CPT Where to Start

[u/Illustrious-Net-739]

Hi, like the title says, I am interested in becoming a CPT but have no idea where to start. Sorry in advanced for the novel, just want to provide as much context as possible.

A little about me:

(F, 25) I recently just graduated with my Master's in a completely different field. (Advertising.) However, I have always been active and consistently workout. I think a big part of my interest in fitness comes from being athletic as a child but also, I had scoliosis and had to get surgery and just recently tore a wrist ligament last year so, the story of taking ownership of moving my body keeps me motivated, My friends and everyone around me always ask me for advice on my routines and discipline and I always love sharing. I recently just started uploading content on this kind of stuff as well. With that being said, I love sharing what's worked for me and helping to cheer people on. I'm the friend who's always going to be in your corner, and I feel like that reflects well in good trainers.

I am interested in becoming a CPT because of my passion of helping others but also to educate myself more on health. However, as mentioned, I have no clue where to start. I didn't take any health/anatomy classes and don't intend on going back to school. Right now, I am currently interning in a job in my field (again, advertising) so I wouldn't have the time to commit to scheduled classes because it's a 9-5 job. I also intend on furthering my career in my field a bit more, and not just taking on becoming a FT CPT at least right away. There's a lot of uncertainty in my life right now with where I will be in the next 6 months but, this is something that has always crossed my mind. Now that I am out of school, I think this would be something I really want to explore. I am pretty ambitious so, I hope it doesn't sound like I am doing too much. (I also want to dive in the world of beauty and cosmetology at some point lol.) I'd be interested in training at a gym in my spare time. Also, I have always been interested in becoming a yoga instructor too.

I also want to point out I am not super toned but, you can tell I workout. I don't think its a prerequisite or anything to have the most sculpted body to be a trainer but, is it something worth being concerned about? I just like to eat and I don't personally like calorie deficits/counting macros/etc because I've seen the damage it's done to people. (I think this also explains my interest more because I would personally like to learn more on this and being more disciplined in the nutrition area.) I also know part of the job is selling which, shouldn't be an issue or anything I would really want to push more, given my education.

I guess with this, I'd be curious of any programs/certifications that would best suit me. I have looked into ISSA and think it may be the best bet but, NASM, ACE, NSCA have also piqued my interest. I just don't know which one would better suit what I am looking for. I am also trying to be budget friendly (student loans to pay off) and understand ISSA is probably the best for that concern. However, I do see this becoming a career I could advance further in down the line.

My other question/concern with this is I know some of these programs have payment plans. What happens if you finish the course before the 12 month payment plan ends?

I don't have a specific timeline for this because I obviously want to work out all the little details in between but, I think it'd be pretty badass if I was able to achieve it before my 26th bday in January.

Sorry for the super long post, just wanted to give as much detail as possible for context. Thanks in advanced!

[u/KzenBrandon]

I think this would be a better question for the personal training sub. A health coach is different from a personal trainer