You don't need a cert to work the front desk, you do need one to train people.

I've found that most gyms require "nationally recognized" certification for you to work there. The reason for this is that they need to know that you are able to pass a test requiring a minimum amount of knowledge about effective exercises, program design, anatomy and physiology and a few other things. Gold's gym looks very highly on NASM certification, which is one of the most recognized certs out there.

There are so many different personal trainer certifications available, and they all have different requirements and cirriculums. Most of them cost in the $500 - $600 range and require you to study at home for a period of time using their provided materials, and then take a test either at home on the computer, or at a standardized testing site. If you can get a program that has at least a 2 day practical class, that would be best, as you could ask as many questions as you need to. Most certs don't have a practical exam, but if you find a program that does, it's definitely a good program.

There are SO many personal trainer resources out there. Don't go for the least expensive or the quickest. Check out ISSA, NASM, ACE, WITS, NSCA, NFPT, and others. Google each of those I've mentioned and you should get their websites.

Also, www.fitnessthinktank.com/forum/ is an excellent forum for trainers just starting out and John Izzo also has a blog - A Day in the Life of a Personal Trainer, which is absolutely fabulous and chock full of practical, day to day information about being a personal trainer in a gym - lifeofapersonaltrainer.blogspot.com/

Good Luck and Happy New Year!

Stew, Look into International Sports & Fitness Trainers Association. www.isfta.com Very comprehensive, internationally known, and easy to complete and recertify.