What to do w/out personal training or nutrition background?? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[nihoffman88]

Hi Everyone

I'm new to the forum and need some advice.

I've worked at a big 4 accounting firms since I left college, received my CPA and MBA. I started lifting when I was 15, read lots of books and magazines and have turned into a health freak.

Finally after about 12 years of lifting weights and a solid 5 years of eating properly, I've realized my true passion of helping others lose weight / workout. I have a great business plan but obviously no actual nutrition / personal training credentials. I've done some research but really have no idea if obtaining a nutrition & wellness certification along with personal training certification from a program like the AFPA(http://www.afpafitness.com/about/) means anything?

If I'm trying to start a business around nutrition & exercise, what should I do? Thanks in advance for the help.

[Christina]

Hi Nathan and welcome. You do not need a personal training certification in order to become a personal trainer. I HIGHLY recommend though that you do become certified through a respected organization. As far as nutritional advice is concerned, you can give out general advice but you have to be careful not to cross the line of a dietitian. I believe laws vary state to state so if you are going to be offering nutritional advice in Maryland do some research to see what the laws are in this particular state.

Also, it is probably worth mentioning that since we are now in a recession you may want to ease into your new career as a fitness professional instead of diving head first. I did read an article the other day (Margie posted it in our LinkedIn group) that the fitness industry is expected to be recession proof. I guess it really depends on where you live and if the people in your community are starting to lose their jobs. My husband works in the Silicon Valley in CA and they are starting to get hammered with layoffs. I am not sure how the layoffs are impacting trainers in that part of the country.

My other piece of advice is for you to decide who you want to work with and go after this specific population. Is it children? Women? Seniors? Morbidly obese? Disabled individuals? Athletes? Don't try to go after everyone. Carve out a niche and target these people. Try to become an expert on the population you choose. Read books, articles, and research studies.

Also, make sure you get your waivers in place and purchase liability insurance.

There are others on the forum who can offer you some fantastic advice.

Congratulations for pursuing your dreams!

Christina

[nihoffman88]

Thank you Christina, appreciate the advice. I am not planning on quitting my day job and there is no such thing as recession proof. The industry is definitely going to get hit with people not having discretionary income available.

I wanted to start part time on the weekends and maybe at nights. Also I wanted to ease in my website development as well as other things before I go full time. The target market would be individuals aged between 25 - 40.

So I guess I'm struggling to find out which certification is best or respected and if I should get one on the nutrition side as well? I'm also considering maybe partnerships with dieticians and certified nutritional specialists. Thanks again.

[kaiserS]

Hi Everyone

I'm new to the forum and need some advice.

I've worked at a big 4 accounting firms since I left college, received my CPA and MBA. I started lifting when I was 15, read lots of books and magazines and have turned into a health freak.

Finally after about 12 years of lifting weights and a solid 5 years of eating properly, I've realized my true passion of helping others lose weight / workout. I have a great business plan but obviously no actual nutrition / personal training credentials. I've done some research but really have no idea if obtaining a nutrition & wellness certification along with personal training certification from a program like the AFPA(http://www.afpafitness.com/about/) means anything?

If I'm trying to start a business around nutrition & exercise, what should I do? Thanks in advance for the help.

Sounds like you've got a passion for fitness and you're a self-starter so you'll be fine - I'd get certified, then read my reports on marketing and business specifically for PT's -

You should find good value there - http://super-trainer.com/reports

[Christina]

Nathan, as far as PT certifications, you cannot go wrong getting one from either ACE, ACSM, NSCA, or NASM. ISSA seems to be one that several people have (I do not know a lot about this one). There are many certifications out there and there are MANY that are not worth having so be sure and do your research. The personal training industry is not regulated so anyone can give out certifications.

I think it's a wonderful idea to team up with a dietitian. It will make you look professional. I have had a few clients that I have recommended to see a dietitian.

Christina