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This FAQ is a joint coloration of many people's efforts including
Charles Rotblut of NetSweat.com, Shannon
Entin,
and Kevin Weaver of ModelFitness.
Additional contributions of editorial to this FAQ are welcomed and can be sent
to NetSweat by visiting our Site
Information page.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Ethics
3. How Do I Get Certified?
4. Continuing Education (CEC's)
5. Promoting Yourself and Your Fitness
Business
6. Shoe & Apparel Discounts
1. Introduction
This is the draft version of the Fitness Professional FAQ
(frequently asked questions). The purpose of this FAQ is assist and
inform all fitness instructors (aerobics instructors, personal
trainers, coaches, etc.) of resources available to them as well as
offer advice to help them be more successful and to better the
profession as a whole. Any comments or suggestions should be sent to
Charles Rotblut at charles@netsweat.com.
2. Ethics
(Note: Ethical codes vary with each certification. The information
presented offers suggestions for proper ethical behavior and may be
less or more strict than organizational and/or governmental
guidelines for behavior.)
The primary responsibility of any fitness instructor is the
betterment of his/her clients health and welfare. Any violation from
this responsibility jeopardizes the reputation of the entire industry
and exposes the instructor to a lawsuit.
Instructors are expected to have a high level of knowledge and are
expected to act in a manner reflective of their knowledge. This
applies to both when the instructor is working with clients and when
he/she is not. Fitness professionals are regarded as role models by
the public and are assumed to follow a healthy lifestyle and a proper
exercise program. Any instructor who acts in manner that is violation
of what he/she teaches to his/her clients runs the risk of destroying
his/her credibility.
It is also important to remember, however, that instructors are
often thought to possess a great deal of knowledge about health
issues. Personal trainer and aerobic instructor certifications are
not licenses to practice medicine. Clients who develop injuries or
come down with illnesses should always be referred to medical
doctors. Likewise, instructors should ask clients with existing
medical conditions for permission to work with their doctors in
creating a safe exercise program. Instructors who are not properly
trained to work with a specific condition (e.g. pregnancy,
rehabilitation, disabilities, etc.) should strongly consider
referring their clients to a trainer who has the appropriate training
even if the client's doctor approves of the proposed fitness regimen.
If medical cooperation is not available or if the client refuses to
seek medical advice, instructors must not accept the client's
business.
Instructors are also responsible for providing their clients a
safe environment to workout in. Although most health clubs and gyms
are well maintained, instructors should disassociate themselves from
any facility whose management fails to fix broken equipment in a
timely manner. Instructors who work with their clients outdoors
should assure access to drinking water and alert their clients to any
potential dangers caused by the terrain.
Finally, instructors must act in a professional manner when
interacting with clients. It is not uncommon for a clients to confide
in their instructor. Instructors must respect the privacy of their
clients and never reveal confidential information about their clients
to anyone nor act upon it for their own best interest. Instructors
should also be careful about which products and services they
endorse. Although instructors receive numerous offers to sell various
products to their clients, the quality and appropriateness of such
products reflect directly on the reputation of the instructor.
3. How Do I Get Certified?
There are several organizations which offer certifications and the
difficulty of obtaining and the credibility of the certification
varies accordingly. Persons wanting to enter field are advised to
call potential employers in advance to see if one particular
certification is preferred over another.
In the United States, the most widely known certifications are
offered by:
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
15250 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3297
800-446-AFAA, 818-905-0040
E-mail: afaa@pop3.com
Web Address: http://www.afaa.com
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
P.O. Box 1440
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440
800-486-5643, 317-637-9200
Fax: 317-634-7817
E-mail: crtacsm@acsm.org
Web Address: http://www.acsm.org
American Council on Exercise (ACE)
5820 Oberlin Drive, Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92121-3787
800-825-3636, 619-535-8227
Web Address: http://www.acefitness.org
IDEA
6190 Cornerstone Court East, Suite 204
San Diego, CA 92121-3773
800-999-4332, ext. 7 or 619-535-8979, ext. 7.
Fax: 619-535-8234
E-mail: member@ideafit.com
Web Address: http://www.ideafit.com
IDEA provides quality education, professional development, leadership
and worldwide recognition for instructors, personal trainers,
directors and business owners to ensure their success and build
worldwide participation in safe, effective fitness and healthy
lifestyle programs.
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
P.O. Box 38909
Colorado Springs, CO 80937
719-632-6722
Web Address: http://www.nsca-lift.org/
The National Strength and Conditioning Association, as a non-profit,
worldwide authority on strength and conditioning for improved
physical performance, creates and disseminates related knowledge and
enhances the careers of its members.
Other organizations offering certifications are:
Aerobic Pipeline International
3617 Drakeshire Dr.
Modesto, CA 95356-1906
209-576-2611
Fax: 209-576-2811
African-American Association of Fitness Professionals (AAAFP)
1507 E. 53rd Street, Suite 495
Chicago, IL 60615
773-854-5842
American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals (AAHFP)
333 Estudillo Avenue, Suite A
San Leandro, CA 94577
800-572-2237, 510-352-1423
Fax: 800-352-4752, 510-351-4748
E-mail: leikercs@aol.com
http://www.aahfp.com
American Aerobic Association Intl/Intl Sports Medicine Association
(AAAI/ISMA)
P.O. Box 663
New Hope, PA 18938
609-397-2139
Fax: 609-397-7683
American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF)
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1599
703-476-3430, 800-213-7193
Fax: 703-476-9527
E-mail: aaalf@aahperd.org Web
address: http://www.aahperd.org/aaalf/aaalf.html
American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)
P.O. Box 214
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
800-494-7782
Fax: 609-978-7582
E-mail: afpa@afpafitness.com
Web Address: http://www.AFPAfitness.com
American Senior Fitness Association (SFA)
P.O. Box 2575
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170
800-243-1478, 904-423-6634
SFA provides comprehensive education for exercise professionals who
serve older adult clients.
American Sports Medicine Association (ASMA)
660 West Duarte Road
Arcadia, CA 91007
818-445-1978
ASMA is dedicated to achieving and maintaining excellence in the
field of sports medicine training.
Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA)
P.O. Box 1609
Nokomis, FL 34274
941-486-8600
Web Address: http://www.aeawave.com/
AEA is a non-profit association committed to increasing the health
life span for individuals through education and participation in safe
and effective aquatic programs. AEA is dedicated to building a
worldwide network to advance the quality of the aquatic fitness
industry as a whole -- through instructor training, public education,
product and equipment information, and the support and dissemination
of aquatic research.
Association of Personal Trainers
1841 Broadway, Suite 510B
New York, NY 10023
212-977-5099
The Association of Personal Trainers (APT) is a not-for-profit
association serving the New York City area. APT is committed to
providing a forum for networking and support for all fitness
professionals. APT also offers monthly continuing education.
Association for Worksite Health Promotion (AWHP)
60 Revere Drive, Suite 500
Northbrook, IL 60062
847-480-9574
Fax: 847-480-9282
E-Mail: awhp@awhp.com
Web Address: http://www.awhp.com
AWHP is a not-for-profit network of worksite health promotion
professionals dedicated to sharing the best-of-practice methods,
processes and technologies. Since 1974, AWHP members have been
advancing worksite health promotion throughout the world, and
advancing their own careers through the many educational, resource
and recognition opportunities offered by AWHP.
Baylor Sports Medicine Institute
P.O. Box 130258
Houston, TX 77219
800-899-7348, 713-868-8086
Fax: 713-868-2683
BSMI offers certification for Personal Fitness Trainers, Aerobic
Fitness Instructors and Post-Rehabilitation Technicians.
Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research
12330 Preston Road
Dallas, TX 75230
214-701-8001
E-mail: courses@cooperinst.org
Web Address: http://www.cooperinst.org
The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, founded in 1970 by
Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H, has become widely acclaimed as one of
the leaders in preventive medicine research and education. As a
nonprofit research organization, The Cooper Institute is dedicated to
advancing the understanding of the relationship between living habits
and health and to providing leadership in implementing these concepts
to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of individuals.
ECA World Fitness Alliance
64 Franklin Boulevard
Long Beach, NY 11561
516-432-6877
Fax: 516-432-7044
E-mail: eca@li.net
Web Address: http://www.ecaworldfitness.com
ECA is a not-for-profit regional organization for health and fitness
professionals dedicated to networking, disseminating information,
highlighting regional East Coast talent, and providing quality
education inexpensively and locally.
FACT: Fitness Awareness CEC Training Inc.
3330 Dundee Road, Suite N-4.
Northbrook, IL 60062
800-876-FACT, 847-498-FACT
FACT is a fitness organization that produces national conventions
which allow personal trainers and fitness professionals to earn
continuing education credits (CEC's). FACT also sponsors the FACT
Fitness Products Catalog, which allows fitness professionals to earn
commissions when their students or clients purchase popular fitness
equipment.
International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)
P.O. Box 6008
Palm Harbor, FL 34684-0608
800-785-1924
E-mail: info@ifpa-fitness.com
Web Address: http://www.ifpa-fitness.com
International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association
(IHRSA)
263 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
800-228-4772, 617-951-0055
Fax: 617-951-0056
Web Address: http://www.ihrsa.org
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
3920-B State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
800-892-4772, 805-682-5774
E-mail: drsquat@aol.com
Web Address: http://www.issaonline.com/
The ISSA acts principally as a teaching institution and certification
agency for fitness trainers, aerobics instructors, college strength
coaches, physical therapists, occupational therapists, athletic
trainers, teachers and other individuals with a passion for the
sports, health and fitness industry. ISSA works diligently to provide
its members with comprehensive, up to date education, as well as an
unprecedented professional support network, whereby members may
acquire technical and/or career assistance via telephone, E-mail,
mentorship, and ongoing literature updates.
International Weightlifting Association (IWA)
P.O. Box 444
Hudson, OH 44236-9347
800-WEIGHTS, 216-655-9644
Order the Correspondence Course (which is also worth 1.8 CEC's from
the American Council on Exercise); review the training manual;
practice the exercises along with the training video; practice the
exercises without the help of the manual or video; take the exam by
video taping yourself doing 10 repetitions of each of the 28 primary
exercises and submit your video to be graded.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
699 Hampshire Blvd., Suite 105
Westlake Village, CA 91361
805-449-1330, 800-656-2739
Fax: 805-499-1370
National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)
PO Box 25997
Fresno, CA 93729
Phone: 800-762-NAFC
Fax: 209-434-7710
National Association for Fitness Certification is dedicated to
excellence in fitness training & certification. NAFC promotes
professionalism by setting rigorous practical and written exam
standards. Certification is available for personal trainers and group
fitness instructors.
National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA)
2952 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75247
Web Address: http://www.nata.org
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) is a
not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and
well-being of athletes worldwide. The Association is committed to the
advancement, encouragement and improvement of the athletic training
profession.
National Dance-Exercise Instructors Training Association
(NDEITA)
1503 South Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
800-237-6242, 612-340-1306
NDEITA is a non-profit agency dedicated to improving the quality of
fitness education by offering instruction and certification to all
who are interested.
National Endurance Sports Trainers Association
31441 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite A-140
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
714-589-9166 x3
Fax: 714-589-8216
E-mail: john@enduranceplus.com
Web Address: http://www.enduranceplus.com/nesta.html
National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT)
P.O. Box 4579
Lafayette, IN 47903-4579
800-729-6378, 317-447-3296
E-mail: nfpt@nfpt.com
Web Address: http://www.nfpt.com
The objectives of the NFPT are to: (1) provide an affordable,
convenient, comprehensive, and applicable education; (2) offer
organizational certification credentials for consumer recognition of
competence; (3) provide certified affiliates with ongoing education;
(4) establish a network of support, and provide professional products
and services to trainers and consumers alike; (5) facilitate and
encourage the exchange of ideas, knowledge, business experiences, and
financial opportunities between all fitness administrators
internationally.
National Gym Association
P.O. Box 290066
Brooklyn, NY 11229-0066
718-339-2674
National Sports Performance Association
12623 Wisteria Dr., Suite M
Germantown, MD 20874
301-428-2879
North American Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique
3010 Hennepin Ave. South, Suite 10
Minneapolis, MN 55408
800-473-0620, 612-824-5066
E-mail: nastat@ix.netcom.com
Web Address: http://www.life.uiuc.edu/jeff/nastat.html
Physicalmind Institute
1907 2nd Street, Suite 47
Santa Fe, NM 87505
800-505-1990
Fax: 505-988-2837
E-mail: jbreib@ aol.com
The Physicalmind Institute offers home-use videos, equipment and
teacher training. We are an international membership organization for
teachers and devotees of the 70-year-old Method developed by Joseph
H. Pilates. We offer a two-stage Certification Training program that
will allow teachers of other disciplines to easily add this wonderful
Mind/Body technique to their repertoire. Our home-use materials
provide everything necessary for a person to take advantage of the
benefits of Joseph Pilates' techniques and training in the comfort
and privacy of their own home.
Strong, Stretched & Centered Mind-Body Fitness Training
Institute
P.O. Box 758
Paia, Maui, HI 96779
808-575-2178
Fax: 808-575-2275
E-mail: glorissc@maui.net
Web: http://www.mauifitness.com
Strong, Stretched & Centered offers 236 hours of coursework in
exercise science, business, strength training, aerobics instruction
and mind-body fitness techniques. It provides training for a career
as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, fitness facility
director/owner, or lifestyle management consultant. The program
combines comprehensive academic instruction with practical hands-on
application, and fully integrates mind-body fitness training into the
curriculum. The course is offered in a small-group setting for
personalized instruction.
World Instructor Training Schools
S.F. & Wellness Inc.
206 76th, Suite A
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-428-4796
Fax: 757-428-3873
4. Continuing Education
The following organizations and companies offer preparation
classes for certification exams and/or classes and seminars for
continuing education (CEC's) which is required for maintaining most
certifications.
Aerobic Professionals Training, 703-314-4689
Laurie C. Williams, P.O. Box 1341, Stafford, VA 22554
Laurie is an ACE Master Practical Trainer who provides a wide variety
of continuing education workshops for land and water aerobics
instructors.
American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA),
800-494-7782
P.O. Box 214, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
Fax: 609-978-7582
E-mail: afpa@afpafitness.com
Web: http://www.AFPAfitness.com
AFPA's goal is to provide the highest quality learning experience for
the Fitness Professional, or those desiring to become one. Our
curriculum is based on the most current principles in Exercise
Science, Sports Medicine and Nutrition. One of our primary goals is
to provide Fitness Professionals with the most practical and
essential subject matter and the most recent research findings in the
field. Excellence in education is the foundation of AFPA and the
driving force behind Fitness Professionals seeking educational
credibility in their leadership role.
Bodiology Consulting, Inc., 888-BODI-INC, 602-348-9825
7948 N. Hayden Road, Suite E-207, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
E-mail: garzas@msn.com
Bodiology offers educational workshops for all fitness professionals,
from personal trainers to aerobic instructors, basic training to
advanced education. Our workshops feature top national presenters,
and provide continuing education credits for certified
professionals.
BodyBasics, 520-459-6145
PO Box 67, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636
Fax: 520-459-1320
Web address:http://www.theriver.com/bodybasics
E-mail: bodybasics@theriver.com
Training and continuing education for personal trainers and group
fitness instructors. ACE approved correspondence courses and books.
Workshops approved for continuing education by ACE and AFAA.
CLUBFIT. Inc., 804-730-3390
7443 Lee Davis Road, Ste. 100, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Alison Anderson Boyd and Shannon Anderson Bohn provide exciting and
educational workshops for fitness professionals.
Dancing thru Pregnancy Inc., 800-442-9034
P.O. Box 3083, Stony Creek, CT 06405
Web: http://www.dataimages.com/dtp
Dancing Thru Pregnancy Inc. offers exciting and innovative
educational programs in pre/postnatal health and fitness emphasizing
the body and mind in balance. We are an approved provider of
continuing education credits for a number of professional
associations and use the latest methods of pro-active teaching.
Desert Southwest Fitness Inc., 800-873-6759
3220 E. Via Celeste, Tucson, AZ 85718
Desert Southwest Fitness, Inc. offers over 45 continuing education
home study courses for fitness professionals. Courses approved for
continuing education by AAFP, ACE, AEA, BCRPA, CAIA, ISSA, NASM,
NATA, NCCAP, NFPT, NSCA, NSPA, SFA. Write or call today for a free
catalog.
ECA World Fitness Alliance, 516-432-6877
64 Franklin Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561
Web: http://www.ecaworldfitness.com
ECA is a not-for-profit regional organization for health and fitness
professionals dedicated to networking, disseminating information,
highlighting regional East Coast talent, and providing quality
education inexpensively and locally.
Elizabeth Noble, 508-432-8040
448 Pleasant Lake Avenue, Harwich, MA 02645
E-mail: newlife@capecod.net
Web: http://www.capecod.net/newlife/
Elizabeth Noble, physical therapist and childbirth educator, offers
instructor training in prenatal and postpartum exercise, and seminars
on women's health in general, and gynecological problems in
particular. She is the author of 8 books, the best known being
Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Years, 4th edition and
Having Twins. Through her New Life Images order form, you can obtain
books, videos, audios, Flo(R) tubes and gymnastic balls. Visit her
web site for a health tip of the month and to learn the dates and
locations of her upcoming courses.
Exercise Etc. Inc., 800-244-1344
64 NE 20 Court, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
E-mail: exetc@bellsouth.net
Web: http://exerciseetc.com
Exercise Etc. provides education, training and certification programs
for the fitness and dietetics communities. We offer ACE approved
examination preparation programs in most major metro areas as well as
an entire line of home study aids, audio and video tapes and
continuing education programs. Call or e-mail us for more
details.
Exercise Safety Association, 216-995-5161
10151 University Boulevard, Suite 138, Orlando, FL 32817-1981
FACT: Fitness Awareness CEC Training Inc., 800-876-FACT,
847-498-FACT
3330 Dundee Road, Suite N-4, Northbrook, IL 60062
FACT is a fitness organization that produces national conventions
which allow personal trainers and fitness professionals to acquire
continuing education credits (CEC's).
Fitness Resources, 303-690-1744
P.O. Box 440349, Aurora CO 80044
Providing educational opportunities for the fitness professional.
FiTOUR, 713-494-0380
45 Downing St., Suite 3, Denver, CO 80218-3945
Web: http://www.fitour.com/
Frameworks Instructor Training, 416-207-0720
85 Brentwood Road South, Etobicoke, Ontario M8Z 3N4, Canada
Offers training workshops for aerobics instructors across Canada, the
U.S., and the Caribbean.
IDEA Independent Study, 800-999-4332, ext. 7
6190 Cornerstone Court East, Suite 204, San Diego, CA 92121
IDEA offers CEC opportunities through their line of Independent Study
Courses, through selected articles in their magazines and at their
educational fitness conferences.
International Fitness & Nutrition Institute, 210-340-2348
6322 Sovereign Road, Suite 176, San Antonio, TX 78229
Janie Clark Exercise Services, 904-423-3957
P.O. Box 2575, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170-2575
Ken Alan Associates, 800-536-6060
7985 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 109, Los Angeles, CA 90046-5186
E-mail: kalan22378@aol.com
Motherwell Maternity Health and Fitness, 800-MOM-WELL
SBI Corp., 1106 Stratford Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013
Web: http://www.momwell.com/
Motherwell offers educational programs and videos on maternity health
and fitness.
Moves International, 619-934-0312
P.O. Box 4083, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546-4083
Networking Educational Workshops by Marsha Strahl,
919-942-7375
6709 Turkey Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-9785
Nutrition Dimension, 760-598-1709
Box 1478, San Marcos, CA 92079
Fax: 760-438-0643
E-mail: service@NutritionDimension.com
Web: http://www.NutritionDimension.com
Nutrition Dimension offers inexpensive, practical nutrition education
home study courses, pre-approved or accepted by all major fitness
credentialling organizations. Our current catalog offers 14
workbook-based courses, totaling more than 120 CE hours (12.0 CECs).
Special package deals and a course-sharing plan cut costs. Visit our
web site to order on-line with our secure, searchable, interactive
website catalog.
Peak Fitness
7327 SpringCrest Ct., Suite 20
Midvale, UT 84047
Telephone: (801) 567-9443
Email: fitness@inconnect.com
Web: http://www.inconnect.com/~fitness">http://www.inconnect.com/~fitness
Continuing education specialists, nationwide and practical skills
Training for instructors. Specializing in: Ball training (look for "IrResist-A-Ball Abs & Backs"), Power choreography, Lifestyle
& Weight Management/Nutrition topics.
Paul Chek Seminars, 800-552-8789, 619-551-8789
565 Pearl St., Suite 108, La Jolla, CA 92037
Fax: 619-551-0587
Web: http://paulchekseminars.com
Paul Chek seminars is committed to providing cutting edge,
scientifically-based information to fitness professionals, strength
coaches, athletic trainers, massage therapists, physical therapists
and other medical professionals. Our educational materials include
correspondence courses, videos, seminars and internships. CECs are
available for ACE, ISSA, NATA, NSCA, NASM, BCRPA, NFPT, and AFAC
(Australia). For those seeking the highest levels of expertise, we
offer the Corrective High-Performance Exercise Kinesiology
certification; an elite program based around four levels of practical
internships.
Physicalmind Institute, 800-505-1990
1907 2nd Street, Suite 47, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Fax: 505-988-2837
E-mail: jbreib@ aol.com
The Physicalmind Institute offers home-use videos, equipment and
teacher training. We are an international membership organization for
teachers and devotees of the 70-year-old Method developed by Joseph
H. Pilates. We offer a two-stage Certification Training program that
will allow teachers of other disciplines to easily add this wonderful
Mind/Body technique to their repertoire. Our home-use materials
provide everything necessary for a person to take advantage of the
benefits of Joseph Pilates' techniques and training in the comfort
and privacy of their own home.
Professional Fitness Institute of Training, 800-899-7348,
713-868-8086
P.O. Box 130258, Houston, TX 77219
PFIT is a comprehensive school where personal trainers, aerobics
instructors and fitness enthusiasts can gain knowledge of training
programs and prepare for national certification exams.
Pro*Fit Enterprises
Rande LaDue, Pro*Fit Enterprises, PO Box 852, Trabuco Canyon, CA
92678
Phone & Fax: 714-888-1610
ACE Approved Courses: Cross Training and Instructional Technique.
Course #CA24658 PACE Group Exercise, Advanced Workshop CECs: 0.2
Progressive EDUCATION, 800-211-3459
L-3 Marsh Side, 5 Gumtree Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
Web: http://www.progressiveeducation.com/
Progressive EDUCATION offers continuing education through
correspondence courses for fitness professionals certified by ACE, ACSM, and
NSCA. They offer a variety of courses on strength training,
flexibility and nutrition, and they specialize in reasonably priced
courses and quick turn-around time for CECs. Call, write or e-mail
for more information.
Reebok University, 800-382-3823
1000 Technology Center Drive, Stoughton, MA 02072
Sara's City Workout, 800-545-CITY, 847-733-7800
1618 Orrington Ave., Suite 202, Evanston, IL 60201
E-mail: saracity@enteract.com
Web: http://www.saracity.com
Sara's City Workout educates thousands monthly through high quality
workshops, certifications, conventions, videos, audio tapes and the
PULSE Audio/Video Catalog.
Speedo International Ltd., 702-746-0645
5591 E. Rainbow Ridge Court, Reno, NV 89523-1534
Strong, Stretched & Centered Mind-Body Fitness Training
Institute, 808-575-2178
P.O. Box 758, Paia, Maui, HI 96779
E-mail: glorissc@maui.net
Web: http://www.mauifitness.com
Strong, Stretched & Centered offers 236 hours of coursework in
exercise science, business, strength training, aerobics instruction
and mind-body fitness techniques. It provides training for a career
as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, fitness facility
director/owner, or lifestyle management consultant. The program
combines comprehensive academic instruction with practical hands-on
application, and fully integrates mind-body fitness training into the
curriculum. The course is offered in a small-group setting for
personalized instruction.
World Instructor Training Schools, 757-428-4796
S.F. & Wellness Inc., 206 76th, Suite A, Virginia Beach, VA
23451
Licensed regional schools throughout the country have ACE, AFAA and
W.I.T.S. continuing education programs. Aerobic and personal trainers
will be able to keep up to date with education requirements
year-round and in their own neighborhoods.
5. Promoting Yourself and Your Fitness
Business
How do you, the fitness professional, expand your business and
promote yourself?
As a personal manager and talent agent, my immediate response is
"you don't." But, first let's address what you might do if you don't
take my advice. I'm making the assumption that we're not talking
about increasing personal training clientele locally, etc. We're
talking about taking the next quantum leap from what you're currently
doing, and trying to land a video contract, TV appearance,
infomercial, fitness modeling, print work, etc.
The key elements include: set your objectives; network -
conferences, trade shows, etc.; prepare a professional, quality
résumé - typed, stylish; professional photography
consisting of a head-shot and at least two full-body shots, varying
your look and style depending on your objectives - not all
photographers know how to take fitness-oriented pictures, don't
forget hair and make-up, decide if you want 8x10s or a comp card;
meaningful contact list of producers, infomercial companies, and
other media contacts; demo video highlighting your strengths and
experience while also addressing your target market - infomercial
producers are looking for different skills that fitness TV show
producers; follow-up your mailing blitz; don't give up.
The reason I noted in the opening sentence that you don't
personally do this is because you are the talent. You do what you do
best and should leave marketing yourself to what professionals in
this field do best. That's why actors/actresses have managers and
agents. Promotion is a full time job, just as your instructing and
personal training is a full time job. Even if you (think you) have
time for both, ask yourself if you have the skill(s), the contacts,
the negotiation experience, and, last but surely not the least
important, the ability to take what is surely a great deal of
rejection until you hit the big one.
Promotion is a huge job, often costly; however, it can result in
valuable rewards. If no one knows you're out there, you probably
aren't.
6. Shoe & Apparel Discounts
One of the advantages of being a fitness instructor is that you
can get discounts on athletic shoes and clothing from various
manufacturers. Rules for qualifying vary by manufacturer, so please
contact the individual company that you are interested in buying
from.
Adidas Three Stripe Instructor Program
c/o DbM
P.O. Box 25384
Portland, OR 97298
Telephone: 1-888-311-1995
Avia Select Instructor Program
Beaverton, OR 97075-1823
Telephone: 1-800-275-3565
Avia
Australia
Telephone: (02) 9310 5600
Nike
UK
Telephone: 0191 4016453
Reebok Alliance
100 Technology Center Dr.
Stoughton, MA 02072
Telephone: 1-800-REEBOK-1
Reebok Professional Instructor Alliance
UK
Telephone: 01494 816666
Reebok Instructor Alliance
Australia
Telephone: (02) 9698 7000 or 1800 626 920
Skinz Alliance P/L
666 Canterbury Road
Surrey Hills
Vic., 3127
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9897 1117
Fax: (03) 9897 1110
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