The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM; www.nasm.org), a health and fitness solutions provider and training certification authority, today announced the launch of the third edition of its Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification.
 
The new NASM CPT Certification study materials, called the NASM Essentials of Personal Fitness Training, provide expert instruction in the key principles of personal training and covers core concepts in flexibility, cardio respiratory, balance, reactive speed, agility, quickness and strength.
 
As the industry continues to flourish, we have discovered new scientific evidence to support a comprehensive approach to health and fitness, said NASM president and CEO Dr. Micheal Clark. "To keep pace with ongoing research and clinical application we felt the time was right to produce an enhanced version of our CPT Certification course."
 
A key change in the revised CPT Certification is a modification of NASM's proprietary Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model. As the foundation of the organization's evidence-based training methodology, the OPT Model has been refined to better address the needs of the general fitness client and remains an integral component of the new curriculum.
 
The new CPT program is designed to aid personal fitness trainers who are preparing for the NASM CPT exam or learning the fundamental applications of personal training. Furthermore, its presentation reflects the organization's commitment to provide fitness students with a best-in-class learning opportunity.
 
Our new academic partner, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (LWW; www.lww.com), did an excellent job in helping us take our CPT materials to the next level," Dr. Clark said. LWW is a leader in the academic publishing space, and CPT candidates will see this expertise reflected in the new textbook and study guide. The new materials offer more supporting visual materials such as anatomical and conditioning photos, training technique charts, safety illustrations and exercise and muscle boxes that effectively demonstrate preparation, movement and key functions.
 
The traditional learning tools of the CPT program are also enhanced with cutting-edge interactive learning formats via DVD, iPod download and an online course learning management system. NASM partnered with Blatant Media (www.blatantmedia.ca), an e-learning solutions provider, to formulate the new applications, designed to support online course distribution.
 
The launch of the new NASM CPT Certification is a huge milestone for the organization, Dr. Clark said. This year marks our 20th anniversary, and I am confident that the new CPT certification will continue to serve as the gold standard in the industry, and give professionals the tools they need to systematically and safely progress clients towards their health and fitness goals.
 
For more information about the third edition of NASM's CPT Certification program, visit www.nasm.org or call 1-800-460-NASM, ext. 5501.
 
About NASM   
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been the recognized global authority in certification, continuing education, solutions and tools for the health, fitness, sports performance and sports medicine professionals. Today, NASM serves more than 100,000 members in 80 countries. In addition to its evidence-based NCCA-accredited fitness certification program, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), NASM also offers a progressive career track with access to Advanced Specializations, Continuing Education courses, and accredited Bachelor and Master Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today's health and fitness professional enhance their career while empowering their clients to live healthier lives. For more information, call 800-460-NASM or visit www.nasm.org.