Are Fitness Certifications Worth It? - #417

<div> <div>Are fitness certifications worth it, worthless, or does it depend? Niki & CJ walk you through how to consider the value of a fitness certifications as a barbell coach or personal trainer.<br /> <strong><br /> Are Fitness Certifications Worth It?<br /></strong></div> <div>Personal trainers and barbell coaches have proliferated as the health and fitness industry grows. Fitness certifications also abound, and you can probably find a personal training certification for any niche or skill you would want to learn. Are they worth it?</div> <div><br /> It depends. Thinking about certifications practically and personally, ask yourself "Do I need this certification?" This shifts the focus to YOU, your needs, and your situation.</div> <div>This question also tends to relate to two other questions that new coaches tend to think (even in subconsciously). Am I ready to coach, and do I have permission to coach?<br /> <br /></div> <div>If you can provide value to a lifter, you can coach, and we've talked and written about coaching spouses and friends first, what that might look like, and <a href= "https://youtu.be/GrnvB4sZDXA" target="_blank" rel= "noopener noreferrer">how to not suck as a coach.</a><br /> <br /></div> <div>Regarding permission, the personal training industry does not require a legal certification. You may coach our of your garage. If you're looking to coach at a gym, you may need a certain certification.<br /> <br /></div> <div>Many fall into the trap of trying to collect certifications but failing to coach. We love and encourage academic study and are not anti-certification, but if you want to coach you must coach.</div> <div> </div> <div>Furthermore, your appreciate and the value of the certification becomes clear when you begin to coach (do I need to know this? does this help me)? As you learn the academic side, you have more to bring to the platform.</div> <div><strong><br /> Which Personal Training Certification Should I Get?<br /></strong></div> <div>We return to "<a href= "https://barbell-logi