Archive for June 6th, 2012

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June 6, 2012

So You Wanna Become a Personal Trainer…

by Stephanie

Hey there again!

Two posts in one day!

Lucky ducks.

As I mentioned this morning, in my attempt to find structure and add routine to my summer break, I am going to be pursuing a personal training certification!

{The last two boxes are also applicable to RDs…}

So like the good little student I am try to be, I want to make sure I get the right certification.

Spreadsheet to the rescue!

Duh-duhduh-duuhhhh!

{If you are new to the blog, that would be superhero music.}

The three options I am considering {although there are many, many more} include:

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This is what I’ve discovered from their websites…

* I’m thinking I can get cheaper books on Amazon/Barnes and Noble though…

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This is what I’ve discovered from a few articles, forums, and discussions…

  • The ACE certification, while highly recognized, is not as well respected as ACSM and NSCA [okay, so ACE is out]
  • ACSM markets themselves as the “gold standard” for CPT certification
  • NSCA and ACSM are recognized by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
  • The ACSM Health Fitness Specialist [which I plan to work towards eventually] qualifies you to work with individuals in poor health [Carol from On Nutrition is a HFS]
  • The NSCA-CSCS is extremely prestigious for individuals making personal training their career (which, obviously, nutrition is my intended career path, not personal training)
  • ACSM is more clinical and more applicable for those interested in rehab and hospital settings

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So after reviewing all of this, I think I’m leaning towards the ACSM-CPT certification!

YAY!

My Reasons:

  1. I will have more time to study for the ACSM exam (August 28th vs. the August 4th date of the NSCA exam).
  2. The ACSM-HFS cert was something I already knew I wanted to pursue after working with Carol this past Spring.
  3. The cost of the ACSM exam is slightly lower than the NSCA.
  4. I don’t know if this is true or not, but the ACSM cert seems to be more in line with my chosen career path.

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Now all I have to do is round up some cash money and get started! Hello, early birthday present!

Any recommendations, suggestions, or advice as I begin my certification journey?

Do you have a ACSM/NSCA preference?

Later party people.

 

 

Posted in Exercise, How To, New Things, Weight Lifting, Wellness | 10 Comments »

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June 6, 2012

Get Some Structure, Man.

by Stephanie

Good morning!

I’m getting a slightly later start than usual, which I think is a product of my lack of routine.  I have nothing to get up for, nothing to motivate me, no sense of urgency in my day.  Which, let’s be honest here, is something I crave when I’m super busy – to effortlessly go through my day without feeling rushed.

Now that I am not running around like an insane person, I feel like I am less productive.

I struggle with this on all of my school breaks.

Ah, yes.

Now, I am getting in three little workouts – a run, a walk with moms or the dog, + BodyRock {yeah, still wanna get that booty} – & I’m working on meal plans for folks, & apartment hunting, & doing research on personal training certifications [more on that in just a bit], & job searching – so I’m not being a complete slug.  I just fart around in between all of these activities – stretching things out longer than they need to be.  I’m not getting the same satisfaction from checking things off my list.  I think I just need some structure.

Let’s give this a try:

+ 6:00 am :: Alarm goes off – OUT of bed by 6:15 {I have a bad snooze habit}
+ 6:15 – 7:30 am :: Coffee, snacky/breakfast, blog, e-mail
+ 7:45 am :: Out the door for my morning run
+ 8:30 – 9:00 am :: BodyRock & s.t.r.e.t.c.h
+ 9:00 – 10:00 am :: Get pretty [10 am is a big goal - to be ready to go out in to public and get shizz done - instead of the 12, 1 or 2:00 pm that it has been lately...]
+ 10:00 – 10:30 am :: Snack {giving myself just a little extra time here, JIC I have a longer-ish run planned}
+ 10:30 – 12:00 am :: Rosetta Stone Español lessons
+ 12:00 – 1:00 pm :: LUNCH
+ 1:00 – 2:00 pm :: Personal training studying
+ 2:00 – 3:00 pm :: Walk
+ 3:00 – on :: Work {if I can get a job}, relax, hang out, read, do summer things.

Obviously, the schedule is running about an hour behind today, but at least I have some guidelines.

I feel better already.

Okay time to get some food in this belly and get going on my day.  Check for a post on personal training around 1:00 – 2:00 [better make that 2:00 - 3:00!].

Do you have a structured routine to help you be more productive? 

Or are you able to just go with the flow and get shizz done?

Hi-ho, Hi-ho, It’s Off to Work I Go!

Posted in Daily, Exercise, Productivity, Time-Savers, Wellness | 2 Comments »

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