You know the golden rule: The more you learn, the more you earn!
My career took off when I started attending seminars and conferences. Early on, I made it a point to attend one or two nearly every month. Not only did this equip me with the tools and confidence I needed to succeed, but it was also an excellent networking opportunity. By continuously learning, improving my skill set, and connecting with others in the industry, my business thrived—and it continues to grow to this day.
Why I’ve Never Attended a Seminar for CECs
Here’s an important message that I want every personal trainer to hear:
I’ve NEVER attended a seminar for continuing education credits (CECs).
I’ve attended dozens of seminars all over North America, and not once did I care about CECs. In fact, some of the best seminars I’ve ever attended didn’t even offer CECs—and that never held me back professionally.
I never had a problem meeting the quota for my professional designations because I had more than enough hours invested in:
- Working full-time in the field
- Attending unsanctioned health and fitness events (which still count toward CECs, albeit to a lesser extent)
- Completing annual CPR re-certifications
- Writing for various publications
- Speaking at industry events
Without even trying, I always had more than enough CECs. It was never an issue.
Results Matter More Than Letters
Many top professionals in this industry don’t even announce their credentials when they write or speak. The best trainers are at the top for a reason: it’s about results, not letters after your name!
Most of my business comes from word of mouth, not from the internet. Once people see my rates, they’re often hesitant—until they hear from a referral. Clients who have witnessed real-life results understand the value of what I provide. That’s why I always tell trainers:
If you want more clients, focus on the clients you already have.
If you work hard and deliver results, your existing clients will be your best advertisement. You’ll retain them long-term, and even if they leave for a while, many will come back once they see what else is out there. You get what you pay for.
And if you end up with a trainer whose only priority is collecting enough CECs to maintain their certification, well… there’s a reason their services are cheaper.
Why I Don’t Offer CECs for My Seminars
My company, The Catanzaro Group, has several divisions:
- Health and fitness services
- Dietary supplement line
- Publishing (books, DVDs, webinars, video presentations)
- Seminars and workshops
For a while, I conducted seminars regularly, but in recent years, the focus has shifted toward publishing and supplements. That’s about to change.
When I announced my first seminar of the year—Advanced Body Composition Strategies—many trainers expressed interest. But the most common question I received wasn’t about the content, cost, or location.
It was this: “Does the seminar offer CECs?”
The Truth About CECs
Here’s a little story about CECs:
When you apply as a CEC provider, the standard process involves paying a fee, submitting your material for review, and—if approved—being assigned credits for your course.
But in some cases, no material is even reviewed.
On more than one occasion, I applied for CECs, paid the fee, and was granted credits—without submitting a single document! Enough said.
That’s why I’ve never asked about CECs for any course I’ve attended—and I never will.
If you visit my studio, you won’t see my degree or certifications on the wall. And no, my upcoming seminar on April 3rd doesn’t offer CECs. Now you know why.
Body Composition Strategies
In Body Composition Strategies, you’ll learn many of the trade secrets that experts use to get their personal training clients lean in a short period of time. The webinar covers diet, supplementation and training protocols for both men and women. Several case studies are examined. Over 40 minutes of streaming video, a 38-page slide presentation and several bonus files are included.
