Everyone likes to put acronyms after their names to show their certifications, degrees, etc. Most fitness instructors do the same, name and then “certified NASM, ISSA, etc. Instructor”. Do you think someone with a Bachelor Degree in Health and Physical Education or Exercise Physiology should become certified as a fitness instructor just for better advertising or do you think since they have a four year degree in the fitness/wellness field, they should advertise that? I have the degree, and opened a small fitness facility offering group spin classes, run groups and general group fitness classes, but wondered what the perceptions were? I didn’t advertise my degree.
Should I? I have been asked if I have certifications. I tend to think my multiple courses in exercise physiology, kinesiology, anatomy, physiology, Nutrition, etc. Is much more impressive than a three day course (not to offend anyone, as I know some great certified trainers and understand they don’t want to pursue a 4 year degree) but again want to know what a clients perception would be. Should I include my credentials in my advertising? I am in a small town where most know my background. Basically, with the degree do you still think a certification is required just to say you have one even though you probably wouldn’t learn anything significant beyond what was required for your B.S.
Advertise your degree. It’s not going to hurt!
this always make me think of the scene in “Verdict” (with Paul Newman).
“are you a certified physician in blah blah blah…”
“no I am just an MD”
I agree with Tigerchik that it’s not going to hurt to put B.S. ___________ after your name. Apparently, people are looking for it as they are looking at your business.
You might want to investigate being certified if it gives you access to lower liability insurance as a result of certification. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has an active web site, magazine, and continuing education program that may also help feed new ideas for different programs to keep people coming back to your facility.
or hire a couple of certified people to work for you.
problem solved.
I’d say the degree adds some credibility so not a bad idea to advertise it. If you have a degree you can also get your CSCS, which is generally recognized and respected (at least within the industry and by anyone who knows fitness).
Also, just in my experience people with just a degree don’t necessarily know anything about how to apply it to people. Some of those 3 day courses teach a lot of application and assessment tools that are valuable.
If I were to open a business and my livelihood depended on it, I would do everything to make myself stand out. The more training and certifications that you have, the better that you can market yourself. The ST crowd may loom down upon certifications, but the general public won’t. I have yet to hear anyone say … I don’t want that guy because he has too many ceterifications.
I think certifications are like big signs outside of liquor stores. It doesn’t mean that what you have inside your store is better than anyone else, it just attract attention which is more likely to lead to more foot traffic and business.