I’m a physiotherapist and now I’m working in fitness industry. I would like to ask about certification in fitness field
Hi. Having worked with several physical therapists and providing training to them, I totally agree with Karin that the skill-sets for being a good therapist and being a good trainer are different. While the knowledge base that you bring to the table for things such as anatomy and physiology is top-shelf as a licensed physical therapist, the skill-set in program design and training is different than what you may be used to, or trained for with a healthy versus rehabilitation client. Certification as a personal trainer or group exercise instructor is a must. While I agree with some of the other posters here about ACE, and ACSM I feel that they are leaving out another GOLD STANDARD certifying agency – NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) which is a leader in both sports conditioning and personal training certifications. They provide much of the research based knowledge and information espoused by the training community and are another good option to those given by others here.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
Hello Km Monika Sing,
There are enough differences between the two careers that you will want to take the courses for personal training. I also would look into ACE, ACSM and NASM. There are more NCCA agencies that you may like:
https://www.ideafit.com/accreditations/ncca
Take care,
Natalie.
Hello Monika,
I can understand your perspective that you are looking for an advanced personal trainer certification because you already are a physical therapist.
However, the requirements on a personal trainer are usually very different from those for a physical therapist. Unless you have an interest to work with people after they just left physical therapy, you will be required to develop exercise programs for healthy people who want to be challenged in a variety of ways, both for weight training and cardiovascular exercises but also flexibility and balance. You will need to know how to progress them, and I doubt that this is the object in physical therapy.
Since you are in India, I would suggest that you take a look at the NASM international personal trainer certification. Here is a link: http://www.nasm.org/personal-trainer/international-cpt
Good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Monika,
I would definitely get certified. If you wish to get into this type of training, a certification other than your Physical Therapist will be required.
Is there any specific type of clients or population which you are looking to work with (athletes, kids, seniors, groups, 1-on-1, etc.)? This will help you narrow down the type of certifications you need to be focusing at. There are many great certifications which offer continuing education and other perks that will help you improve your knowledge as a fitness trainer. ACE, NSCA, ACSM offer some high level certifications.
Also keep in mind that you will need liability insurance as well. You can find one here in IDEA at https://www.ideafit.com/fitness-insurance .
I hope this helps.
Best,
Harris