Previous Press Release
(12-08-05):

ISSA Announces Canadian Trainer of the Year

ISSA Announces New Business Course

Carpinteria, CA – December 8, 2005 – Personal fitness training is at an all time high. The International Health and Racquet Sports Association (IHRSA) reports that the U.S. commercial health club industry generated $14.1 billion in revenue in 2003. Their findings in conjunction with American Business Information, Inc. also show that there were 26,830 clubs operating in the U.S. as of the beginning of 2005, as opposed to 14,100 clubs operating in 1998, nearly doubling in 7 short years.

As the size and scope of the health club industry continues to grow, and with the advent of the National Board of Fitness Examiners (www.NBFE.org) providing more structure and national standards for the fitness industry, personal trainers will need to pump up their business skills using sound, ethical, and established business principles.

Developing a solid business plan is a key factor for all new businesses and especially for any fitness professional considering opening their own studio or gym and going into business for themselves. Among other things, a well thought-out business plan provides the necessary foundation for obtaining financing, which can be critical to any start-up business. The business plan provides a solid road map which addresses the critical components that may have been overlooked in a start-up. It also helps trainers recognize potential problems before they occur, and establishes an objective plan to meet business goals.

The Small Business Administration reports that ninety percent of new businesses fail in the first two years. Failure is often attributed to a lack of planning and objective review. “A well thought-out business plan, built on a solid foundation of marketing, business operations, and accounting is critical for personal trainers starting their career in business,” reports Dr. Sal Arria, CEO and founder of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). “Whether a trainer works for a facility, owns a studio, or wants to operate a franchise, a business plan sets the tone and speed of their success. Conversely, the lack of a business plan starts them off on the wrong foot immediately.”

Because many fitness professionals drag their feet when it comes to preparing a business plan, the ISSA has created a simple solution. They recently released the first in a series of continuing education business courses entitled BUSINESS PLAN 101: How to Develop a Business Plan for Your Fitness Business. This easy to follow, step by step course helps personal trainers answer critical questions, such as: What service or product does your business provide and what needs does it fill? Who are the potential customers for your product or service and why will they purchase it from you? How will you reach your potential customers? And where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

About the Program

BUSINESS PLAN 101: How to Develop a Business Plan for Your Fitness Business ($39) earns 2 ISSA CEU’s. The course includes a 13-page text in digital PDF format, a sample business plan, and features online enrollment, an online exam, and instant grading as well as automatic certificate generation upon completion of the course. The course can be ordered toll-free 800-892-4772; just ask for the CEU department, or it can be ordered online at www.ISSAOnline.com/ceus

About ISSA

Since 1988 the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has provided certification and continuing education to over 75,000 fitness professionals. ISSA certifications are recognized worldwide. From Sports Conditioning to Youth Fitness, ISSA offers 10 certification programs and dozens of continuing education courses. For more information on the ISSA, please visit: www.issaonline.com

To schedule an interview with a representative of ISSA, please contact:

Rochelle Yoshida
Director of Public Relations for the ISSA
Toll-free: 1-800-892-4772
International: (805) 745-8111

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