afraid to do personal training course

timetogetfit

I am very out of shape but I have a big interest fitness and nutrition, I would like to qualify as a personal trainer but im afraid if I do the course in my current condition I will be laughed out the door, although I think doing something like this would provide me with the extra motivation I need to finally put what I know into action, what do ye folks think?

FunkZ

It's up to yourself. Personally I'd get to a reasonable fitness level first, but that's just me.

Roper

Well, I'm sure you could do the course and do it well, and it's nice that you have an interest. But think about it for a sec. If you don't have the motivation or inclination to get yourself in shape right now, what makes you think you're suitable to teach others to get fit?

Go try get in shape first and then you'll know for sure if it's something you want to do.

easyontheeye

from a client point of view i wouldn't even consider hiring a personal trainer who looked out of shape

HardyEustace

I wouldn't go near a personal trainer who was out of shape.

And if you can't be bothered to exercise on a part time basis for the good of your health and for the well being, why are you considering it as a job? As the previous posters say get in shape first and then contemplate the course.

If you genuinely loved sports and keeping fit and feeling healthy you wouldn't need any extra motivation. You'd be out there doing it now.

It's like saying that you're scared of heights but that you'd love to become a parachute jumper instructor...

Colm_OReilly

You'd be surprised at the amount of people on personal training courses for personal reasons stated above. I doubt you'd be alone.

Transform

Get in shape first and cut out the bullsh$t excuses you have for getting in shape.

The best trainers (the ones earning a good living from it) all look the part

Canis Lupus

(again as a client)

I'm looking at getting a PT for a couple of sessions shortly. I already know who. It's the bloke with the body I'd love to have. There are a couple of fat/chubby pt's and I didn't even consider them. I figure if the PT I am going to chose has the body I aspire to have then he's got to both know his **** and practise it.

How do I know a PT is telling me something true and correct when they look exactly the way I don't want to.

So from just a random gym goer I'd say get fit then think about teaching people about fitness.

timetogetfit

Oh I agree with you all, Im not trying to get permission to try and be an out of shape PT.What im trying to say is maybe if I immerse myself in that type of environment I would find it easier to apply the knowledge I know, I have 7 weeks till the course starts and it lasts 18 weeks.

cowzerp

Canis Lupus wrote: »

(again as a client)

I'm looking at getting a PT for a couple of sessions shortly. I already know who. It's the bloke with the body I'd love to have. There are a couple of fat/chubby pt's and I didn't even consider them. I figure if the PT I am going to chose has the body I aspire to have then he's got to both know his **** and practise it.

Although i totally understand your statement, i have to say, just because you want to look like someone does not mean your made to look like that, if your genetics dont give you that shape it cant be forced by someone due to a special way of training! He might be in good shape but not necessarily a great trainer, judge by physique partially but more by there knowledge and hunger for the job-im a personal trainer and keep fit but i train lots of woman that hopefully dont want to look like me!! I would not hire a fat personal trainer either.

Canis Lupus

cowzerp wrote: »

Although i totally understand your statement, i have to say, just because you want to look like someone does not mean your made to look like that, if your genetics dont give you that shape it cant be forced by someone due to a special way of training! He might be in good shape but not necessarily a great trainer, judge by physique partially but more by there knowledge and hunger for the job-im a personal trainer and keep fit but i train lots of woman that hopefully dont want to look like me!! I would not hire a fat personal trainer either.

Ah yeah totally but I reckon it's a good start over picking someone who looks like his gym bag is fukll of kebabs.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Start training tonight, and eat well after. Don't wait for it, just do it. No time better than now.

Colm_OReilly

Mmmm kebabs!

The third party has no bearing on the subject. It would be better to get referrals from clients who have had success stories.

If you look at the top coaches in the world at any sport, chances are they weren't exceptional athletes. was Arsene Wegner a brilliant footballer, I don't know. If you look at the coaches of Olympic weightlifters, they're usually not in great shape, but they've coached their athletes to exceptional results.

Colm
-Justifying his mars bars?

Degsy

This looks suspiciously like a certain other person who used to post here.I assume you still havnt started training juan?

greenmonster

Just out of curiosity on this topic. I'm looking for a change of career, and something like this would be ideal, bit of a dream job. Can anyone recommend good courses and how much do they cost, how long do they last etc?

I have a basic knowledge but have no formal training/education in the area, is this much of a disadvantage?

Hanley

Colm_OReilly wrote: »

Mmmm kebabs!

The third party has no bearing on the subject. It would be better to get referrals from clients who have had success stories.

If you look at the top coaches in the world at any sport, chances are they weren't exceptional athletes. was Arsene Wegner a brilliant footballer, I don't know.If you look at the coaches of Olympic weightlifters, they're usually not in great shape, but they've coached their athletes to exceptional results.

Colm
-Justifying his mars bars?

I only noticed this now. Alot of olympic coaches aren't in great shape because they're old.... And the majority of them have competed at a very high level when they were younger. Ireland's number one coach competed and did quite well in several international events. In fact he competed in the 1960 olympics in Rome. Coaching is based on ability as well as knowledge. And to that end it is unfair to use the example of olympic weightlifting coaches as one which "proves" you don't have to be in good shape to coach.

EDIT: Besides, weightlifting isn't about looking pretty anyway. Personal training generally is.

James
-Think twice before you eat that Mars bar..... Have a creme egg instead!

Transform

Sounds very like the statement of "those who can't..... teach."

Personal training is all about selling an image and lifestyle and if you don't represent it then business is going to be slow.

Rogueish

Hi OP,

I'm going to speak out against the masses here.

If you really want to see if personal training is for you then go for it. You will be amazed at the motivation that you can gain by going in and learning about the body and how to nourish and exercise it to achieve the results you want. Also after 24 weeks of activity you will have to see differences in your own body. This is on a personal self development level.

However you will really need to be dedicated to be able to sell yourself and your image after the 24 week course as you will have to self motivate and get yourself to the gym and maintain your gains.

As transform and many of the others have stated it is your image that you are selling to gain a client base that will allow you a sufficient income to maintain/gain a certain lifestyle.

Dragan

Hmmm..... i'm a couple of weeks shy of being qualified so i will give you my experience and advice.

Just do the course. You'll learn plenty, meet some great people and maybe find what you want to do with yourself for the rest of your life. Work hard yourself over the duration of the course to get into shape. You really do need to have SOMETHING going for you physically if you want to be a PT.

The one thing i will say is that in my experience of training clients ( i was very lucky to get to do work experience in one of the best private training facilities in Dublin ) it's not so much about your knowledge as it is about your ability to motivate someone to work hard.

You will have clients coming to you for training at 5:30 and 6 in the morning.....they will be just out of bed and lethargic. You need to make them work.

You will have clients coming to you at 7 and 8 at night, tired from a long days work....you will need to motivate them.

If you can't motivate yourself then you will be in real trouble.

catyb20

Just of interest what are the average costs to work with a personal trainer and do personal trainers work weekends or just mid week?

celestial

Give this its own thread maybe, but I have another question. I'd love to do a PT course, mainly because I'd love to learn more about the human body and the content of these courses really appeals to me (have always been interested in physiology), and I know I can motivate and enthuse people - but do you know are there many PTs working part time? I have full time job and don't think I'd give it up unless I really really thought I wanted to pursue PT full time, but could see myself doing it at weekends/evenings maybe.

Thoughts?

Dragan, which course are you doing? Is it the NCEF one I think Boru recommended a while back?

Dragan

celestial wrote: »

Dragan, which course are you doing? Is it the NCEF one I think Boru recommended a while back?

I did the NCHS course with the National Training Center just off Dorset Street. The course was perfect, will set anyone up nicely to progress into the PT field.

As for part timing, i know plenty of other people who have a full time job and provide themselves with extra income by working with a few clients a week, or over weekends.

Jimmy Bottlehead

Ouch, at around 2k it isn't too expensive... is it that good though?

Dragan

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Ouch, at around 2k it isn't too expensive... is it that good though?

It's fine. You'll come out of it with the knowledge you need to personally train the average punter, which really isn't all that difficult.

If i am honest, from self education over the year i would have passed my Anatomy, Physiology, Myology, Resistance Training and Excercise Principles and Nutrition courses the first week i was there. It's not exactly incredibly complicated stuff but there can be a lot of course material.

The only complication for me was Excercise to Music......i like weights, big ones.....I don't dance!

Jimmy Bottlehead

Haha, aye I know what ya mean! Cool, I always said I'd never study again but this would really interest me.

celestial

Dragan wrote: »

It's fine. You'll come out of it with the knowledge you need to personally train the average punter, which really isn't all that difficult.

If i am honest, from self education over the year i would have passed my Anatomy, Physiology, Myology, Resistance Training and Excercise Principles and Nutrition courses the first week i was there. It's not exactly incredibly complicated stuff but there can be a lot of course material.

The only complication for me was Excercise to Music......i like weights, big ones.....I don't dance!

I hear ya, I know a lot more bout that stuff from my own reading and research - and this forum! Good to hear you've found that course good, will have to look into it now..

In fact, do you or anyone else know are there any course out there where you could get a more in-depth dive into those subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Myology, food science/nutrition) than what is provided in what I would imagine is not huge detail on PT courses. So, not an actual degree that would take 4 years or a Masters which requires a background in the area (which I don't have), but something that you could do in 1-2 years, maybe even part-time?

G'em or someone else might know either?

g'em

Short answer, no not really. Anything that deals with these topics in greater depth will be part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program.

There are part time courses in Nutrition but they tend to be from a naturopathy/ homeopathy point of view. Anatomy/ physiology wise there's a Neuromuscular Therapist course that the NTC run that lasts a year part-time. Many of the more specialised courses tend to be quite expensive though.

Although if anyone else knows of other options I'm all ears!!

celestial

You ever think of doing personal training g'em?

Sounds like the NCHS course is the way to go for a decent basic qualification in Ireland anyway...had a quick look on net there and it seems to be the only one in dublin that someone with no experience could apply to.

g'em

celestial wrote: »

You ever think of doing personal training g'em?

I've lost count of the number of times I've come this <--> close to doing a PT course!! I'd still like to do one, and much like Dragan I'm sure there are parts of the course I'd find very easy. Finding the time is the big issue at the moment tbh

kazzer

To timetogetfit, I would say go do the course now - dont delay. I say this because by the time you are qualified and actually working in the field you could be in good/great shape and you can continue improving from there.

For those of you who are personal training, or about to embark on this, how do you intend to go about this. Practically I mean. Will you work in the clients home? Or in a gym? Or will you 'work' for a fitness club?

Lothaar

I was thinking of doing the NTC course myself, but the last places were just filled. I rang last week and there were two spots left for the course that starts on Jan 28th. Poo. I wonder if this thread prompted those last two people to sign up.

Anybody know if the ITEC courses are any good?

crotalus667

Does any one know of a course that is recognised in the uk ??

celestial

crotalus667 wrote: »

Does any one know of a course that is recognised in the uk ??

From what I can see on itec's site it is recognised in the UK?

juanveron45

These courses are all supposed to be good in the uk and they are well recognised world wide

http://www.premierglobal.co.uk/course/diploma.aspx

This premier global one is very intensive and takes only 3 months but its quite expensive

http://www.focus-training.com/Choose_Your_Career_Path/I_want_to_be_a_Personal_Trainer/Personal_Trainer.html


The good thing about the focus training one is that most of it is home study so you can do it in your own time while you work however there are practicals which would involve some weekends meeting up with the tutors at their venue
It takes about 6 months to do but its alot cheaper than premier

Both courses are recognised world wide and they are certified under the Register of Exercise Professionals REPS

celestial

juanveron45 wrote: »

These courses are all supposed to be good in the uk and they are well recognised world wide

http://www.premierglobal.co.uk/course/diploma.aspx

This premier global one is very intensive and takes only 3 months but its quite expensive

http://www.focus-training.com/Choose_Your_Career_Path/I_want_to_be_a_Personal_Trainer/Personal_Trainer.html


The good thing about the focus training one is that most of it is home study so you can do it in your own time while you work however there are practicals which would involve some weekends meeting up with the tutors at their venue
It takes about 6 months to do but its alot cheaper than premier

Both courses are recognised world wide and they are certified under the Register of Exercise Professionals REPS

The Focus one seems to be for people who already have a gym/fitness instruction qualification though no?

Zamboni

celestial wrote: »

From what I can see on itec's site it is recognised in the UK?

There are two separate enitities which use the acronym ITEC.

One which is www.itecworld.co.uk - a legitimate course provider in the UK.

The other (which I won't bother putting the link up for) is a dubious course provider based in Dublin.
They are accredited by a non-existent organisation called the DLAC.

A cynic would say the second ITEC use the same acronym to rip off the other. Not me
Feel free to investigate them.

The only courses worth their salt for a basic intro to PT are the NCEF Level 1 and NCEHS. Both of which are available in Dublin.
They would be the predominantly recognised courses by employers.

Personally, I wouldn't let anyone with anything less than a Sports/Health Science degree near me, let alone instruct.

There was also another post about 'online personal trainer courses'.
How on earth can you be a personal trainer without undertaking a practical element of a course? Steer clear of cheap/easy online courses. If not for yourself, for your potential future clients...

Jimmy Bottlehead

Hey.

Sorry to bring this up again, but I've been thinking and I want to do a course. I've asked a number of people, and they've all said that I should go for it as I've such an interest in it.

However, I think it'd have to be part time, so what are my options?
I looked at the NCEF one but my girlfriend did the first year and found it very poor? However, I'm thinking that Dragans one sounds good...

I'd like to hear peoples experiences, esp those who have already done it... please post up here or PM me, I'd love to hear.

Thanks.

Dragan

Hey Jimmy,

i'm just wrapping up here for the day but will PM you tomorrow.

And if i don't just send me one calling me a knob to remind me!

cowzerp

I done the 1 dragan is doing years ago and found it very good, the more you put in the more you'll get out of it-i knew nothing but boxing before it(and bicep curls) and studied like mad.

others done the bare minimum and it showed! now im well respected and have tutored trainee instructors and been trainer of trainers, now i solely just freelance personal train and this course was my start, now like i said its up to you how well you can do, but no one will pay pt rates to a fat trainer

"start getting in shape from today to prove you have the dedication to live the fitness lifestyle" (i just made that up now!, cool)

Jimmy Bottlehead

cowzerp wrote: »

I done the 1 dragan is doing years ago and found it very good, the more you put in the more you'll get out of it-i knew nothing but boxing before it(and bicep curls) and studied like mad.

others done the bare minimum and it showed! now im well respected and have tutored trainee instructors and been trainer of trainers, now i solely just freelance personal train and this course was my start, now like i said its up to you how well you can do, but no one will pay pt rates to a fat trainer

"start getting in shape from today to prove you have the dedication to live the fitness lifestyle" (i just made that up now!, cool)

Cheers man (I presume!)

Looking through the general opinions, it does seem the NCEHS one is seen as far better than the NCEF one. The fees are both the same pretty much, and I don't mind paying a bit extra to get better quality.

In fairness, I'm already in decent shape. I realise decent doesn't cut it as a PT, but hell I've a good while before I even start the course! And I've met my goals thus far, so should be cool.

cowzerp

Jimmy 1 of the trainers in my gym showed me his course stuff from the ncef and the nutrition part was 2 pages, not 2 packed pages either!!

this is pathetic in my opinion as diet is so important for clients and without knowledge i believe an instructor is not very usefull!

in ireland ncehs seems to be the best and then you could home study with course from the states after to build up your knowledge...best of luck with it.

Jimmy Bottlehead

cowzerp wrote: »

Jimmy 1 of the trainers in my gym showed me his course stuff from the ncef and the nutrition part was 2 pages, not 2 packed pages either!!

this is pathetic in my opinion as diet is so important for clients and without knowledge i believe an instructor is not very usefull!

in ireland ncehs seems to be the best and then you could home study with course from the states after to build up your knowledge...best of luck with it.

That is pretty bad alright... sure the sticky on this forum contains way more than that!!

It's looking like the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training run by the NTC... but I'll check out all of them to make sure.

aye

Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »

Hey.

Sorry to bring this up again, but I've been thinking and I want to do a course. I've asked a number of people, and they've all said that I should go for it as I've such an interest in it.

However, I think it'd have to be part time, so what are my options?
I looked at the NCEF one but my girlfriend did the first year and found it very poor? However, I'm thinking that Dragans one sounds good...

I'd like to hear peoples experiences, esp those who have already done it... please post up here or PM me, I'd love to hear.

Thanks.

I'm doing the NCEF course at the moment. I wouldnt consider it poor at all. There is a lot of course material, and outside work you have to (gym classes, work experience).
It is recognised nationally and in the uk. Also its accerdited by UL, which looks very good.
I did a masters a couple of years back so i can say that the written papers i've seen so far wouldnt be a big issue, but it is an adult learning course, and the majority of mark for the course go for you pratical ability to teach.
the only thing i would say about it is the lack of choice. i'm never going to teach exercise to music, but i'm forced to do it. i'd rather replace the time doing it with spinning or something.

It must be remembered NCEF is only a starter course tho, its design is to get a basis knowledge in all areas, and then you can go on to specific areas, such as PT, nutrition, team sports etc.



In reply to the OP. just go ahead and do it. I'm not the more aerobically fit guy around, i'm more into resistance training. but everyone in the course have different levels of fitness. there are some professional atheletes in the class, and then people who have office jobs (like myself). As regards to fitness training, its a science. everything in it is a science of how the body responds to stress. you will need to motivate people, and more likely the average joe doesnt want to be trained by someone that looks less fit then them, but during the course you'll probably do some fitness work anyway, and then you can continue from there.

Roper

Zamboni wrote: »

Personally, I wouldn't let anyone with anything less than a Sports/Health Science degree near me, let alone instruct.

Just want to come back to this. Why not? And how many Sports/Health Science degree holders have you had teaching you?

I'm of the opinion that interest and motivation coupled with some basic skils are a great combination.

jj1310

The ACE personal trainers course means you are qualified worldwide. Just a though, only snag 40% pass rate approx

crotalus667

jj1310 wrote: »

The ACE personal trainers course means you are qualified worldwide. Just a though, only snag 40% pass rate approx

do you have a link ??

jj1310

I believe the only crowd running it in Ireland are Maltings fitness. www.maltfit.com. Just if you decide to do a fitness course check will it qualify if you decie to work on a cruise ship. Just a thought as I said. If you only intend instructing in Ireland not really an issue

Zamboni

Roper wrote: »

Just want to come back to this. Why not? And how many Sports/Health Science degree holders have you had teaching you?

I'm of the opinion that interest and motivation coupled with some basic skils are a great combination.

Look the NCEHS and NCEF are good starting qualifications.
Far better than the ITEC cowboys.

Both the NCEHS/NECEF take approx 4 months to complete.
Do you think 16 weeks is enough for someone to prescribe you with exercise?
I've completed both and I've witnessed some brainless fools coming out of those courses that I wouldn't allow mind my dog.

Would you hire a doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, psychiatrist that studied for only 16 weeks?

MooseJam

so how does it work then, do you get hired by a gym and then take on clients at the gym ?

Dragan

Zamboni wrote: »

Look the NCEHS and NCEF are good starting qualifications.
Far better than the ITEC cowboys.

Both the NCEHS/NECEF take approx 4 months to complete.
Do you think 16 weeks is enough for someone to prescribe you with exercise?
I've completed both and I've witnessed some brainless fools coming out of those courses that I wouldn't allow mind my dog.

Would you hire a doctor, physiotherapist, dentist, psychiatrist that studied for only 16 weeks?

The same could be said for any profession Zamboni.

The training/education provided to anyone for any job is just the start. After that it's passion and application that will cut the wheat from the chaff!

aye

Dragan wrote: »

The same could be said for any profession Zamboni.

The training/education provided to anyone for any job is just the start. After that it's passion and application that will cut the wheat from the chaff!

exactly, and as i've said above the ncef course is designed to get a general understanding fitness priciples and how to insruct them.
they are designed to be vast enough so people can go on and specialise in their chosen field.
the best fitness instructor or personal trainers are the ones who read this stuff in their spare time and keep up with it.