Women’s History Month commemorates the achievements and struggles of women throughout history and casts a light on the evolving roles and burgeoning presence of women. The fitness industry serves as a prime example of this evolution.

Historically, the fitness world mirrored many other sectors, with men predominantly occupying the roles of personal trainers, health coaches and group instructors. Today, women are participating in fitness at higher rates and stepping into roles of leadership and influence as personal trainers, health coaches and business owners while continuing to overcome barriers to success.

The Female Fitness Experience

Initially, women’s involvement in fitness was relegated to specific segments, such as aerobics or women-only gyms, reflecting broader stereotypes and societal expectations of the time. These roles, while important, represented a narrow view of women’s capabilities.

As the decades passed, the fitness industry began to see a gradual change fueled by shifting societal attitudes and women began to assert their presence, breaking through stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a fitness professional.

Maria Luque, PhD, MS, CHES, ACE-CPT, ACE-FNS, educator and founder of Fitness in Menopause, says that, as a fitness professional with over two decades of experience in this industry, and exclusively working with women for over 10 years, she’s witnessed a remarkable transformation in the industry’s approach to women’s roles as personal trainers and health coaches.

“Initially, there was a prevalent stereotype that women were primarily clients rather than leaders in the fitness space,” Luque says. “However, there has been a significant shift towards recognizing women as knowledgeable and skilled professionals in this field, a change that should inspire and motivate all of us.”

Judi Sheppard Missett is a quintessential example of female innovation and leadership. In 1969, Missett founded Jazzercise, a dance-based fitness program that seamlessly blended jazz dance with exercise, strength training and stretching. 

Missett, who is worth around $100 million, has turned her brainchild into a global empire, encouraging women to embrace entrepreneurship within the fitness industry.

Other examples of women who are making inroads in fitness entrepreneurship and leadership are ClassPass founder Payal Kadakia, whose net worth is at least $60 million, and Robin Arzón, the Vice President of Fitness Programming at Peloton, who has emerged as a prominent figure and highly popular instructor for the brand.

The Gender Pay Gap

Women in the fitness industry often confront gender biases that undermine their professional credibility and contribute to pay disparities compared to their male counterparts.

For instance, female personal trainers and health coaches may face skepticism regarding their expertise and physical capabilities, a challenge seldom faced by men. These biases can extend to compensation, where, despite equal qualifications and responsibilities, women frequently earn less. 

A 2021 salary survey from the The Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC), found that women, on average, earn 68% of what men earn for substantially similar work. In the personal training world, the gap is even larger, with female personal trainers earning 66% of what male personal trainers make, with male survey respondents reporting an annual average income of $54,514, while female respondents reported an average income of $35,945.

Irene Lewis McCormick, MS, personal trainer and award-winning educator, says the conversation about gender biases and pay disparities is not unique to the fitness industry; it’s a nationwide issue affecting various professions, where the quality of service is becoming more important than the mere hour spent delivering the fitness service. She advocates for a shift in the fitness industry’s compensation structure. 

“I would like to move away from a time-based model to one that recognizes the value of the fitness pros’ experience and expertise,” McCormick says.

Women Are Not Small Men

Another relevant angle when it comes to women overcoming barriers is in exercise science research and how women have been underrepresented. This is important because good program design hinges on available research and education.

Susane Pata, NASM content strategist and global master instructor, is eager to help change that conversation.

Pata’s journey of discovery led her to the work of Dr. Stacy Sims, a figure who has become synonymous with innovation in the field of female athletics. Pata reflects on her initial encounter with Sims’ research and the realization that there was “someone out there focused on the female athlete.” 

According to Pata, Sims has opened new avenues for “discussions about female athletes: their health, performance, wellness and longevity—all in new ways based on the latest research” and highlights a popular quote from Sims: “women are not small men,” a simple yet powerful statement that challenges longstanding biases in sports science. 

This assertion not only emphasizes the biological differences between men and women but also marks a significant shift in how female athletes are perceived and studied.

“She is now putting conversations about the female athlete on the table—conversations and comparisons that were never there before,” Pata notes. 

Pata also admires athletes like Tia-Clair Toomey. The discourse surrounding Toomey, whether it involves criticism or praise, “makes a space at the table for female athletes,” showcasing their undeniable talent and dedication.

Pata ties these observations to a broader narrative of gender equality and collaboration in sports.

“So whereas obvious physiological gender differences exist, women like these are showing that you can have a seat at the table with men,” Pata says.

Opportunities Ahead for All

The demand for personal trainers and fitness instructors has surged over the past decade, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% growth between 2019 and 2029. This expansion is set to add approximately 57,600 more trainers over the next 10 years, suggesting the growing influence of women in the industry. 

Pata encourages other female fitness professionals to take advantage of the upswing and to keep learning. 

“Knowledge is power, and … it is highly advantageous to go in armed with knowledge and never be complacent,” she says. “Just because you took one certification does not mean the learning stops there. It never ends.”

For women new to the industry or who need advice, Pata suggests they “try a little bit of everything” because it can “inform future decisions, especially those in it for the long game.”

McCormick, an industry veteran, says that while there are trailblazing women who have taken on significant roles and have been recognized for their contributions, the fitness industry still has a long way to go to achieve gender balance; perhaps particularly in executive roles. 

“The representation of women in leadership positions in the fitness industry is a topic of concern,” McCormick says. “According to a survey, 47% of men work in leadership roles in fitness compared to only 36% of women. Men comprise 70% of gym owners and women account for 29%.”

Luque is encouraged by the changes she sees in the industry but agrees that there is more work to be done, echoing McCormick’s perspective. 

“As more women enter the fitness profession, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity, diversity and recognizing the unique needs and experiences of women in fitness and health coaching,” says Luque.

“These shifts not only provide more opportunities for women to thrive professionally but also contribute to a more balanced and inclusive fitness industry that better serves the diverse needs of all individuals, regardless of gender,” she adds.

The post How Women Are Redefining Fitness on Their Own Terms appeared first on Athletech News.

The fitness industry’s benchmark for excellence is continuously shifting, highlighting the critical need for fitness professionals to stay informed. Fitness education and certification is on the cusp of a new era, fueled by technological innovation, evolving client expectations and a deepening comprehension of wellness.

Ahead of IHRSA 2024 and other upcoming fitness industry trade shows, Athletech News spoke with leading organizations shaping the industry’s future, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). These players are driving innovation by launching new products, services and initiatives designed to improve fitness professionals’ skills, employability and influence.

As we step into 2024, the blend of technological advancements, a focus on wellness over traditional fitness training, and the introduction of innovative programs and tools promise to redefine professional excellence in our industry. 

ACE Commits to AI Education & Community Building

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), founded in 1985, provides NCCA-accredited certifications, continuing education and evidence-based health information. Sarah Beavins, ACE’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing, said that ACE is dedicated to keeping health and exercise professionals equipped with timely, relevant information, and named artificial intelligence (AI)/fitness technology as one area of focus in 2024.

She referenced a recent report from Future Data Stats in which the global AI in Fitness and Wellness Market was valued at $7.80 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.5%, reaching $30.56 billion by 2030.

“AI can be an assistive tool in developing personalized recommendations and adaptive programs for clients, and all exercise professionals and health coaches should understand the ins and outs of this emerging technology,” Beavins said. “AI also has the power to help health and exercise professionals run a more efficient business, while growing and maintaining their clientele.”

Another area of focus for ACE is building a unique community where health and exercise professionals have a trusted, safe place to connect. Beavins mentioned the recently launched ACE Pro Connect 2.0 app, which “allows like-minded health and exercise professionals to share ideas, talk through pressing issues and gain insights to build their career.”

Beavins also highlighted ACE’s goal to create timely educational content that helps exercise professionals and health coaches navigate the evolving landscape of weight management and GLP-1 drugs and announced that ACE will be offering a 200-hour yoga certification this year. 

ACE is also actively working to ensure that those in the LGBTQIA+ community experience a welcoming and inclusive fitness environment. The organization offers several EDI education resources, including courses, webinars and LGBTQIA+-specific live conversations so fitness professionals will be equipped with not just the knowledge but the tools to serve individuals who have not always felt welcome in a health or fitness setting.

ISSA Focuses on Wellness Coaching, Recruitment

Since 1988, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has been working on its vision to connect 100 million people to the power of healthy living by 2030, with a focus on service, promoting wellness, and fostering connections.

ISSA’s Chief Growth Officer, Craig Bradley, said that this year marks a significant shift towards embracing optimal wellness, strongly supported by ISSA’s commitment to health coaching. 

“In the fourth quarter of last year, we expanded our portfolio by acquiring Health Coach Institute along with other prestigious brands in the wellness education space, signaling our dedication to this growing field,” Bradley said. “Data suggests that consumers are increasingly prioritizing wellness and fitness, with interest in these areas outpacing traditional fitness training by a substantial margin. This indicates a clear preference for holistic health and life coaching over conventional training methods that focus mainly on physical exercise.”

Bradley also mentioned the development of a recruitment solution tool, launched last year, designed to connect ISSA graduates with potential employers. 

“We’ve observed a strong demand from the industry for such a streamlined recruitment process,” said Bradley. “This platform showcases our graduates, featuring their profiles, qualifications and locations. With approximately 3,000 trainers graduating monthly, many are actively seeking career opportunities, particularly within their local communities. This system allows us to directly address the industry’s demand for qualified trainers by offering direct access to a pool of newly certified professionals.”

Of note, ISSA is also expanding its highest enrollment course offerings in Spanish, recognizing the global diversity of its audience.

NASM Launches Comprehensive Membership Program

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been educating fitness professionals for over 35 years, and offers a range of science-based training programs and strategies.

The company recently launched a membership program called NASM One, a response to the growing realization that achieving and maintaining health is a multifaceted endeavor that demands a deep understanding of nutrition, mental health and the ability to leverage technology to achieve better outcomes. 

“NASM One brings together multiple tools and exclusive resources to support fitness professionals’ personal development, professional growth and career longevity,” said Mike Fantigrassi, MBA, MS, senior director, product development. 

“At launch, NASM One features over 300 continuing education courses, four career education courses, how-to and trending topics guides, the EDGE app, member discounts, CPR/AED certification, and unlimited access to NASM fitness experts.” 

NASM has also updated its Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) course, which is designed for performance-minded coaches.

“The PES combines critical thinking with a deep understanding of exercise science to tailor training that minimizes injury risks and maximizes athlete potential,” Fantigrassi said. “With a focus on individual athletes, the course integrates real-world coaching insights and the latest in sports psychology and recovery science.”

NASM has included new chapters on communication and youth training, alongside evidence-based injury prevention, which Fantigrassi said ensures (fit pros are) equipped to support both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance.

ACSM Offers Enhanced Training Programs for the Modern Era

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) was established in 1954 and has grown into a global sports medicine and exercise science organization, with more than 50,000 international, national and regional members, all committed to promoting healthier lifestyles.

Francis Neric, MS, MBA, associate vice president of certification and credentialing, said that ACSM continues to advocate for efforts to raise the bar for health fitness industry certification through its professionalization efforts, including third-party accredited certification, requiring accredited exercise science degrees to sit for its highest level certifications, and the national registration of exercise professionals.

In 2024, ACSM turns its efforts toward career advancement and healthcare referrals. ACSM recently launched new Inclusive Fitness Specialist, and Physical Activity and Public Health Specialist designations. Additional ACSM offerings scheduled for launch in 2024 include a Youth Exercise Specialist and a Cancer Exercise Specialist, developed in partnership with the American Cancer Society, with more options planned to be introduced later this year.

“ACSM has converted its specialty certifications (written exams only) into educational certificate programs,” said Neric. “Educational certificates are advanced training programs that extend a certified professional’s capabilities to practice in specialized fields. These fields either: (1) are emerging areas with limited and/or ongoing research, or (2) require additional training, knowledge, or skill to safely and effectively work with clients or patients, taking into account unique considerations.”

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The fitness and wellness industry continues to grow and integrate innovative sciences and philosophies. Today’s fitness professionals, whatever their backgrounds, areas of expertise or years of experience, are looking to enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and effectively manage client relationships and outcomes.

In response, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) introduced NASM One, its premier membership offering that provides an extensive collection of educational resources, from a wide-ranging course library to tools that support client engagement and business efficiency. 

NASM One elevates fitness certification by creating a community aimed at improving industry standards and fostering collective growth and professional achievement. This is done not just through education, but also an ongoing commitment to supporting a successful, diverse career path that reflects the service-oriented nature of the fitness industry. 

The Rise of NASM One

NASM has more than three decades of experience in certifying fitness professionals and setting educational standards. Known for its evidence-based approach, NASM has trained over 1.5 million fitness professionals across 100+ countries, and the certifications stand out with the most respected credentials in gyms, studios, health clubs and training facilities. NASM also has direct partnerships with over 12,000 employers and organizations worldwide to help Certified Personal Trainers get a foot in the door.

This steadfast dedication to fitness and wellness forms the cornerstone of ongoing success, allowing NASM to serve fitness professionals at an enhanced level. This, in turn, benefits clients, positioning them more favorably to reach their health objectives.

Mike Fantigrassi, Senior Director, Product Development, said the vision behind NASM One is to “provide a comprehensive platform for fitness professionals to stay current with the latest trends, develop new skill sets to better support their clients, and provide them with tools to help make them more effective in building and growing their businesses.”  

A response to the growing realization that achieving and maintaining health is a multifaceted endeavor, NASM One addresses more than just the nuts and bolts of physical exercise and program design. The membership program reflects a deep understanding of nutrition, mental health and the ability to leverage technology to achieve better outcomes.

Fantigrassi emphasized the organization’s commitment to grasping the real-world needs of certified personal trainers and to providing continuous solutions that surpass expectations.

“NASM One brings together multiple tools and exclusive resources to support fitness professionals’ personal development, professional growth and career longevity,” said Fantigrassi. “At launch, NASM One features over 300 continuing education courses, four career education courses, guides on how-to and trending topics, the EDGE app, member discounts, CPR/AED certification, and unlimited access to NASM fitness experts.”

Priced at $35 per month with a 12-month commitment, this program is crafted to ensure that fitness professionals have the tools and resources to thrive in a competitive field.

Courses for the Modern Fit Pro

Career advancement in the fitness and wellness industry often hinges on one’s ability to stay ahead of the curve, embracing new methodologies and technologies. This is especially true in today’s era, where areas like holistic wellness, recovery and nutrition are becoming integrated with pure fitness offerings. 

When it comes to ensuring the quality and relevance of 300+ courses, Fantigrassi underscored NASM’s use of a “rigorous, evidence-based approach to curriculum development” that draws on the latest scientific research and industry trends and shows a commitment to the broader fitness and wellness community.

“Our courses are regularly reviewed and updated by a dedicated team of industry and subject matter experts and educators to ensure they meet the highest standards of educational excellence and practical applicability,” Fantigrassi said. “We have a team of product managers who regularly review the latest trends and reports, attend industry events, and speak to our customers and our extensive network of subject matter experts. In addition, we have a scientific advisory board and strategic advisory committee that we meet with regularly to stay informed.”

This dedication to ongoing education is a cornerstone of NASM’s philosophy, reflecting the importance of continuous learning in maintaining the highest standards of professional competency. It also ensures that the information is current and relevant.

Fantigrassi adds that, in 2024, NASM will be adding 50 more continuing education courses, “along with dozens of new guides and evidence-based reviews to give members new content every month.” 

Empowering the Fitness & Wellness Community

NASM One provides an advantage by offering its members access to Edge Trainer Pro, the premium level of NASM’s business and client management suite, along with specialized courses covering essential topics such as business basics, virtual coaching, social media influencing and home gym design, subjects that are unique to today’s personal trainer.

“Combined, this provides an extensive collection of complementary tools and resources that will allow a fitness professional to expand and/or deepen their knowledge base, develop new specialties, work with a more diverse client population, train and coach clients remotely/virtually, and get the best discounts on partner products,” Fantigrassi said.

The NASM team has an ongoing, robust content development schedule that supports the demand for continuing education. Fantigrassi noted that NASM EDGE, a comprehensive app for personal trainers, is regularly updated and features more than 1,000 exercises; the ability to rename and personalize exercises; the ability to schedule and manage training sessions; a built-in chat; payment collection; nutrition tools, and more.

Member feedback is the backbone of the program’s success and is gathered in several ways. Fantigrassi said that NASM uses the information to refine its approach and that, based on early feedback, they’ve already begun developing new features and content that will be introduced throughout 2024. 

Career Transformation & Longevity

An additional benefit of choosing NASM One, particularly for those at the start of their careers, is a 50% discount on NASM and Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) courses.

“The discount not only makes our top-tier educational offerings more accessible, but also encourages continuous learning and skill development, which are crucial for gaining a competitive edge and achieving long-term success,” said Fantigrassi.

A progressive path to success as a fitness professional requires a commitment to staying up to date with current exercise science research and societal shifts.  NASM One addresses this need by providing access to rich educational resources. This platform is not just about enhancing knowledge; it’s about transforming how fitness professionals engage with their clients, manage their businesses, and position themselves as leaders in their field.

“We have big plans for NASM One in 2024 and are excited to share these updates with our members as they develop,” Fantigrassi said. 

The post NASM One Is the Ultimate Education Membership for Fitness Professionals appeared first on Athletech News.

Personal training clients with health savings or flexible spending accounts (HSA/FSA) can now use those funds to pay for sessions on a tax-free basis, thanks to a new partnership between health-focused company Truemed and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). The deal makes it easier for clients to access up to 40% in additional “free money” to put towards fitness,

This collaboration taps into the $150 billion available in consumer HSA and FSA funds, marking a new direction in how fitness services can be financed.

The partnership provides a way for clients to use tax-free funds for a range of health-related expenses, including gym memberships, exercise classes, equipment, and even wellness products like supplements and sleep aids. These expenses can now be included as qualified medical expenses, contingent on obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) that links these services or products to the prevention or treatment of specific health issues.

“This partnership empowers our community of passionate fitness professionals to extend their impact on a client’s overall healthcare journey,” said Jeremy Guenther, director of business development at NASM. “We’re delighted to deliver a pathway that equips our professionals with a means to help their clients get more out of their investment, while boosting retention rates and expanding their overall reach in the process.”

For personal trainers and wellness product affiliates, this partnership could lead to increased financial benefits. The system is designed to potentially boost average order volumes by 36% and retention rates by 42%, according to Truemed’s data. This increase is attributed to the ability of customers to utilize up to 40% more funds through their HSA/FSA accounts.

The process for affiliates to participate in this program involves signing up with Truemed, receiving a customer link, and then marketing this link to their audience. An independent medical provider will determine if a client is eligible for HSA/FSA funding and, if approved, will issue an LMN so they can use tax-free funds to pay for their fitness and wellness professional fees.

NASM-certified trainers can enroll in the program at no additional cost.

Truemed’s co-founder, Calley Means, emphasized the gravity of this initiative in making personalized fitness programs more accessible and affordable for clients.

“It is important for clients to have access to consistent, personalized exercise programs to support their overall health,” Means said. “We are honored to be partnering with NASM to make HSA/FSA spending on personal training seamless.”

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Athletech News rang the opening bell at the Nasdaq on January 4, 2024, marking a significant moment for the entire fitness and wellness industry, which was well represented at the landmark event.

Alongside Athletech News, executives and influencers from leading brands and organizations such as Crunch, Equinox, Hydrow, Zumba, IHRSA, Xponential, Les Mills, Pvolve, NYSC, Restore Hyper Wellness, Tracy Anderson, Exos, Mindbody, InsideTracker, FlexIt and NASM, to name just a few, joined the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square.

“Athletech News aims to spark ideas and shape agendas for fitness and wellness executives in this constantly evolving and fast-moving sector,” said Kristina Ayanian, Nasdaq listing host. “They set out each day to inform these leaders with proprietary content and analysis that will help them make informed business decisions with a global wellness market estimated at over $1.5 trillion in 2021. Until now, there has not been a central repository of fitness and wellness-related content focused on the company executives and the trends that are disrupting the industry. Athletech News fills that void, and we’re lucky that you all are joining us here today.”

Before ringing the opening bell, Athletech News founder and CEO Edward Hertzman gave an inspiring speech where he remarked on the committed and collegial atmosphere in fitness and wellness as the industry pushes for more recognition.

“It is time that the fitness and wellness industry have a serious seat at the table, whether it be Wall Street, the Hill or mainstream media,” Hertzman said. “Wellness is not a week or a New Year’s resolution. It is a way of life. It’s about making mindful choices each day that contribute to our overall well-being. Athletech News is not merely a news outlet — it’s at the forefront, delivering cutting-edge insights, trends and stories that propel the fitness and wellness industry forward.”

Over 100 fitness and wellness industry leaders joined ATN to ring the bell and attended a special networking breakfast held after the event.

See more coverage of ATN’s bell-ringing ceremony here.

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The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has launched a new continuing education course called Mindful Drinking to address the growing interest in mindful alcohol consumption. The comprehensive multimedia course explores a holistic approach to drinking and provides strategies for making intentional choices related to alcohol.

The course delves into alcohol’s influence on wellness pillars like nutrition, sleep, cognitive function and physical activity. Fitness professionals can access useful resources and practical guides for understanding society’s relationship with alcohol, which can inform personal training program design.

“What I love most about the mindful drinking mindset is that it gives my clients more options, not fewer,” says Mallory Fox, DHSc, NASM product marketing manager and a NASM-certified wellness coach.

“Clients often abstain from alcohol as a means to reach their fitness goals; however, when clients feel restricted, they’re more likely to struggle on their journey,” Fox says. “Arming my clients with flexibility and choice helps them reach their goals in a holistic, sustainable way.”

The self-guided offering is based on scientific research and expert input from neuroscientist Jaime Tartar, PhD. It awards 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completion. NASM developed the course in response to rising trends like “Dry January” and growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks, especially among Gen Z, who in 2022 were the fastest-growing demographic of non-alcoholic-drink consumers. 

As consumers become more conscious about their wellness, this new course provides a pathway to make informed decisions related to alcohol consumption.

“The end goal of the Mindful Drinking course is to empower people with strategies for making choices and changes related to drinking alcohol,” said course author Derek Brown, an NASM-certified wellness coach. “Alcohol often holds a very personal space in people’s lives and the course aims to explore unique ways that we can drink more intentionally.”

NASM expects the course to equip fitness professionals to guide clients exploring mindful drinking. It’s the first continuing education course under the organization’s growing wellness portfolio, which includes Emotion in Motion – Exercise as an Anxiety Intervention, and another course that explores the topic of mental toughness, which highlights key aspects of psychological strength for fitness and sport. 

Additionally, NASM offers a comprehensive wellness coach certification and a variety of specializations tailored for personal trainers that focus on aspects like behavior change and holistic health, designed to enhance client retention.

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The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a fitness and wellness training provider, has just launched NASM One, a membership program to help fitness professionals and those aspiring to take their careers to the next level with exclusive discounts, education resources and networking opportunities.

The new program comes on the heels of NASM’s announcement last month that it would be offering a flexible pathway for fitness enthusiasts to become professionally certified.

Priced at $35 a month for a one-year commitment, NASM One members can unlock continuing education, career tools and access to fitness industry leaders and learners while engaging in career development — a helpful opportunity as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the fitness training industry will experience 13% job growth through 2028.

The offering includes over 300 programs where participants can earn unlimited Continuing Education Units (CEUs), discounts on NASM and Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certifications and specializations, free CPR/AED certification, access to NASM EDGE’s client management app, business courses covering virtual coaching, social media influencers and home gym design, and invites to members-only events.

Mike Fantigrassi, senior director of product development at NASM, tells Athletech News that the organization’s latest offering is the “ultimate toolbox” for fitness professionals, with a comprehensive membership that not only elevates expertise but also streamlines client management, all while offering lifetime recertification and a 50% discount on courses.

“NASM is committed to our mission of transforming lives. We demonstrate this through our continuous innovation and evolution to meet the needs of our customers,” said Ethan Abrams, vice president of product innovation and strategy at NASM. “NASM One, our new membership subscription, offers our personal trainers value and easy access to continuous learning and career development opportunities that support their desire to succeed.”

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The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a global leader in fitness and wellness training, has announced the launch of its NASM Personal Training Certificate exam as a part of its Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program.

The CPT program provides evidence-based training strategies, including the NASM Optimum Performance Training Model, nutrition concepts and more. Now, participants are offered two exam options to select the path that best fits their professional needs: the NASM Certified Personal Trainer exam (accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies) and the new NASM Personal Training Certificate exam. 

The new personal training certificate equips prospective fitness professionals and wellness enthusiasts with the chance to demonstrate mastery without an accredited certification. With an updated exam approach that aims to offer increased flexibility and an unproctored format, participants can test on their own time. It’s also open book, giving additional exam time and the option to re-test.

It’s an approach that Mike Fantigrassi, NASM’s senior director of product development, believes will appeal to an even broader audience and make personal training more accessible to all.

“NASM is the gold standard for certified personal trainer credentials. We are proud to be able to offer aspiring fitness professionals and enthusiasts the power of choice, with our two exam options,” Fantigrassi said. “This expansion of our CPT program demonstrates that regardless of your needs, NASM has the ability to help you achieve your goals.”

NASM’s frequent updates and investment into its programs set it apart from competitors, according to Fantigrassi. 

From its experts on subject matters to its multimedia assets and interactive stimulation, NASM is a specialist in curriculum and design and has a keen understanding of what an individual needs to succeed as a personal trainer.

The courses offer a deep dive into functional anatomy and real-world anatomy, such as joint dysfunction, nutrition, business, and all of the foundational matters to become an effective personal trainer.

“We have the best of the best subject matter experts, top-level researchers, and real-world practitioners that can translate research topics into real-world concepts,” Fantigrassi said.

NASM’s multimedia approach combines a learning management system that is user-friendly and interesting, allowing students to launch assets and watch videos right from the text, expand or download infographics and play animations. In addition to its user-friendly experience, the programs are searchable and interactive, so participants can quickly find a topic and take notes. The program is also device agnostic so users can start on one device, like a computer, and then transition to their phone or tablet while picking up right where they left off.

The new exam paths offered by NASM can be viewed here. 

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Laurie McCartney, Fitness and Learning President at Ascend Learning, provided visionary guidance to Ascend’s various fitness and wellness brands, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and Club Connect, whose acquisition she spearheaded. Powered by her innovative and creative business strategies, these brands continue to expand on their mission to prepare today’s fitness and wellness professionals for successful careers.

Athletech News sat down with Laurie on February 3rd to discuss her outlook on the industry to which she had devoted the past 6 years. On February 6th, she passed away unexpectedly.

Although deeply saddened by this loss, we are grateful for the large impact Laurie had on the industry and everyone around her. It is with this gratitude and profound sadness that we share our conversation with Laurie McCartney.

Athletech News: Where you see the fitness industry going, and where do you feel are the big growth opportunities?

Laurie McCartney:  The fitness industry is evolving and presenting exciting new growth opportunities. We’re seeing a real shift in people’s fitness goals from appearance toward more balance, mental wellbeing and overall health. Really a case of “movement meets mindfulness.”

We also see a big focus on nutrition, and an increase in concern over not just what you do at the gym, but also what you put into your body and how you manage stress. So that’s what we’re including in our courses. We’re training our trainers and coaches to have a more balanced, holistic approach to how they work with clients. 

ATN: What are some of the most exciting trends NASM is addressing with new products? 

LM: For trainers, we are encouraging a much more holistic approach, and now have a certified wellness coach product. We just launched an exciting new certified nutrition coach product. We get a lot of prosumers, or customers who aren’t necessarily coaches or trainers, but who want to absorb that professional-level knowledge for themselves and their families.

And for group fitness instructors, it’s so exciting to see the ability to move from HIIT (high intensity interval training) classes to doing more with different modalities, even some older forms of fitness, like aerobics and step aerobics making an entrance again.  

We also see small, personalized group training classes that are taking a very exciting turn. The idea of the movable gym is really fun, with the group exercise class moving outside and inside. I think the pandemic started that and I see that trend continuing.

And, our physique transformation bodybuilding coach program is for everyone, not just those who want to compete or be bodybuilders.

ATN: Do you see the holistic approach and, obviously, classes and training sessions, becoming more digital, chat-based, and communication-based? And less about filling three slots a week of training? 

LM:  We saw the pandemic accelerate this idea that you can train anywhere, anytime, through connected fitness, with online courses and apps available to trainers and consumers. Then, with wearable technology, wherever you are, everywhere you go, you’re tracking your steps. There’s also a gamification monitoring tool that consumers can now harness, allowing us to personalize the fitness experience and roll it out to a broader group of people.

It all reduces the barriers to how, when and where people can exercise, which makes it much more accessible.

ATN: What new technologies do you think are enhancing the training and certification space?

LM:  We’re always looking at things that are evolving. The gamification, AI and interactive demos are being incorporated into our delivery model course offerings to make them much more exciting, integrative and accessible. For example, Edge is our app for trainers so they can better connect and communicate with their clients, send them personalized workouts and keep them accountable. It allows them to have a more fun, personalized dialogue with their clients but also scale their business so that they can reach more clients on a continuous basis and work from anywhere.

ATN: Are there new certifications and training opportunities popping up in response to consumers’ desire for “more and different”? The proliferation of content out there has been very interesting.

LM:  We’ve incorporated more fun into our courses, more Hollywood-type videos, interactive tools and, importantly, modular courses that are more bite-sized. If you want to learn a topic, we have broad certifications, but we also have a lot of mini courses in everything from mindfulness, sleep and weight loss management to behavior change and even “how-tos” on things like setting up your home gym or virtual coaching.

ATN: How do you see the boutique fitness space evolving and growing post-pandemic, and what challenges do you see there?

LM:  I think boutique fitness is so exciting because it’s the entrepreneurial side of the business, where they can be nimbler and embrace or create new trends. As long as they can continue to reinvent themselves and offer something that is new, fun and effective that keeps that consumer excited, I don’t see that going away. The boutique environment is very personalized and can have a very nice local flavor, which people respond to as well. Many popular new trends get started at the boutique level, like recovery studios, neuromuscular stretching, saunas, cold immersion, yoga, meditation, and then larger clubs will incorporate some of them into their formats as well. 

ATN: How are consumers driving a lot of these trends?

LM:  Whereas people used to work out to lose weight or go for more of a physical result, to look good, they came out of the pandemic in general more focused on health and wellness. We’re seeing people’s goals change in favor of longevity, mental wellbeing, stress management, health and happiness. We’re now seeing a broader range of reasons that consumers are passionate about their fitness, health and wellness. We continue to target unique populations, such as youth, seniors, women, and others with our offerings. It’s a big opportunity as the definition of and interest in health and wellness expand. People want to live their best life. And that excites me because I think it brings more people—trainers, coaches and consumers—into the industry. All of us in this space want to improve as many lives as possible.

ATN: How do you bring new people into the workout space? Would you, for example, try to attract people who wouldn’t be into a cardio boot camp class with a dance class as a way to start?

LM:  It’s important for a workout to be accessible, that we lower the barriers to entry, make it more personalized, but make sure it’s done right. Influencers post dance workouts on social media, and people start following them and get excited and decide to try a dance class. It spurs a lot of interest and lowers those barriers. Then it’s a matter of making sure they learn the right way, ensuring the quality of education of certified trainers and fitness instructors.

Another great concept is this hybrid form of training, so you can do some at home and some at the gym. This brings more people to the gym, frankly, because they start to work out in the comfort of their home, and then hopefully they feel a little more comfortable and less intimidated to go into that gym or studio format to try it.

ATN: What excites you most about what you are doing? 

LM:  It’s a big responsibility to help provide educational tools and services for coaches and trainers! We’re helping them transform people’s lives. I always think about just how important movement is. The more we can get people to get up and move just a little bit, take a few steps at a time, the better. After that, they get to feeling a little more comfortable. The more we can get our community globally to do that, that really excites me. 

Because I believe movement is happiness. 

In Memoriam

Reactions from industry colleagues who were inspired by Laurie McCartney’s enthusiasm, dedication and vision: 

“The passing of Laurie McCartney will be felt for many years to come. She was a mother, leader and educator. Her passion for life and her laugh were infectious. She was an inspiration to us all and will be sorely missed.” – Mark Mastrov, Chairman, New Evolution Ventures 

“The news of Laurie McCartney’s passing was a shock to IHRSA, our Industry Partner Advisory Council, where she was a respected and engaged advocate, and the health and fitness industry as a whole. Laurie was a friend, mentor and colleague who inspired with her intellect and approach and brought the same zeal and creativity to the association and industry leadership that she brought to her own business and career. Her loss is felt by the entire IHRSA family, and we are holding her colleagues, friends and family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.” – IHRSA President and CEO Liz Clark

 “I was fortunate to meet and work with Laurie through NASM. Through our relationship, I learned important business values. Laurie was an amazing networker and knew how to politely steer a conversation for the good of all involved. She was a masterful leader. Our entire industry will miss her. Laurie was special.” – Neal Spruce, CEO, dotFIT

“Laurie was an integral member of our Senior Leadership Team, a force of positivity and energy for our organization, a beloved leader, a mentor to many and our dear friend. Her impact and achievements as a business leader and President of our Fitness and Wellness segment, where she led NASM, AFAA and Club Connect, were remarkably vast. Her ability to inspire and connect with people, influence and create ideas, paired with her deep love for her family and overall kindness, will be irreplaceable. We are committed to continuing Laurie’s legacy of helping people transform lives through fitness and wellness across the globe.” – Greg Sebasky, CEO, Ascend Learning

 “Laurie’s smile could light up a room. She was instrumental in making fitness education accessible to everyone.  We loved collaborating with her, and I will miss her dearly as a friend and industry colleague.” – Alberto Perlman, Co-founder and CEO, Zumba Fitness

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The devoted mother of two, experienced entrepreneur, and accomplished business leader joined Ascend Learning in 2016. For more than six years she provided visionary guidance to the teams at Ascend’s various fitness and wellness brands including National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and Club Connect. Powered by Laurie’s innovative and creative business strategies, these brands significantly expanded and delivered on their mission to prepare today’s fitness and wellness professionals for successful careers.

Under Laurie’s leadership, Ascend launched NASM’s Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Wellness Coach and Virtual Coaching Specialization programs, and acquired Club Connect and PTontheNet.

Earlier in her career, Laurie led strategic marketing and operational efforts for major brands including the Walt Disney Company, Teleflora, POM Wonderful, Stila Cosmetics, YogaWorks, and Forever 21. She was also the founder, chairman, and CEO of her own company, babystyle.

Laurie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. Inspired early on by her father, a lifelong athlete, to appreciate the transformational power of fitness, she was driven by the belief that through her hard work and the tireless efforts of her team, the world could be a healthier and happier place.

In addition to her two children, Jack and Ally, Laurie is survived by six siblings and several nieces and nephews. On Thursday, February 23, Ascend Learning will hold a special celebration of Laurie’s life to honor her legacy of leadership.

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Trainerize, a client engagement mobile app and software designed for fitness businesses and professionals, has announced the winners of the 2022 Trainerize Awards at an online event, “How Fit Pros Can Win the Digital Marketing Game in 2023.”

The mobile app fitness brand, powered by SaaS club management solution ABC Fitness Solutions, chose the best fit pros/coaches and fastest growing businesses from over 400,000 trainers, 30,000 fitness businesses, and 2 million clients using the platform.

The 2022 TZ Award Winners include:

Trainer Of The Year: Amanda Zizzo, Body by Zizzo 

Body By Lizzo was recognized for remarkable client engagement, with 1,400 active clients and 75,000 workouts completed throughout 2022. 

Studio Of The Year: The Cobalt Club

The Cobalt Club was celebrated for having over 3,000 active clients using the Trainerize app regularly, covering fitness, nutrition, and habits.

Remarkable Results With Nutrition:  G-8 Fitness.

G-8 Fitness was acknowledged for having 500,000 daily meals tracked over the past year.

Remarkable Results With Habits: MyQFit

MyQFit delivered coaching services to 21,000 members and an outstanding 250,000 habits completed over the past year.

Remarkable Results With Fitness: Women Who Win

Women Who Win was celebrated for its diverse programming, creative video workouts, and new challenges, which kept their 1,300 clients engaged and active in 2022.

Rising Star: Brooke Goodal

Brooke Goodal, a new Trainerize coach since January 2022, was named a rising star for delivering multi-service coaching and maintaining client engagement.

Attendees at the event, which focused on digital fitness marketing, also heard from industry experts, including Trainerize president and co-founder Sharad Mohan, Finn Hogarty, co-founder and CPO of Glofox, and Andre Adams, master trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

“Our customers use their unique strengths and skill sets to motivate their clients to reach their health and fitness goals and to help them live their best lives,” said Mohan.

“All of the winners of this year’s TZ Awards are growing their coaching business while having an incredible impact on their clients. We are so proud of them, and we will continue to celebrate coaches and fitness businesses who are making a difference and transforming the industry along the way.”

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Trainerize, a fitness coaching app, has introduced the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a new education partner. The two will collaborate to make accessible education programs available to over 400,000 personal trainers and coaches.

Earlier this year, G2 awarded the Vancouver-based mobile fitness solution as the premiere software for fitness trainers. 

The collaboration will assist trainers and coaches in expanding their expertise beyond fitness by providing a broader range of certifications as they gain knowledge in areas such as nutrition, mental wellness, and physical anatomy.

The Trainerize Education Partner Program also enables fitness professionals to broaden their service offerings, increase their client base, and grow their business.

“We’re here for one reason and one reason only: to help fitness professionals succeed. It’s why we built Trainerize, and it’s why we’ve partnered with NASM — one of the best education providers in the entire industry,” said Trainerize President Sharad Mohan. “We’re teaming up to give trainers and coaches everything they need to take that next step in their career, to support their clients in new and exciting ways, and to always punch way above their weight class.”

Trainerize members will receive discounted access to content and certification programs such as the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach Program and the Virtual Coaching Specialization Program.

“Trainerize’s dedication to its coaches is second to none and they share our commitment to ongoing learning and best practices in training and fitness,” said Laurie McCartney, President of NASM. “We are thrilled to partner with Trainerize so their coaches can leverage the vast range of programs NASM offers to help level up their careers and businesses.”

ABC Fitness acquired Trainerize in 2020 as part of its plan to make fitness content available both in-person and online.

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The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a pioneer in fitness and wellness education and certifications, has announced an update to its Women’s Fitness Specialization program, which is designed to provide the latest science on women’s health. 

The updated program enables fitness professionals to design and modify fitness programming for female clients, while recognizing that women have different fitness needs depending on their current life stage. 

“Our mission is to enable trainers and fitness instructors with the best knowledge and tools to help their clients live healthier and happier lives,” said Laurie McCartney, president of Ascend Learning’s Fitness and Wellness brands, including NASM. “Since approximately 69% of all personal training clients are female, it is essential that fitness professionals understand the impact hormonal stages have on women’s health and their fitness journeys. This interactive program arms them with the information needed to improve client results and increase their client retention.”

The 14-chapter Women’s Fitness Specialization examines women’s health stages and how they affect their neuromuscular, skeletal, cardiorespiratory, and endocrine systems. It also covers hormone management, various training modalities, and nutrition, while providing fitness trainers insight on conducting fitness assessments and psychological elements to consider when working with women in a health and fitness setting.

“Traditional fitness programs evolved from bodybuilding and sports competition that neglected a woman’s various life stages,” said NASM’s Senior Content Development and Production Manager, Brian Sutton. “The update to the Women’s Fitness Specialization program combines the most up-to-date and innovative female-focused research to empower fitness professionals to cater fitness training for female clients of any age, fitness level, and wellness aspirations.”

Author interviews, an interactive glossary, pdf handouts, chapter quizzes, and a comprehensive practice exam are among the study aids included in the interactive e-book study materials. The updated Women’s Fitness Specialization is available now on the NASM website.

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