PFI Online Blog

Recently, the Early Show on CBS ran a segment investigating the personal training industry. While I do not agree with everything presented in this segment (I have not ever come across a gym that will hire a personal trainer with a second rate certification, nevermind someone who has no certification whatsoever), the report does bring up a good point. Not all certifications are worth the paper that they are printed on. There are four certifications that are well respected in the fitness industry: NSCA, ACSM, NASM, and ACE. If your certification does not come from one of these industry leaders you have wasted your time and your money.

Even with a certification through one of these organizations, a 2002 study showed that education (not experience) in the fitness industry is the major predictor of a trainer’s ability to develop a safe and effective exercise program.

Certification and education are important factors when considering your personal training career. The educational program offered through Professional Fitness Institute and our partner institutions concentrates on the art and science of personal training. Through the program, students learn anatomy, physiology, psychology, business, and exercise prescription. Also, PFI students take the NSCA certified personal trainer exam- one of the most well-respected credentials in the fitness industry. So, if you are looking for a CAREER in the fitness industry, and you care about helping people pursue health and fitness, you are the student that we’re looking for.