I don't know if it was the double shot of Nespresso I had this morning, or the long standing debate on running the Way Too Cool 50K I have been having with my friends, but either way something made me feel bold enough to take the leap! Screw the 30 miler, why not jump straight into a real ultra that offers half paved roads? I just registered for the American River 50!
http://www.ar50mile.com/default.aspx
Set in my hometown of Sacramento, its a solid uphill climb to Auburn, and frankly, no joke. It's a qualifier race for the Western States 100, so a good race to see what I'm in for when it comes to training for my life goal. My rationalization was that this race is half paved road, and half trail. A [nice] way to ease into the trail races... Right? Maybe the 50K trail race was a better option because it was shorter. Either way, it's too late now! April 6, 2013 will mark the day for my first anticipated ultra finish! Training begins Monday! Between studying and training, I'm not going to have much time to do anything else!
Check out the ridic course profile. The last 3 miles look like hell on earth. What a crazy way to end a race, especially one that long!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Certifications, Certifications, Certifications... Oh, and money.
There are dozens of certifications that a personal trainer can hold. However, four main organizations are recognized by most personal trainer professionals and businesses. Beware of the $50 certification ploys and other too good to be true programs. It's meant to be tough, otherwise everyone could do it!
I have been browsing thorugh several of these different certification programs, and have narrowed it down to inc ISSA Master Trainer, ACE Group Exercise, ACE Personal Trainer, and NASM Personal Trainer. I'll elaborate a little on each:
ISSA Master Trainer: You basically get a few certifications in one, which is helpful, but also adds to the amount of studying and time it will take to get certified and then be on your way to signing clients. Personal training techniques is the primary focus of this certification, but there is a substantial amount of nutritional studies, which can be a great hand in hand certification for some clients that are looking for guidance in their diet as well.
http://www.issaonline.com/downloads.cfm?ref=%24%2BR%40%25P0%20%20%0A
ACE Personal Trainer: Well rounded, this program offers a more in depth biological study than the other programs, and also offers the least amount of mandatory training prior to the exam. It has a reputation for being a standard certification which takes the least preparation and money to obtain so it is desirable for people who want to try out the personal training profession with the least investment of time and money. It's a great base certification for those looking to get hired by a gym, and build on their knowledge from there. All you need is a CPR/AED certification to sit for the exam.
http://www.acefitness.org/
NASM Personal Trainer: This certification offers a couple options for their students: you can simply study on your own, or attend a workshop to get some training. NASM is the largest personal certification, continuing education, and higher education provider for exercise science. NASM offers many certifications including the CPT or Certified Personal Trainer which is becoming one of the most popular and respected personal trainer certifications in the world today. The CPT does not require a college degree but some other NASM certifications do.
http://www.nasm.org/
After a few weeks of the back-and-forth, I ended up choosing the ACE certification, as it was the most financially friendly, and had the best study plan given my crazy work schedule. I cannot wait to get out and start my new career in the fitness industry or something similar! From here on out, you get to hear all about my hot dates with my study material, and my enthusiasm (or lack thereof depending on the day and rigor!).
I have been browsing thorugh several of these different certification programs, and have narrowed it down to inc ISSA Master Trainer, ACE Group Exercise, ACE Personal Trainer, and NASM Personal Trainer. I'll elaborate a little on each:
ISSA Master Trainer: You basically get a few certifications in one, which is helpful, but also adds to the amount of studying and time it will take to get certified and then be on your way to signing clients. Personal training techniques is the primary focus of this certification, but there is a substantial amount of nutritional studies, which can be a great hand in hand certification for some clients that are looking for guidance in their diet as well.
http://www.issaonline.com/downloads.cfm?ref=%24%2BR%40%25P0%20%20%0A
ACE Personal Trainer: Well rounded, this program offers a more in depth biological study than the other programs, and also offers the least amount of mandatory training prior to the exam. It has a reputation for being a standard certification which takes the least preparation and money to obtain so it is desirable for people who want to try out the personal training profession with the least investment of time and money. It's a great base certification for those looking to get hired by a gym, and build on their knowledge from there. All you need is a CPR/AED certification to sit for the exam.
http://www.acefitness.org/
NASM Personal Trainer: This certification offers a couple options for their students: you can simply study on your own, or attend a workshop to get some training. NASM is the largest personal certification, continuing education, and higher education provider for exercise science. NASM offers many certifications including the CPT or Certified Personal Trainer which is becoming one of the most popular and respected personal trainer certifications in the world today. The CPT does not require a college degree but some other NASM certifications do.
http://www.nasm.org/
After a few weeks of the back-and-forth, I ended up choosing the ACE certification, as it was the most financially friendly, and had the best study plan given my crazy work schedule. I cannot wait to get out and start my new career in the fitness industry or something similar! From here on out, you get to hear all about my hot dates with my study material, and my enthusiasm (or lack thereof depending on the day and rigor!).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)