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.
ISSA Blog
The latest from ISSA
News
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...
News
A New Weight Loss Era Demands a New Kind of Coach—ISSA Responds with GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training
ISSA’s new GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training course empowers fitness professionals to confidently guide clients using Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Learn to...
News
ISSA Breaks Barriers as #1 Provider of Spanish Fitness Training with New Strength and Conditioning Course
Entrenador de Fuerza y Acondicionamiento: The first comprehensive Strength and Conditioning course in Spanish in the US
News
ISSA Certified Fitness Professionals Offered Special Pricing on Best-in-Class Insurance to Support Their Careers
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), a globally recognized leader in online fitness and wellness certifications, has announced a category-exclusive partnership with Allied...
Training Tips
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...
Training Tips
Calf Raises: How to Program Them and Why They Are Often Neglected
Overview Calf raises train the two main muscles of the lower leg: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. To develop both, program standing...
Training Tips
Bulgarian Split Squat: Benefits for Unilateral Strength and Balance
Overview The Bulgarian split squat is a single-leg lower-body exercise performed with the rear foot elevated on a bench or box. It...
Training Tips
Cable Fly: How to Use It for Chest Definition
Overview The cable fly is a chest isolation exercise that uses a cable machine to keep constant tension on the pectoral muscles...
Training Tips
8 Great Shoulder Exercises With No Equipment
Overview You can build stronger, more stable shoulders using only your body weight. The most effective no-equipment shoulder exercises are pike push-ups,...
Training Tips
Barbell Back Squat: Mastering Form and Coaching Cues
Overview The barbell back squat is a foundational compound lift in which a loaded barbell rests across the upper back while you...
Training Tips
The Science of Muscle Hypertrophy: How Muscles Grow
An evidence-based review of muscle hypertrophy for trainers: the mechanisms of growth, training variables, and what the research actually supports.
Training Tips
Strength & Conditioning for Softball Players
A practical, evidence-based guide to strength and conditioning for softball players: build rotational power, speed, and healthy shoulders.
Training Tips
Incline Dumbbell Press: Form, Benefits & Who It's Best For
Learn incline dumbbell press form, the muscles it works, the right bench angle, common mistakes, and smart programming for a fuller upper...
Training Tips
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.
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...
Nutrition
Do You Have the Skills Needed to Be a Nutritionist?
Do you have what it takes to be a successful nutritionist? The best in the business are compassionate, organized, good communicators, and...
Nutrition
Top Qualities of a Successful Nutrition Coach
What will make you stand out as great nutrition coach? Check out our top 6 qualities of a successful nutrition coach. Then...
Nutrition
What It Really Takes To Lose Fat
Nearly 1 million data points show what it REALLY takes to lose fat, get healthy, and change your body.
Nutrition
How Much Should You Charge as a Nutrition Coach? Complete Pricing Guide
Charging too little for your nutrition expertise? Discover the exact pricing strategies top coaches use to earn what they're worth—without scaring away...
Nutrition
Cert VS Degree: What Type of Nutrition Credential is Best?
Nutrition is the most important part of regaining and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Explore the education options available to gain the education...
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...
Strength
Do You Have to Be Certified to Be a Strength and Conditioning Coach?
You want to be a strength and conditioning coach. Is certification required for this role? Learn why there’s not a clear-cut answer....
Strength
What’s the Best Bodybuilding Coach Certification?
There are several benefits to becoming a bodybuilding coach. But what’s the best certification for this type of fitness coach? Here’s what...
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
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...
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...
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...