Answers (22)
3
Some of the certifying bodies like ACE, NASM, ACSM and NSCA require that the candidate have a degree in order to sit for some of their advanced certifications. Some certifying bodies go as far as requiring the candidate have a degree in a health-related discipline.
3
Cross Fit is a business and fitness model that is not broad enough to cover all populations - or several - as an ACE, NASM, ACSM or NETA certification would cover. While there can be redeeming and interesting information in any of these projects like RKC kettlebells, Zumba, Cross Fit, Silver Sneakers, Turbo Kick, TRX, etc, I think that is really is a slice of something vs. a baseline certification. If combined with Personal Training or Group Fitness Certification, a cross fit instructor could be effective and safe. The drawback of many trainings is their lack of requiring the candidates to be GFI or PFT certified along with their 'class module' or business model.
Again, while many of these things may be valueable, they dont replace, and generally they do not cover some of the basic information that fitness instructors, group leaders should know. Any of these trainings can be a great way to build on the base of knowlege established in a good certification. But the baseline certification gives a broader perspective to view the additional training from.
Again, while many of these things may be valueable, they dont replace, and generally they do not cover some of the basic information that fitness instructors, group leaders should know. Any of these trainings can be a great way to build on the base of knowlege established in a good certification. But the baseline certification gives a broader perspective to view the additional training from.
2
Anyone can do any of the certificaitons, that is not something to base an opinion on. I don't much care for Crossfit, and I don't know what their certification is like. I am curious to know if there are any Crossfit certified trainers on here what they have to say about exercise science in the certification.
2
I respectfully state that the comment that "anyone can do any of these certifications is misleading."
ACSM HFS certification requires a four-year degree in a health-related study.
NASM PES certification requires a four-year degree in a health-related study.
ACE AHFS certification requires a degree in a health-related field plus 300 documented hours working with clinical populations.
ACSM RCEP requires 600 documents hours of clinical work plus a masters degree in a health-related study.
Most personal trainer certifications are foundational. And yes "anyone" can earn these credentials. I must add that the many "anyones" who earn an NCCA-accredited credential in my opinion are just as dedicated to the industry as those who earn credentials with different requirements as far as taking the exam is concerned.
ACSM HFS certification requires a four-year degree in a health-related study.
NASM PES certification requires a four-year degree in a health-related study.
ACE AHFS certification requires a degree in a health-related field plus 300 documented hours working with clinical populations.
ACSM RCEP requires 600 documents hours of clinical work plus a masters degree in a health-related study.
Most personal trainer certifications are foundational. And yes "anyone" can earn these credentials. I must add that the many "anyones" who earn an NCCA-accredited credential in my opinion are just as dedicated to the industry as those who earn credentials with different requirements as far as taking the exam is concerned.
2
Cross Fit is a (WAY EXPENSIVE) weekend course cert and will leave someone with more holes in their knowledge than a good CPT cert and WWWAAAYYYY more holes than someone with a CSCS or PES. I had a couple guys here in my gym yesterday that were about to get CF certified and they knew very little. CF programming is very "loose", with little to no specialization, and in my opinion, inferior to CPT and Advanced Sports Performance certs.
1
After much thought about this question, I'd like to add to the above statement.
I looked at all the profiles of the individuals who responded to this question as well as the individual who posed the question. I'd like to say first off, thanks Susan for your question.
After looking at the profiles I notice that there are only two individuals who responded to the question posed who are in possession of NCCA accredited sports conditioning credentials.
This is relevant to the question as Cross Fit's approach is a sports conditioning approach. The approach is very different from the personal trainer approach.
I personally think it is unfair to criticize an organization if one hasn't shown evidence of learning, earning or training in the arena that which they criticize.
I don't know much about Cross Fit but what I have learned their approach is along the lines of sports conditioning.
I don't think comparing ACE, ACSM or the NASM to Cross Fit is a fair comparison. It's like comparing apples to oranges. If the comparsion were between the NSCA CSCS approach and the Cross Fit methodology, then, in my opinion, there would be a basis to say that the industry standard as far as sports conditioning is being diminished.
Having earned two sports conditioning credentials I am able to see the difference in training approach between the certified personal trainer and the certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Is one inferior to the other? In my opinion, No. It's just a different approach.
It would be wonderful to have someone who has earned their NSCA CSCS credential in addition to the Cross Fit credential chime in on this discussion.
In the meantime, I am of the opinion that the professionalism of personal trainers is diminished if we are too quick to judge teaching organizations without having sufficient information upon which to base our opinions.
Again, thanks for your question.
I looked at all the profiles of the individuals who responded to this question as well as the individual who posed the question. I'd like to say first off, thanks Susan for your question.
After looking at the profiles I notice that there are only two individuals who responded to the question posed who are in possession of NCCA accredited sports conditioning credentials.
This is relevant to the question as Cross Fit's approach is a sports conditioning approach. The approach is very different from the personal trainer approach.
I personally think it is unfair to criticize an organization if one hasn't shown evidence of learning, earning or training in the arena that which they criticize.
I don't know much about Cross Fit but what I have learned their approach is along the lines of sports conditioning.
I don't think comparing ACE, ACSM or the NASM to Cross Fit is a fair comparison. It's like comparing apples to oranges. If the comparsion were between the NSCA CSCS approach and the Cross Fit methodology, then, in my opinion, there would be a basis to say that the industry standard as far as sports conditioning is being diminished.
Having earned two sports conditioning credentials I am able to see the difference in training approach between the certified personal trainer and the certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Is one inferior to the other? In my opinion, No. It's just a different approach.
It would be wonderful to have someone who has earned their NSCA CSCS credential in addition to the Cross Fit credential chime in on this discussion.
In the meantime, I am of the opinion that the professionalism of personal trainers is diminished if we are too quick to judge teaching organizations without having sufficient information upon which to base our opinions.
Again, thanks for your question.
0
If they were to put more emphasis on form and injury prevent and proper progression, absolutely
0
Seems like everyone is a certified personal trainer these days. It is to easy to become a personal trainer. We do need higher standards. A registered dietician and licensed massage therapist are a little more respectable than being a personal trainer. I have been a personl trainer for over 30 years and I feel the industry has gone downhill. Cross fit to me seems like something I would go to a clinic for to get cec's.
0
No. Crossfit certifications have dramatically changed over just a few years. I am no longer a fan of it or its certification. Too much money seems to ruin everything.
0
In order to be certified doesn't the organization have to go through a process? TRX and BOSU have trainings not certifications. I thought this was because they are not recognized as certifying agencies. What does crossfit have that they don't?
0
Crossfit is accredited by The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) you can look at the website (http://www.ansi.org/standards_activities/overview/overview.aspx?menuid=3) and they do have standards. I'm certified by NASM and have looked into getting a Crossfit certification but didn't because the population I work with wouldn't make the cost worth it. There's a lot of info about Crossfit you just have to look.
0
I spoke with a crossfit certified instructor who has also been ACSM certified as a personal trainer. In his opinion the crossfit certification was much more valuable in terms of preparing him to work effectively with clients. I have my ACSM but have been tempted by crossfit because I think ACSM has not done enough to prepare me practically to work with clients especially in terms of things like spotting. I primarily do boot camp, TRX and personal training and feel like crossfit would get me more comfortable with heavy lifting scenarios. It's very expensive so I'm not sure if it will happen...
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I would like to stay with the question which was: Does The Cross Fit Certification Hold the Same Standards?
0
Seems like the approach is very different Susan.
I personally don't think the Cross Fit methodology lowers the standards set by the ACSM or ACE. In my opinion it is just different.
The ACSM and ACE is not focusing on the tactical athlete. Cross Fit is. That being the case I would say that they hold themselves to a high standard the same as ACE and the ACSM. The standard is just different.
Thanks for your question.
I personally don't think the Cross Fit methodology lowers the standards set by the ACSM or ACE. In my opinion it is just different.
The ACSM and ACE is not focusing on the tactical athlete. Cross Fit is. That being the case I would say that they hold themselves to a high standard the same as ACE and the ACSM. The standard is just different.
Thanks for your question.
0
Wow, I seemed to have hit a nerve here, which was not my intention.
I don't think voicing an opinion is criticizing.
As for judging teaching organizations? This is a forum for discussion, right?
I don't think voicing an opinion is criticizing.
As for judging teaching organizations? This is a forum for discussion, right?
0
Hey Susan. I hope you don't think you hit a wrong nerve with me. I appreciate your question and I was only sharing my thoughts.
I agree wholeheartedly that this is a forum for discussion and one should respectfully and freely express their position. I, in fact have left my testimonials on the certifying bodies for which I have earned a credential. So I think it is fair game. I just try to gain as much knowledge about the organization before I take strong position.
I am sorry if I left the wrong impression.
Best. 8))
I agree wholeheartedly that this is a forum for discussion and one should respectfully and freely express their position. I, in fact have left my testimonials on the certifying bodies for which I have earned a credential. So I think it is fair game. I just try to gain as much knowledge about the organization before I take strong position.
I am sorry if I left the wrong impression.
Best. 8))
0
I am CrossFit certified and an ACE certified personal trainer. CrossFit has different levels of certification. The CrossFit L1 certification is a course in which CrossFit shares its methodologies, practices and programming. This course is designed for the CrossFit enthusiast that wants to know more about the program. They do teach the basic Olympic lifts (yes, with progression), but I would not feel comfortable coaching CrossFit with the 2-day instructon that I received. However, combined with my 8 years as a personal trainer and my training experience, I feel I received enough information to coach CrossFit, which I can with this certification as long as I am employed by a CrossFit affiliate. CrossFit does not allow you to market as a CrossFit coach or use the word CrossFit in your marketing materials unless you are employed by an affiliate. There is a second and third certification, CrossFit Coaching Prep and Coaching Certification which go into much more detailed education, practicums, and exams which can qualify you as a certified coach. I have not taken these courses so I cannot speak to them - but 48 hours later, 3 extensive tests later and $3,000 later, I am confident that these CrossFit certifications will yield a well informed, well educated CrossFit coach. I think the challenge lies in the fact that those fitness professionals that go beyond the CrossFit Level 1 course are few. I hope that this information helps and gives a little credit to the CrossFit community - I personally LOVE being CrossFit certified and love the CrossFit community!
0
Yes Alison, everyone is entitled to their opinion, which is why we have this forum for discussion.
0
In talking to a number of other trainers, athletic trainers and MAT therapists, I've discovered that they have all had many clients who have been injured doing Crossfit. So, this tells me that the people who are teaching crossfit do not have enough knowledge or experience to coach average people who walk through their doors. For example, olymbic lifts take a long time and practice to perfect. When you add that level of difficulty to the fact that with CrossFit, you have to perform as fast as you can or as many reps as you can (especialy when your muscles are alreade tired from other exercises), it can be a recipe for disaster.
I'm not criticizing the philosophy of CrossFit, only the way it's been taught. You have people who are CrossFit certified but do not understand anatomy and physiology and have no knowledge or understanding of the various moves they are teaching others to perform. I'm not saying this applies to everyone who teaches CrossFit, but I suspect a good number of them are not ready to teach such a high level of training. Just because you took a class or went through a 2-day certification doesn't make you an expert.
To answer Susan's question, I don't think a 1- or 2-day certification is as respected as a certification that requires a four-year degree, as with ACSM or NSCA. Just like there is a difference between a weekend warrior and a professional warrior, there is a difference between a trainer who attended a 1-, 2- or 3-day certification and one with four or more years of formal education in exercise physiology and anatomy plus experience. Would you trust a doctor who earned a diploma from the internet, read a couple of books or got a 2-day certification? Or would you trust someone with a degree from an accredited institution and the required number of resident hours and experience? I think I would choose the latter. This same principle applies to any profession.
Thanks.
I'm not criticizing the philosophy of CrossFit, only the way it's been taught. You have people who are CrossFit certified but do not understand anatomy and physiology and have no knowledge or understanding of the various moves they are teaching others to perform. I'm not saying this applies to everyone who teaches CrossFit, but I suspect a good number of them are not ready to teach such a high level of training. Just because you took a class or went through a 2-day certification doesn't make you an expert.
To answer Susan's question, I don't think a 1- or 2-day certification is as respected as a certification that requires a four-year degree, as with ACSM or NSCA. Just like there is a difference between a weekend warrior and a professional warrior, there is a difference between a trainer who attended a 1-, 2- or 3-day certification and one with four or more years of formal education in exercise physiology and anatomy plus experience. Would you trust a doctor who earned a diploma from the internet, read a couple of books or got a 2-day certification? Or would you trust someone with a degree from an accredited institution and the required number of resident hours and experience? I think I would choose the latter. This same principle applies to any profession.
Thanks.
-2
Opinions are like assholes everyone's got them.... I have been in the fitness industry for 20 years... I can honestly say that a piece of paper / certification / degree does not make a good PT.... I have seen people with no formal training in the fitness industry blow people with degrees out of the water with their skills....
