Harsitha

Harsitha is a fitness education researcher and the founder of GoHappyLiving.com — an independent resource helping aspiring personal trainers choose the right certification for their career. With a deep interest in fitness career development, Harsitha has spent years analysing certification programs, student outcomes, and industry data across ACE, NASM, ISSA, and NCSF. Every review on this site is based on independent research — never influenced by certification companies or commission incentives.

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National academy of Sports and Medicine

Certification Reviews /
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NASM :

  • Another popular online fitness certification program is NASM (the National Academy of Sports Medicine).
  • Through this program, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the science of exercise and how to use it to create effective and safe programs for clients.
  • NASM has successfully achieved in developing personal trainers all over the world for more than 30 years.

1.Personal trainer

When you join the NASM community to be promoted as a personal trainer, you will get access to a job guarantee program, choose the gym you work for, and help from fitness experts.

Duration : It takes 4 weeks to complete the course and you can get assistance from the top NASM experts whenever you needed.

Prerequisites: You should have a high school diploma or GED(General Educational Development), CPR certification, and AED certification.

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2.Nutrition coach

A Nutrition Coach works with a client to develop strategies and lifestyle changes to  issues like obesity, body composition, aging, and lifestyle approaches to disease management.

Duration : You have one year to complete and take the final exam.But if you allot a specific time to this course,you can complete it in 4 weeks as possible.

Prerequisites : No prerequisites are there in the course

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National academy of sports and medicine.jpg
National academy of sports and medicine.jpg

3.Sports nutrition coach

 A Sports Nutrition Coach, works specifically with athletes and sports person to educate and provide coaching around performance oriented nutrition within sports.

Duration: You have 1 year to complete the course.

Prerequisites: Get familiar with NASM’s other nutrition courses.

National academy of sports and medicine.jpg
National academy of sports and medicine.jpg

4.Wellness coach

NASM certified wellness coach course  teaches you to guide the clients’ personal behaviour pattern and personailty enhancement on long term basis. 

Prerequisites : Fitness credential is recommended.

Duration : You have 1 year to complete the course.

National academy of sports and medicine.jpg
National academy of sports and medicine.jpg
National academy of sports and medicine.jpg

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American council on exercise

Certification Reviews /
  • One of the most popular online fitness certification programs is the ACE (American Council on Exercise) certification.
  • ACE certifications focus on personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and health coaches in order to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to create safe and effective workout plans for their clients.
  • The ACE program offers three levels of certification: the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Group Exercise Instructor (GXI), and Certified Health Coach (CHC).
  • Each of these certifications requires its own set of exams and courses, so you’ll want to make sure you research the program carefully to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
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Choose the right one for you

While the cost of the course may seem high, becoming a certified personal trainer through ACE can open many doors to a rewarding career in fitness. It’s important to carefully consider all the materials and services included in each package to determine which one is the best fit for your learning style and career goals.

Three study programs available:

Basic – $675

Plus -$745

Advantage -$975

Interest-free monthly payments are available.The difference between the programs is the inclusion of additional study materials and live webinars.

A group fitness instructor is responsible for leading and instructing fitness classes to groups of individuals. They create an inviting environment and deliver safe, effective workouts that inspire and challenge participants. Group fitness instructors possess a thorough knowledge of exercises and fitness equipment, code of conduct as well as how to modify exercises to accommodate different fitness levels and abilities. 

Three study programs are available:

Basic – $285

Plus – $375

Advantage – $465

Interest free monthly payments are available.You may find cost differences between the programs based on study materials included and online live webinars.

Unlike a personal trainer or a physician, a health coach focuses on the whole person, including their lifestyle, habits, and mental and emotional well-being. Health coaches provide guidance, support, and accountability to help individuals make sustainable changes that lead to a healthier lifestyle.Through this course you will leran to maintain professionalism and client boundaries.

You can opt for :

Basic – $850

Plus – $990

Advantage – $1495

Advanced study program -$2990

Interest free payments are available.Study time for advanced one is 1 year rather than other programs which could be 3-6 months on average.

A medical exercise specialist is a highly trained fitness professional who works with individuals suffering from chronic health and medical conditions. Their expertise extends beyond general exercise prescriptions and includes knowledge on clinical exercise physiology, anatomy, biomechanics, and injury prevention and rehabilitation. Medical exercise specialists often work in partnership with physical therapists, physicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure their clients receive the best possible care.

Course programs :

Standard – $385

Premium – $495

Career oppurtunities for ACE Certified individual

What you can do:

  • Virtual Coach/Online Trainer
  • Athletic Coach
  • Gym Owner/Self-Employed
  • Corrective Exercise & Injury Prevention Specialist

 

Places you can work :

  • Hospitals/Clinics
  • Medical Fitness Facilities/Fitness Facilities
  • College/University Recreation Facilities
  • Assisted Living/Senior Care Communities

 

Classes you can teach:

  • Dance Fitness
  • Strength Training
  • Cardio Training
  • Yoga
  • Indoor Cycling
  • Aerobics
  • HIIT
  • Kickboxing
  • Sports Performance
  • Pilates
  • Martial Arts
  • Boot Camp
  • Tai Chi
  • Barre
  • Aquatic Exercise
  • Virtual Wellness Coach
  • Nutrition Coach
  • Corporate Wellness Coordinator
  • Behavioral Health Case Manager
  • Healthcare Professional

What you can do :

  • Partner with healthcare providers
  • Post-rehab exercise
  • Exercise prescription for clients with chronic disease
  • Corrective Exercise & Injury Prevention Specialist

Places you can work :

  • Hospitals/Clinics
  • Medical Fitness Facilities/Fitness Facilities
  • College/University Recreation Facilities
  • Assisted Living/Senior Care Communities

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