Learn to integrate your fitness practice with the trend in fitness towards wellness. Increase revenue, results and retention by improving behavioral change, serving the large segment of the population that needs fitness coaching towards health outcomes, and learning to create new wellness programs to expand your services.
This Specialization is For
Fitness professionals looking to elevate their skills and effectiveness in the industry's evolving trend towards holistic health and wellness. Designed for current fitness professionals that want to amplify their impact in behavior change, engage more meaningfully in the clients' health continuum, and learn to implement wellness programs.
Why this Specialization
The fitness industry is rapidly evolving towards integrating fitness as part of broader health objectives. Learn practical insights from industry experts that build upon your current technical certification to: Help clients develop healthy lifestyles; help clients work with medical practitioners to achieve health outcomes; gain a deep understanding of effective coaching techniques towards behavior change; learn to design and incorporate wellness programs into your business.
Key Learning
- Adopting behavior change strategies, including motivational interviewing and goal-setting techniques, to improve client success and retention.
- Developing skills to support clients' mental and emotional well-being alongside physical fitness.
- Learning to build relationships and referral networks with medical professionals to provide more comprehensive client care.
- Understanding the integration of nutrition, stress management, and mental health into overall fitness and wellness programs.
- Gaining knowledge on implementing medical fitness services and adapting training protocols for clients with various health challenges.
- Understanding the business potential and strategies for offering integrated health and wellness services, including how to increase revenue and client retention.
- Create and customize wellness programs to attract new client demographics and expand service offerings.
Scope of Health Practice
The FBA Integrated Health Coaching Specialization intends to maximize your impact within the current scope of practice of your technical certification(s), such as personal training and nutrition. For instance, a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) already has the scope of practice to help clients pursue health objectives around exercise fitness; and a Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) already has the scope of practice to help clients pursue health objectives around food, weight and energy management. Use this FBA specialization to boost your effectiveness in participating in your clients' health outcomes and overall wellness according to your technical skills.
There is no specific certification prerequisite to start this FBA Specialization, because your practical scope of practice will be determined by your choice of technical certifications in your career. FBA recommends pairing an Integrated Health Coaching Specialization with any of the following technical certifications for maximum impact: personal training, nutrition, active aging, corrective exercise, recovery.
From an Association Focused on Your Career Success
FBA develops education programs for in-demand skills, so you can build a long-term successful career delivering great results for your clients while enjoying a profitable profession.
100% Online and Self-Paced: Access the course materials anytime, anywhere, with 24/7 availability on any device. Benefit from videos with captions, searchable transcripts, and adjustable playback speeds.
Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from vetted top industry experts who provide actionable insights and strategies based on their extensive real-world experience.
Certification and Resume Enhancement: Build on existing certifications and gain specialized skills that will make you a more valuable asset to clients and fitness clubs.
Course Details
- 100% online.
- Self-paced, on demand, available 24/7 on any device.
- 2-year access to all materials.
- Enjoy the best online learning platform for video education.
Videos with captions, searchable transcripts and speed controls.
- No formal prerequisite.
Recommended to start: Training certification, FBA Certification and work experience. - No renewal requirement nor cost.
- Unlimited quiz retakes at no extra cost!
Final quiz: Open-book format, requires 80% passing grade. No penalty for retaking it.
About FBA Specializations
The professional education to increase your skills and impact. FBA Specializations build on your current certification(s) and field experience to advance your career.
There is no formal prerequisite, although technical certification (such as CPT) and FBA Certification are strongly recommended as a foundation before starting the specialization.
Provide Your Clients a Higher Level of Service
Gain Skills and Confidence in Your Chosen Specialty
Vetted Education from FBA and Top Experts
Increase Your Value as a Trainer to Clients and Clubs
Why FBA?
As the Fitness Business Association, all our education has a focus on developing the skills for long-term success in the fitness industry. Our programs have the dual purpose of making you a confident and skillful practitioner in fitness, and to empower you with the tools and practices to succeed in your career or business.
FBA is the parent company of the SUCCEED! Virtual Conference, the largest and highest rated virtual conference in the fitness industry. With the backing of over 100 industry brands and major certifying organizations, FBA and SUCCEED! have served world-class video education to tens of thousands of fitness professionals.
The FBA Specializations take advantage of 1000+ hours of video education content in the FBA catalog, delivered by 300+ expert presenters. Each Specialization is designed by conducting an expert panel review of our education catalog to select the best and most impactful education for your career success.
Learning Support & Accountability
Support and accountability are important components of an online self-paced education program. FBA provides various tools to help learners solve questions, and stay engaged to complete the program successfully.
Here are easy ways to get support when pursuing an FBA Specialization or Seminar:
- Specialization Library
A powerful library of select FBA and SUCCEED! resources, FREE for learners in the specialization and seminar programs. - SUCCEED! Events and Conferences
Attend any of the several SUCCEED! events each year to participate in education, ask questions and exchange ideas with peers and experts. - FBA Education Support Team
If you ever struggle with a topic and need additional resources, don't hesitate to contact FBA support. Our support team is empowered to provide additional resources to learners from the vast FBA library of videos, articles and guides.
Use these accountability tools to keep you on track:
- Periodic Check-ins
The FBA Education Support Team will check in periodically to answer any questions. - Online Learning Success Tips and Self-Paced Calendar
You can learn your own way, or rely on the online success plan provided by FBA. We can help you plan your weekly schedule to find time to study and stay on track with your skill development.
Education in the Integrated Health Coaching Specialization
Video education from selected sessions recorded at SUCCEED! events.
Using client-centered motivational interviewing techniques, fitness professionals will be better able to help their clients reach their goals. Learn the basic tenets of motivational interviewing and how to integrate them to get more out of your clients, both in session and beyond.
Mark Nutting, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT D, RCPT*E, ACSM HFD, ACSM CEP, Owner and Master Trainer of Jiva Fitness in Easton, PA, Author of The Business of Personal Training book for Human Kinetics (2018), PFP 2016 Trainer of the Year Legacy Award, NSCA 2009 Personal Trainer of the Year, NSCA Recognized Certified Personal Trainer Emeritus.
Mark holds 12 certifications in the field, 38 years in personal training and health club management, and has been educating and coaching Personal Trainers for 36 of those 38 years. Mark is a leading business coach for personal trainers and club managers.
Gain an understanding of behavior change strategies—including motivational interviewing and SMART goal setting—and their application.
Lauren Shroyer has been working with athletes for almost 20 years. In her practice today, Lauren specializes in the rehabilitative exercise of athletes with chronic overuse injuries, helping athletes of all ages return to the sport & activity they love.
In addition to her NATA-BOC certification, Lauren has a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.
Building relationships with medical professionals for mutual referrals will not only grow your business but, also help your existing clients achieve their goals more efficiently and comprehensively. In this session learn the “do’s” and “don’ts” of building relationships and referral networks with physical therapists, physicians, and more.
Dr. Rachel Sutter-Leve is a licensed physical therapist and fitness professional from Minneapolis, MN. Rachel’s career in fitness began after college where she worked for 5 years as a fitness instructor, pilates trainer, and pilates department coordinator. During this time, she won several awards for being a “top trainer” within her health club system.
Rachel then attended Samuel Merritt University to obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy where she graduated at the top of her class. Following graduate school, she completed a Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. While there, she won an award for her research on stroke caregiver support during the COVID-19 pandemic which was later published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. She now works as an outpatient Neuro Rehab Therapist at North Memorial Health Hospital in, Minneapolis MN as well as continues to teach Pilates and health workshops on the side.
She is passionate about the intersection between medicine, nutrition, and fitness and is a strong advocate for continued formal exercise programs post-discharge from PT services.
Join Jenna as she discusses simple, in-session teaching strategies that encourage your client's decision-making, personalization, and implementation in their workouts outside of the session.
Jenna is a dynamic leader who offers education for your brain, body and business through professional coaching, movement experiences, writing, and speaking. The balanced alignment of this trifecta is the platform from which Jenna helps hundreds of fitness and wellness professionals access mindset shifts, physical resiliency and empowered individuality in their business practices.
Jenna is a seasoned Pilates Teacher Educator, a Small Business Coach, and a Certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She has evolved her small business from a multi-purpose movement center to an online educational hub and support system for wellness pros. Motivated by her own personal recovery from professional burnout, Jenna hosts online support programs, tours internationally with her speaking and coaching courses and hosts her wildly popular podcasts, Pilates Unfiltered™ and Moving.
Jenna will lead you through an experience that helps to determine the personalized meaning and value behind your health and well-being practice to ensure satisfaction, efficiency and consistency for the long game of life.
Jenna is a dynamic leader who offers education for your brain, body and business through professional coaching, movement experiences, writing, and speaking. The balanced alignment of this trifecta is the platform from which Jenna helps hundreds of fitness and wellness professionals access mindset shifts, physical resiliency and empowered individuality in their business practices.
Jenna is a seasoned Pilates Teacher Educator, a Small Business Coach, and a Certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She has evolved her small business from a multi-purpose movement center to an online educational hub and support system for wellness pros. Motivated by her own personal recovery from professional burnout, Jenna hosts online support programs, tours internationally with her speaking and coaching courses and hosts her wildly popular podcasts, Pilates Unfiltered™ and Moving.
In this mental performance talk, you will learn a few key strategies that can be easily implemented in all client programs to help them succeed not only physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Tasha is a 20 year professional in the fitness industry and currently is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Facility Manager, and Personal Trainer Mentor at PRO Sports Club near Seattle, WA where she has been awarded multiple times, Coach and Trainer of the year.
Additionally, she is a Master Instructor for the Pain-free Performance Certification Course where she leads and instructs on Program Design, Advanced Training Protocols, Movement Quality, Mastery and Strategy to keep people pain-free and progressing toward their goals. Tasha holds multiple degrees including Anthropology, Archaeology, Exercise Science, and Dance. Tasha also competes at an elite level in Powerlifting and Strongman.
In this session, we will discuss key demographic markets and the services that attract them. Further, we will elaborate on how to implement new ancillary services that support these needs, and a new revenue stream. And we’ll review success stories of real clubs who have implemented these services.
Lauren Shroyer has been working with athletes for almost 20 years. In her practice today, Lauren specializes in the rehabilitative exercise of athletes with chronic overuse injuries, helping athletes of all ages return to the sport & activity they love.
In addition to her NATA-BOC certification, Lauren has a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.
During this talk, we will go over concepts and practical stories of what/how the stress response is stimulated, how it can affect us long-term based on our lifestyle, and what we can do to make some slight adjustments we can make to manage the stress response.
Roman was awarded Equinox Trainer of the Year in 2016, Equinox Educator of the Year in 2018, and Club of the Year.
Roman has been involved in fitness, health and wellness for over a decade. Has taught as lead instructor for PPSC, and was the director of a fitness tech company.
Roman is currently the co-founder of the tech startup TCM: The Coaching Market, where he is working to create a democratized e-learning platform for the fitness, health, and wellness industry, giving professionals the tools to publish and sell e-learning content on the marketplace.
In this session, you will learn why nutrition is essential to help your clients reach their health and fitness goals. We will review the science of food and how to implement strategies and techniques to help your clients fuel their bodies the right way.
Michael is a certified and accredited personal trainer and nutritionist who has helped hundreds of clients reach their health and fitness goals. Michael is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Science and finishing his MBA.
He received a Master’s of Science in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology & Psychology. He currently holds several nationally recognized personal training certifications through accredited organizations such as NASM, NCSF, PFIT, NFPT, NSCA, CrossFit, FMS, TRX, USAW, Cooper, and ISSA.
He also has seven advanced specializations in nutrition, PEMF, corrective exercise, performance enhancement training, rehabilitative exercise training, physical therapy, and strength and conditioning.
Tired of clients not following your plan? Tired of having the same conversations over and over again? We were too. For the past ten years we have been using behavior science to change the conversation around compliance. We will show you how to improve client compliance for a greater impact while also strengthening your bottom line. You have the exercise science and the nutrition science now it’s time to add in the behavior science for the win.
Scott Schutte is a personal trainer, weight loss behavior coach, gym owner, and fitness educator. He has successfully guided thousands of people on their fitness journey while also running a highly successful fitness facility.
His education and experience have led him to work with many clients and educate other fitness professionals on how to be successful coaches, emphasizing behavior change.
Join Araceli De Leon, MS for an informative presentation that delves into the role of fitness in mental health and wellness. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate connection between physical activity and mental well-being as we explore the scientific foundations supporting this relationship. Uncover the stress-reducing effects of exercise and discover how fitness enhances mental resilience, equipping individuals with valuable coping mechanisms.
Araceli De Leon, MS holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from San Diego State University (SDSU) and a master's degree in sports performance from Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). During her time at PLNU, she conducted her research on the effects of yoga on state and trait anxiety and well-being in college students. Araceli is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher and while most of her career in the industry was focused on behavior change science and guiding people in overcoming their physical and mental barriers, teaching yoga has allowed her to create a more person-centered experience where the practitioner has full autonomy of their own practice.
Araceli is also a certified health coach, personal trainer and group fitness instructor through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Today she works as the business and career content manager for ACE, where she provides health and fitness professionals with the support and guidance needed in an evolving industry.
This seminar will provide a functional introduction to Exercise Is Medicine, and a clear, easy-to adopt road map to bringing medically directed fitness services to a commercial health club setting. We will explain what medical fitness is and isn’t, why it is so important to the future of the industry, and discuss the protocols, programming, and profit-center potential inherent in sound medical fitness implementation.
Cosmo Wollan has more than 25 years’ experience in the Health & Fitness and Medical Fitness fields. He is Senior Executive at Synergy Cubed, a fitness industry consulting firm, and co-Founder of the Fitness Is Medicine Initiative, whose mission is to bring medically directed fitness services to commercial health clubs; and Parks & Rec Rx Connect, whose mission is to bring medically directed fitness to the Parks & Rec community.
He is the chair of the Medical Fitness Association Education Advisory Panel and a member of the MedFit Network Education Advisory Board. Cosmo is a frequent national conference speaker and webinar presenter, and a recognized SME in profit center development, revenue stream optimization, medical fitness integration, retention strategies, sales training, and health club management. He was recently recognized as a Fellow in the Medical Fitness Association.
Dive into a world of understanding, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, creating a unique space in the lives of your clients that AI can NEVER replace. For over a decade, ACE has been shaping personal trainers into experts of behavior change coaching. Now, more than ever, you must seize the opportunity to connect with clients, fuel their intrinsic motivation, and guide them towards a joyful embrace of positive lifestyle changes.
Lauren Shroyer has been working with athletes for almost 20 years. In her practice today, Lauren specializes in the rehabilitative exercise of athletes with chronic overuse injuries, helping athletes of all ages return to the sport & activity they love.
In addition to her NATA-BOC certification, Lauren has a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois.
We will discuss the difference between being a Fitness Pro and a Wellness Pro and why it matters to the growth of your business.
Debbie Bellenger is the Founder/CEO of Body By Definition Advisory and Education Services. Debbie has taken the last 30 +years in the Fitness Industry and Medical Wellness Industry to launch her own company full time as of 2022. She is a thought leader in community wellness, medical wellness, corporate wellness and how they all work together in a local community to fuel fitness clubs with new members.
She is a Club Industry Executive Advisory Board Member and Panel speaker, and contributed to the Club Industry 2023 Trends Report. She is a regular speaker at SCW, Canfitpro, Club Industry and is a CEC Provider for ACE, AFAA, NASM, ISSA and the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. She is currently offering two CEC approved Master Classes for Fit Pros and the Wellness Academy to share Wellness Trends with Fit Pros.
Would you like to add another revenue stream to your business model? With hybrid work remaining and the world of zoom remaining, we have the perfect opportunity to offer virtual fitness and wellness programs (for a fee) to those individuals who are sitting in their homes wishing they could get started.
Debbie Bellenger is the Founder/CEO of Body By Definition Advisory and Education Services. Debbie has taken the last 30 +years in the Fitness Industry and Medical Wellness Industry to launch her own company full time as of 2022. She is a thought leader in community wellness, medical wellness, corporate wellness and how they all work together in a local community to fuel fitness clubs with new members.
She is a Club Industry Executive Advisory Board Member and Panel speaker, and contributed to the Club Industry 2023 Trends Report. She is a regular speaker at SCW, Canfitpro, Club Industry and is a CEC Provider for ACE, AFAA, NASM, ISSA and the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. She is currently offering two CEC approved Master Classes for Fit Pros and the Wellness Academy to share Wellness Trends with Fit Pros.
Trust and rapport is a crucial step in the client acquisition process. Learn how the Social Styles Inventory can help beginner trainers communicate with clients in their preferred style to create a better client intake experience. This has proven to increase the closing percentage for both virtual and live training services.
Logan Dube is currently the Director of Education for the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification. In this role they teach live & online certifications, build content and run the various tracks of the Mentorship program.
After 20 years playing soccer, including scholarship & international opportunities, Logan found a second career in the fitness industry, spending the last 2 decades in roles including personal trainer, fitness class instructor, studio owner/operator, club manager, multi-unit manager, educator and presenter.
We are more than just curators of fitness experiences and with a rise in mental health issues post-pandemic, we need tools to support our response-ability. This workshop will provide an understanding of current models of mental wellness and provide strategies for fitness professionals to support our clients and participants’ mental and emotional well-being.
Amanda is a wellness consultant and speaker whose expertise in fitness program and talent development transforms studios and instructors, helping them to gain and maintain loyal clients. Founder and CEO of Face the Change, she is also a licensed social worker, life coach, and mentor who leads a group fitness instructor training program for aspiring instructors in underserved communities of NYC.
Amanda has two decades of teaching multiple group fitness formats and was formally the Manager of Group Fitness Development for Equinox Fitness. Her expertise in developing instructors both in the studio and virtually has been sought after by companies such as Reebok and Women’s Health. Amanda’s media credits include IDEA Fitness Journal, Time, Greatist, Refinery29, Sparkpeople, Zlife, Daily News, NY1, Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, and MSNBC.
As a person with a debilitating and progressive chronic illness and passion for social justice and inclusion, Amanda is known in the industry as the changemaker whose mission is to inspire others to create community and joy through authenticity.
In this session, we will share the top 5 health concerns facing Americans today. We will also review how this data impacts our personal training protocols in adapting to rising health challenges of our clients? Did you know in addition to rising sickness in America, the population now has more adults over age 50 years than under? Let's discuss these amazing opportunities and get ready!
Debbie Bellenger is the Founder/CEO of Body By Definition Advisory and Education Services. Debbie has taken the last 30 +years in the Fitness Industry and Medical Wellness Industry to launch her own company full time as of 2022. She is a thought leader in community wellness, medical wellness, corporate wellness and how they all work together in a local community to fuel fitness clubs with new members.
She is a Club Industry Executive Advisory Board Member and Panel speaker, and contributed to the Club Industry 2023 Trends Report. She is a regular speaker at SCW, Canfitpro, Club Industry and is a CEC Provider for ACE, AFAA, NASM, ISSA and the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching. She is currently offering two CEC approved Master Classes for Fit Pros and the Wellness Academy to share Wellness Trends with Fit Pros.
FBA Education FAQs
Are there any prerequisites before I purchase this education program?
There are no formal prerequisites for adults pursuing FBA education.
Please keep in mind that FBA education like FBA Certification, FBA Specializations and Seminars is designed around the needs of fitness professionals working in the industry. Therefore, FBA education is tailored to fitpros that are already certified for training through a technical certification like CPT or GFI, and have some work experience. Learners that are not currently certified might struggle with the depth and complexity of the topics covered.
As a reminder, fitpros that are certified through a technical certification should be at least 18 years of age, be current with their technical and first-aid certifications, and be familiar with the appropriate scope of practice pertaining to their certification.
How long does it take to complete the education program?
All education becomes available on-demand when you start the program. Programs that lead to a certificate of completion such as Specializations and Seminars will consist of video education, and completed with knowledge checks and multiple-choice quiz(s).
Most Specializations are intended to be completed in about 3 weeks, and Seminars in about 1 week. However, you are welcome to take your time, or pursue faster progress at your convenience.
How is the program completed?
When pursuing a certificate of completion, after watching all videos make sure to complete any applicable knowledge checks and module quizzes. Follow instructions on the page that will show you which education elements are not yet completed. After all requirements are met, you'll see the option to submit a request for audit and be granted your certificate.
How can I retake a quiz or knowledge check?
There are no penalties for retaking any mandatory education elements. If you fail a quiz or knowledge check, take time to review your notes and the education content, and then simply follow the instructions on the page to start a new attempt.
Will this program expand my scope of practice for training clients?
FBA education is intended to increase your skills and effectiveness as a fitness practitioner, while respecting your current technical scope of practice.