Well, I did it. I jumped in with both feet!

I wasn't sure how to title this thread. I almost wanted to put NSV (non-scale victory) because for me, this is certainly a victory to sign up for this journey. It is a big commitment (financially, as well as time), and took a lot of courage for me to believe in myself enough to actually take the leap!

I had been considering signing up to become a personal trainer. I have researched many, many ways to go about doing this, and finally decided on one. I signed up for my courses today!

I decided on ISSA (Internatinal Sports Sciences Association). My books are being sent FedEx, so I should get them the beginning of the week.

I must be crazy! I am overweight (altho I hope to learn enough to help myself be my first best client and LOSE more of this), I have bulging discs in my back in L4 and L5, I have fibromyalgia, plantars fascitis and bone spurs in both heels. Also, I just had knee surgery for a torn meniscus that just got repaired. I have to ask myself, why am I doing this? I must be nuts. LOL

I really want to learn as much as I can about fitness, health and nutrition. I would also love to be able to help other people like me to learn about fitness and help them lose weight and for people with fibro like me, help them learn to exercise in a way that is beneficial. Those are the people I want to work with most.

I have a long way to go to get certified. They allow up to 2 years, although most people do it in 4-6 months or so. I liked this program because of my health issues, I may need the extra time. The main text book is over 700 pages!! They also send a workbook to go along with it, plus a book about how to set up a personal training business.

I am so excited to get started on this. I just hope I can do it. I can't wait!!!

Kathy

I'm impressed!! You go girl!!

Congratulations, Kathy! You'll never regret it!

Thanks everybody! I appreciate the support.

Meg, I know you are a personal trainer. I read your story. You look great, by the way. Definitely an inspiration. Are you the lady that went with ISSA? I know somebody here did. There are a couple of personal trainers. I just cannot remember who they are.

If it was you (for ISSA) what did you think of the overall program? It looks very comprehensive to me, but I don't know much at all (yet) about nutrition and fitness.

Thanks.
Kathy

Kathy, I have an NASM certification.

Thanks everybody! I appreciate your support.

Diva, I felt the same way you did, at first. But, it is going to take me probably at least 6 months to go through the course. If I continue on my plan, I should lose a good bit more weight by then (plus I can learn so much along the way, to help myself). So, by the time I take the test, I am hoping to be at or near goal weight. If I wait til I reach goal and then take the course, it would be at least another 6 months before I can start helping other people. I have up to 2 years with this course (not all were like that. Some were 90days) to finish it, so if it takes me 8 months, or a year, or more, it won't matter. I will still be on my journey. And, by taking this class and learning so much, I will be able to do a better job of getting myself fit and healthy.

It is a great goal to work for. If I can do it, I know you can to. If you want more info, PM me, ok? I will be glad to talk to you more about it and give you encouragement.

Kathy

Since you've done this I am inspired. I've been researching this for a while, and I may just bite the bullet myself after the Holiday's.
I was looking into these:
http://www.nestacertified.com/ The clubs around here usually hire for this one.

http://www.acefitness.org/ The YMCA around here accepts both.

and here is a pay scale info I found:

http://www.payscale.com/research/US/...tructor/Salary

I want to be an Aerobics Instructor & personal trainer.

Good for you! I think you will have a lot of fun with it. I am excited because of how much I am going to learn. I can't wait. I am hoping my books will get here tomorrow or Wed.

Good luck!

Kathy

I'm the one who is ISSA certified...and recertified...and recertified.

Congratulations!

Mel

Hi Mel,

Are you happy with ISSA? I got my books the other day. The one text is over 700 pages and seem very comprehensive. I really like the program, from what I have gone over so far. I am really excited to be doing this. I have so much to learn. If you have recertified several times, I can only assume you like it, but I was just curious if you had anything in particular to say?

Thanks!
Kathy

I have always wanted to do this but didn't know what certification to take. Is there like a breakdown somewhere of who accepts what? Or like a percentage total of who is ISSA vs NESTA?