going into the workshop, which provides the education, solutions, and
tools needed by fitness professionals to systematically progress any
client through specific phases of training in order to reach any goal.
NASM trainers have a strong emphasis on understanding the in-depth
workings of the body as a functional unit. Check out http://www.nasm.org.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA):This organiza-
tion offers two tough certifications: the Certified Strength and Condi-
tioning Specialist (CSCS), geared toward training high-level athletes in
team sports, and the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), designed for train-
ers who work in gyms. All trainers must pass a three-part written exam
that includes a video analysis of exercises. Trainers certified by the NSCA
usually know a lot about strength training and conditioning; the NSCA
asks candidates to identify every muscle involved in a particular exercise
and requires them to know precisely what role each muscle is playing at
which point in the movement. Visit the NSCA Certification Commission
at http://www.nsca-cc.org.Specialty certifications: Some specialty fields, such as yoga (see
Chapter 16), Pilates (see Chapter 17), and kickboxing (discussed
in Chapter 19) do have certifications. Others, such as boxing, don’t.
Don’t expect a boxing instructor or a country-and-western line-dancing
teacher to be certified as a trainer. But if he does have a diploma from
one of the organizations we list, that’s a plus.These organizations aren’t the only ones that offer certifications and certifi-
cates. Many colleges and universities offer their own extensive programs.
And while some health clubs put their employees through rigorous training
courses, trust courses from recognized organizations and universities above
all else.
University degrees ...............................................................................
Most trainers don’t have degrees in physiology or related fields, so don’t hold
it against them. But a master’s degree (M.A. or M.S.) is usually even better than
a certification, and a fitness-related B.A. or B.S. can be a big plus. Look for
degrees in exercise physiology, exercise science, physical therapy, occupa-
tional therapy, fitness management, sports medicine, physical education, or
kinesiology. If the trainer has a fitness-related university degree but not an
industry certification, ask whether she keeps up with the latest techniques by
going to conferences and seminars. Opinions and facts change quickly in the
health and fitness field; if your trainer earned his Ph.D. in 1973 and hasn’t
attended a workshop since, he needs to join the modern world.
Chapter 4: Hiring a Trainer 49