Moving to St. Pete's later this year (Jay: apartment complexes, college)

[OSUbrew]

Hey guys,

After doing a lot of research on different areas of Florida and a couple of other cities, I've decided to move to St. Pete's later this year. I know a few people there and they love it, plus others generally seem to like it.

I've been a .NET programmer for 10 years, but i'm really into fitness so i'm currently taking a course to get my personal training certification (NASM). I'm trying to have a few different skills for when I move down there initially so I can look for jobs in a broader range. Ideally i'd like to get my own personal training business going, but I know that takes time.

Anyways, i'm going to be coming down in a few months to look at apartments. Can anyone give me feedback on some decent apartment complexes or areas to look? I'd like to get something nice around $1000/mo or less, 1 bedroom is fine with a pool and hopefully a garage. I have a cat. Being reasonably close to the beach and nightlife would be great. I'm 32, no kids, fairly recently singe, in great shape, love the beach, love humidity. Coming from Ohio.

Thanks,
-Jay

[blueherons]

Jay, look into getting your AFAA credentials also.

[OSUbrew]

Originally Posted by blueherons

Jay, look into getting your AFAA credentials also.

Any reasoning behind it or just good from a learning perspective? I plan on getting a couple of different ones. I wanted to knock out one of the big 3 first (ACSM, NASM, NSCA). Went with NASM because it's the only one that doesn't need a 4 year degree for their advanced courses.

[blueherons]

Originally Posted by OSUbrew

Any reasoning behind it or just good from a learning perspective? I plan on getting a couple of different ones. I wanted to knock out one of the big 3 first (ACSM, NASM, NSCA). Went with NASM because it's the only one that doesn't need a 4 year degree for their advanced courses.

I've got two AFAA (step aerobics and personal trainer) and I'm STOTT Pilates reformer certified instructor. AFAA always seems to open the most doors. They are the largest fitness association in the world.

Back in the 1990s when I got my first step certification, the cruise lines would only take AFAA.

Mostly, what I learned about kinesiology was mind blowing and I am still able to apply it to pretty much anything. My college biology classes were easier than my first AFAA certification. AFAA built my foundation and even though I'm not longer a teaching professional, it still spills out into every aspect of my life.

If you are wanting to change careers, and say be a trainer for the Bucs or the Rays, absolutely follow ACSM but you'll probably need to get your bachelors in the field along with. If you just want to be a personal trainer, it's way overkill. Like shooting a fly with a rifle.

Anyway, YMMV and good luck!