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I was in the gym last night watching the trainers train their clients… I was so shocked and angry at the fact that pretty much anyone could become a certified trainer.
 
I came to the conclusion that ALL trainers should have a degree and be required to shadow/follow an expert couch before receiving any certifications…
 
I feel that trainers should be properly educated and tested just like doctors and physical therapists. When I look back to the time when I was personal training, I realized I was a horrible trainer.  I did not understand, anatomy, imbalances, true benefits of resistance training, using cardio as a tool (not to be abused like most people do) heart rate, progression, periodization, and recovery.
 
Know that I have studied and learned from the best trainers around, I realized there is so much more to training then curling a few pounds, training to fatigue, and getting your heart rate up.  
 
I truly believe trainers should be required to get there doctorate, and fully understand anatomy, and nutrition.  People pay soooooooo much money for a trainer and expect to see results and be injury FREE!!! 
 
I actually saw a trainer teaching advanced kettle bell swings to a first time beginner client… ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! Talk about body imbalances, tight muscles, and INJURIES…
 

Lauren, you’ve posted all over this website, usually in response to every forum post and article discussion. You have some good ideas, but I guess I’m just wondering what credentials and experience you have. What do you think has helped you the most and given you the most competence as a fitness professional? How long have you trained yourself, and what sports and fitness experience do you have? I’m not doubting your experience….just curious about it, that’s all.
 
Thanks

i agree llulko, it’s pretty sad that they don’t require more to get certified for personal training and it’s a shame that it is such an expensive service for people to get considering the lack of proper training.

i would say the same for nutritionists but at least they are required to get the education and degree, they just aren’t taught very well cause school curriculums don’t keep up with the latest research.

good fitness and nutrition professionals are few and far between, but the good ones are worth every penny.

Oh snap, CAT FIGHT!

(runs to hide behind the squat rack)

i agree llulko, I am bot an expert in the field I am still working on understanding some of the  types of training. There are some trainers that do not know enough to be training. I am going to be working on getting my Masters in the future. For myself if I don’t know what i am doing I will not train in that part of the field. Yes you are right they should follow an expert trainer/coach

Yo, Spitz, I wasn’t trying to start a cat fight! Men…always trying to get something started. I was just wondering what certifications Lauren had. I don’t think a question like that should imply I’m doubting her or questioning her. After all, as a personal trainer, I get asked that question almost everyday. Okay, I was surprised she didn’t know what a hook grip was called, but she clearly has a pretty solid handle on nutrition and other training concepts, so I would be willing to hire her if I were looking for a trainer for myself.
 
Seriously, people. Has this forum digressed to the point we just have to trust each other at face value and aren’t allowed to ask about each other’s qualifications? I, for one, am curious to find out which certification programs seem worthwhile and which seem like wastes of time.
 
I’ll start: I don’t have my CSCS or anything, just a ton of experience and a sports performance certification through USAW. Does this automatically make me a bad trainer? I don’t know. You tell me.

Hey R_Crass,
 
I am by no means implying that I am a fitness “expert”.  I have a lot more to learn as far as anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, and supplementation.
 
Science and research change on a daily bases and I always try to keep up to date by reading coaches, doctors, and nutritionists blogs, forums, articles, studies ect.
 
I am always asking questions and opinions regarding fitness. What I have learned is that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to transitioning your body.  Everyone is different and different concepts work for different people.
 
As far as my credentials I am WITS, NASM, and NYSC certified trainer.  I have a physical education and health degree and I have been a personal trainer for 5 years.  I must say though, through all my schooling and certification, I learned most by following expert’s blogs, articles, forums, studies, face book pages, asking questions and shadowing a few good coaches/trainers…
 
Fitness is a lifestyle and passion; therefore I really enjoy expanding my horizons as far as knowledge goes…
 
I also love sharing my passion with other fitness minded people!!!!  
 
By the way.. My name is Laura not Lauren

I would say you definitely have more expertise than most! Thanks for the background, and I’m sorry if I came off gruff; I certainly didn’t mean to!
 
While we’re on the topic of personal training, which certifications would you recommend new trainers or people thinking of becoming a trainer to get? Which certifications do you think are the best/highest quality? A doctorate is a bit steep to be required at your average Gold’s/24/etc., but trainers should be held to a higher standard than they are now. Your thoughts?