I'm very excited to tell you that I am actually taking the exam later this month (Sept 18th). I booked it this morning. I had been keeping my eye on that date since this past Saturday since I was already starting to feel really great.
I figured if I kept progressing at the rate I was, that I'd be good to go. Today is about 15 days out from the test, which is the cutoff for registration, and when I woke up today I told my wife "I feel really good, I'm booking it because I know I'll be kicking myself if I dont!". I'm tired of re-studying the same stuff over and over at this point so I'm REALLY ready to move forward.
Anyway, this morning I called Tracy over at ACE (who is one of the folks who does the exam registration) and she took care of re-booking it for me. Since I had cancelled my previous exam she had it set up so that they were "holding" my previous payment. I've been very happy with the way the folks at ACE have been in terms of supporting exam candidates, both with this whole surgery/exam thing and in terms of calling them when I had questions about the material.
I actually started teaching this past Monday and drove yesterday for the first time to get a haircut. It's amazing how exciting that was for me.... pathetic I know, but I'm glad to be back to doing normal things again.
My only limitation is that I'm not supposed to lift more than 10 pounds, but I've been walking daily, doing some gentle range-of-motion stuff for my upper body.
As I mentioned in another thread, I have my follow up on Sept 16, then I'll meet with the physical therapist right after. My main interest is figuring out what rate of progression I can safely use in terms of starting to do some resistance training. I won't mess with any upper body resistance stuff until then, I don't want to get too carried away and set myself back.
I am curious as to what they'll tell me regarding my neck because I've been gently working with my range of motion for a while since the surgery, and aside from it being a tiny bit tight when I turn my head to the left, my actual ROM is pretty close to normal. I'm not forcing it of course.
I can't thank this surgeon enough for everything, I feel like I'm whole again!
Well, I'll check back in after my test, if not sooner. I feel really confident at this point. It's amazing how feeling healthy again has improved my whole state of mind. I think a big part of my insecurity before was from being so drained from the constant pain and concern of trying to take the test under those conditions. I'm so glad I decided to have my surgery first! :)
YOU GO, SCOTT!!!! This is GREAT! Man...you are so over-ready for this exam. I'm sure I've forgotten more than I want to admit since I took the exam a few months ago, I'm jealous of all that stuff crammed in your head right now!
YOU GO, SCOTT!!!! This is GREAT! Man...you are so over-ready for this exam. I'm sure I've forgotten more than I want to admit since I took the exam a few months ago, I'm jealous of all that stuff crammed in your head right now!
Hi Nora,
Thanks for the kind words and support! :)
I definitely feel ready, just need to have a good day of concentration on test day, but at this point I'm surely wanting to move forward. I'd like to FINALLY actually train clients!
Also, I want to be able to focus on other fitness materials that I've been putting off studying too deeply because I don't want to mix information up since there are some differences of opinions. I had written to Guy Andrews (at exercise etc.) about a discrepency between the manual and the Brooks "Program Design... " book (regarding an answer to one of the CD-ROM questions) and he told me to stick w/ the Manual for the exam or I might confuse myself. I appreciated him telling me this because I was starting to second guess what I should focus on with various topics.
Anyway, I've almost overstudied at this point where I'm hoping I don't end up mixing up stuff by having it all blend together.
BTW, I don't know if I mentioned this anywhere, but they actually have the exam in Nashville now so it's only about 25 minutes or so from my home.
This was just pure dumb luck in terms of the timing of those dates being available. I didn't know about this until after my surgery when I started checking into dates to reschedule, and at first I thought I was hallucinating from the pain medications :)
They used to do them in Nashville at Comp USA (and I believe one of the Universities here, TSU), but Comp USA closed. Now they are doing them at New Horizons Computer Learning centers. This is VERY helpful! :)
WOW!! CONGRATS SCOTT!!!! I am really excited for you! IF anyone is ready, it is you!!! I hope you will fill the rest of us in on how it went, etc. I really want to hear your perspective!
You are an inspiration!!! Keep it up! Be a good patient
WOW!! CONGRATS SCOTT!!!! I am really excited for you! IF anyone is ready, it is you!!! I hope you will fill the rest of us in on how it went, etc. I really want to hear your perspective!
You are an inspiration!!! Keep it up! Be a good patient
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for all that you wrote, I appreciate it!
I hope I do well, I'm just trying to do enough studying w/o doing too much at this point so I won't be burned out and exhausted.
I'm very curious to see how the test is put together, the format and stuff like that compared to all the practice tests I've been doing.
I wish it was tomorrow, at this point I'm impatient to take it, but I know I need to try to actually be patient which is hard for me.
Still, I need to keep in perspective that really the most important thing already took place, and that is that my surgery was successful, and that whatever happens with the exam pales in comparison to it in terms of importance (that was definitely a LOT scarier to deal with!).
We are on the same schedule -- I'm taking the test on the 19th. I've been hiting the exercise etc study disk pretty hard today and am getting frustrated at "agreeing" with some of the answers. (I'll post those concerns seperately.)
You go Scott!!! I'm so happy you're feeling good and that soon the test will be behind you and you'll be certified! I've been working with one client and I'm meeting with a second this week. It's been very good, and challenging because she is really at a very basic level, has risk factors and other limitations- but she is already losing some weight and is eager to improve her health- she's really a trooper and I applaude her! But working 2 (part-time) jobs plus keeping everyone fed and where they need to be is keeping me very busy...All good!
You have all the good stuff to look forward to... Keep us posted and don't forget to bring the code for the computer testing and a skinny black magic marker (just in case)!!!
You go Scott!!! I'm so happy you're feeling good and that soon the test will be behind you and you'll be certified! I've been working with one client and I'm meeting with a second this week. It's been very good, and challenging because she is really at a very basic level, has risk factors and other limitations- but she is already losing some weight and is eager to improve her health- she's really a trooper and I applaude her! But working 2 (part-time) jobs plus keeping everyone fed and where they need to be is keeping me very busy...All good!
You have all the good stuff to look forward to... Keep us posted and don't forget to bring the code for the computer testing and a skinny black magic marker (just in case)!!!
-- Edited by Vonni at 20:50, 2008-09-07
Hi Vonnie,
Thanks for everything you wrote!
It sounds like you have your hands full w/ everything you've got going on!
That client you mentioned sounds like she's very motivated and it should be neat watching her transformation. That's the thing that most excites me about becoming a trainer, being able to help change people's lives for the better!
By the way, are you training her at a gym or privately?
Re: the exam, is the code you are referring to the ACE customer ID number? I printed that out to keep w/ my Exam Ticket.
I'm looking forward to getting this test behind me and moving forward. Hopefully all my hard work will show up on test day! I feel confident, but like anything, it's still an unknown so I will only know what I'll be dealing with when I'm actually taking the test.
At this point it'll come down to my "test taking skills" because I feel like I have a good handle on the material itself. Still, I'm studying daily to keep up w/ everything.
HI Scott, Yes, that's the code-on the ticket. To answer your question, I am mainly training out of a small but well-equipped gym. It's not an open gym- very non- intimidating- if ya know what I mean. It's just trainers by appointment, but there I pay the owner a set fee, or I can train at a client's home (some people want the privacy)- if that's the case, I bring the fitness toys. My rates reflect the added gym fee. So far it's working out, I feel lucky to have found the perfect gym for me where my clients are comfortable and the owner is very nice. ITA that I'm in this to help people who can't get fit by themselves- there are many! I'm finding I'm loving the teaching aspect of it...
Also- in case you get the test I had, note: you might not see that much directly from the text but be confident if you know the concepts, you can determine the answer. After the multi choice section- I had to take a yogic moment to mentally relax and re-focus for the next section- Use all your resources!!!
We are on the same schedule -- I'm taking the test on the 19th. I've been hiting the exercise etc study disk pretty hard today and am getting frustrated at "agreeing" with some of the answers. (I'll post those concerns seperately.)
Monica
Hi Monica,
Thanks for your good wishes, I'm definitely feeling much better these days!
I agree w/ you about the disk. It can have some exasperating moments. At this point I use it as a convenient way to review the material but I've used it for so long now that I've pretty much memorized most of the answers so it's not challenging me the way I want it to at this point as prep for the exam.
I find that I rotate between doing that, the sample test that came w/ the ACE set, the home study questions, the print out of the ACE diagnostic exam and the exercise etc. case book. The case book is a PDF file I purchased from exercise etc which puts most of the questions in context w/ an individual client's profile.
The only problem is that most of the questions are right from the exercise etc disc. I was hoping to be challenged by new questions for this last phase of exam preparation.
I've also been reviewing all the other materials a little each day (the manual, my summaries and flashcards, the audios and Master the manual and various DVDS). It's hard to know how much to do w/o over reviewing.
I want to wish you luck on the exam, I hope we both have reasons to celebrate next week! :)
HI Scott, Yes, that's the code-on the ticket. To answer your question, I am mainly training out of a small but well-equipped gym. It's not an open gym- very non- intimidating- if ya know what I mean. It's just trainers by appointment, but there I pay the owner a set fee, or I can train at a client's home (some people want the privacy)- if that's the case, I bring the fitness toys. My rates reflect the added gym fee. So far it's working out, I feel lucky to have found the perfect gym for me where my clients are comfortable and the owner is very nice. ITA that I'm in this to help people who can't get fit by themselves- there are many! I'm finding I'm loving the teaching aspect of it...
Also- in case you get the test I had, note: you might not see that much directly from the text but be confident if you know the concepts, you can determine the answer. After the multi choice section- I had to take a yogic moment to mentally relax and re-focus for the next section- Use all your resources!!!
-- Edited by Vonni at 06:39, 2008-09-09
Hi Vonnie,
On my ticket I have the CASTLE Registration Number and also the Exam Password which is under the address of the test site. I also printed out My ACE Account which has my Customer ID number.
I'm figuring between all that stuff I should have what I need (I hope :)).
I actually took a "dry run" to the test site this morning and I'm glad I did because there was a lot more traffic at the hour I went AND my directions weren't completely accurate.
What should have been under 25 minutes took me an hour because it was moving so slow and cause I was somewhat lost
I know now exactly where the place is. I actually went in and took the elevator up to the place and spoke w/ someone at the front desk to make sure it was the right place. I figured since I drove over there I may as well be completely sure! :)
I know, neurotic, but I don't want any surprises next week, I want to focus on the test not on worry about getting lost.
It sounds like you have a great set up for training!
Ultimately I'd like to train folks at their homes, but there is a gym (not super close) a personal trainer owns where you can pay a fee to train folks. We are getting our house ready for sale to move closer to where our kids schools are and also most of the activities they do. It also happens to be closer to that gym which is good!
Thanks for your insights on the test, I feel I have the concepts down really well. I just need to be patient and stay focused and hopefully all will go well. I'll need to "breathe" thru the test for sure, that's a long time to have to focus so intensely.
When I do my practice tests, even though at this point I know the answers, I try to close my eyes and breathe in and out between questions to cleanse my brain!
Hi Scott. I've been off-line for several weeks, so just read about your recovery progress and test schedule - Great News!
With regards to your recovery, if you have access to a Bowflex you might want to give it a try. I use one, along with free-weights, in my home gym.
I was originally reluctant to even try the Bowflex as I have a natural gut-level mistrust of any fitness product that uses infomercials. I eventually tried one at a friends house and was instantly impressed. It has a great range of motion for all exercises, and there is no fixed-track limitation, such as with machines. But most important - and why I call it to your attention - is that it has the advantage of letting you get into position for any execise without the usual challenge typical of dumbbells. As you know, with exercises such as DB chest presses and flys, you need to position the bumbbells into the correct starting position before you can execute the exercise, then return them to the floor. Especially with heavy DBs, if you're not working with a training partner, you can agravate an existing injury or cause a new one during the into-position and end of exercise return phases. With the Bowflex there is little or no pre- or post- execution strain.
At any rate, great to hear your news, and I know that if anyone can ace the ACE, it'll be you.
Hi Scott. I've been off-line for several weeks, so just read about your recovery progress and test schedule - Great News!
With regards to your recovery, if you have access to a Bowflex you might want to give it a try. I use one, along with free-weights, in my home gym.
I was originally reluctant to even try the Bowflex as I have a natural gut-level mistrust of any fitness product that uses infomercials. I eventually tried one at a friends house and was instantly impressed. It has a great range of motion for all exercises, and there is no fixed-track limitation, such as with machines. But most important - and why I call it to your attention - is that it has the advantage of letting you get into position for any execise without the usual challenge typical of dumbbells. As you know, with exercises such as DB chest presses and flys, you need to position the bumbbells into the correct starting position before you can execute the exercise, then return them to the floor. Especially with heavy DBs, if you're not working with a training partner, you can agravate an existing injury or cause a new one during the into-position and end of exercise return phases. With the Bowflex there is little or no pre- or post- execution strain.
At any rate, great to hear your news, and I know that if anyone can ace the ACE, it'll be you.
Barry
Hi Barry,
Great to hear from you!
Thanks for the positive vibes for the exam (2 more days, I am looking forward to finally giving it a go, though I know it's going to be tough!!).
I don't have access to a bowflex, but my intention is actually to start w/ elastic resistance which is similar in terms of the way the resistance increases during the concentric phase and lessens during the eccentric. This is definitely friendly on the joints.
I have a unit called a "Powerbase" which is elastic resistance attached to a base, a very versatile and extremely portable unit (which I'm intending to use for training clients at their homes). Also, I have loose bands as well w/ door attachments which I can use for doing rows and chest flyes etc.
I'm going to start working with that stuff to build my body back up and then start working w/ light free weights w/ our bench (we have a nice lat attachment on it also, it's actually my son's bench).
I'm also going to do some stability ball work using the ball for core work (and also using the ball as a "bench" which I like). Plus I'll do some light medicine ball work as well.
I saw my surgeon and PT (from his office) this morning and I've been given the go ahead to do what I feel is safe. I'll be VERY conservative. My surgeon made clear that I still have to be very mindful of not putting my neck in awkward positions because I could rupture the disc again (I had a ruptured disc, plus bone spurs... stenosis is what they call it).
I'm sure he has to make sure patients realize that just because it's "fixed" right now doesn't mean it can't get messed up again. I sure as heck don't EVER want to get surgery on my neck again (or anywhere else) if I can help it!
Anyway, I'll start working out after my exam. I'm a bit run down right now w/ a cold threatening and I don't want to be sick for Thursday morning. My son and daughter have both had colds (and some of my students) and I'm trying to hang in there. Drinking lots of "Airborne" drink (which works well for me most of the time) and trying to get rest as well.
Anyway, I'll check in, hopefully with very good news on Thursday.
I feel confident, at this point I have studied everything ad nauseum, just gotta have a good morning of concentration on Thursday and hope all goes as I think it should :) If anything, I hope I haven't 'over-studied", I don't want to be burned out before the test. My plan is to not do too much the next two days, just enough to review to keep my head into it (and some of the practice test materials I have).
Best wishes with everything and I hope you are feeling well!
Man...you are so over-ready for this exam. I'm sure I've forgotten more than I want to admit since I took the exam a few months ago, I'm jealous of all that stuff crammed in your head right now!
