Nurse to Personal Trainer: Cassidy Abkes' ISSA Story

Cassidy Abkes, a dedicated nurse and mother from central Iowa, recently embarked on a life-changing journey with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Her story demonstrates personal growth, renewed passion, and a commitment to helping others achieve their fitness goals.

A Personal Fitness Evolution

Cassidy's relationship with fitness has evolved significantly over the years. "Back in high school, I was actively involved in cross country and track," she recalls. However, after graduation, she fell into unhealthy habits. "I developed an unhealthy cycle of starving myself to lose weight, followed by binge eating and excessive running," Cassidy shares candidly.

Eight years ago, Cassidy rediscovered her love for fitness and developed a healthier relationship with food. This discovery led her to explore bodybuilding, even competing in a bikini competition. This experience introduced her to macro tracking and weightlifting, practices she continues to this day.

The Decision to Pursue Personal Training Certification

Despite her fulfilling career as a nurse, Cassidy felt drawn to the world of fitness education. "While I love helping people as a nurse, I realized it wasn't the fulfilling career I wanted to pursue long-term. My true passion lies in fitness and helping others achieve their health goals," she explains. This realization led her to explore personal trainer courses.

When asked about her choice of ISSA, Cassidy mentions she began her research with a simple Google search. She ultimately chose ISSA, appreciating the program's structure and flexibility.

Balancing Life and ISSA Studies

As a working mother, Cassidy had to be creative in finding time for her studies. "I made the most of every available moment. I would study between calls at work, during my son's nap times, and early in the morning before my workouts if I wasn't scheduled to work," she shares.

Cassidy found the ISSA course material engaging and comprehensive. "The course structure was excellent. I particularly enjoyed the reading portions, which were complemented by summary videos highlighting key points," she notes. The course not only reinforced her existing knowledge but also challenged her assumptions.

Completing the ISSA Personal Trainer certification had a profound impact on Cassidy's confidence. "Achieving this certification has significantly boosted my confidence. I feel incredibly proud of myself for completing the program, and now I'm even more motivated to help others on their fitness journeys," she says.

Continuing Education

Inspired by her experience, Cassidy immediately enrolled in ISSA's nutrition program after completing her personal trainer certification. She explains, "Given my personal journey of overcoming unhealthy eating habits and excessive exercise, I believe nutrition education is key. Learning about proper nutrition has been so helpful for me, and I want to share that knowledge with others."

FREE eBOOK: The Personal Trainer’s Nutrition Playbook

Looking ahead, Cassidy envisions herself as an online personal trainer, with the flexibility to take on local, in-person clients. Her ISSA education has prepared her well for this role, providing her with the necessary tools and knowledge to structure effective workouts for her future clients.

Advice for Aspiring Personal Trainers

To those considering a similar path, Cassidy offers enthusiastic encouragement: "If becoming a personal trainer is something you're considering, I strongly encourage you to pursue it. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. If you're passionate about helping people and you love health and fitness, this is an excellent career path to explore."

Cassidy's experience with ISSA shines a spotlight on the power of education in the fitness industry. Her story serves as an inspiration for others looking to turn their passion for fitness into a fulfilling career, demonstrating that with determination and the right educational support, it's possible to achieve your goals and make a positive impact on others' lives.