Founded | 1987 |
---|---|
Founder | Robert M. Goldman[1] |
Type | For-profit |
Focus | Certifications, Continuing Education, Professional Enablement [2] |
Headquarters | Gilbert, AZ[3] |
Area served | Members in 100+ countries[4] |
Method | Certifications, technical assistance, trainings and seminars |
CEO | Mehul Patel |
Parent organization | Ascend Learning |
Website | nasm.org |
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is an organization that provides certification, education, and career development opportunities for professionals in the fitness, wellness, and sports industries. Established in 1987, NASM has gained recognition for its evidence-based approach to fitness and wellness education and has developed a range of programs aimed at enhancing the skills of personal trainers, wellness coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapists, and other health professionals. Its headquarters is located in Gilbert, Arizona.[5] NASM is a subsidiary of Ascend Learning.[6]
NASM was founded in 1987 by Robert M. Goldman with the goal of creating standardized educational programs for the personal fitness training industry.[7][8] In 1998, Neal Spruce relocated NASM to California and integrated it with Apex Fitness. Subsequently, in 2000, Dr. Micheal Clark became the CEO of NASM, introducing the Optimum Performance Training™ (OPT™) model. This model, which emphasizes a systematic approach to training with phases of stabilization, strength, and power, aims to reduce injury risk and has become integral to NASM's educational programs.
Over the years, NASM has expanded its certification offerings and has certified over 1.4 million individuals globally. In 2015, NASM acquired the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), further broadening its educational scope to include group fitness instruction.[9] In 2019, NASM acquired ClubConnect, an online platform providing education and training content, as well as business development and club management tools.
NASM offers a variety of certification programs for fitness and wellness professionals at different stages of their careers. These programs are based on an evidence-based approach and cover areas such as human movement science, biomechanics, and client-focused programming.
NASM provides various products, resources, and tools to support fitness and wellness professionals throughout their careers. These include NASM One, a membership platform offering ongoing support and education, and the NASM Edge app, a digital coaching tool for client management and business operations.
NASM emphasizes continuing education through advanced certifications and specialization courses. The organization is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), ensuring that its certification processes meet high standards of fairness, validity, and reliability.
NASM's educational programs are based on scientific research and industry best practices, with a focus on human movement science, biomechanics, and corrective exercise. The organization also utilizes digital tools to enhance the learning experience for its global community of professionals.
The NASM Podcast Network features a selection of podcasts hosted by industry professionals, providing education and insights into fitness, wellness, performance, and health.
NASM has certified professionals in over 100 countries and is recognized by major gym chains, health clubs, and sports organizations worldwide.
NASM advocates for policy and legislative changes that promote physical activity and improve public health.[10] The organization participates in initiatives such as the NFL's Smart Heart Sports Coalition and supports military families by providing career opportunities in fitness and wellness.[11]
Supporting Military Families
Since 2017, NASM has been recognized as a Military Friendly School,[12] offering discounts on courses and military funding options for certifications, which enable military families to pursue rewarding careers as fitness professionals.[13]
NASM publishes resources like the textbook "NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"[14] and contributes to industry journals,[15] sharing research and its application in fitness training.