News
Pilates in America: 5 Cities and 5 Surprises
Where Pilates is thriving, and who is practicing it, according to the latest data.
ISSA Blog
The latest from ISSA
News
News
Reformer Pilates is One of Fitness's Fastest-Growing Specialties and ISSA Has Built the Certification to Meet It
ISSA opens the waitlist for new Mat and Reformer Pilates Instructor certifications as reformer training surges across the fitness industry.
News
ISSA Welcomes Back Andrew Wyant as Chief Executive Officer
The leader who grew ISSA from $10 million to nearly $80 million in revenue returns to help students turn passion into opportunity...
News
Fitness Industry Roundup — July 2026
July 2026 fitness industry news: wearables, AI coaching, GLP-1 shifts, gym earnings, and what it means for trainers.
News
ISSA Redefines the Fitness Workforce with Next-Generation Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Programs
ISSA has launched fully revised Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach certifications in English and Spanish, built around scenario-based, coaching-first learning.
News
ISSA Releases 2026 Fitness Hiring Report
ISSA Releases 2026 Fitness Hiring Report, Revealing Structural “Readiness Gap” As the Greatest Challenge to Global Fitness Industry Growth Data from the...
News
ISSA: The Future of Fitness Careers Requires More Than Certification
Industry sources report approximately 80% of new personal trainers leave the profession within the first two years. Not because they can't train,...
News
ISSA Introduces Menopause Coach Certification to Serve 1 Billion Women Worldwide
With more than one billion women globally in menopause, one of the most significant and underserved phases of life is rapidly emerging...
News
24 Hour Fitness and ISSA Launch Industry-First Initiative to Certify All General Managers as Personal Trainers
24 Hour Fitness, a leader in the health and fitness industry for more than four decades, today announced an education partnership with...
News
ISSA and NFLPA Help Athletes Go Pro in Fitness
ISSA and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) partner to help former NFL athletes and their families transition into fitness careers with ISSA...
Training Tips
Chest-Supported Row: Benefits, Form, and Why to Use It
Learn the chest-supported row: how to do it, muscles worked, benefits for your back and lower-back safety, plus variations and programming tips.
Training Tips
Push/Pull/Legs Split: The Complete Guide
Learn the push/pull/legs split: how to divide muscle groups, 3-day vs 6-day setups, a sample week, exercise selection, progression, and common mistakes.
Training Tips
Pallof Press: Core Anti-Rotation Training Explained for Trainers
Learn the Pallof press: what it works, how to do it with proper form, coaching cues, common mistakes, variations, and how to...
Training Tips
Tricep Dips: Benefits, Risks, and Variations for All Levels
Learn how to do tricep dips safely, the benefits and risks, plus beginner to advanced variations to build upper-body pushing strength.
Training Tips
Dead Bug: Why PTs and Physios Both Love This Core Exercise
The dead bug builds spine-stabilizing core strength with almost no risk. Learn proper form, coaching cues, common mistakes, and progressions.
Training Tips
HIIT and Strength Training: Should You Do Both?
Can you combine HIIT and strength training? Learn the interference effect, the benefits of concurrent training, and how to program both in...
Training Tips
The Best Quads Workout for Everyone
Overview The best quads workout combines a heavy compound movement like the squat or leg press with unilateral work such as lunges...
Training Tips
The Best Shoulder Exercises: With and Without Equipment
The best shoulder exercises with and without equipment: anatomy, how-to cues, a sample routine, progressions, and options for every level.
Training Tips
7 Plyometrics for Speed and Power
Learn 7 plyometric exercises for speed and power, how the stretch-shortening cycle works, safety prerequisites, and how to program jump training for...
Training Tips
Walking Lunges: Form, Muscles Worked, and Who Should Avoid Them
How to do walking lunges with proper form, the muscles they work, benefits, common mistakes, variations, and who should avoid them.
Nutrition
7 Supplements for Muscle Recovery
A coach-friendly look at 7 supplements for muscle recovery, what each one does, and how strong the evidence is, with food and...
Nutrition
The Right Way to Burn Fat, Not Muscle
Knowing how to match workouts to proper fueling for maximum weight loss and muscle gain isn't intuitive. Your clients likely have no...
Nutrition
Protein Requirements for Hypertrophy and Healthy Aging
How much protein for muscle growth and healthy aging? An evidence-based look at daily targets, per-meal dosing, timing, distribution, and older-adult needs.
Nutrition
Bodybuilding Nutrition: What to Eat for Bulking
Overview Bulking for bodybuilding means eating in a modest calorie surplus so your body has the raw material to build muscle while...
Nutrition
How to Lower Cortisol Levels Naturally
Overview You can lower cortisol naturally by improving the everyday inputs that regulate your stress response: consistent, sufficient sleep, a training load...
Nutrition
GLP-1 Medications and Exercise: A Trainer's Evidence-Based Guide
Overview GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and tirzepatide help people lose significant body weight, but a meaningful share of that loss...
Nutrition
Why Nutrition Coaching Is Now Core to Personal Training
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer Jenny Liebl explains why nutrition coaching is now essential to effective training. Drawing on 17+ years of experience,...
Nutrition
A Modern Take on Nutrition Coach Certification Programs for Fitness, Health and Life Coaches
Learn how ISSA’s redesigned Nutrition Coach Certification goes beyond nutrition knowledge to teach behavior change, psychology, and coaching skills that help fitness,...
Nutrition
Women and Protein – An Essential Guide
The topic of protein can be really confusing for your clients. This is especially true for women since most information available is...
Nutrition
The Functional Nutrition Guide to Fats and Oils
The Functional Nutritional Alliance Functional Nutrition Guide to Fats and Oils explores fat and oil health benefits, top sources, and frequently asked...
Strength
Gracilis Muscle Pain
Overview Gracilis muscle pain is discomfort along the long, thin inner-thigh muscle that runs from the pubic bone to the inside of...
Strength
Strength & Conditioning for Softball Players
A practical, evidence-based guide to strength and conditioning for softball players: build rotational power, speed, and healthy shoulders.
Strength
Tips to Improve Your Bench Press
Most clients want to get better and stronger as they progress in their programming. Here are tips to improve your client’s bench...
Strength
The Power of Strength Training: Why It’s Essential at Every Age
Discover why strength training is essential at every stage of life. From boosting bone density and metabolism to preventing falls and chronic...
Strength
Strength Training for Runners: Benefits and Best Exercises
Strength training is an effective and sometimes overlooked way for runners to maximize performance. Get the details here to help your clients...
Strength
How to Train Smart and Stay Active After 40
Over 40? Learn how to train smart, stay active, and build strength with age. Discover fitness tips for recovery, mobility, and muscle...
Strength
Beginner Guide to Rucking and Weighted Vest Training
Rucking transforms a walk into a full-body workout that boosts strength, endurance, and mental toughness. Discover beginner tips, physical benefits, and how...
Strength
5 Quad Training Myths Costing You Clients and Credibility
As a fitness professional, your approach to quadriceps training directly impacts both your clients' results and your professional reputation. Discover the science-backed...
Strength
How Quad Expertise Opens Doors to Elite Sports Clients
Advanced knowledge of quadriceps development and function can transform your coaching career. Discover how specialized quad training expertise can help you attract,...
Strength
Top Benefits of Becoming a Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and conditioning coaches are well respected worldwide. Through years of trial and error, science has proven strength and conditioning to be...
Success Stories
From Incarceration to Certified Personal Trainer: How Michael Daniels Built a Second Chance Through Fitness
Michael Daniels discovered fitness while serving eight years at FPC Morgantown, where workouts became a way to stay grounded and, eventually, a...
Success Stories
How Pears Dabhi Built a Future Through Personal Training
From injury and frustration to global impact, Pears Dabhi shares how earning his personal training certification through ISSA helped him rebuild his...
Success Stories
The Human Advantage: How AI Is Reshaping – Not Replacing – Personal Training
AI is changing fitness fast, but not in the way headlines suggest. ISSA’s new whitepaper, The Human Advantage: How AI Is Reshaping...
Success Stories
Punching Through Boundaries: Miles Wheelersburg's Journey from Boxing to Coaching
Fueled by a 14-year boxing career, Miles knew he needed to find the best coaching education certification available to start the next...
Success Stories
Best Personal Training Certification: Through the Eyes of ISSA Students
ISSA students share how meaningful support, clear instruction, and practical training shape their success. Their stories highlight what makes ISSA the trusted...
Success Stories
From Rejections to Results with ISSA Career Connect and a Certified Personal Trainer Credential
With ISSA’s Career Connect and certification programs, one determined student, Denny Reeder, turned rejection emails into a full-time role at 24 Hour...
Success Stories
GLP-1 User Becomes ISSA-Certified to Sustain Weight Loss
After 120 lbs lost on semaglutide, Lewis used ISSA’s GLP-1 training to avoid weight regain, preserve muscle, and build sustainable fitness and...
Success Stories
How ISSA Certification is Empowering Incarcerated Men at FPC Morgantown
At FPC Morgantown, ISSA and trainer Matt Billotti lead a groundbreaking CPT program helping inmates earn certifications, rebuild confidence, and re-enter society...
Success Stories
New India Partnership Fuels ISSA’s Global Mission
ISSA partners with UFAS and URJA Academy to elevate fitness certification in India and Sri Lanka, empowering 1,000+ future coaches with global...
Success Stories
Sukhmani Samra Builds Global Fitness Community with ISSA
From India to Canada, ISSA Master Trainer Sukhmani Samra uses fitness education to overcome health challenges, empower women, and build a global...
Safety and Injuries
Ice or Heat? Common Injury Question Answered
Overview Use ice for fresh, acute injuries when the goal is to calm pain in the first day or two, and use...
Safety and Injuries
Pelvic Tilt: What Is It and How Do You Correct It?
Does your client have a pelvic tilt? It's more common than you might think!
Safety and Injuries
Creating a Safe Space: How to Design Your Fitness Environment for Trauma-Sensitive Clients
The physical environment of your fitness space significantly impacts client experience, particularly for those with trauma histories. Learn practical strategies to create...
Safety and Injuries
The Foundations of Trauma-Informed Fitness: What Every Coach Needs to Know
Understanding trauma's impact on exercise experience is becoming essential for fitness professionals. Learn the core principles of trauma-informed coaching to create safer,...
Safety and Injuries
What Does an Exercise Recovery Specialist Do?
Discover how becoming an Exercise Recovery Specialist can improve your client’s fitness. From injury prevention to maximizing performance. Explore all of the...
Safety and Injuries
Is Exercising in the Heat Safe?
Is it too hot to exercise? Heat and humidity are not just excuses to skip a workout. Exercising in the heat can...
Safety and Injuries
Science-Backed Benefits of Exercise Therapy
How do you know whether exercise therapy can help a client? The best way to decide is to follow the science. Here’s...
Safety and Injuries
What Is Exercise Therapy and How Does It Help?
Want to better help your personal training clients who are injured or have a chronic illness? You can do this as an...
Safety and Injuries
What Does an Exercise Therapy Specialist Do?
Never heard of an Exercise Therapy Specialist? Well, let's take a deeper look at who these people are, why they are so...
Safety and Injuries
CPR Training for Personal Trainers - What You Need to Know
As a personal trainer, you have a responsibility to provide clients with the best advice and guidance. You are also responsible for...
Business
Stay Certified, Stay Covered: Why Personal Trainer Certification Renewal Protects Your Career and Your Insurance
Personal trainer certification renewal isn't just paperwork. It keeps your credentials active, and for most trainers, it's also what keeps your professional...
Business
Coaching the Longevity Economy: Why the Post-Menopausal Demographic Is Fitness's Fastest-Growing Market
Post-menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in fitness. Here is why the longevity economy is the smartest niche for coaches in 2026.
Business
Best Certifications for Training Women in 2026
The certifications that best prepare coaches to train female clients across their life stages, and what to look for when choosing.
Business
CPT vs. Women's Health Specialist: Which Certification Is Right for You?
A side-by-side comparison of a general CPT and a women's health specialization to help you choose the right certification path.
Business
The Missing Link in Personal Training: Why General CPT Certifications Fail Menopausal Clients
General personal training certifications skip the physiology of menopause. Here is what they miss and how to close the gap.
Business
How to Specialize in Women's Fitness: A Complete Career Blueprint for 2026
A step-by-step blueprint for building a career in women's fitness in 2026, from foundational certification to nutrition and menopause specialization.
Business
Personal Trainer Liability Insurance, An ISSA Perspective
Becoming a certified personal trainer is just the beginning. This ISSA perspective explains why liability insurance matters, what it covers, and how...
Business
Personal Trainer Salary in 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Earnings and Growth
Discover the latest personal trainer salary trends for 2025, including average pay, top states, high-paying sectors, and expert tips to boost your...
Business
Accepting HSA and FSA Funds Just Got Easier for ISSA Trainer
ISSA-certified trainers can now accept HSA and FSA payments through Flex, making personal training, health coaching, and fitness services more affordable for...
Business
Why and How to Renew Your Personal Training Certification
Renewing your personal training certification is important for your career, but do you know how to do it? We’ll help you understand...
Performance
Endomorph Body Type: Workout and Diet Guide
Overview The endomorph is one of three somatotypes, or general body-type categories, often described as having a rounder build, a tendency to...
Performance
12 Biceps Curl Variations to Keep Your Arms Engaged
Discover 12 biceps curl variations to build bigger, stronger arms. Learn proper form, target key muscles, and keep your workouts engaging with...
Performance
Mastering the Squat: A Trainer’s Guide to Form, Function, and Fixes
Master the squat, one of fitness's most essential moves. Learn proper technique, avoid common mistakes, and explore squat variations with insights from...
Performance
The Longevity Lab: How Top Trainers Are Using Biomarkers to Prove Their Value
Successful longevity-focused fitness pros are moving beyond subjective progress measures to incorporate objective biomarker tracking. Discover how integrating these powerful metrics can...
Performance
Beyond Training: The Four Pillars of Longevity Expertise That Command Premium Rates
Today, basic fitness certifications are no longer enough to position yourself as a longevity specialist. Discover the four essential knowledge domains that...
Performance
The Longevity Trainer's Toolkit: Essential Technologies That Justify Premium Rates
The growing demand for longevity-focused fitness presents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking fitness professionals. Discover the key technologies and assessment tools that...
Performance
The 3-Phase Quad Development System That Creates Loyal Clients
Discover a comprehensive quadriceps development framework that not only delivers exceptional results but also transforms one-time clients into long-term advocates. This systematic...
Performance
Hockey Workouts for Lower Body Power
Unlock your performance in the rink with lower body power exercises. Boost speed, agility, and power by strengthening key muscle groups. Check...
Performance
Baseball Injury Prevention Exercises to Boost Performance
Step up your baseball game and prioritize injury prevention. Learn the most effective exercises that boost performance, improve skills, and lengthen your...
Performance
Off-Season Training for Golf: Improve Your Golf Game Now
If your clients are golfers, they’re probably already dreaming of spring weather and hitting the links. Help them start improving their game...
Corrective Exercise
Corrective Exercises for Better Glute Strength and Performance
Wake up underactive glutes with corrective exercises like bridges, clamshells, and banded walks to improve hip stability and performance.
Corrective Exercise
Timeline to Fix Anterior Pelvic Tilt: Exercises That Help
A realistic timeline for anterior pelvic tilt, plus mobility and strength exercises, self-check tips, and when to see a pro.
Corrective Exercise
What Does a Corrective Exercise Specialist Do?
Corrective exercise is a big trend in fitness right now, but do you know what it really means? Before getting certified, be...
Corrective Exercise
Top Tips for Softball Injury Prevention
Injury in softball can lead to decreased performance and career-ending situations. To prevent injury you have to be proactive. This involves understanding...
Corrective Exercise
What’s the Best Corrective Exercise Certification?
One way to grow your fitness business is to become a corrective exercise specialist. What’s the best certification for this role? We...
Corrective Exercise
5 Strategies to Boost Your Box Jump Results
Box jumps are a great way to build muscle, improve speed, and increase power. Here are five strategies for helping your clients...
Corrective Exercise
Corrective Exercise for Functional Fitness
Do you have functional fitness clients who could use corrective exercise? Check out this article for ideas on how you can help...
Corrective Exercise
Personal Trainer's Guide to Corrective Exercise Assessments
Excel at developing program to increase strength, prevent injury, and promote longevity. Assessment is your key to a client's long-term health and...
Corrective Exercise
How Long Does It Take Shin Splints to Heal?
Shin splints can sap the enjoyment from physical activities such as running and dancing. If you experience shin pain, you might be...
Corrective Exercise
Corrective Exercise for Seniors
Older adults are living sedentary lives and suffering the consequences. But they don't have to. Get up to speed on corrective exercise...
Audio Blogs
Exercises to Improve Speed
Learn the best exercises to improve speed, from sprint drills and plyometrics to resisted work and strength training, plus a simple weekly...
Audio Blogs
Fitness Insight: Success Strategies for Trainers | Trainers Talking Truth
In this episode of Trainers Talking truths, we sit down with Israel Allen and dive further into the world of personal training,...
Audio Blogs
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practical Insights | Trainers Talking Truth
In this podcast episode, we hear from ISSA’s own team members and bootcamp co-hosts Jenny Scott and John Bauer for our first...
Audio Blogs
Exploring Naboso's Revolutionary Products | Trainers Talking Truth
Get ready to dive deep into the fascinating world of foot wellness in this captivating episode of our podcast! Join us as...
Audio Blogs
Unleashing the Potential of Group Fitness | Trainers Talking Truths
Are you ready to unlock the true power of group fitness? Join us in this exhilarating episode as we explore how the...
Audio Blogs
Becoming a Leader in the Fitness Industry | Trainers Talking Truths
Jenny and Dan chat with Maria Gonzalez. She tells her story of coming to the U.S. starting her career in the fitness...
Audio Blogs
Functional Aging: ISSA teams up with The Functional Aging Institute | Trainers Talking Truths
In this episode Jenny and Dan speak to the co-founders of the Functional Aging Institute (FAI) Cody Sipe and Dan Ritchie. They...
Audio Blogs
Creating More Impact and Influence in Your Coaching Business | Trainers Talking Truths
In this podcast episode, we hear from fitness and business coaches Eric and Chris Martinez, who have helped numerous health and fitness...
Audio Blogs
The Science of Sweat | Trainers Talking Truth
Join Jenny and Dan for an engaging conversation with Doug Lynch, a fitness expert and founder of Zenkai Spots. In this episode,...
Audio Blogs
Exploring the Mind-Body Connection and Holistic Health in Fitness | Trainers Talking Truth
On this episode of Trainers Talking Truths, Jenny and Dan delve into the journey of Peter Twist, who started in fitness and...
Group Fitness
Notes From a Pilates Newbie: Why Stop at One Pilates Certification?
Why stop at one Pilates certification? See how Mat and Reformer complement each other and how the ISSA bundle earns you two...
Group Fitness
Notes From a Pilates Newbie: Not Every Reformer Class Is the Same
Not every Reformer class is Pilates. See how classical, contemporary, group, and Lagree workouts differ and what becoming Reformer certified really means.
Group Fitness
Notes From a Pilates Newbie: Are We All Talking About the Same Workout?
Mat Pilates is not one class. Compare classical, contemporary, and Pilates inspired approaches and learn what each means for aspiring instructors.
Group Fitness
How to Become a Pilates Instructor in Four Simple Steps
So you want to be a Pilates instructor. If you love Pilates and want to share it with others, teaching can be...
Group Fitness
How to Become an Indoor Cycling Instructor
Indoor cycling is fun to do. It’s even more fun to teach. Learn the steps to becoming an indoor cycling instructor.
Group Fitness
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be an Indoor Cycling Instructor?
With cycling classes on the rise, more instructors are needed. But what are the requirements to become an indoor cycling instructor? Here’s...
Group Fitness
What’s the Best Pilates Certification?
You’re looking at Pilates certification programs and not sure which one to choose. Here’s how to find the best Pilates certification for...
Group Fitness
How Much Do Group Fitness Instructors Make?
Are you looking to make extra money? You may want to consider adding a group fitness instructor certification to your list of...
Group Fitness
Why You Should be Trying High Intensity Low Impact Training
While HIIT remains popular, the often high-impact nature of the workout can be damaging, especially to joints. Learn how to get the...
Group Fitness
More Money, Less Time: Outdoor Group Training Essentials
Outdoor bootcamps are especially popular right now. Here is the essential checklist you need to get an outdoor session up and running...
Wellness
Exercise And Mental Health: What The Evidence Actually Says
A research-based look at how exercise affects depression, anxiety, mood, and stress, plus practical, responsible guidance for trainers and clients.
Wellness
Top 10 Reasons to Become a Pilates Instructor
Have you been thinking about Pilates as a career or side hustle? If you’re on the fence, here are ten good reasons...
Wellness
What Is the NBHWC Certification for Health Coaches?
If you’re a health coach, getting national board certified can help advance your career. The NBHWC offers health coaches national credentials. Here’s...
Wellness
Why Become a Transformation Specialist in the Fitness Field?
Transformation specialists can work in a variety of fields. Some even help promote behavioral changes in health and fitness. Here are several...
Wellness
What Does a Transformation Specialist Do in Fitness?
It can be incredibly rewarding to work as a transformation specialist. Not familiar with this fitness role? Learn what a transformation specialist...
Wellness
7 Styles of Meditation to Enhance Your Yoga Practice
There’s a type of meditation for everyone! Try these styles of meditation to find the best fit for you or your yoga...
Wellness
How to Use Yoga for Anxiety and Stress Relief
Learn how to use yoga to manage stress, relieve anxiety, and bring the body and mind into greater states of relaxation.
Wellness
Yoga for Hypertension: How It Works & Poses to Try
Yoga has proven blood pressure benefits. Learn why, along with which styles and poses help best.
Wellness
Senior Fitness: Benefits of Meditation, Plus How to Start
Do you work with senior clients? If so, consider all the benefits of getting them started on a meditation practice. It’s easy,...
Wellness
How to Get Your First Health Coaching Client
You’re a certified health coach! Congratulations! Now, how do you get clients? Try these tips and strategies to get your business off...