Answers (11)
3
Hi Jennifer. About 2-years ago, ACSM changed the title "HFI" (Health and Fitness Instructor) to "HFS," (Health and Fitness Specialist). ACSM-HFS is still the gold standard for training the general population. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is the gold standard for training athletes.
2
ACSM is still a very very well respected certification. They require A LOT of education and critical thinking to pass their exams which is a very good thing.
I have noticed that it is not as common in the field unless people are working with a specific population such as extremely high risk, or even in a cardiovascular clinic.
I have noticed that it is not as common in the field unless people are working with a specific population such as extremely high risk, or even in a cardiovascular clinic.
0
Says who? Here in Texas, NASM is the preferred. For both general pop. and professional athletes.
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There is not such thing as a gold standard. Each certification is based on a test that you pass which by no means defines how good of a professional you are. That goes for any profession, whether it is a medical doctor, a nurse, physical therapist, or a school teacher. It all comes down to ones education in the field and their ability to take there knowledge and communicate that with their clients/patients. Those people who demonstrate the ability of knowledge and communication will be the gold standards in my eye!
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I agree with Jason Martuscello,
It's what each person does with the knowledge and experience they have that makes the biggest difference. Where they got a cert and degree from is secondary. I have certs from most of the big organizations. The question is similar to where do you like to go out to eat? It depends!
Dennis Garnham
It's what each person does with the knowledge and experience they have that makes the biggest difference. Where they got a cert and degree from is secondary. I have certs from most of the big organizations. The question is similar to where do you like to go out to eat? It depends!
Dennis Garnham
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ACSM is very much a highly credible certification. When I went to college most of the material/classes used ACSM as their curriculum and the professors were all certified through ACSM and had published scientific research journals. If I remember correctly ACSM is the oldest fitness certifying agency. With just that information right there I'd say they're very credible.
I wouldn't say they're the "gold standard" but it's one of the top. Also the HFI is a good certification if you're looking to teach exercise physiology, some sort of college level course in exercise testing, or plan on doing a lot of testing in your fitness profession. I wouldn't recommend HFI for becoming a Personal Trainer.
I wouldn't say they're the "gold standard" but it's one of the top. Also the HFI is a good certification if you're looking to teach exercise physiology, some sort of college level course in exercise testing, or plan on doing a lot of testing in your fitness profession. I wouldn't recommend HFI for becoming a Personal Trainer.
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While admittedly ACSM is one of the most well-respected and recognized fitness agencies in our profession. I think that the answer really depends on who you're asking and what area of practice you're concentrating on. For example, the "gold standard" for trainers concentrating on the area of working with the elderly, in rehabilitation or any other "specialty" areas might be different. With so many niches in our profession, I'm not sure that it's easy to say that any one certification is the gold standard for our profession.
I rely heavily on ACSM guidelines and position statements, as well as that of a chosen few others that I've come to respect.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
I rely heavily on ACSM guidelines and position statements, as well as that of a chosen few others that I've come to respect.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com
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That is simply a catch phrase: NASM is the "Global Leader in Personal Training Certification", ISSA is the "World Leader in Fitness Education."
The truth is that all of the companies have something different to offer, of which none of them are more than a simple base of knowledge for the industry much like what a bachelor's degree in the field offers. No certification company offers all of the knowledge needed for the true fitness professional, but any of them are a good start.
The truth is that all of the companies have something different to offer, of which none of them are more than a simple base of knowledge for the industry much like what a bachelor's degree in the field offers. No certification company offers all of the knowledge needed for the true fitness professional, but any of them are a good start.
