Personal Trainer Qualification

[Platti]

Thinking of doing a personal trainer course and have had a bit of a google. I've seen some courses at about £2500 and then others at £500 doing home study. As I have a full time job it'll have to be the home study version. At £500 is it worth the paper it's written on.

Not looking for a change of career just think it'd be good to do a bit of personal training in my spare time. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[dope540]

theres also insurance and first aid stuff to consider.

[MB1]

I did mine 2 years ago with lifetime but in all honesty its pretty dire in terms of what your taught. I think there are a few threads on here saying similar.
However, if you do feel like you have a great knowledge already just go with the cheapest, do all the common sense crap involved and get the qualification.
If I could go back I would do a UKSCA (NSCA-CSCS & NSCA-CPT) or NASM course as they are by far the most comprehensive when it comes to technique and teaching, from what I've heard, but more expensive.

Just to add, personal training is a vanity fueled industry so as a general rule you must be in visibly great shape, charisma and confidence coming out your ass and very good looking (as in a solid 7 minimum). You also have to take advantage of peoples laziness to a certain extent

[Platti]

I'd like to think I've a good comprehensive understanding on different areas of training so hoping I'll not find whatever course I do too hard. I'm a bit baffled by all the different organisations and don't want to do one that's not recognised for whatever opportunities arise in the future. I'll have a google at those youve listed, thanks for that.

Cheers for pointing out the insurance / first aid stuff, fortunately my job gives me plenty of first aid training but the insurance is something I'll have to look into at some point.

[MB1]

If its recognised by reps it should be all good. If you decide to take the plunge get some opinions on here about the company first, could turn out somebody knows their useless lol

[Platti]

How's about these ?

Personal Trainer Diploma Distance Learning Home Study Course

or

http://www.nasm.org/getcertified/

[MB1]

The first of the 2 I dont like purely because REPS don't recognise it.
"Accreditation from REPS hasn't been sought because their training requirements are based on a classroom model with supervision, and has pre-entry requirements."
The pre-entry requirements are not true, so I don't like for that or the look some of the modules.
The second one I did recommend earlier but I'm not sure about how you get the american qualification recognised here. It obviously can be done but I've never looked at how you go about that.

Also, have you looked at job availability in your area and whether they're looking for PTs or fitness instructors?

[Platti]

I'm not looking for a full time job from this to be honest. I'd like to do the course because its something I really enjoy and would like to gain a wider knowledge on it and also some recognition of my knowledge. If I could get some work maybe doing the odd class and then build up from there that'd be great.

Would love to live in the states at some time in the future (although looking long term here, years off yet) so the second might be a good starting point.

The more I read I'm now considering doing my Level 3 Gym Instructors then doing an add on of Spin Instructors in the hope I could do spinning sessions ???

[Zeigler]

Im level 2 and 3 PT with REP's.

To be totally honest, the qualification means nothing to me, I just needed it to have a 'qualification' - I've learnt more from my own research, buying dvd's and books, and seminars etc etc.

Its all about Continuing Education if you 'just enjoy it' - invest in good books on training and diet etc and you'll get a much better education at half the price.

Just my 2 cents if its not for a career change, as the teaching is not 'real world'.

[Platti]

I thought it may be the case with the course but if I want to have a dabble at doing some spinning instruction then I'll need to have it before I do the spinning instructors course.