Thinking about becoming a Personal Trainer - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[duceraised]

Okay so I am 30 yrs old, dont know how that factors into it but thought i would throw it out there. I have come to the conclusion that God made me to be a helper. thats just who i am. The job I have now makes very lil difference to anyone, and i think that if i am goin to be happy with any job, I have to make a difference in the lives of others.
that being said, I really think i would enjoy being a personal trainer, but i have questions....
1. what are the best/worst things about being a personal trainer.
2. What is the best way to go about becoming a personal trainer.
3. I looked into PCI (pinnacle career Institute) and they want 26k for an associates degree.
* Does that sound high?
* Has anyone heard of PCI
* Is PCI a good school... this is an online college.
4. Does anyone have any suggestions about good online schools for this?

As most of the others said any feedback is much appreciated! :thanks:

[duceraised]

any feedback should be helpful :thanks:
:mrgreen: :?:

[Christina]

1. what are the best/worst things about being a personal trainer.

Best - Helping people reach their goals, seeing people achieve what they thought was impossible
Worst - Lazy clients

2. What is the best way to go about becoming a personal trainer.

Choose a reputable certification and start studying.

3. I looked into PCI (pinnacle career Institute) and they want 26k for an associates degree...

In my opinion, take classes at a college or university. Even if you can't afford a degree at the moment take a few classes.

4. Does anyone have any suggestions about good online schools for this?

You can't complete the whole thing online but if you are looking for some good classes try this: https://www3.uclaextension.edu/index...ness/index.cfm

Hope this helps a little.

Christina

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

best right now is making my own schedule and helping people and doing what I enjoy
for me I don't think there is a down side. I do get up pretty early (5am) but I don't mind that too much

you can take classes in college without getting a degree. if you do that I suggest taking classes at a community college (cheaper). these are the classes I would take if you want to go the college route
exercise science
anatomy/physiology
nutrition
fitness testing
muscle physiology

you don't have to do college to be a personal trainer. the problem with colleges is that they often do not prepare you to be a personal trainer (they didn't with me!). you can study and take a fitness certification. I often advise people to find a cert that is reputable and teaches you what you need to know both for the cert and for the real world. You have many options (ACE, NSCA, ISSA NPTI etc). they all vary in price. I'd advise you to find one that is reputable and is within your budget. often ACSM is said to be the "best" however its very clinical and I just don't think you will need a lot of the information they will make you learn. For example, Im told they still teach people skin fold calipers. they are great but most health clubs dont use it anymore.

read through the many posts on this site. there is a ton of information here. Also on my personal blog I have posted a lot of information that I can help you too. you can read the blog at my website www.joe-cannon.com
Hope that helps
Joe

post back if you have any questions and we all will be glad to help you as you more forward
Joe

[Christina]

I do get up pretty early (5am)

I've got you beat. I have to get up at 4:25 five days a week. Luckily all of these clients are super nice. (Absolutely crazy for wanting to train at 5 a.m., but nice nonetheless. :lol: )

[Joe Cannon MS CSCS]

Christina
thats a contestI DONT want to win LOL
joe