Answers (7)
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Hi Robyn,
I look at several aspects. First, whether the subject of the course is of interest to me and will complement or supplement my knowledge base. Second, the reputation of the organization which has put the course together. I also tend to look at organizations with which I am already certified because it usually means continuity of approach. I also do a cost / benefit analysis as much as possible. Some courses are rather expensive, particularly when travel is involved, and I am asking myself whether this will enhance my marketability to justify the expense. The number of CeCs are of lesser interest to me because I always have more than I need.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I look at several aspects. First, whether the subject of the course is of interest to me and will complement or supplement my knowledge base. Second, the reputation of the organization which has put the course together. I also tend to look at organizations with which I am already certified because it usually means continuity of approach. I also do a cost / benefit analysis as much as possible. Some courses are rather expensive, particularly when travel is involved, and I am asking myself whether this will enhance my marketability to justify the expense. The number of CeCs are of lesser interest to me because I always have more than I need.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
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Hi Robyn,
I look at exactly the same things Karen does with a little more regarding travel and conferences. I have found over the years that if I jam all my CEC's into a conference (although it's always a great experience in many ways), I retain less. I now choose not to go to those events for CEC purposes.
I usually choose 1 big course~a topic I'd really like to learn more about~which fits into either training or Aquatics categories and then a few smaller courses of interest.
I look at exactly the same things Karen does with a little more regarding travel and conferences. I have found over the years that if I jam all my CEC's into a conference (although it's always a great experience in many ways), I retain less. I now choose not to go to those events for CEC purposes.
I usually choose 1 big course~a topic I'd really like to learn more about~which fits into either training or Aquatics categories and then a few smaller courses of interest.
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Topic & price , also I look at the reputation of whos offering the course, and if its NSCA aproved.
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Hi Robyn,
Karin, Kimberly and Jeffrey hit it on the head! In 18 years I have attended 16 IDEA Conferences as its an awesome way to connect and re-connect with other Fitness Professionals, Presenters and of course the Vendors.
This year I'm going to take workshops in areas that I'm not familiar with in order to grow as a Personal Trainer/Nutritionist and Wellness Coach.
Pick workshops that will help your business grow, just don't forget to have fun doing so! :D
Karin, Kimberly and Jeffrey hit it on the head! In 18 years I have attended 16 IDEA Conferences as its an awesome way to connect and re-connect with other Fitness Professionals, Presenters and of course the Vendors.
This year I'm going to take workshops in areas that I'm not familiar with in order to grow as a Personal Trainer/Nutritionist and Wellness Coach.
Pick workshops that will help your business grow, just don't forget to have fun doing so! :D
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Kimberly,
For me continuing education is most about learning and growing. Although the organization offering the CEC as well as the cost is a factor, there are many opportunities to continue ones education where one doesn't earn any CECs.
Although I enjoy the all the fitness conventions, I am at a point in my career where I find investing in university level courses to benefit me more professionally. Hence, when I choose courses with the objective of continuing my education I always consider how it will assist me in growing intellectually.
For me continuing education is most about learning and growing. Although the organization offering the CEC as well as the cost is a factor, there are many opportunities to continue ones education where one doesn't earn any CECs.
Although I enjoy the all the fitness conventions, I am at a point in my career where I find investing in university level courses to benefit me more professionally. Hence, when I choose courses with the objective of continuing my education I always consider how it will assist me in growing intellectually.
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Hi Robyn. In a word - RELEVANCE. I try to find continuing education that is truly intended to CONTINUE my education :-) I think that too often, people will take something out of convenience instead of truly looking for VALUE (by 'value' I mean value to you and your practice). Focus on subjects that will help further your particular practice and the information you gain will serve you well.
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
I hope that this helps.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
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Location is a huge factor for me (if I am attending the workshop vs. doing an at home study course). I live in North Dakota and have limited options locally and have found that the closest ie. MN are not always the cheapest for travel.
Price - will it be cost effective. Is it realistic for me? have found volunteering at events - such as IDEA conferences can be a great way to attend the workshop and be more cost effective for me.
Relevant - while I may want to attend certain workshops because I would love to learn the latest in [insert topic here] can I actually apply it in my fitness center atmosphere.
Topic - I have a tendency to stick with what I think I know I like. I tend to to go workshops that are sponsored by the products I like and already use, workshops that I know will whoop my butt in the process of learning. I never really cared for the lectures as much as the ones with actual workouts. I suggest if you attend any conference take one workshop you know very little about. I recently attended IDEA West and took an SMR workshop with Justin Price, Only because it was the last session of the day and the 3 other assistants I worked with and got to know were attending. I would have never otherwise taken a workshop like that. It was the best thing I could have done. I learned something I knew nothing about vs learning something "newer" about a topic I was familar with. I now implement this information daily with myself and my clients.
Because I have to travel I really enjoy the large conferences. The networking and people you meet are a bonus ontop of the education and presenters. I highly recommend Empower! Fitness Conferences and after attending my first IDEA Conference I can't imagine not attending another one.
Price - will it be cost effective. Is it realistic for me? have found volunteering at events - such as IDEA conferences can be a great way to attend the workshop and be more cost effective for me.
Relevant - while I may want to attend certain workshops because I would love to learn the latest in [insert topic here] can I actually apply it in my fitness center atmosphere.
Topic - I have a tendency to stick with what I think I know I like. I tend to to go workshops that are sponsored by the products I like and already use, workshops that I know will whoop my butt in the process of learning. I never really cared for the lectures as much as the ones with actual workouts. I suggest if you attend any conference take one workshop you know very little about. I recently attended IDEA West and took an SMR workshop with Justin Price, Only because it was the last session of the day and the 3 other assistants I worked with and got to know were attending. I would have never otherwise taken a workshop like that. It was the best thing I could have done. I learned something I knew nothing about vs learning something "newer" about a topic I was familar with. I now implement this information daily with myself and my clients.
Because I have to travel I really enjoy the large conferences. The networking and people you meet are a bonus ontop of the education and presenters. I highly recommend Empower! Fitness Conferences and after attending my first IDEA Conference I can't imagine not attending another one.
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