RTS – Resistance Training Specialist Certification
The recent 4-part series on What Certification in Personal Training Should you Get? sparked a lot of feedback. One of our readers, Mario Mavrides, has asked to do a informational piece on the RTS (Resistance Training Specialist Certification).
If you missed any of the series I encourage you to read the series before looking at this article:
In part 1 Jon Goodman gives his opinion on certifications for personal training
In part 2 Jon Goodman details some of the more common certifications
In part 3 Sam Leahey extols the virtue of internships
In part 4 Charlotte Loa gives an account of her experience interning at one of the Nation’s top gyms (Results Fitness)
Please note that the PTDC in no way endorses the RTS certification. We are merely an informational source and don’t pick sides. If you wish to provide a piece detailing a different certification you can contact us at Jonathan@theptdc.com
Without further ado. Take it away Mario
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As an adjunct to the recently published “Which Certification Should I Choose” article published on the PTDC, I thought it was important to mention the Resistance Training Specialist (RTS) cert. While currently not one of the of the more well known certifications (likely due to it’s admittedly high degree of difficulty in obtaining) I felt the RTS organization bore presentation as it’s approach to fitness and exercise is rather different than most other such offerings.
While not presented as a personal trainer certification per se, the RTS educational system is positioned to provide a very useful set of skills on top of any existing, more traditional education possessed.
Perhaps the most fundamental difference between the RTS series of courses and some of the more traditional certifications is the way exercises are taught. The most poignant contrast being: They’re not taught at all! Let me explain; Rather than attempt to teach how to perform a movement that may-or-may-not-look-entirely-unlike-a-thing-that-incorporates-elements-of-a-squat-like-motion, the RTS educational model is to teach how to identify the various elements and forces involved in said “squat like motion”, how those elements might affect the involved physiological structures and proceed accordingly if warranted.
RTS considers the “Inside View” of the body and how forces generated through motion (or non motion) are mitigated throughout its structure, and how to make the appropriate exercise decisions based on those considerations. In other words, rather than simply grouping together a series of movements based on an arbitrary decision such as “today we’re training chest!” the qualified RTS will consider all the variables involved relative to the desired goal or outcome and via assessment whilst factoring appropriateness overall.
The RTS approach is fundamentally grounded in Newtonian physics, sound anatomical principles, and exercise mechanics with a healthy dose of mechanical engineering. Any other so called “exercise rule” or “gym science” and dogma is placed under the scrutiny of analytical, critical thinking to see if it holds true.
The qualified RTS is capable of creating a totally unique and appropriate exercise experience based on the specific needs and goals of the individual. Unlike most cookie cutter workout programs or routines, the RTS can consider and strategically alter the variables of exercise, motion and force to create an entirely specific workout for the individual at any given time.
The Resistance Training Specialist attempts to elevate the fitness profession to something more than the arbitrary assignation of exercises in an attempt to elicit a hoped for result. With the tools and knowledge gleaned through the mastery of the principles taught in the RTS series, a dedicated fitness professional should have the skill set and thought process necessary to highly complement their existing service offerings and education.
