"NASM Personal Trainer Certification"
The NASM Personal Trainer Certification Guide
The NASM Personal Trainer Certification is a major offering of the The National Academy of Sports Medicine founded in 1987. Mike Clark, NASM's President and CEO, joined the organization in 2000 and introduced the OPT (Optimum Performance Training) model. His background in physical therapy contributes heavily to the materials and information in the NASM Personal Trainer Certification and to their newer specialty certifications.
Optimum Performance Training
The OPT model is an outline for your clients' success. It incorporates 7 specific areas of focus including corrective flexibility, stability, functional stability, hypertrophy, maximal strength, power, and maximal power production.
My NASM-CPT
I have held the NASM-CPT since 2004. What distinguishes this certification from the rest is how unique the levels of the OPT model are. It can be used with any client with any goal. I have used these methods with clients looking to achieve weight loss goals, clients preparing for professional sports careers, and post-rehab clients.
From a Personal Training business perspective, the teachings of the NASM-CPT are some of the easiest to communicate to your clients. The outline is so detailed, but the concepts are easy to understand. This will make it easier to explain the "why" to your clients if they do not understand the methods you are trying to use to get them to their important goals. They'll see and feel the progressions and will look forward to the next steps in the OPT.
IMPORTANT: This will be a critical tool in planning for client renewals.
NCCA Accredited
The NASM Personal Trainer certification is accredited by the NCCA giving it merit among the numerous certifications available. Also, many large health club chains choose to partner with the NASM to continue the education of their Personal Trainers.
Exam Costs and Materials
The investment for this certification ranges from $499 - $649 depending upon the study materials that you wish to receive. NASM offers the following:
- Exam only
- Exam and CD-ROM
- Exam, Videos, and Textbook
- Exam, CD-ROM, and Textbook
- Exam, CD-ROM or Videos, Textbook, Foundations & Live Workshop
Foundations Information
A unique offering, one which I have instructed as a former faculty representative for a large health club chain in the Northeast United States, is the Foundations course. Whether you are brand new to the fitness industry or are returning to it, this is a complete introduction to the business, human anatomy and movement, and the NASM philosophies.
If you do not have a degree in Health Sciences and you are choosing your first Personal Training Certification, I highly recommend that you complete the NASM Foundations coursework before advancing to the NASM Personal Trainer Certification.
The Live Workshop
NASM's live workshop serves almost as a group study setting. You will not review the exam format as much as you will have access to hands on experience in setting up workouts for specific stages of the OPT model. The course covers two 8-hour days and "brings the textbook to life". Considering the amount of time that you will spend reading the textbook and watching videos, the live workshop is a welcome change in study options.
Prerequisites
To be considered eligible for the NASM Personal Trainer Certification, you must meet several requirements. Here they are:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have completed payment in full
- and You must have a current CPR/AED certification
NASM Exam Materials
If you've decided on pursuing your fitness career as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, we have included a link to the Optimum Performance Training CD-ROM set.
The 8-CD set will lead you through a complete understanding of NASM's training philosophy, teach you how to design fitness programs, and prepare you for the examination.
Additional Certifications
NSCA Certified Personal Trainer - Your Guide to the NSCA-CPT
NSCA Personal Trainer Certification - A resource for understanding the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist offering by the NSCA
Personal Trainer Course - Your Ultimate Personal Training Sales Guide
Continue to: ACE Personal Trainer Certification
Return to Chapter #2 Index
See also Personal Trainer Certification Headquarters
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