You’ve deiced to get your personal training certification- congratulations. But with hundreds of certification programs out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Today we take a look at one of the most respected programs, the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), and what you can expect from their NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer certification.
The NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer certification is NCCA Accredited, a requirement amongst most places of employment. While the NESTA PFT is the most widely known of their programs, they also offer many coaching and specialization programs that are very unique to NESTA including the Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach and the Triathlon Coach programs. They also have several programs specifically designed for the in-depth sciences, such as the Biomechanics Specialist program or the Heart Rate Performance Specialist program which was co-developed with Polar Heart Rate Monitors.
NESTA believes that in order for their graduates to be successful in the fitness field, they need a strong grasp of foundational exercise science and, more importantly, the application of that science.
“In my experience, many programs stress the science and are weak on application (or vice versa). Furthermore, the science is typically taught in a dry, boring manner. We strive to create the most engaging educational experience out there,” says Scott Gaines, NESTA’s Senior Vice President. While to program is completely online, they prefer to teach interactively, as opposed to learning material from a “boring textbook,” and use teaching methods that enhance experience, like proprietary 3D animations and visuals within the coursework.
“Most people enter this field because they have a passion for health and fitness and they want to share that passion for others. We want our education to fuel the flame of their passion for health and fitness, not snuff it out like many educators do.”
NESTA has created the System of Personal Fitness Training Success model that emphasizes not only the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully train clients toward their health and fitness goals, but also the important traits to run a successful personal training business, whether you decide to become an employee or an independent contractor.
The NESTA certification is available for purchase through their website for $449. It is one of the more economical certification choices, as it lasts 4 years, twice as long as most other certifications. After that, the NESTA PFT requires 4.0 CEUs, or 40 hours of continuing education, every 4 years. The course is delivered completely online and broken into 17 different study modules. Once you sign up, you have 90 days to study the material and take the exam. For those want a more “hand on” experience, there is an optional classroom workshop provided by Training Made Fun.
NESTA also offers plenty of support after you are certified and looking to start a lucrative business in the personal training field. This is really where NESTA feels they shine. “We offer many solutions for both the independent contractor or employee to really set themselves apart in their target market,” said Gaines. “[NESTA President and CEO] Dr. Ellis has long been a believer that business needed to be emphasized more in all our education. You can be the world’s smartest personal trainer from a science standpoint, but if you don’t have basic business skills you are doomed to be unsuccessful.” NESTA offers plenty of business tools on their website and more information is available on Dr. Ellis’ own website, PersonalTrainerTools.com.
If you are looking to get your certification as soon as possible, and feel working independently online is the best learning method for you, find out more about the NESTA Personal Fitness Trainer certification here.
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