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W.I.T.S. Personal Training

World Instructors Training School

Fantastic. These courses are offered periodically throughout the U.S. The format included 50% lecture and 50% practical. The text and materials were from ACE, so I knew the information was legit. The instructors were fantastic. My instructor now owns a very successful Personal Training business in a prestigious area of Albany, New York. This is a certification given only to those who can successfully pass the written and practical exams. So if you're good at test taking, but don't really have the personality or presentation or practical skills, you won't pass. It's a program worth looking into.

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What a joke Jay is
by: Anonymous

WITS....What a waste of money this company is.

They teach you crap that isnt even the stuff you need to know for a job, and they teach you by telling you to go home and read.

My sister went to this place and i helped her with her studies. I saw her test at the end. Not one question was in the book.

I went to LA Fitness and asked 5 trainers there to go over the stuff. None of them knew any of it because they dont use that crap.

I called the CEO Jay of Wits. He says, "They teach the important stuff"

Oh thats right, my sister now knows how to get to the college via back roads

HAHAH what a frigging ripoff this place is

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whew!
by: Jessica

I almost got suckered into this school by JD. He told me to ignore the comments on the internet and that it was some sick student that was hellbent because they failed.

What a friggin joke he is to say that. How can you just ignore what other people, preferably students are saying about the school they are about to hand $700 over to.

Sorry JD but you need to step down and leave your position before Id go to your school.

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Stay away
by: Anonymous

I recently got NASM certified. My friend and his brother got WITS certified at the same time. They didn't trust a cert that wasn't from an actual classroom. After a little research I definitely wasn't going to trust WITS. So we went our separate ways. The whole time they talked negatively about my cert and how long it was taking me. Bc they flew through theirs.

After we were both certified I was just making conversation. Not trying to show them up literally only conversing. I came to realize that they both had no idea that there was a difference between isometric and isolation, knee nothing of workout tempo (2/0/2, 4/2/1 meant absolutely nothing to them). Just from conversation I realized that the lack of basic stuff they didn't know was scary. They skipped over parts of their book in the class. They knew nothing about anatomy. I studied my ass off for my test. They didn't have to study to hard at all. They made that seem like a good thing.

If you are considering WITS I suggest you reconsider. There are plenty of good certs out there don't settle for s Mickey mouse one.

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World Instructor Training Schools Certification ( WITS )

by Joe Bartovic
(Middletown, CT)

As a Faculty Instructor for World Instructor Training Schools in Connecticut I want to let those of you interested in becoming personal trainers the advantages of the WITS certification.

WITS is a 6 week course of 15 hours of in classroom lecture and 15 hours of in gym hands-on training. The course teaches exercise physiology, nutrition, biomechanics, and practical application. The course covers a variety of program designs for different individuals and situations.

The greatest benefit of this certification course is building the personal skills working with others. Other programs can give you information, but nothing can beat working one on one with somebody.

On the 6th week students must pass a written exam and pass a live practical exam before moving on to a 20 hour internship.

The certification is one of the most challenging and will give a new trainer more experence than any at home study, Internet certification out there.

Joe Bartovic
Certified Personal Trainer
WITS Faculty Instuctor
WITS-CPT Lvl III
NASM-CPT,PES
Middletown, CT
www.myspace.com/joefit4u

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WITS Certification- I agree
by: Sherry McCormick

Hey Joe:
I agree with you about the WITS certification. I've taught the various courses for WITS for over 10 years. I have also worked as a fitnessdirector and health club manager in the past. I was always frustrated when a new certified trainer was hired that did not know how to do a fitness assessment or design a workout properly. I felt like I spent 1/2 of my valuable time training them in the basic stuff. The WITS graduates are different. When they pass the written and the practical aspects they know their stuff. The internship helps to solidify their knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it.
Sherry

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WITS - not so!
by: Anonymous

I chose to do WITS for all the right reasons. Sadly my course was so disorganized. Tutors who failed to show. Didn't spend anytime on the practicals. The exam date was changed due to disorganization. Last minute tutors who didn't know the syllabus.

It left a sour taste in my mouth and I wouldn't recommend WITS.

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re: Anonymous
by: Joe Bartovic

Because the WITS Certification is taught in so many locations across the country I can 't teach them all, but I can tell you that there are so many great instructors on our staff. But to remain Anonymous and be a critic does not help us correct a problem in one location. Your comments, Anonymous, are not constructive.

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DUPAGE AREA
by: Anonymous

WITS instruction was disorganized. I feel that I have not learned anything while taking the 6 day course. Its not six weeks when its one saturday a week. I was taught by a fitness runner, that when questioned barely scratched the surface of an answer. I feel that I have self-taught myself through internet and other materials, more than WITS is ever capable of in its entirety as of the present.

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WITS unrecognized
by: Corey (Michigan)

I researched personal training certifications before I went on to get a WITS certification back in 2001. I chose WITS because I thought the curriculum seemed more comprehensive than ACE and some others. Unfortunately, I did not continue to pusue a part time personal training career at that time (other obligations), but even so, every time I mention WITS to anyone else, they have never heard of it. I'm guessing now that I'm going back in pursuit of certification, I should choose a certification that is more widely recognized. Any comments?

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Unrecognized and discouraged
by: Anonymous

I wish I would've found this site before spending time, money and energy on the WITS program. Although the course is meant to be taught over a 5 week period, I felt like it was more like a study at home course. I found myself on-line trying to decode the terminology heavy content of the book. I honestly believe a pre-requisite of the program should be working knowledge of the human anatomy. Although I passed the course I am having much difficulty trying to find an internship let alone a place who has ever heard of the program. It's hard to be taken seriously when you go through a program lacking a reputation of any sort. I do not recommend this program to anyone trying to break into this field. I have a business degree and in these economic times I am still stuck.

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Who's working?
by: Anonymous

Reading these reviews I'm starting to wonder if the money I spent was worth it.I was hoping this course could get me a job in the fitness field but,what good is a certification if no one has even heard of it?So my question is:Are any W.I.T.S graduates employed?

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Successful WITS Trainer
by: Colleen Forte'

I am a WITS certified trainer. I had a great instructor who was very knowledgeable. I feel we skimmed the surface on biomechanics especially but I have my text book and use it as a reference. Perhaps my success is due to being a group fitness instructor with my local YMCA for 10 years. However, I have always been busy as a trainer. The thing is you have to have a passion for fitness and you have to sell yourself. I have a company name and business cards. I have a brochure and a rate sheet. If you run it like a business and believe in yourself you WILL be successful. No one will hand you anything you have to work for it just as hard as you work for the man. My biz is self sufficient-I have purchased my own equipment and I run outside bootcamps as my training ground. I LOVE IT!!

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WITS is a joke
by: Anonymous

The class was a waste of time and money. The class was very disorganized and when students asked questions the instructor told us to just look it up in the book. BEWARE.

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WITS Training Instruction
by: Dennis Lee

Yes its true the WITS classes meet on Saturdays for five Saturdays half in class and half in practicals.

One has to definitely have the WITS textbook prior to the first class and have read the first six chapters in the WITS textbook as well as the chapters for the fitness assessment practical as well.

One of the things that makes the WITS course kind of difficult to study for it has heavy amounts of personal trainer terminology that does require some time to take detailed notes and creation of note outlining to organize the information but that is largely due in part to the WITS textbook is based on the ACSM personal training certification protocols which is well recognized by the fitness industry.

The practicals are very detailed also as well so one also needs to take a comprehensive set of notes also as well. It is especially strongly recommended to spend additional time to go over the personal training practical assessments to get sufficient practice time also as well.

WITS also has available for purchase practice tests two of them along with the answer key to allow one to get an idea what areas one is strong or weak in specifically.

I also picked up the American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal training certification textbook also as well to use as a cross reference text as well to use while studying.

Its not an easy certification to study for so spend whatever time is necessary to master the material one is expected to be tested on in the WITS textbook.

One can mention that the WITS certification follows the recommended protocols for ACSM standards as outlined in the Fitness Professional's Handbook

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wits employment
by: Anonymous

to answer your question.. Yes i am employed and have only been certified by Wits.. Sometimes they have never heard of Wits but in the last year or so that is changing.. I just acquired a job and they were looking for a national cert. Wits isn't but they were willing to let that slide because Wits graduates are ready to roll. they allowed me to obtain the job without requiring other certs. Be patient the name and reputation is growing...

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Gets the job done (or landed)
by: Danielle

I'm currently enrolled in the WITS training program and as a licensed massage practitioner I already have a firm knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Without my massage school education, I think I would be very lost in this program. However, when signing up for the program, I was warned that it is a challenging course. You have to take responsibility for reading the material and doing additional study if needed.

I chose WITS because it is offered through the continuing education center at my local community college, making it convenient and somewhat reputable. I have no other program to compare it to, but my experience with it so far is that it's going to help me accomplish my goals. It may not have all the elements I would desire in a program, but it gets me to my goal in 6 weeks. For people who are new to fitness or who aren't familiar with anatomy, I wouldn't recommend it. If fitness is your one and only career goal, make the investment of time, energy, and money and get a BS in Exercise Physiology.

In searching for trainer positions online, I have seen some job postings that mention WITS as an acceptable credential. Even though I haven't completed the program yet, I already have a job interview today. I'm not sure how widely recognized WITS is but my impression so far is that many large gyms will recognize it and as for if they consider it a good or bad thing, I think it will be up to me and my demonstration of knowledge to convince them that my training prepared me to be an exceptional trainer.

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Don't count on anyone but yourself
by: Rebecca

This program sounded extremely informative, I had never done any work in the fitness field- however I am a workout fanatic so I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn more & change career fields. Well, unfortunately some of the people in the class felt like every Saturday was their own personal training time. They would ask questions, tell stories etc. about their routines & nutritional supplements etc. Every time the instructor tried to teach or instruct, these people would interrupt to make sure everyone else in the class knew how much he could bench press... I really didn't get to learn anything in the "practical" half because we would focus on answering personal questions instead of being shown the equipment, balls, tubes etc. If you have no experience in fitness, I would really look for something else prior to this cert simply so you can follow the course & already know what you're doing... Every instructor is different I'm sure but so far it hasn't been the best experience.

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NASM
by: David

Corey, you should try NASM. I hear very good things.

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Hands on makes the difference
by: Joe Bartovic

Thanks for your input David, as a NASM CPT,PES I too say good things about the NASM-OPT program. Where it lacks is in hands on skills. This is where WITS differs by having 15hrs of hands on training and 30hrs of internship with veteran trainers. Unless you take the NASM-CPT Plus program you only do cd-rom home study and get certified without ever instucting a real person.
For a new trainer to get real world experence WITS is a better certification to start with.

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Waste of Time and Money
by: Anonymous

WITS would be a good certification in 1985. Its really out dated and not good. They dupe local Colleges into providing their program and actually sell their certification as a college coach. The lectures are poorly designed and confusing. They take you to a gym to do practical and you cant get hardly any work done because people are working out while they are trying to practicals.

The instructors aren't prepared. We had to a test that required a metronome and we were told we wold have to download one on our smart phones. I don't have a smart phone. They didn't even teach us how to warm up a client unless you think static stretching is a warm up.

Then you have to find a job. No one has ever heard of this cert. It seems to me that NASM or ACSM were the certs that everyone wanted. I got on at a gym and they would take WITS but I had to get NASM within 6 months of hire. I found out they also hired someone without a cert under same conditions. I basically wasted 675 + 89 for the text + 8 Saturdays + a 30 hour internship

Run Away, Run Far away from this Certification

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W.I.T.S
by: Ben

I felt like this program was a waste of time and money. The instructors did not know how to teach and they weren't knowledgeable in the field. The curriculum was poorly constructed and disorganized.

If you take this course you will regret it. I wish I read this review before I made the decision to waste my money.

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Just hired as a WITS instructor
by: Joe

In reading these comments, I can understand some of the concerns surrounding the WITS method. I can assure you that it is sound and that if you perform the necessary work, it will pay off. The in class instruction is priceless compared to a home study program. I currently hold certifications from ACSM, NASM, and the AEA. All of these are reputable but did not require the practical aspect. Outside of NASM recommending case studies, which I completed, I could just show up and take the test. WITS is truly ahead of the pack when it comes to preparing individuals for reality and the work place. In terms of notoriety, that is out of my hands. I can assure you that the instructors I have met from WITS are,quite competent and that I am truly excited to begin instructing for them.

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Interesting comments
by: Fletch

I am going thru WITS right now in the 9 week version. So far it is fairly interesting during lecture time but the textbook is a difficult read. Thankfully, the highlights are covered in the workbook. The textbook was expensive though and although I hate to read it, it is a good reference to have.

The instructors seem to be experienced and prepared. We did the step test this weekend and the whole procedure was on a CD but I downloaded a metronome on my phone while I was sitting in class in about 30 seconds. Who doesn't have a smartphone these days????

People are complaining about WITS and comparing it to other certs... like what? ACE? Virtually every other cert is 100% home study and ends up costing the same or more when you include taking the test (which is included with WITS). If you want to attend workshops to actually do practicals, that generally costs extra.

I am at a loss as to what some of these people thought WITS was going to do for them. You still have to sell yourself to get the job.

Best of luck to everyone.

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All-star experience
by: Chris

I'm surprised by some of the negative comments about WITS. I attended the WITS course in NJ and was thoroughly impressed. I guess I was lucky to have such an outstanding instructor who was well prepared and knowledgeable. He definitely prepared me for the final testing and also what to expect as I become a trainer. The fitness manager at my gym went through WITS and that's how I found out about their certification program. I would definitely recommend WITS and I plan on taking more classes with them for continuing education.

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Are you lazy?
by: Liz G

I was certified by WITS in 2005. An internship was not required at the time and I am so glad that now it is. This course was tough, thorough and complete. We had a very knowledgeable instructor named Greg who was on time, prepared and could answer any question we put forth. Some in the class were just picking up additional certification. Some it was their first, like me. Some had other career fields and were switching. I don't know what all the moaning and groaning is for. Yes it was hard but so are many of the C.E.courses. You take a class to learn. I feel I got my money's worth and then some. Whatever I lack is my own doing. I didn't go out and pursue employment, it landed in my lap. My workout instructor hired me from his participant group to teach when he expanded. I now teach boot camp classes 4 times a week. Got hired just by word of mouth at two other locations for single classes vs. a program. I have not pursued personal training but will in the Fall. I want to shadow someone for this. If folks think this class was hard, go through a Kettlebell Level 1 Instructor Training. Almost 18 hours in just two days plus the exam the second day. Talk about a a crash course and so much information. Get it together folks. So worth the money. Coincidentally, my work partner is also a WITS grad and she teaches on my opposite days. We rock. I am 50 and and she is 51. We make it happen. Go for it. Sign up. So worth it but and anything worth it is work, right?! Liz

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Great Course!
by: Donte W. Ford

I'm currently taking this course and it's very challenging, but also very informative. My instructors are sharp and knowledgeable.

I already have a client base of about 35 and I'm doing well. I'm actually using my material from the WITS course, and it's really aiding. I have not one complaint.

Author, Donte W. Ford
www.bittergetsbetter.com

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W.I.T.S. Alum
by: Anonymous

Though W.I.T.S. certified and the owner of my own fitness company I have to be honest.
I actually had a very thorough instructor in Durham and his name was Cedric ?.
Fitness has been a part of my life for awhile so i was in my element.
Where W.I.T.S.fails is in the business sector.
W.I.T.S. is the most expensive C.P.T certification, and the only Cert accredited yet it's not even recognized in the top 6 nationally. as a result, unless your goal is to start your own business, you're gonna find it hard to get employed at a gym.
It's not because you incompetent, it's just that W.I.T.S isn't on either their short or long list as approved certs.

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INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
by: Anonymous

I THINK THE 6 WEEK CLASS NEEDS TO ADD 2 MORE WEEKS AND WITS NEEDS TO DO MORE TRAINING OF THERE PRACTICAL INSTRUCTOR WHO ASSUME THE STUDENTS KNOWS CERTAIN THINGS IT TOOK ME A COUPLE OF PRACTICAL TO PASS BECAUSE I DID NOT GET BASICS IN MY PRACTICALS, I FINALLY PASSED WITH THE HELP OF A FEW PEOPLE AND I HAD A REAL GOOD INTERNSHIP MENTOR.

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persistence
by: Anonymous

Hello WITS IS A GOOD CERTIFICATION THE LIVE CLASSES NEED TO BE AT LEAST 9 WEEKS ACE DOES THERES FOR 12 WEEKS YOU JUST CAN NOT LEARN THIS STUFF IN SUCH SHORT PERIOD THE PRACTICAL WAS MEDIOCERE AT BEST AND THE INSTRUCTORS WERE ON A SCALE OF OF 1-10ABOUT A 7 FOR LECTURE AND 5 FOR PRACTICAL IHAD TO TAKE A YEAR TO PASS IT ALL BUT HAD A GOOD INTERNSHIP AND MENTORS.

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W.I.T.S. WHAT A SCAM
by: Sean Taylofr

I recently graduated with a W.I.T.S. personal training certification. First off ,not one site listed on their internship directory wanted anything to do with an intern nor wanted anything to do with a W.I.T.S. graduate. So I had to pay for a personal trainer to train me and in turn he gave me the experience I would have received from an internship.Now that I have my certification I decided to send resumes to each and every health club/gym/fitness center in my state. NOT ONE will accept my certification because it's not N.C.C.A. accredited. When I asked W.I.T.S. for help in finding employment they sent me ,once again, a copy of the internship sites for my area. Just please ,if you're considering a career in the fitness industry don't be fooled by this company.No one wants to hire a personal trainer whos not N.C.C.A. accredited. I literally have thrown my certification in the trash and have decided to move on . I guess they're right 'There's a sucker born every minute." I just never realized that sucker was me.

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Can only go by these comments
by: Gerard Briggs

I called WITS and asked the person how come I've never heard of them. I said when I do a search for the top 10 Fitness Certifications WITS is never mentioned. She replied that those companies pay for those reviews. Well I found that reply ridiculous. I had an ACE Certification back in 1993 and went through one of their live courses and it was fantastic. The instructors were top notch.
There are just too many negative comments on here to not take them seriously. The NSCA and ACSM are the 2 hardest Certifications to obtain but if you do you know you have been well trained.

Second, if your not into the fitness lifestyle you shouldn't be taking courses to become certified. Many people think they can plop down a few bucks, get certified and get rich.

I would train a person for free. That's the attitude a good trainer needs. Changing people's lives for the better is so rewarding, it's not all about the money.

That said, I don't think I will be taking the WITS course. I will go for the NSCA.

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