trainerchad: All you wrote about ACE or ACSM is this:

"Did I ever mention that what I wrote and believe had anything at all to do with ACE, ACSM or otherwise. NO! All that crap is bureaucratic and political."

At no point did you state that you are ACE or ACSM certified. Frankly, son, what you've written would probably move the governing bodies of each of these eminent certification bodies to revoke your certification as a trainer.

You advocate the use of chemicals to increase pulse, respiration, and muscle development; a position contrary to virtually every expert in the field of training.

No, I have no idea what you do to pay the rent. My guess, however, is that you are a clerk or cashier in a retail shop.

Ok ok so I didn't specifically say I had those two certs before. I figured that you being the smart guy you obviously are could have figured out that I did have those.

Contrary to what experts? The old time fools that you believe in? People that are only book smart and have no practical training experience of their own? Granted some do, but certainly not the type of training we're talkig about here. You think I'm gonna take some skinny pencil necked scholar's advice over a guy who's been busting his ass in the gym for 20+ years? NEVER! Experience counts my friend.

I'm going to finish this silly sh*t with you by agreeing to disagree. I have my ways and thoughts about doing things and you have yours.

I'm going to ask you to do all of us a favor here and keep your opinions to yourself if you have a reaction to something in someone else's post. You're starting to get like RAM27.

Oh, and you almost got it right! But just a portion of it. Yes I do happen to be a clerk and a cashier in a retail store....one I just happen to own. Imagine! I even sell cigars there.........hmmmmmmmmmmm.....makes you kind of wonder...................

NASM is one of a myriad of certification programs offered through correspondence. It may be an excellent program. I don't know. As I examined the literature, what I did find were several sites, such as this:

http://www.mo-media.com/nasm/ 

"Secrets of the NASM Certified Personal Trainer Exam

How to Ace the Certified Personal Trainer Exam, using my easy step-by-step NASM Personal Trainer study guide, without weeks and months of endless studying."

http://www.nasm.org/Certification/CPTTestingProcedures.aspx 

NASM: Getting Certified

Candidate Eligibility

Must be at least 18 years of age

NASM account must be paid in full

You will be eligible to schedule your exam three (3) business days after enrollment with NASM.

Upon completion of the exam, you will be given a score of pass or fail. To protect the integrity of the exam, test questions and answers will NOT be available following the test.

If you pass the exam, you will be able to print a temporary certificate from your Member Page after three business days. An official certificate will be mailed to you within three weeks of passing the exam.

If you do not pass the exam, you can call NASM-BOC three days after taking the exam to purchase a retest. The retest fee is $99 and allows an additional 120 days to take the exam.

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Let me get this straight. You can enroll with NASM and three days later take the personal trainer certification test? That's what it says.....

All I can find about S.M.A.R.T. is that it offers rapid workshop certification through Dowling College.

Tell me more about these programs.

Trainerchad: Anyone with both ACE and ACSM certification bears full credentials as a personal trainer. ACSM is the most credible certification board in the United States. It's truly doubtful they'd seek additional certification from a certifying body where the coursework is through correspondence and you only have to be enrolled for three days to test.

I suggest that anyone who wants to get into shape contract with an ACSM or ACE certified personal trainer after a full physical examination from their physician. If their physician prescribes more than a daily multivitamin and, perhaps, B6 and calcium, I'd be very surprised.

I ride a bicycle,swim and lift. During the summer I also play 2 man beach VB. BTW,I am 60. X :~o

xibbumbero-Ya had to mention beach volleyball didn't you? Man I miss playing that! Not so easy with half a more or less fake leg though! You keep up the good work bud!

Steve- Yeah the ACSM is definitely the most credible in the industry. It's by far the most technical exam. And you are right that most gyms require at least an ACE certification and prefer if you have, or at least get ACSM certified also. The NASM is kind of a weird group. Mabye they've changed their policy on taking exams that soon after enrolling because I had to wait 1 month when I took it several years ago. I guess the 3 day thing makes sense if you already have other certifications and have the prior knowledge needed to take their test that fast. ??? I'll have to look into that. Thanks for bringing that up! The S.M.A.R.T certification is done through Dowling College as you correctly stated. It's geared much more towards cutting edge "bodybuilding" style training and nutrition. Which I happen to be very interested in if you couldn't already tell.

I received my ACE certification first and then got the NASM. Then a gym I worked at required the ACSM so I got that. When I heard about the SMART program it interested me so much that I decided to just get that on my own even though I don't know any gyms that require that. Most trainers have never even heard of it outside the bodybuilding community.

Your recommendations for getting a trainer that is ACE/ACSM certified AFTER they have seen a doctor is right on. I won't even touch a potential client until they have seen a doctor first. That is so important because unless they have been checked out by a doctor you are going on their word alone and have no idea what you might be dealing with. Doctors shouldn't recommend anything more than a multivitamin. If people are interested in further nutritional help they should consult a dietician/nutritionist. Above and beyond that anything else they wish to put in their body should be at their own choosing and risk.

When I had time to work out. I used to go to the gym in the mornings and alternate arms, chest and shoulders. I started weighing 155 (I am 5'9"). BOOYAH! My lifting partner and I went religiously and did our routines. I started on the bench at 145 thru hard work, creatine, and whey protein I got to 310. I could do tri pull down reps with 130 with ease. I was preacher curlin 130 and stand up curls with the bench bar and 45 on each side. BLAH BLAH...So after all this working out I bulked up to 185 with just creatine, whey and a good diet.

Guys...be safe...don't push too hard where you are constantly hurting yourselves.

Gary

My workout routine (repeat as often as needed):

1. Brisk walk to the liquor store.

2. Series of 12 ounce curls.

3. Cigar-cardio.

Pretty much mine too now cigarkid. LMAO!

Tranny,

Day 1 back to the gym today! Felt great and working one day at a time. Turns out my regular lifting partner was in the same rut I was and we just needed to get in there. Monday I will be at it again!

Thanks.

Castlewa

castlewa - Good luck! That's all it takes...getting in there that first time. Then, as I am sure you know all too well, you become hooked after just a few weeks.

castlewa

Way to go bro! I wish you success! Keep us posted on your progress!

Tranny's suggestion that folks have a workout partner is one of the most important elements to keeping up a consistent routine.

Yes, a very good recommendation Tranny. Accountability to a training partner is huge. Good luck and let us know how it goes castlewa!

I know 315 isn't weak by some standards, but as you can see my deadlift isn't too far off of Chad's while my bench isn't in the same class. Probably because I'm not built like successful powerlifters. I'm 6'2' and at the time of my peak, was 280#, with a 52" chest and thighs like Tom Platz, hehehe. I could squat all day... now I can't do squat! LOL.

-Wolfy