Any personal trainers on the site?

[flexas]

I am pursuing a associate of arts in physical education at the moment (mainly because of funding pusposes) and intend on moving back to Austin around this time next year to get a certificate for personal training. I will probably use that associate degree to transfer over to UT for exercise science. In the meantime I want to get that certificate and begin a career as a trainer. Is there any tips anyone could shoot my way on the best way to go about becoming a trainer? Would the Assoc. of Teaching physical education help me out hiring wise? What is the best type of certification to hold, ACE...ect? And is it a better idea to start up my own business or to work for another fitness corporation? How much do you generally get paid as a personal trainer? Any advice would be very helpfull.

[petey7408]

Not sure as to the certification, but my college has it set up that you will be able to take the test to get your certification in Personal Training/Strength Coaching after completing your Exercise Science degree as well as helping secure an internship to complete your fieldwork requirement. I would talk with the chair of the HHSP and see what they say.

[flexas]

Yeah the school im attending right now (Lamar) doesnt even offer exercise science of barely anything fitness related. Im going here because the workforce center in this area offers a program to pay for tuition in occupations needed in this area. So im getting this free associates out of the way before I transfer. Thats why I am going back to Austin because even the community college there offers a trainer program. Do you know what type of certification test it is that you will be given?

[Raptorbh12]

ACE is one of the more widely accepted and used certification programs. I like it because the cost is low and they make it fairly easy/convenient to obtain.
I myself am not a certified personal trainer but I was looking into it and its just simply not needed in my line of work. Im currently training candidates for the military and although getting my certification would help me adjust my training programs for specific individuals, its not a profitable decision in my case.
I suggest working for an established business for a couple years before you open your own. Running your own business will take alot more than personal training knowledge, more like a masters in business.

[flexas]

Thanks for the tip. I want to get the certification out of the way so I can do something I enjoy and make some money while I get through by Bachelors.