CHANDLER, AZ--(Marketwired - Jul 13, 2016) - The initials are the same -- AFAA -- but one of the world's leading fitness instructor certification organizations begins a new chapter in its 33-year history this week with a new name -- the Athletics and Fitness Association of America.
Formerly known as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, the organization was founded in 1983 to provide practical skills, science-based training and hands-on experience to group exercise instructors and trainers in a category that needed leadership, direction and consistency at the time.
"The word 'aerobics' can conjure images of leotards and bright colored legwarmers, which -- much as I may love the look -- doesn't necessarily speak to the next generation," said Andrew Wyant, president and general manager of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), parent organization of AFAA.
"The ways people choose to get in shape today go well beyond the vision of classic aerobics classes. The 'New AFAA' represents our commitment to deliver the highest level of training, certification and career development in a wider array of disciplines," he added.
The organization has also unveiled a new logo to accompany the name change, which can be seen on the AFAA.com website.
"This is not just substituting the word 'Athletics' for 'Aerobics' in our name. This demonstrates the vision AFAA has for a future in fitness that includes so many more activities than aerobics classes," Wyant said.
The new name and logo will be showcased in the AFAA booth at the IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo in Los Angeles, July 13-17. Visitors are invited to stop by the AFAA display at Booth 609 to learn more.
AFAA has issued more than 350,000 certifications to group exercise instructors and trainers in 73 countries since its origin.
Serving as an entry point for the fitness professional, AFAA certifications are available in Group Ex and Personal Training, and Specializations in Group Training formats. "GroupEx is a fantastic place for a person of any age to start, and establish, a role in the fitness industry," Wyant said.
With certification in Group Ex, an instructor can begin working either part-time or full-time. AFAA provides a job board with current employment opportunities nationwide.
"While our heritage is firmly rooted in aerobics, AFAA encompasses far more. It's a new day and AFAA is The Future of Group Exercise," Wyant said.
About AFAA™
Since 1983, AFAA has issued over 350,000 certifications in 73 countries, providing generations of instructors and trainers with the practical skills, science and hands-on experience necessary for effective group leaders and trainers to motivate and inspire others to move toward healthier and happier lives.
A global leader in fitness certification, AFAA upholds Basic Exercise Standards and Guidelines for safe fitness practice. To learn more about AFAA, visit afaa.com or call 1.800.446.AFAA. For news and industry insights, follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @AFAA_fit.
Contact Information:
Media Contact
Kara Chandler, AFAA
kara.chandler@nasm.org
(602) 707-5316