Newbie's First post - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Kristy]

My name is Kristy and I am new here. I have just started my CFT course at ISSA. I am having a blast and am looking forward to my journey!

[Dinah]

Hi Kristy!

Welcome to the Fitness ThinkTank. Is this a completely new path for you? What were you doing before studying for the CFT?

We certainly hope the forum will be of help to you during your studies and beyond.

Good luck!

Dinah

[Kristy]

Hiya Dinah!

As far as officially studying, yes this is a new path for me. I am so loving it....even though I am only three units in right now...lol. Anyhow. I was working in dead end jobs being miserable. I am still working right now, but am focusing on the day when I can quit because I am starting my career as a trainer.

I am working two jobs right now....one being an assistant manager at my local Family Dollar and the other working at Subway. And actually...you can say that I have three jobs...I am also an author. I have one book published that I cowrote and have just finished the rough draft of my second book, but first solo project.

I have found myself in the midst of the muscles and wondering if I can actually remember all of these...lol. Several ( about 11) years ago I took veterinary technician classes and had to do a semester on the musculoskeletal system.....this is ten times worse! LOL. Luckily I remember some of them....thing is I have to shift just a bit and look at them on humans rather than on cats! LOL

I have found my calling and can't wait to answer the phone! LOL

[Dinah]

Wow, you're one busy lady! But good for you that you are going after what you want to do.

As far as studying the musculoskeletal system, it can definitely be overwhelming. But you know the old joke / adage "how do you get to Carnegie Hall?" "Practice, practice, practice!" :-)

Once you read through all of the materials, start testing yourself. Not sure what ISSA offers in the way of practice test materials, but you should definitely get your hands on what's offered. Plus, I've recommended this Web site: Starting a Personal Training Business for their 750 question test. It takes material from many of the cert programs to create a very comprehensive test. Plus, it's got a great section for the muscles. It points to parts of the body and you have to fill in the muscle name. I've also heard of people on this site who make a bunch of flash cards for themselves. They would take them everywhere they went -- school, the bus, their break at work!

When you're approaching 90% or better on the practice tests, that's a good gauge that you are ready for your exam.

Dinah