The experience at NPTI far exceeded my expectations. From the thoroughness and detail of the curriculum to the quality and depth of knowledge of the faculty, I soon realized this was not some dressed-up on-line certification course. Now that I’m working with clients and refining my thinking in preparation of starting my own fitness & wellness business, I act with confidence and the authority that comes from the solid practical and theoretical foundations provided by the NPTI Personal Training course.
In particular, I found Arik's individual contributions to be of unique value. In addition to his exceptional academic qualifications and experience in fitness and wellness, he approached each topic with passion and conviction. That isn’t to say that he is formulaic to any degree. In fact, quite the opposite in that he is willing to bring to light divergent points of view without ascribing a personal bias to any particular view point. This approach provides a valuable context for evaluating the many different points of view and opinions that exist regarding the “right” approach to health and wellness and is indispensable in today’s information-rich marketplace.
I would recommend the NPTI experience, the curriculum and the faculty, to anyone who is interested in improving their quality of life and that of others.
— Matt Osborn
NPTI Portland has been an immensely enriching experience, providing me with a platform for personal growth, a foundation for finding and developing my passions, and a well-rounded and holistic education overall for steering my future career pursuits. The overlapping student body (half new students, half "old" students)* is an ingenious design that allows newcomers to be trained and "taught" by returning students and then, in turn, to do the same themselves. That system, along with an extensive combination of classroom, text book, hands-on practical work, and supplemental readings and videos, provides an amazing opportunity for in-depth learning.
Truly the most outstanding aspect of NPTI Portland is Arik Wiest. His calm, confident, always friendly and approachable demeanor, his obvious and vast wealth of knowledge, and his great passion for teaching and for the topics he teaches impacted me greatly and the other students as well. I can say, without any exaggeration, that the benefits and repercussions of knowing and being taught by Arik Wiest are far, far greater than the sum of the curriculum he teaches. The NPTI Portland experience has been inspirational, trans formative, and enlightening and it has my highest recommendation!
— Willie M.
I am 33 years old and have taken a lot of college courses over the years. I entered into a 6 month program at NPTI (National Personal Training Institute) in October, 2011. Arik Wiest is by far the best teacher I have had. Arik has a passion for what he teaches, and it resonates to the class. He has an ability to teach things in a way that anyone can understand, and he uses real life examples to enhance his teaching. Just recently, he offered to visit the place I work to teach some of the things we have been learning, and to help promote me. This alone speaks volumes for not only the kind of teacher Arik is, but the wonderful person he is as well. Arik takes the time to research all sides of what we are learning, and even brings things to the table that most of us have not thought of. He challenges us to think outside of the box, and I love that!
