Hooray!! 
I am CPR and AED-certified! I’m one step closer to becoming a certified personal trainer.
This morning, I participated in a three-hour training session in Westwood, Massachusetts. We learned how to perform CPR, use an AED machine, and prevent choking in adults, children, and infants. The instructor was really great and the class flew by.
Since the CPR and AED-certifications are just one step in the process, I thought it would be a good time to go over what you need to do to become a NASM-certified personal trainer. In a nutshell:
- Step One: Buy the NASM study materials.
- Step Two: Get your CPR and AED certifications.
- Step Three: Study, study, study! (Optional: Register for a NASM live workshop. I found it really helpful, but its purpose is not exam-prep. The goal of the workshop is to teach participants how to train clients. Obviously, this is helpful for the exam, but it isn’t a review of the test materials in any way.)
- Step Four: Take the online practice exam.
- Step Five: Schedule your exam.
- Step Six: Freak out
- Step Seven: Take exam (and pass)!
I’ll be sure to keep you guys in the loop about how the rest of the steps go for me!
Lunch
Once the CPR course ended, I hopped in my car and drove straight to NuVal. On the ride there, I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread.
A little while later, I arrived at NuVal, participated in a conference call, and caught up on some work while munching on a banana (< — TWSS).
Snack
The event that I am attending tonight is sort of near the NuVal office, so instead of driving home and back again, I decided to do some blogging and study for NASM at Panera.
Umm”¦ Panera is a sweet place to work. Why didn’t I know this until now? (I live under a rock.) Panera has free internet, lots of space, and really yummy food. Obviously, I’m a fan.
I won’t get home until later tonight, so I grabbed a snack at Panera to hold me over until dinner: Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto and a baguette. Ever since the Roasted Tomato Soup at The Smith, I’ve been on a serious soup kick. This one was delish””the pesto was especially fabulous.
Blog -> study -> event -> home!
70 Comments
Oh man. I used to go to Panera to study all the time! Looks like I need to head there when I have some work I need to bring home. Congrats on passing the CPR test!
Panera is one of my fave places to study! I love the decor and vibes. And if you go to one near a college campus they are usually really quite too!
Panera used to always be my study spot. Especially during the ice storm when electricity was a no-go here. I brought in my internet and would type the day away. And the food is a lovely way to warm up in the winter. 😀
I’m excited to hear about your plans to become a certified trainer! How exciting. 😀
Panera is my favorite. When I have forgotten to pack my lunch to bring it to work (like today, whoops!) that is my go to place!
Thanks for sharing your PT steps. I think its super helpful as a girl who is planning on doing thiswithin the next year.
You are really on your way! It’s so exciting to follow your journey to becoming a personal trainer.
Panera is the best studying place. ever. They usually are less crowded and have bigger tables than Starbucks, plus they have foood. Food = more productive me 😉
I love studying at Panera! The food is amazing, but I will admit that I really go for the bottomless coffee. Good luck with the rest of your studying!
I love Panera! My favorite thing from there is their broccoli cheddar soup. It is to die for 🙂
I love Panera! Especially their black bean soup!
Congratulations on your certification!
I used to study at Panera all the time during college. As a result, I spent a small fortune on coffee and chai. 🙂 I agree, though – it’s an ideal place to work!
Also, I love The Smith! I’ve never tried their tomato soup, but I plan to do so next time I’m there.
YES! TRY IT!
A Panera opened within walking distance from my house over the summer. I resisted taking my laptop in until last week and now I agree that it’s a great place to work. I might be in trouble…