Question asked by Jocelyn Martin 161 days ago
Is anyone AFAA Biggest Loser certified?
AFAA is launching a new Biggest Loser certification website tied to the tv show in January. For the last year AFAA members have been able to study the certification and 100 members were able to take part in the website test. Has anyone had any experience with the certification or website? What has your experience been?
Answers (10)
1
Hi Bonnie, thanks for the comments. I had the same feeling. I also participated in a number of their webcasts, as well as completed the training in August of 2011. I was concerned that the "all in" mentality would put my obese clients at risk for injury, without teaching them how to make healthy eatting and exercise tools for a life time. I was also put off by the overall cost of the program for the trainer each month. I couldn't envision how what they were offering would provide my clients with more than what I was already providing. I think the name recognition of being a "Biggest Loser Pro" certified trainer can help some gain additional clients, but I already get a stream of clients through referrals due to the results that they achieve.
Thank you for your feedback. I'm glad to hear others thoughts on the program.
Thank you for your feedback. I'm glad to hear others thoughts on the program.
Hi Jocelyn - I've added a comment to my first response, since I've found out more about the program - please see below.
Comment by Bonnie Sprinkle 82 days ago
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is this for real? uhm I haven't heard of it.
According to their website: "In coordination with NBC's hit tv show The Biggest Loser, AFAA will soon be launching Biggest Loser Live Training. The new program connects the millions of people who want to lose weight directly with Biggest Loser Pros: qualified professionals with special AFAA continuing education, who will help participants lose weight, face to face, using Afaa's proprietary video web-conferencing technology."
Comment by Jocelyn Martin 161 days ago
Interesting...it would be beneficial for marketing campaigns depending on your niche. Its basically a way for AFAA to copyright and make money off of what most gyms are already doing...Biggest Loser competitions.
Comment by Shawn Fears 160 days ago
That is my thinking as well Shawn. I'm also interested in the on-line training technology they'll be using. As a military spouse moving every few years, the technology would allow me to stay in touch with clients all over the world regardless of where we were stationed. My hesitation is the monthly cost, the bugs that they seem to be having with the technology (it was supposed to be launched last June) and the additional CEU requirements they seem to be adding on suddenly.
Comment by Jocelyn Martin 156 days ago
Answered by Lisa Lorraine Taylor
160 days ago
MemberVerified
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No..a little pricey for my budget, but who knows...?
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Never heard of it but I just checked it out and, hey, if it gets people moving and motivated, awesome. Is this something you are personally considering?
Yes. Not because I think it will provide me any additional training that I can't get else where, but more because I think potential clients will be attracted to trainers that have "Big Name" recognition. And because the on-line technology they'll be using can help me keep in contact and train clients as I move with the military. My only hesitation is the monthly cost and the additional CEU costs they seem to be increasing at every turn.
Comment by Jocelyn Martin 156 days ago
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It sounds to me as if AFAA is trying to make money off this specific title. It can be argued that a client looking for a personal trainer may be attracted to a certification by that name. I cannot imagine what can (or should) be the difference between that certification and any other personal trainer certification.
Answered by Amy Kushner
156 days ago
0
i would think it is a way of training the extreme obese and their needs. I know they push them hard and just the initial phase- how fast- how far you can do something so intense to a person that IS NOT at all in condition to do something so extreme. Its just a thought, and it also adds some "umpf" when dealing with the obese- they do have a different mindset, and the emotional aspect is just as critical. Again, just thinking out loud. And yes, we all say we know this, but its putting it into practice- a more specific needs population on a complete fast track. I know for me, its a specialty and a population I enjoy working with. but in no way would I claim 18 - 23 year old male athletes as one of my niche markets and would LOVE a workshop dedicated to, if I ever decided to work with that specific of a population. Just thinking out loud.

Answered by Derek Weaver
152 days ago
0
Hi all,
In short, AFAA's Biggest Loser Pro program is designed as a consumer outreach program that allows specially-trained AFAA certified fitness professionals to interact online and onsite with viewers of the show. The goal is to leverage the name value of the show to get people off the couch and into a safe and effective exercise routine with a qualified AFAA fitness professional.
As some viewers may, for whatever reason, be initially resistant to going to a gym, not have one nearby, or do a lot of traveling, we have developed an online training system that will allow them to work with a trainer from anywhere there is broadband Internet access, thus removing three key barriers from embarking on the journey to healthier living! Ultimately, however, we would like to see the clients utilize their nearby fitness facility and take advantage of all that is available to them such as group exercise classes, onsite personal training sessions, etc. for long-term positive lifestyle change. To assist with this, Biggest Loser Pros may offer official Biggest Loser Challenges at their facility which we hope will help bring the clients in and help the gym with their membership and retention objectives as well.
The Biggest Loser Pro course itself focuses on how to effectively use the technology to deliver safe and effective exercise programming, as well as how to address the needs of the larger-sized participant, e.g., physiological, sociocultural and orthopedic concerns. The program is NOT about crash-course weight loss or any other unsafe practice.
If you want more info, please feel free to visit biggestloserpro.com or give us a a call!
Have a happy and healthy New Year!
Derek
In short, AFAA's Biggest Loser Pro program is designed as a consumer outreach program that allows specially-trained AFAA certified fitness professionals to interact online and onsite with viewers of the show. The goal is to leverage the name value of the show to get people off the couch and into a safe and effective exercise routine with a qualified AFAA fitness professional.
As some viewers may, for whatever reason, be initially resistant to going to a gym, not have one nearby, or do a lot of traveling, we have developed an online training system that will allow them to work with a trainer from anywhere there is broadband Internet access, thus removing three key barriers from embarking on the journey to healthier living! Ultimately, however, we would like to see the clients utilize their nearby fitness facility and take advantage of all that is available to them such as group exercise classes, onsite personal training sessions, etc. for long-term positive lifestyle change. To assist with this, Biggest Loser Pros may offer official Biggest Loser Challenges at their facility which we hope will help bring the clients in and help the gym with their membership and retention objectives as well.
The Biggest Loser Pro course itself focuses on how to effectively use the technology to deliver safe and effective exercise programming, as well as how to address the needs of the larger-sized participant, e.g., physiological, sociocultural and orthopedic concerns. The program is NOT about crash-course weight loss or any other unsafe practice.
If you want more info, please feel free to visit biggestloserpro.com or give us a a call!
Have a happy and healthy New Year!
Derek
Thank you for your additional comments Derek.
Comment by Jocelyn Martin 150 days ago
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Sounds like a great course Derek...I'll have to check it out!
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Hello, It's me again with an update on the Biggest Loser Pro program. After speaking with Linda Pfeffer, President of AFAA, I've found that I had several misconceptions regarding the program. I am now anxious and ready to learn more about the Complete 10 Workout that is the basis of the Biggest Loser Program. I'm happy to find out that the program does not promote a "All or nothing" mentality and does not push people to their limits as the TV show seems to. I am now ready to participate as a Biggest Loser Pro. I'm so glad Linda was able to clarify these issues for me. My faith in AFAA is restored! As I stated in my first comments the course was everything that I approve of and could get behind in as a Certified Personal Trainer wanting to provide my clients with a safe and effective program that produces results.
Hello, It's me again with an update on the Biggest Loser Pro program. After speaking with Linda Pfeffer, President of AFAA, I've found that I had several misconceptions regarding the program. I am now anxious and ready to learn more about the Complete 10 Workout that is the basis of the Biggest Loser Program. I'm happy to find out that the program does not promote a "All or nothing" mentality and does not push people to their limits as the TV show seems to. I am now ready to participate as a Biggest Loser Pro. I'm so glad Linda was able to clarify these issues for me. My faith in AFAA is restored! As I stated in my first comments the course was everything that I approve of and could get behind in as a Certified Personal Trainer wanting to provide my clients with a safe and effective program that produces results.
Comment by Bonnie Sprinkle 82 days ago
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Bonnie I would be interested in feedback if you attended a webinar and/or signed up for the program and how it is going. Thanks!








