Working with a qualified exercise  professional can help you achieve greater fitness more quickly, safely and comfortably. One thing to look for in an exercise professional is certification from a recognized organization. Here are the U.S. organizations and the types of certification they offer. 

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

• Certified Personal Trainer

  • Designs and provides exercise programs for healthy people.
  • Also works with people who've been approved by their doctor to exercise.
  • No university degree required. 

• Certified Health Fitness Specialist

  • Does fitness assessments, and designs and provides  exercise programs for healthy people and people who have medical conditions.
  • Requires a university degree. 

• Clinical Exercise Specialist

  • Does fitness assessments, designs and provides exercise programs, and offers training and lifestyle counseling to people who have diseases or are at high risk of disease.
  • Works in rehabilitation programs, doctors' offices or medical fitness centres.
  • Requires a university degree. 

• Clinical Exercise Physiologist

  • Requires a Masters degree.
  • Works with people who have a health condition and are under the care of a doctor.
  • Requires a university degree. 

☚☚ For more information, visit http://www.acsm.org/AM/ Template.cfm?Section=Get_ Certified

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

• Personal Trainer

  • Must be at least 18, have CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification and complete the Personal Trainer exam.
  • No university degree required. 

• Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist

  • Provides prevention and rehabilitation exercise programs for people with health conditions.
  • Requires a university degree or ACE Personal Trainer certification.

☚☚ For more information, visit http://www.acefitness.org/

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