Anyone become a personal trainer after WLS

Hi!  I was just wondering if anyone had become a personal trainer after WLS.  I am almost 3 years out and still struggle at times but exercise has been my saving grace.  I just switched gyms and it kills me to watch some of these trainers work w/ overweight people.  Some of the trainers put these people on machines that they can't be successful at doing as a beginner...so then they just feel more out of place and embarrassed.  Don't get me wrong..there are some really good trainers I have been fortunate to meet but some just don't get it.  They know how to train people but just don't have the sensitivity to an overweight client to help that person become more confident and successful.  So I'm thinking of having that was one of my goals for 2007.  Does anyone have any suggestions, especially if you have become a personal trainer?  Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mary

Hi Mary, Just wanted to say Hi and Go for it! I agree trainers don't always relate to WLS people in general. That's where interviewing the trainer comes in, to see what experience and understanding they bring to the table. Personal training is a service and the client should interview the potential trainer. I have similar goals (just little time to study) I'm doing the ACE certification. They seem to be well respected and have a lot of resources for education "after" you get certified. The textbook has very little practical information though, probably why I'm not really getting into studying it. It's kind of like college where they teach you the basics, but to actually get the experience to do a real job,  you need to get a real job. Unfortunately, I got offered a counter job at my gym, which I wanted just to get my foot in the door and get a little experience, but the hours didn't jive with my real job (the one that pays the bills). Good luck. Earl

Hi Earl!  Thanks for your encouragement and good luck on your certification.  In researching, it does seem like ACE is very well respected so I think that is the route that I am planning to go.  I guess the next big step is just ordering the study information!  Thanks again and have a good day!! Mary

Mary, I've had the same thoughts.  I love exercise and have seen trainers as both an obese person and as a normal sized person after my bypass.  Both were cordial, but the treatment after weightloss was just different.  It could've been the difference in personalities, but it might not have been.  I think people who've never been overweight just can't understand the sensitivity issues.  I don't think they mean to embarrass or discourage their clients, they just don't get it. I'm doing the ACE program.  The other poster was right, the text isn't really much help and experience would be the most helpful.  But the program is great and the recognition of the program is as well.  My second trainer, and my favorite, was ACE certified. Good luck on achieving your goal.  If you want to be a personal trainer, chances are you'd make a good one! Lily

Hello Mary, ACE is a great certification to get for a personal trainer.  Another route you may want to look at is the NSCA's CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist).  Most trainers who work with elite athletes are NSCA certified.  Additionally, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is another route to go for certification.  All of these certifications are very well respected in the fitness industry and hold a lot of weight when you are applying.  You may want to watch out for those programs that you can take a course in for a weekend or at home from the computer and be a "certified personal trainer."  Those types of programs are a waste of money.  The main difference you'll experience with ACE, NSCA, and ACSM when compared to these other programs is that you'll actually learn why and what is happening physiologically when you exercise.  Biochemistry, advanced physiology, and nutrition components are all addressed and I really recommend those organizations for certification.  I myself have never been overweight, let alone obese.  I did though, struggle with being underweight.  As a guy going into a gym, I never felt comfortable or like I belonged.  I always felt like people were watching me, wondering why a skinny guy like me could be interested in weight lifting.  I'm in no way saying that those experiences are similar, but that I can understand why some people don't feel comfortable in a gym.  I believe if personal trainers were forced to go to college (like other healthcare jobs) and people actually majored in physical education or exercise science, a lot of those problems could be erased or at the very least minimized. Hope this helps, and good luck!