Home » IDEA Answers » What is the best certification to get to teach seniors one on one - ACE senior specialist or Personal trainer certification?
Question asked by Robin Marshall 146 days ago

What is the best certification to get to teach seniors one on one - ACE senior specialist or Personal trainer certification?

I'm teaching group ex at an assisted living center already but not generating enough income. I want to teach functional fitness to senior. I have an AAS as a physical therapy assistant from about 5 years ago. I did not sit for my certification because of physical limitations. What is the best ACE certification to get?

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Answers (7)

Answered by Natalie Smith 146 days ago
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Hello Robin Marshall,

I am sorry you missed your certification test. I believe that personal trainer would be the place to start. I also specialize in older adult and those clients are seeing results. Your physical therapy background will definitely help you.

I have called ACE about different topics; they have always been so patient and helpful. I am sure ACE will be most helpful with this question and help you make the right decision.
Take care.
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Answered by Karin Singleton 145 days ago
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Hi Robin,

while not ACE, I recommend you check out the Senior Fitness Association http://www.seniorfitness.net/. What makes them unique is their their entire focus is on fitness for seniors.

Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
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Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 145 days ago
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As you will be teaching group exercise to seniors, I believe the ACE certification you should get is the ACE Group Fitness Certification.

The skill set for group fitness as opposed to personal training is so different. In addition, you will want to increase your knowledge regarding how the body adapts to exercise as we age.

I hope this is of help to you.

Best.
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Answered by Michele Dorszynski 145 days ago
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I currently work with seniors and I just got the ACSM certified personal trainer. The test didn't have too many specific questions on seniors but I found the study material helpful. My boss has SFA but it is limited to only seniors and she wouldn't be qualified to expand to other populations. If you are interested I do have my study materials I am looking to sell.
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Answered by Gardy Reglas 144 days ago
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Hello Robin! I had the opportunity to buy the American Academy of Health, and Fitness Senior Fitness Training Series! I found it to be very insightful and straight forward. It comes with a manual and two DVDs with Dr. Wayne Scott providing the input.
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Answered by American Council on Exercise (ACE) 139 days ago
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Hi Robin,

Thank you for your interest in ACE. We recently launched our Specialty Certifications, including our Senior Fitness Specialty Cert, which are meant to be earned in addition to one of our CORE Certifications (Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, or Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist) so that you can expand your knowledge in a specific field and become an expert in that niche market. We do suggest earning one of our CORE certifications prior to earning one of our Specialty Certifications, however, it is not required. Please let us know if you have any questions for us, as we'd love to have you on the ACE team!

http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/default.aspx
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Answered by Harris Sophocleous 131 days ago
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Hi Robin,

You should also check NSCA for their CSPS certification:

http://www.nsca-lift.org/Certification/CSPS/

Best,
Harris
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