Beware the Alphabet Game September 26, 2008
Ok, I know you have to pay to play, but this is ridiculous. I have been planning to get my USAT coaching certification, as well as my PT certification, and I thought that I should look into getting my certificate in sports nutrition as well, since I certainly dole out enough advice on that front, and because many women (in particular but probably many men too) are very focused on weight loss even as they pursue the sport of triathlon and are in need of nutrition guides from a coach as well as a training plan.
Well, I have to say I think this whole thing is a racket. I won’t name names, since I’ll probably get barred for life, but you could walk in off the street, pay $500, and pass some of these “exams” with absolutely no coaching experience and no knowledge of exercise physiology. You just buy the “preparation package” for an additional vast some of money, you are taught to the test, you take it, and voila - you are an exercise professional!
It’s basically a huge cash cow, but I have little confidence in the value of the letters behind my name. And the problem is some are VERY tough and reputable (NSCA comes to mind), but the general public doesn’t know that! It’s just a jumble of acronyms to them…all the programs are the same. It stinks! And it’s WICKED expensive! I may just get my USAT cert and leave it at that for now…
a
I can totally relate…same here girl, that’s why I decided to scope out the BEST grad program for my Masters in Sports Psych… there are tons of programs I could pay a lot of $ to and get “certified” but I want to learn from the best so I can provide effective advice someday soon. Good luck with your decision… maybe get the coaching cert. and look into evening classes at a college for the nutrition part? It will all work out
go after your passions!
You have no idea how inspired I am by you (and a little jealous too). It sounds like an AMAZING program. Way to go after what you want, even if it is a little scary (which it must be). I can’t wait to see you through your journey!
a