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Tue 19 May, 2009 08:47 am
I'm about 98% committed to a new career as a personal trainer. I've applied for a student loan. this is a year long course giving college level training on nutrition, physiology, psychology...well... here is a synopsis for the course. I figure that with this being the fastest (and one of the few) growth segments in the country it's a good bet and next to playing....working out and cycling is my very favorite thing. I have stated before that I really believe what I do as a performer is a helpful service to people and this is as logical extension of doing something I'm passionate about, helping others and putting money in the bank. A win win. I also figure that when people who are getting older want to get in shape and all they see for trainers are 29 year old muscle heads...not that's there's anything wrong with that...it takes discipline and hat's off to these people.....that they realize they will probably be unable to obtain that and get discouraged. However, if they see me, and contemporary and not someone necessarily with a sculpted six pack but with stamina, and an obviously fit body they will see an obtainable goal and want a contemporary who understands them to train them.
Anyway, we'll see. this is the course and it's 15K but i can get a no interest student loan. what do you think?
Pinnacle Career Institute (PCI) has been training individuals for great careers for over fifty years. We are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, and recognized by the US Dept of Education. We are able to offer financial aid to those who qualify.
We have developed a program that provides you with all of the knowledge you would receive at a traditional university AND the hands-on training necessary to succeed in the fitness industry.
PCI’s online personal trainer program is an 11-month program worth 65 college credits. Our goal is for you to gain an education in addition to your personal trainer certification. We use the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as our certification standard. The NSCA is the world's leading authority on strength and conditioning and has members in fifty-two countries around the world.
With the education gained, graduates have the knowledge, skills and abilities to qualify for personal trainer positions in gyms, fitness centers, private studios, corporate wellness programs, or begin their own personal training business. In 2005, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that the top earners in the personal training field averaged over $50,000 per year.
During our 11-month program, students will learn to perform a variety of exercise-related assessments and tests, design safe and effective exercise programs, implement safe weight loss/gain programs and be proficient in a variety of business-related skills.
Program courses are delivered online through our Learning Management System that features community forums, e-mail, live chat and direct instructor and student interaction, all of which is available 24 hours a day!
Students in the personal trainer program will take the following courses:
AP 101 Anatomy & Physiology I 7.5 Credit Hours
Provides the student with an overall understanding of the musculoskeletal system.
AP 102 Anatomy & Physiology II 7.5 Credit Hours
Provides the student with an overall understanding of the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.
EP 101 Exercise Psychology 7 Credit Hours
Students are introduced to the basics of personal and professional leadership. Discussions include motivational and situational techniques for client usage and attention given to understanding the application of a holistic, integrated, principled-centered approach to organizing personal lives and motivating people to be physically active. This class lays the foundation for students to effectively promote personal training as part of a healthy lifestyle.
EP 102 Exercise Physiology 6 Credit hours
The fundamental study of the physiological adjustments that occur within the body during exercise.
KN 101 Kinesiology 7 Credit Hours
Students learn the mechanical concepts and principles that underlie human movement and the basic structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. Discussions emphasize analyzing human movement and exercise progressions while systematically focusing on the bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments.
MT 106/NUT 101 Wellness and Nutrition 6 Credit Hours
Students will be taught the basics of wellness to apply to self-care and as a model for care guidelines to help clients manage stress levels. Proper nutrition, stretching techniques, body mechanics, and ethics are discussed.
BUS 101 Business Management 7 Credit Hours
Provides the student with an overall understanding of the skills involved in being a successful business owner.
PT 101 Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription I 6 Credit Hours
Students develop knowledge and skills needed to assess physical fitness and prescribe exercise for apparently healthy individuals. Evaluate testing data and apply the information to the development of individualized exercise programs. Develop the knowledge and skills required to develop bodybuilding programs for recreational and competitive bodybuilders.
PT 102 Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription II 6 Credit Hours
Students develop the knowledge and skills to develop sport specific power-development programs with an emphasis on learning the safest, most effective learning progressions for the movements used in competitive weightlifting. Students also learn to combine weightlifting with plyometrics, speed and agility training, and sport psychology to optimize athletic performance.
PT 103 PT Externship 5 Credit Hours
Students develop the knowledge and skills required to lead and work as an independent professional. Lays the foundation for students to train clients of varying fitness levels under any circumstances with whatever equipment is available. This course includes one week of on-site assessment and training in a “bootcamp” on our campus in Las Vegas, Nevada with Jay Cutler, 3-time consecutive Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic winner, and other top personal trainers.
This investment in your future includes the NSCA certification test, NSCA student license and one-year membership, airfare and hotel for Las Vegas, and accessories you’ll need to get started as a personal trainer, such as blood pressure cuff, stethoscope and skin fold calipers. And, again, since we are an accredited institution, we have financial aid available to those who qualify.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
sounds interesting, Bear.
Are you sure the economy bodes well for it?
I wonder that as many folks are spending in that direction of late.
best of to you and yours.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
The trainers in my gym are both older (at least 30, one is probably over 40) dudes. This is a women's gym, which may have something to do with that. Definitely feels more comfortable with them than it would be with 20 year olds. I also have a friend (female) who is a private trainer; she comes to people's houses. She's around my age or so.
You may be onto something but, like Rocky mentioned, there might not be a lot of discretionary spending going on these days, and personal training is definitely a discretionary expense. Might want to push the angle of looking good in the corporate world, good at meetings, at interviews, etc. Can't hurt.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
Bear, I have a suggestion based on my own situation.
Butrflynet and I went to a exercise equipment store yesterday to see if they had any equipment that I could use. I will be 80 in July and have been disabled for decades. As a result, the muscles in my legs have become so week that I can't get up from the floor if I fall. My balance is not as good as it once was. I also have spinal disc problems that limit my standing and walking.
We found a recombent cycle that I was able to use and bought it. It will be delivered Friday. I know it won't help my back much, but I am desperate to find a way to strengthen my muscles so I can get up from the floor and improve my balance. I also want to improve my exercise for my physical health as well as maintaining good brain function to avoid old age dementia. If it helps me to continue losing weight, that will be a bonus.
My point for you is that I think there would be a market, and certainly a need for physicial trainers for older people. You would have attracted my attention if you had advertised your services to me. I wonder if Medicare would cover your fees?
Instead of trying to compete with young trainers, how about making your mark with older people? You could entertain them while they are doing your exercises. A win-win.
BBB
I think it's a great idea, especially if you market specifically to middle aged and seniors.
You know what? **** the gyms and the ******* 29 year old trainers who work with ******* 25 year olds.
I won't ever step foot in a gym again. I belonged to them for years, and after paying my money I never got anyone there to help me with one damn thing. I'm not talking about the trainers, but the regular staff and management. All they want is your money.
If I wanted a personal trainer, the last person I'd want is someone that hasn't experienced what aging does to a person.
Sounds good to me bear, you have credibility.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
Hi, Bear. These guys have reliable info on earnings, qualifications, accreditations etc:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos294.htm
I'm doing it...wish me luck it's going to take a lot of hard work... I think I'm up for it... I hope I'm not overestimating myself...squinney is behind me...that's probably all the inspiration I require...
All paperwork filed...now I just hope I get the financila aid...can't do it without it.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
Go for it, big guy. Go for it.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
I think that's a great second career. I think places like Gold's Gym and the Y routinely like to include older trainers who aren't so intimidating to newbees. The program you outlined sounds very intensive and that's a good thing. I did a quick search and found several other options if all you need is the certification. There are online courses and weekend type clinics if you are already experienced and just need the certification to improve your job opportunities. $15K seems fair for the course outline you posted. I'm not familiar with the industry to say if those course are what you need or not.
@engineer,
there are many others...cheaper...but this one is intensive...there are professors available online and even by phone most everyday for real interaction and advice.... the credits are transferable to other accredited colleges so if I say , decided to get a BS in sports nutrition the credits would be transferable towards a real degree.
also, the NSCA is considered the gold standard for certification and the final is quite comprehensive and difficult. I hope after all these years I'm still sharp enough for it. This particular certification is even recognized by insurance companies and physicians so say if a person finishes PT for an injury and needs further training and exercise regimens for that particular problem, I can be prescribed for and the insurance companies will cover it. With this certificate, my already developed sales, marketing and motivational skills along with squinney's connection to community properties all over the lace.... I think this can work.
and exercise (i.e. play) all day....play music by night...... are you kidding? Dream situation and something I can do well into my "golden" years.
@Bi-Polar Bear,
Hello Jack LaLane !
I keep my fingers crossed that you'll receive the financial aid for it!
Fuckin A! I hope everything works great for ya.
BBB, so happy to hear about the recumbent bike, that's bad-ass! You're going to enjoy it so much.
Cycloptichorn
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