PT Courses? which one? Anyone heard of Paul Chek courses?

[Sunshine]

Hi guys,

Been a while that I have posted on this forum.Finally moved back to NZ and getting settled.

Can anyone tell me if they have heard of Paul Chek and do any of you know if his courses are any good for someone with no other qualifications? I'm real keen to do a PT course and have looked into a lot eg) netfit,AUT just finding it hard to find one that suits my budget and works in with my kids.

I rang up today to talk to the people at the Paul Chek courses and the lady said I could do Core Conditioning then the Scientific Back Training followed by the Program Design.Then do the exercise coach course after which is a 5 day course which she said would enable me to train people.Is this info correct do I need anymore qualifications ? Is this the best way to go?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks guys.

[BarBrother]

You might want to check out REPS, they should have a list of approved courses etc.

In regrds to what is enough qualifications it is really upto u in regards to specialities, depth of knowledge etc, I would suggest chechikg out the reps website, do a course and then go form there

[Elite121]

Hi guys,

Been a while that I have posted on this forum.Finally moved back to NZ and getting settled.

Can anyone tell me if they have heard of Paul Chek and do any of you know if his courses are any good for someone with no other qualifications? I'm real keen to do a PT course and have looked into a lot eg) netfit,AUT just finding it hard to find one that suits my budget and works in with my kids.

I rang up today to talk to the people at the Paul Chek courses and the lady said I could do Core Conditioning then the Scientific Back Training followed by the Program Design.Then do the exercise coach course after which is a 5 day course which she said would enable me to train people.Is this info correct do I need anymore qualifications ? Is this the best way to go?

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks guys.

I have completes Scientific Core,Scientific Back,Program Design,Equal But Not The Same and Primal Patterns, Paul's stuff is a little outdated IMO, and really expensive in just those courses alone Ive spent close to $1700, they are completed via correspondence and open book tests... Its all pretty expensive if you ask me.. but if you deem it an investment then expense is not an issue!

The thing with a few Chekkies is that they are very tunnel visioned and believe in the CHEK way or the highway, this is not the attitude one should take when learning.... Some of Paul's stuff has been debunked by the likes of Mel Siff etc... so if you do go the CHEK way keep an open mind.

I also think there is a lot of stuff that is overlooked in the Chek courses..when it comes to issues relating to the lower back and core Paul is pretty heavy on hollowing etc... has anybody tried hollowing on a squat or dead-lift? RIDICULOUS!!

I will be taking the Exercise Coach at some point in time.. but if i do I well blend in what Ive learnt in with the CHEK stuff.So now the real answer to your question AUT or CHEK? I'd go AUT...get some experience working in a gym and then decide what your niche market will be b/c the way I see it CHEK is very much rehabilitation focused....you may actually not enjoy working with this population.

Anyway hope that helps, Last I knew CHEK courses were REPS registered.

[cantygirl]

Paul Check is the swissball guru right? I worked with a guy who had completed alot of the Paul Check courses, he nearly drove me nuts as it was all about stability on balls and wobble boards, personally I can't see the point of balancing on your feet on a swissball doing dumbell shoulder press!!!

Anyway, like has been said best to start on a small course of something and talk to other like minded people about where to go from here. Definately check out the reps website for approved courses or you could be wasting valuable time and money heading down the wrong path.

[Elite121]

Paul Check is the swissball guru right?

Yep, and agree that swiss-ball wobble-board stuff can be a load of nonsense.

[Sunshine]

Wow thanks guys that's awesome info and it has really helped me.

Now next question AUT or netfit (I'm a bit worried about AUT cause it's weekend courses,having kids is tricky the weekend being family time, and it seems real intense cause it's done over a short amount of time (which is also a good thing plus AUT is half the price)Or what about New Zealand Institute of Health and Fitness? Anyone done any of these courses? Which in your options would be the best?

Thanks again.

[Sunshine]

Hi ya's

I have just been informed that NZIHF might be able to work in with me and my times etc.If there is anyone here that thinks that this is a bad decision please tell me.I can only go what I feel and I have done a bit of research but so far every course i have looked into has it's neg and pos.Any thoughts please let me know.

Thanks.

[Mr_Krabs]

I have no idea about which course is best but my advice is about the study in general, I see you've mentioned a couple of times there that finances are a factor in your decision making process. If you go with an accredited course get a student loan, then it takes finances out of the equation and you can choose the best.

[Sunshine]

I have no idea about which course is best but my advice is about the study in general, I see you've mentioned a couple of times there that finances are a factor in your decision making process. If you go with an accredited course get a student loan, then it takes finances out of the equation and you can choose the best.

Thanks Mr Krabs,this is so true which is why I have pretty much made my mind up to go with NZIHF (loan provided) .Thanks .

[cantygirl]

I did the Max college course part time, was easy managing a family and job, part time hours were Monday and Wednesday 6-9pm and Saturday 9-3pm. However, hated all the role playing crap and they are into games which just piss me off. Loved all the anatomy stuff, can't get enough of that.

[Sunshine]

I did the Max college course part time, was easy managing a family and job, part time hours were Monday and Wednesday 6-9pm and Saturday 9-3pm. However, hated all the role playing crap and they are into games which just piss me off. Loved all the anatomy stuff, can't get enough of that.

Hi cantygirl,

Yer I looked into that course and it seemed ok quite pushy they keep ringing me even when I said I decided to leave the decision for a while.Those times are good but for me that would not work cause I live too far away ( north of Auckland).That course was quite pricey though wasn't it? I'm not big on games either lol.

Think I'll stick to NZIHF for now but thanks for you info it all helps.

Thanks.

[Mrbig]

il get flamed for this but I too did the max course and its got to be the best I know so many people who did aut or nzihf or something else and learnt nothing

max teaches you not only the training side but most importantly the business aspect which is way more important you could know everything about anatomy and training and nutrition but if you aint got no clients it dont mean shit

im not saying that max knows everthing but it teaches more than enough and makes you keep an open mind about health and fitness plus i dont think the tutors at the other places are as succesful as max

there hours part time are now tuesday6-9 thurs6-9 sunday9-4 or you can do correspondance or just go to wat ever classes you can and make up the rest in your own time its not like a school

bring on the flaming from all the experts haha

[Sunshine]

il get flamed for this but I too did the max course and its got to be the best I know so many people who did aut or nzihf or something else and learnt nothing

max teaches you not only the training side but most importantly the business aspect which is way more important you could know everything about anatomy and training and nutrition but if you aint got no clients it dont mean shit

im not saying that max knows everthing but it teaches more than enough and makes you keep an open mind about health and fitness plus i dont think the tutors at the other places are as succesful as max

there hours part time are now tuesday6-9 thurs6-9 sunday9-4 or you can do correspondance or just go to wat ever classes you can and make up the rest in your own time its not like a school

bring on the flaming from all the experts haha

Hi Mrbig,

It just goes to show that maybe it's not all about what courses you do but the person who does them,I say that because everyone seems to have so many different options so maybe it us who makes the course what is it ( if you know what I mean).

If you don't mind me asking how much was the course? Isn't it like $9000 or something ( that's a guess cause when I spoke to a person from Max not once did they tell me the price they just wanted me to come in and talk so they could work a plan out).

This is the most hardest decision ever,or perhaps I'm thinking about it way to much LOL but I have put this on hold for so long because I have been so unsure about which one to do.

The course that I was looking at through NZIHF is $5000 or something but that's without the business side however I can add this at the end ( which I should).

I just want to feel 100% so by all of you giving me your options I can take what I want and know that "I" feel good about my choice.

Thanks again for all the info.

[BarBrother]

I sorta feel a bit funny about this topic. I do agree that it is more about the person than anything else but I am no fan of short courses.

I completed the AUT Diploma in Fitness training, and left thinking i dont know enough. I am just finishing off my Bachelors in Exercise Science and again I still dont think I know enough so next year I am starting a Masters in Sport Science (hopefully I know ehough then... :grin: )

If people see PT as a genuine career then I believe more than 6 months needs to be committed to ensure the success. There are not many other jobs/industry/career options were you can walk in with a 6 month qual and be fully certified.

I understand that just because u do a degree etc doesnt make u a good trainer but I ahve met to many trainers that even basic knowledge is severly lacking

E.g (steak is a carbohydrate) I will leave it at that

[Sunshine]

I sorta feel a bit funny about this topic. I do agree that it is more about the person than anything else but I am no fan of short courses.

I completed the AUT Diploma in Fitness training, and left thinking i dont know enough. I am just finishing off my Bachelors in Exercise Science and again I still dont think I know enough so next year I am starting a Masters in Sport Science (hopefully I know ehough then... :grin: )

If people see PT as a genuine career then I believe more than 6 months needs to be committed to ensure the success. There are not many other jobs/industry/career options were you can walk in with a 6 month qual and be fully certified.

I understand that just because u do a degree etc doesnt make u a good trainer but I ahve met to many trainers that even basic knowledge is severly lacking

E.g (steak is a carbohydrate) I will leave it at that

:clap: Well done I'm freaking just doing this course ( it's been many years since I have studied).

My friend did the AUT course and felt the same way.The NZIHF course if I have it correct is 9months and they say you have a year to complete ( this is a factor I like esp since I have not studied for so long).

Good luck with future study BarBrother I'm sure you will make a great PT.

[Mrbig]

hay sunshine

your right I didnt know what to expect at max but it was the best decision for me and I learnt alot more than just about health and fitness

the price im not sure because I did it over a year ago and it has changed alot since then but yes it is expensive but thats the thing it teaches you to have confidence and the right skills to be successful and make some great money but if money is your driving factor im sorry you will fail you have to care more about your clients than what your bank account says

if your serious about a career in fitness then yes do what you think will benefit you the most im just confused as with all the people that do the courses never do anything with them why invest any money if your going to waste it but max has produced some great trainers along with just as many if not more shit ones haha

why not go and have a chat with them if its not for you then cool but no harm in chatting they wont force you to do the course if you say no

[Sunshine]

hay sunshine

your right I didnt know what to expect at max but it was the best decision for me and I learnt alot more than just about health and fitness

the price im not sure because I did it over a year ago and it has changed alot since then but yes it is expensive but thats the thing it teaches you to have confidence and the right skills to be successful and make some great money but if money is your driving factor im sorry you will fail you have to care more about your clients than what your bank account says

if your serious about a career in fitness then yes do what you think will benefit you the most im just confused as with all the people that do the courses never do anything with them why invest any money if your going to waste it but max has produced some great trainers along with just as many if not more shit ones haha

why not go and have a chat with them if its not for you then cool but no harm in chatting they wont force you to do the course if you say no

Hi ya,

Yer I have chatted about 4 times to Max it's just there were a few factors that never suited me ( times,days,and I'm pretty sure the cost was way to much for me).

To make things even more confusing a friend has just mentioned her thoughts about NZIHF and it was not that great.OH dear I seem to be going around in circles it's driving me a bit mad lol.Everyone keeps telling me to go to AUT it's meant to be a good course and not to expensive ( and I do have a budget having a family I need too).

Oh well I'm sure I'll nut it out in my head and then I can finally get to work towards my goals.So sick of obstacles however I guess it has made me realize how important this is for me and well I'm not one to shy away from a few obstacles

Any more info anyone has please share at least I will know I have researched it to the best of my ability.

Thanks guys.

[Mrbig]

I spoke to a trainer at a gym who did the aut course and In my opinion its a 50/50 course because he didnt do any of the practical training sessions and still got qualified so I dont know how you can be a great trainer if

you dont need to do 100% of the course

maybe go to some gyms and P.T studios and ask the owners who they would prefer to hire from may give you an insight into which course produces the best results

even tho so many so called P.T's never did any course and are trying to help people in their health and fitness goals also think about what your own personal experiences are with trainers if you dont have a trainer best to get 1 because its quite hypocritical to want people to pay you when you dont value it yourself

[steak]

My partner and I have done the NZIHF course.

It was a waste of money IMO. :evil: Go to AUT.

PM sent sunshine 8)

[BarBrother]

If you are someone that has been in the industry a while or trained a while and have a good grasp on general concepts etc than I think a short course is fine to just get a peice of paer. When employing most gyms will make sure ur REPS registered Lvl 2. From their its alll about personality.

[Sunshine]

Well I have come full circle again so have decided to again just step back and have a good think AGRR so frustrating.

I am hoping in the back of my mind AUT will be the way I go but it will depend on a few factors.Hopefully it will happen.

Anyway guys thanks for your help it was all so useful and saved me making a huge mistake ( lucky I posted on here or else I could have been in a right mess).

Thanks.