Credentials other than SS

[muntz]

I've fallen in love with weight training over the past two years and plan on attending a seminar when I can find the free time.

It is highly unlikely I'll ever want to quit my job to become a professional coach, however I think it would be fun to add a credential that demonstrates knowledge and commitment to strength training. Are there ANY credentials, other than your own that you have ANY respect for? I know that most are bullshit, but I'm curious if there are any that mean anything.

I'd probably try to get your credential, but since I am not a professional and a relative newcomer, I'd be unable to get it.

Without ripping my head off, can you suggest any other programs that are reasonably rigorous and respectable? I'm guessing you'll say "no." But thought I'd try anyway.

Thanks.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I'm not aware of any credential work the weekend it takes to get it. That's why we developed the SSC.

[Steve Hill]

... and plan on attending a seminar when I can find the free time.

I'm always amused by this statement.

You'll "find" the "free time" when it becomes important enough to you.

Hopefully that's before you're 80 and in a wheelchair with nothing but time on your hands.

[muntz]

thanks.

[AndrewLewis]

I'm always amused by this statement.

You'll "find" the "free time" when it becomes important enough to you.

Hopefully that's before you're 80 and in a wheelchair with nothing but time on your hands.

I don't think most people understand how good the seminar is before they go to it; before I went I thought "I'd be willing to pay 800USD but probably not much more".

Looking back, I'd glad pay 5,000USD+ to keep the knowledge and the experience.

[CJ Gotcher]

Without ripping my head off, can you suggest any other programs that are reasonably rigorous and respectable?

The limiting factor here is 'reasonably rigorous,' and it depends on your goals. The various acronym organization certifications (NSCA, ACSM, ACE, NESTA) all demonstrate a certain level of academic commitment to learning the basic textbook knowledge of physiology. I've heard of others that have more iron in their makeup, but they're generally more time-consuming (a week or more internship) and programming-focused than biomechanics/physiology-oriented.

In short, it depends. If you look hard enough, I think you'll find something that fits the bill, but the standard here is different by kind (definitely) and degree (almost definitely) than any entry-level certification out on the market.

[muntz]

The limiting factor here is 'reasonably rigorous,' and it depends on your goals. The various acronym organization certifications (NSCA, ACSM, ACE, NESTA) all demonstrate a certain level of academic commitment to learning the basic textbook knowledge of physiology. I've heard of others that have more iron in their makeup, but they're generally more time-consuming (a week or more internship) and programming-focused than biomechanics/physiology-oriented.

In short, it depends. If you look hard enough, I think you'll find something that fits the bill, but the standard here is different by kind (definitely) and degree (almost definitely) than any entry-level certification out on the market.

Oh I absolutely agree. Because I have no coaching experience I cannot get the SS certification. I do plan on attending a seminar - I went to a DL/Clean day with a couple SS coaches and loved it. My Deadlift took off after that. I actually want the credential for a couple reasons: 1) To learn from a 'real' organization and 2) It would look good on a resume. I know that sounds weird, but in my business people love this type of stuff. But, I still wouldn't want a B.S. credential that takes 15 minutes to get.

Thanks