Accepting HSA and FSA Funds Just Got Easier for ISSA Trainer

If you’ve ever had a potential client hesitate because of cost, you’re not alone.

You’ve done the work: built programs, juggled client schedules, kept up your certifications, maybe even managed your own studio. And yet, sticker shock can stop progress in its tracks. Not because your services aren’t worth it, but because clients are trying to make health decisions under financial pressure.

That’s where ISSA’s new partnership with Flex can make a measurable difference, without discounts, gimmicks, or more hours on social media.

How Much of a Flex is Flex?

Flex is a platform that helps people use their pre-tax healthcare dollars to pay for eligible health and fitness expenses. Through this partnership, ISSA-certified trainers and studio owners can now accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments from clients, just like a doctor’s office does.

In the simplest terms, your clients can use money they’ve already set aside for health expenses to pay for your services, potentially saving them 30 - 40% compared to using a credit card. And you? You get paid your full rate!

HSA/FSA 101: What Trainers Need to Know

Think of HSA and FSA accounts as tax-free “health wallets.” More than 65 million Americans have one, and while most people use these funds for doctor visits and prescriptions, they can also cover things like:

• Personal training

• Health coaching

• Fitness classes

• Weight management programs

• Recovery tools (like massage guns)

All it takes is a doctor’s note called a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). Flex makes that part easy.

How It Works (It’s Faster Than You Think)

Here’s what the process looks like for you and your client:

1. You sign up with Flex using ISSA’s dedicated member link (zero setup fees and no paperwork).

2. You get a link to share with your clients who want to use their HSA/FSA funds.

3. Your client fills out a form (60 - 90 seconds), has a brief telehealth chat-based consultation ($15), and receives their LMN within two hours. No scheduling required and available immediately.

4. They file the claim through their HSA/FSA provider using that letter and your invoice.

“We designed this process to be quick and simple — literally shorter than your warm-up set,” says Ben Noblet, Head of Partnerships at Flex. “Trainers don’t have to worry about paperwork or handling private information. Clients get their Letter of Medical Necessity in under two hours, and you get paid without jumping through hoops.”

No sensitive data touches your hands. You just keep coaching. Now that’s the real flex!

Why This Matters Now

Helping your clients unlock their HSA/FSA benefits isn’t just a financial boost, think of it as a loyalty move. Clients save money, feel smart for doing so, and are more likely to commit long-term. Even better, these accounts are often underutilized, and in the case of FSAs, they expire each year if not used.

“We see a big surge in clients tapping into expiring FSA dollars in Q4,” Noblet explains. “It’s a perfect opportunity for trainers to promote class packs or prepaid sessions. And with New Year’s resolutions and fresh HSA contributions in Q1, that’s another great time to engage clients. Together, these moments create a powerful combination.”

This gives you a unique, value-based reason to reach out:

• New clients: Promote how they can save 30 - 40% on your services.

• Current clients: Encourage them to use HSA/FSA funds for upcoming sessions.

• End of year: Run “use-it-or-lose-it” campaigns for your clients expiring FSA dollars.

• All year long: Pair HSA/FSA reminders with seasonal offers like “back-to-school,” “New Year, New Goals,” or “pre-summer tune-up.”

Support That Goes Beyond the Platform

As part of this partnership, ISSA trainers get access to Flex support resources and troubleshooting.

“We know trainers wear many hats,” Noblet says. “So we built Flex to remove friction, not add it. ISSA pros get access to templates, signage, and hands-on help at every step — all without adding to their workload.”

It’s a rare tool that actually reduces your admin burden while increasing client accessibility and your revenue opportunities.

The Flex Advantage

Too many people skip the gym, cancel coaching, or pause progress because of financial friction. ISSA and Flex have come together to remove a major hurdle for clients and create a new revenue stream for you.

You’ve already built your value. Flex just helps you unlock it.

“Our mission is simple,” Noblet concludes. “We want to make fitness accessible to more people, no matter their financial situation — and help more trainers get paid what they deserve.”

Tami Nealy is the VP of Communications at the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). She oversees brand positioning, media relations, and strategic content across ISSA’s portfolio of health and wellness education brands. With more than 20 years of experience in public relations and brand storytelling, Tami specializes in translating industry trends into clear, actionable insights that support aspiring and ISSA-certified personal trainers, health coaches, and nutrition professionals in building successful wellness careers. She is also an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University where she teaches in the College of Business.