For the moments that determine whether a clientsays yes, stays engaged, and keeps moving forward
FBA Certification helps trainers build trust, create buy-in, and lead clients more confidently from the very first conversation.
A lot of trainers love the work. Too many still struggle to build a lasting career.
Most certifications teach the technical side. Health clubs, gyms, and studios expect you to figure out the rest.
This is exactly the gap FBA Certification was built to close.
Eligible for CEC/CEUs across leading certification organizations
Trainers aren't staying, aren't earning enough,
and aren't satisfied. The numbers prove it.
Sources: Median annual pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fitness Trainers and Instructors · Pay satisfaction: CareerExplorer, Personal Trainer Career Satisfaction · 1–2 year exit window: industry context / commonly cited in industry discussions
Why these skills matter in the real world
Based on feedback from 100+ hiring managers and decision-makers across 34 states:
would be more likely to interview an FBA-Certified candidate
said stronger coaching and client-management skills reduce onboarding burden
said they would offer higher pay
Built by a family with three generations inside the fitness industry.
“FBA Certification wasn't built from theory. It was built by people who have spent three generations watching what the fitness industry gets right — and what it keeps leaving on the table for the professionals who deserve better.”
— Josh Leve, Founder & CEO, Fitness Business Association
The Leve family has shaped the fitness industry for over 70 years.
Mort Leve
Creator, National Court Clubs Association
Chuck Leve
IHRSA (now HFA) Founding Employee
Creator, IHRSA Convention & Tradeshow
Josh Leve
Founder & CEO, FBA
A legacy built over decades
Mort Leve helps build the National Court Clubs Association and the US Handball Association — elected to the Handball Hall of Fame in 1976.
Chuck Leve creates the IHRSA Convention & Tradeshow. 63 booths on a Las Vegas tennis court. Grows into the largest commercial fitness show in North America.
Josh Leve founds FBA after nearly 10 years running health clubs and fitness studios from the inside.
500,000+ fitness professionals reached. The work continues.
What You'll Learn in FBA Certification Level 1
How to lead an assessment that builds trust and creates buy-in
Learn to guide assessment conversations that uncover what matters, position your coaching clearly, and help clients feel confident saying "yes" to working with you.
How to respond to objections without losing the client
Price hesitation, timing pushback, vague "I'll think about it": you'll have clear frameworks for each moment so nothing catches you off guard.
How to onboard clients in a way that becomes memorable
The first few interactions matter. Create an early experience that confirms they made the right choice and increases commitment from the start.
How to coach during the session, not just program it
Improve how you cue, communicate, and lead so clients experience your value more clearly in every session.
How to stay present between sessions without burning out
A practical follow-through system that feels personal, keeps clients engaged, and doesn't add unsustainable workload to your week.
How to navigate progress conversations that move clients forward
When results slow down, most trainers either push harder or go quiet. You'll learn a third option that keeps the client confident and committed.
The Conversations That Separate Good Trainers From Lasting Careers
9 in 10
hiring managers say these skills matter as much as technical training, if not more.
A prospect says, "I'll think about it," and disappears.
Lisa Hays teaches a mirroring strategy that helps clients feel understood before any recommendation is made.
Course: Mirror to Connect / Lisa Hays
A client hesitates, pushes back on price, or gets awkward when it's time to commit.
Gini Grimsley teaches how to uncover the real concern behind objections and respond by solving for it, not defending price or pushing harder.
Course: Overcoming Any Objection / Gini Grimsley
A client signs up, but the early experience feels generic and momentum drops fast.
Jenna Zaffino teaches how to structure early touchpoints so clients feel supported, clear on what happens next, and confident they made the right decision.
Course: Creating a Customer Experience that WOWs Your Clients and Adds Significant Value to Your Coaching / Jenna Zaffino
A client starts strong, then slowly disengages between sessions.
Scott Schutte & Janine Stichter teach how to apply behavior-change principles that improve consistency, reinforce habits, and keep clients engaged when motivation fades.
Course: Improve Client Compliance with the Science of Behavior Change / Scott Schutte & Janine Stichter
What to Expect Inside FBA Certification
Built to give trainers practical tools they can use immediately in assessments, onboarding, objections, follow-through, and retention.
12 Courses
Video-based, self-paced
4 Modules
Organized by skill area
4 Quizzes
One at the end of each module
80% to Pass
Unlimited retakes allowed
To earn the certification:
- Complete all 12 courses
- Pass the quiz at the end of each module
- Score 80% or higher on every quiz
Everything included when you enroll
What You Get Immediately
When You Complete Level 1
What Happens Next
$99 Annual Renewal
Keep your certification active for $99/year. Starting in Year 2, you also get free access to every FBA Virtual Conference — a $299 value, included automatically as long as your certification stays current.
Lifetime Active Status
UNIQUE TO FBAComplete 5 consecutive annual renewals and your certification becomes permanently active. No more fees. Ever.
Level 2 Coming Soon
Continue beyond Level 1.
FBA Confidence Guarantee
If it doesn't make you more effective, we'll make it right.
If you complete the certification, apply what you learned, and honestly believe it did not make you more effective in the coaching moments it was built for — we'll make it right, including a full refund. No conditions. No hoops.
Join the Founding Cohort
50 founding cohort spots.
$197 now — increases to $397 the moment spot 50 is filled.
$99 annual renewal after year one
This is the moment most trainers wish they'd acted on sooner.
Lock in $99 annual renewal — founding cohort rate, guaranteed.
Founding Cohort members help shape Level 2 before it's built — your feedback influences what comes next.