Fitness is a growing industry, and more and more people are becoming interested in hiring a personal trainer to help them achieve their fitness goals. If you’re considering becoming a personal trainer, one of the first steps you’ll need to take is to choose a certification program.
A wealth of tools are available to help you figure out how to get the cheapest fitness certification according to Trainer Academy’s experienced personal trainers. Let’s look at some of the most popular personal training certification programs and determine the best fit for your needs.
ACE Personal Trainer Certification
The ACE Personal Trainer Certification is one of the industry’s most well-known and respected certifications. The National Commission accredits it for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard for accreditation in the fitness industry.
The ACE certification program covers a wide range of topics, including exercise science, program design, and client assessment. It consists of a practical exam, which tests your ability to put your knowledge into practice. If you’re looking for a certification program that covers all your bases, is widely recognized, and will be respected wherever you go, the ACE certification is a solid choice.
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is another well-respected organization in the fitness industry. The NCCA also accredits its Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification program and covers a large array of topics, including anatomy, exercise science, and nutrition.
One of the unique aspects of the NASM certification program is its focus on corrective exercise. This means that NASM-certified personal trainers are trained to identify and correct movement imbalances and other issues that can lead to injury or reduced performance, a problem many people, unfortunately, experience during their fitness journey at least once.
The NASM certification program might be the best choice for those interested in helping clients prevent and overcome injuries.
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
The American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification program is accredited by the NCCA. It is another choice that covers several areas, including exercise science, program design, and client assessment. A unique feature of the ACSM certification program is its focus on medical considerations.
ACSM-certified personal trainers are specifically trained to work with clients with medical conditions and adapt their programs accordingly. If you want to work with clients with medical conditions and need a special type of care, the ACSM certification program might be the best choice for you.
ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer
The International Sports Sciences Association’s (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT) certification program is one more respectable option for those looking to take the entrepreneurial route.
One of the unique aspects of the ISSA certification program is its focus on business skills, in addition to fitness and training education. This means that ISSA-certified personal trainers are trained to market and promote their services and manage their finances and taxes. If you’ve thought about starting your own personal training business and being your own boss, the ISSA certification program is the best choice.
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a professional organization for strength and conditioning coaches. Their Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification program covers exercise science, program design, and client assessment.
One of the more unique aspects of the NSCA certification program is its focus on strength and power training. NSCA-certified personal trainers have been specifically trained to help clients build strength, power, and speed, requiring a great deal of knowledge and expertise for clients to see results and avoid accidents or an injury.
If you’re interested in working with athletes or clients who want to focus on building strength and power specifically, the NSCA certification program is the one you need to try.
Which Certification Program Is Best for You?
Choosing the right certification program depends on your goals and interests as a personal trainer. Finding the best and cheapest personal training certification is an important decision that will impact your entire career as a personal trainer.
Each program boasts unique strengths and focuses, and choosing the one that aligns with your goals and interests as a trainer is important. Consider factors such as accreditation, areas of specialization, and business skills when choosing a certification program. By choosing the right program for you, you can ensure you have the knowledge and skills to help your clients achieve their fitness goals and build successful careers as personal trainers.
Education