I am so excited to (finally) share than I passed my certification exam on Monday and am officially a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT). You might remember that I signed up for the certification program at the end of last year, planning to take the test by April. As I tend to do, I overcommitted myself and had less time to dedicate to studying than I expected. I also underestimated my retention of science terms from high school and college – there is a lot of science in this certification (which is probably a good thing)!
What Did I Learn?
The material was fairly interesting, with topics covering science, fitness programming, nutrition, and marketing. A good mix of concepts, although I would have appreciated more in the nutrition area. The training concepts reinforced a lot what I already us with my running and triathlon athletes, but there were a number of new concepts that I have already integrated into training plans. I also found it interesting to learn even more about why the training that I’ve been doing over the past year has been so effective for me.
One area I learned the most was about adapting training for unconditioned and senior clients. I haven’t had clients in these categories in the past, so it was great to learn more about the best way to adjust training to meet the needs of those groups.
I also learned that it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had to study for a test of this magnitude. It was difficult to buckle down and get focused on studying. That’s why most of my study time was crammed into the last month, as I was out of time to take the test. There are already some great study resources out on the web, but let me know if you’re interested in hearing more about my study plan.
What Does This Mean for FITaspire Training?
You may have noticed that we are not currently accepting applications for new athletes. With all the changes recently, it is taking a little longer to put together the right training packages for you. Once we do reopen applications at the end of the month, you will see a new service offering – personal training!
All our training will continue to be online services, as it’s the style of training Kirk and I prefer for ourselves. It also gives us the flexibility to work with athletes regardless of location. Even for local athletes, I find that it’s easier to plan your training schedule around your availabilty, as opposed to coordinating schedules between the trainer and athlete.
Having an expert write a training plan to meet my goals, hold me accountable for staying on track, and offering support to meet my needs is the style of training I prefer. That’s the style we will continue to offer to our athletes.
Note: I do not plan to offer training for competition prep at launch, but focus more on “traditional” fitness goals.
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Questions for you:
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Have you ever worked with a coach or trainer? In person or remote?
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Did you #MoveHappy today? Don’t forget to record your workout on yesterday’s post!
Congratulations!
Yes, I have worked with a coach, but not for fitness, just business and self-development. And the results were awesome. Just one idea, if implemented (and done right) will achieve your objective sooner or later.
Jim Mandoli recently posted…Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine PM3 vs PM4. Best Rowing Machine Reviews 2014…
And a coach will usually help you get there quicker.
I’m so excited for you!!! You’ll be a great trainer. I wish mine had more nutrition too… one day when I have more time I’ll look into that more. If that ever happens… lol!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…I’m a Big Dill + WIAW
I’m a little embarressed to say I’m already doing that research to get that on the list. I have a “learning problem”.
Congrats Heather! LOVE the new name, and the new design!! Looks great, and yes, matches where you are going much better
I have my personal coach who sets my training schedule for me, and it is SO much help, I cannot preach enough about how much of a difference having a coach makes. I would NEVER be where I am now without him, and it also means you are not just running for yourself, but you have a higher purpose as you know it is their livelihood. Cant wait to hear how you make a difference in peoples lives 
Tina Muir recently posted…Skoop Review
Thanks so much Tina!! I knew you would agree about a coach, makes all the difference in the world!
I knew you would pass! Love the new blog! My entire journey to health and fitness started with a personal trainer
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Thanks Jill!! I always put so much pressure on myself, so I really appreciate your support.
Congrats on the certification! Fun! I work with a trainer 2-3 times a week and I love it. I need the push to do more and different exercises and keep from getting in rut. I’ve had the same trainer for almost 10 years.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Hiking, Running & Eating my way through Stowe, Vermont
That’s awesome that you are able to work with a trainer 2-3 times a week – fantastic!!
Congrats lady!! You’ll be an awesome trainer. I think you should move here and we can work together
And gosh, studying for my exam and taking the test?? Holy cow was I ever out of practice with studying LOL
I think you should move HERE!
I would love to hear any suggestions you might have as I get things started – always like to learn from experience!!
YAY!!!!! CONGRATSSSS!!!
So excited for you!!!
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Thanks Gigi – I appreciate it!
Congrats!!! That is so exciting!
Nicole @ fitful Focus recently posted…A-Game Matcha Yummy Bites + Skoop GIVEAWAY!
Thanks Nicole!!
first of all, love the new look around here! second, congrats! you are the smartest.
janetha recently posted…sunday night stuff.
Thanks for both Janetha!!
I love learning, I’m such a dork. 
CONGRATS! I am so proud of you : ) When my financial sitch changes i’m going to need a butt kicking by you!
xx Kait
kait @ ChickadeeSays recently posted…Yoga Poses for Cyclists
And I’ll be here ready to kick it!!
Congrats!! Can’t wait to see where this exciting new path takes you!!
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Thanks Steph!!
congrats!! now you just need a group fitness certification and you can conquer the fitness world! well, you already do in my book!
haha – I still have lots to learn, but I am loving the process. Nutrition is next on my list!!
Wow lady get it!! So happy for you!! I myself have had an online nutritionist whom I found through Instagram and she worked with me through emails only. It worked great and she was there for me every step of the way. Today I did a huge #movehappy for me I took a cycling class this morning. 80s style of course the music was grow back but the workout was amazing. I will be a GOOD sore tomorrow!!!
I love it! I think for many of us, online is just easier with our busy lives.
Congrats!! I’ve been looking into becoming certified as a personal trainer and NASM is one of the programs I’m considering. Would love to hear what you liked/disliked about it!
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You might want to check out this post, where I explained why I chose NASM – http://fitaspire.com/why-i-chose-nasm-certified-personal-trainer. I am very happy with my choice!
You are going to be an AMAZING trainer! I wanna know all about your study technique.. I take mine in GASP 2 weeks… and I’m so not ready!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Peanut Butter and “Jelly” Smoothie
Email me!! I used a few apps (one free, one paid) that I think worked really well. And took the practice test a few times, reviewing the material where I missed questions. You’ll be fine!!
Just catching up on posts and saw this! Congratulations! I, too, am a CPT through NASM and would recommend the program to anyone! So excited for you!
I’m so happy I chose NASM, I think the fact that the material challenged me solidified that decision.
wahoo!! congrats girl!! so excited for you
THANK YOU!!!!