. I will be able to bill out at $99 within one year. I receive a percentage of that depending on my time with the company, type and number of certifications/education, how much money I bring in every month, etc. Someone starting off where I work might bill out at $50/hour and only take 40% of that home. Those who will be making $99/hour will take 60% of that (give or take). So, how many hours a week do you want to work? That will depend on your salary. I also make money other ways. We get commission on clothing, heart rate monitors, nutrition, and other items that we sell at the club. You can make a very good living if you are committed and enjoy what you are doing.

I am considered an employee since they provide retirement and medical insurance. Some people might think that sucks that they take about half of what you make, but I look at it from the point that it’s their gym and they pay all the bills. I don’t worry about the rent, the lights, heat, cost of machines, marketing, etc. Also, they help provide me with clients. I guess I could start my own place, but then I would have to do all that work and STILL find time for training.

Something you might want to consider as well. I also train 2 people three times a week outside of work. They are not members of the club (that’s a no-no to train members at home!). I go to their home and train them. I charge my going rate ($70/hr) but I get to keep all that. Nice for grocery and gas money. That’s an extra $420 a week (that’s an extra $20K a year – not bad huh?) You can buy a lot of tri-gear with that! ;-)

>3. What do you like the most about being a trainer/coach?<

I really like helping people. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. Watching THEIR faces when they start seeing results is priceless. Wow, I sound like a commercial! I will always be involved in the health and fitness industry. Now that I have tasted what it’s like, I cannot imagine ever doing anything else!

I hope this helps!

-dave