BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! (Nope, still not pregnant.)

Friends, I have exciting news...

What the WHAT!?? I know, I can hardly believe it! If you're thinking, "Wow, I didn't even know she was taking her test," you are not alone. I didn't tell anyone other than Paul when exactly I was taking it because if I failed... I'll be honest, I didn't want anyone to know. Not because I wouldn't want to admit failure, I just figured it would be bad for business!

But anyway, it doesn't matter because I PASSED!!!

American Council on Exercise

I decided to become a trainer way back in August. There were a couple factors that motivated me to become a trainer. First, I wanted to learn more so I could better myself and not have to rely on someone else. I also wanted to help others. When I worked with a trainer, she changed my life. I was in a vicious cycle of over exercising. I obsessed about food all day long. I needed to make a change but I needed someone to kick me in the right direction . Some people need that! If I can help others the way my trainer helped me, I will be so happy.

Studying was tough. I bought the minimum resources I needed.: two books and an exam voucher. That's it. There were lots of study guides and flashcards that I could have purchased to help me but I decided against it. Everything was expensive and I figured I could just buck up and teach myself. I did my entire Master's program via online college courses, surely I would be self-directed enough to study to become a personal trainer on my own.

I'm not going to lie. It was hard. While I knew a lot about running, a fair amount about nutrition, and a little about the weight room, it was peanuts compared to the information in the book. Interesting, the information I actually already had a grasp of were the many chapters dedicated to teaching styles, learning styles, motivation, and the psychology of behavioral change. With all the educational psychology and teaching courses I took in my undergrad and graduated programs, I was very comfortable with the information in those chapters. But there was so much other stuff I needed to learn. A lot of it was interesting, but a lot of it was boring, too!

Confession: I wasn't confident on test day. I had taken a break from studying for awhile and actually planned on rescheduling my test. I ended up deciding just to go for it. If I failed, it would still be good practice for me and I could take it again.

The test comprised of 150 multiple choice questions. I had 3 hours to take the test and I used all but 7 minutes of my time. I took one bathroom break, which was pretty much a "brain" break for me. I was at a computer in a tiny little room by myself the whole time. There was video surveillance on me and the proctor had to walk through the room once every 15 minutes. That was a little distracting. I read each question carefully.

Some questions were very straightforward...

Example: What four muscles make up the quadriceps?

I like questions like that. There is one clear cut answer.

Then there were some not so straightforward questions...

Example: Your client has confided in you that he has been having trouble staying motivated to adhere to his exercise program. What is the BEST suggestion you can give him?

A. Explain to him how important physical fitness is to his health.

B. Tell him to workout at the same time each day.

C. Encourage him to find a training partner.

D. Let him know he won't reach his goals if he doesn't stick to his plan.

Obviously A and D are out. But I couldn't decide between B and C. B could work because I know when some people exercise at the same time each day, it can become part of your routine and easier to stick to. But then again, some people like having a training partner... and some people don't. I went back and forth a million times and I think I ended up choosing C. I don't know if it was right or not.

There were a lot of questions that I felt had two answers, which of course concerned me at the time. I do tend to over think things though, which is why I always did so poorly on True False tests in high school!

Once I submitted my exam, my score was ready. When it flashed up on the screen, it still took me a few seconds to realize I passed. I got a shitty little grin on my face and felt so relieved. I would never have to take that 3 hour test again! Woohoo! Oh, and I was officially a certified trainer, too!

So now, there is lots to do! First of all, I need to purchase insurance and have a lawyer help me draw up waivers/agreements/informed consent type documents so no one sues my ass. I need to create a website. I need to come up with a business model and decide how much I am going to charge for particular services. I need to decide what sorts of services I'm going to offer. There is still a lot to do before I will officially train anyone. But it is all fun things, and I have Paul to help me!

I do need a name for my business... so if you have any ideas, let me know!

Thanks for listening to my rambles. This post is probably a little disjointed right now, but that's what happens when I get on a high!

Any ideas on what I should call my business?

What is the scariest test you had to take?
Have you ever hired a personal trainer?