I passed the test! I was completely and utterly shocked to get that passing score, let me tell you. The first five or six questions had me scratching my head, and I thought, this can’t be good. A few times there was a run of questions that I was very sure about, but then another bunch would come along that I had no clue how to answer. Apparently, though, all those endless hours of studying paid off, and I received 608 out of a possible 800 points (500 is passing). So now I am officially an ACE-certified personal trainer!
Several people have asked me what I plan to do next, and the answer is: not much. At least not right now. Working a full-time and a part-time job, volunteering, coaching Gilda’s Gang, writing BFD, and working on my fiction writing doesn’t leave me a lot of spare time. So right now, I’m just going to bask in the glow of having achieved this! Ideally I would like to use my certification to work with people who wouldn’t typically go to a gym, whether because they don’t like gyms, or don’t feel comfortable going there. I guess it’s safe to say that my ideal client is someone who is “pre-gym” (even though they may never want to join one), in terms of their level of fitness and/or comfort. I think the fitness industry essentially ignores a large group of people, and I’d love to be the trainer who helps them embrace health and fitness in a way that is comfortable and inviting for them.
One funny thing: I said to my mom, in my post-test call to her, that I was glad they don’t make you state your BMI before you take the test. Funny, yeah, but sadly, I could also see it being true – that they would only want the “right” physical types to be personal trainers. There are many people who looked at me funny when I told them I was pursuing this certification (or even said helpful things like, “Aren’t you going to get in shape first?”), and I’m sure there are quite a few who are shaking their heads that I have received it. After all, how could a fat person teach anyone what it means to be fit? Frankly, that’s their prejudice at work, and I’m not going to let it bother me (much). After all, it’s their issues with fat people that make them question me, not a lack of ability, skill, or dedication on my part.
We’ll be back to your regularly scheduled BFD programming next week (I’ve got some great things on tap!), but for now, thank you for indulging and supporting me throughout this endeavor. I couldn’t have done it without your continued support and encouragement!
