Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness

For those that are NASM or ACSM certified -- which certification would you recommend? Also which books or study guides did you use.

I've got both and I'd say go NASM, but it does depend on where and what you'd like to do. For general personal training I'd say that NASM is much better at program design than ACSM. ACSM is much more clinical and desired among academia, however is lacking on practical applications. ACSM is a harder more rigorous test, but both are well respected.

Cool. I've been interested in this question too, as one of my friends, a fellow vegan author, was asking the same question.

Any other recommended programs, especially to have as credentials for her book, which she is looking for?

Thanks!

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Well it seems that the credential that gets the most hype is NSCA's CSCS or certified strength and conditioning coach. This certification is pretty much required to get hired to train college athletes and work with sport teams. People love placing those letters (CSCS) at the end of their name with distinction. IMO I'm not sure why this particular certification is made so special. You do need a college degree to even take the test which is good, but there are others such as the ACSM Health Fitness Specialist or Exercise Physiologist cert that require the same. I actually think the NASM performance exercise specialist is better as far as material. There were many others that used to mean something such as USAweightlifting, CHEK, and Charles Poliquin, but many certifications I believe have fallen by the wayside.

As far as credentials for a book are concerned, I've noticed the general public and even those paying for training have no idea about the different distinctions or certifications. I have plenty of friends who sadly either have allowed their certs to expire, have some fly by night cert, or worse never got certified at all. I've never even had a client ask about my credentials. Although despite I think you all would laugh at the number of certs I have. They are fun though....Just took the Cornell plant based nutrition one.

I personally think the best thing to have would be a graduate degree in exercise science or an MS.

Hi Duke,

I noticed that acsm is 3 years and nasm is 2 years. It is all about money. What are your views regarding the ACE cert. Is that easier than acsm and nasm. Is it worth the money or just take the nasm

I agree it's definitely about the money for sure. I'd say ACE is among what I would consider the big 4 (ACSM, NCSA, NASM, ACE). These were the main CPT for years to be NCCA accredited. Really that's all that's important. There's some new one's that have received their NCCA mark such as NESTA.

ACE is definitely a respectable certification, but used to (and I'd say still is) considered the "easy one". When I was just starting out everyone would just suggest that because of that reputation. All and all their not too difficult. I say get the one that fits your work/school environment.

ACSM-Clnically respected by academia
NASM-Repected for their program design and practical use in the gym setting.
NSCA-Also respected among academia, but is known for emphasis on strength and conditioning.
ACE- The easy one-jk a nice solid foundation on exercise science and program design.

I'm NSCA certified although I have the lesser known NSCA-CPT certification which isn't as reputable as the NSCA-CSCS. Still, it seems to be pretty well respected in the industry and you only need a high school diploma and CPR certification to be eligible for it. I've never seen the CSCS certification but from what I have understand the NSCA-CPT is basically an easier, less specialized version of the CSCS, it's good if you're planning on working with the general population rather than training just athletes.

I'm ACSM certified and that is a tougher certification but it's worth it for the academic recognition. Which certification did you choose cause if you are doing ACSM I can sell you my 3 ACSM certification books in PDF format. ACSM Resources for the Personal Trainer, 3rd Edition. ACSM Guidelines For Exercise Testing and Prescription, 8th Edition. ACSM Certification Review, 3rd Edition.

http://www.personaltrainerbusinessplan.com/acsm-certification-books/