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"It's hard to believe that it's our 20th year -- we've certified over100,000 health and fitness professionals in 84 countries worldwide. Our hopeis that each of those students is inspired to impact the quality of life ofeveryone they come in contact with," says Dr. Fred Hatfield, ISSA's Presidentand Co-Founder. Never before has there been a greater need to helpindividuals take charge of their health. "Personal trainers help more peopleevery day get in shape and improve the quality of their lives," says Dr. SalArria, ISSA's CEO and Co-Founder. "To be able to provide fitness education ata reduced cost during these tough times is fabulous ... it's our way ofshowing our appreciation for their commitment to help others," says Dr. Arria.
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Personal Training Goes Mainstream
Twenty years ago, ISSA was the first organization in the US to provideeducation and certification for personal trainers. At that time, personaltraining was a male-dominated industry and clients hired personal trainersthat looked the part, but may not have had the necessary education to trainothers safely and effectively. Times have changed.
Today, ISSA's student body, which represents one of the largest groups ofcertified personal trainers worldwide, is evenly comprised of men and womenthat are motivated to make a positive impact on the world around them. Theseindividuals no longer see a career as a personal trainer as the only reason topursue fitness education -- many of ISSA's Certified Fitness Trainers plan tosimply supplement their current income with part-time work as a trainer.Additionally, many students pursue our programs looking to transform their ownlives by acquiring the knowledge with which they can better their health.
Professional Credibility Improving
Even though the fitness profession is unregulated, the National Board ofFitness Examiners (NBFE), founded in 2003, was established to createnationally standardized examinations, much like other allied healthprofessions. Personal trainers are voluntarily taking National Board exams tofurther demonstrate competence. Many national organizations, including ISSA,are adjusting their course material to meet NBFE core curriculumrecommendations.
Public Safety
Further, to help assure the public that ISSA's trainers stay current, theISSA has established a minimum requirement of 20 hours of continuing educationevery two years, which is in line with the requirements of most allied healthprofessions.Potential students can find information on all of the ISSA's certificationcourses (http://www.issaonline.com), inspiration for why the world needs morequalified trainers(http://www.issacertification.com/slideshows/whybeapersonaltrainer.html),their aptitude for a career in fitness(http://www.issaonline.com/trainer_evaluation/index.cfm) and calculatepotential income as a part-time personal trainer(http://www.issaonline.com/calculator/careerCalculator.cfm) on ISSAonline.com.Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), clickappropriate link.Dr. Sal Arriahttps://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=67081Clark Bartramhttps://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=67647
SOURCE International Sports Sciences Association
