Polar, the leader in heart rate monitoring and fitness assessment technology, today announced a partnership with the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) to create an enhanced personal training certification, integrating cardiovascular education and heart rate monitor technology into NESTAs Personal Fitness Trainer 2.0 certification program.
This progressive step forward for personal trainers and health clubs marks the first time cardio-specific training will be combined with heart rate monitor education and offered to personal trainers as part of their certification process. The partnership comes at a key time when cardio-based workouts at the gym have never been more popular, and club owners are anxious to provide a more effective gym experience that helps members reach their goals. Personal trainers now have an advanced certification option to keep up with their clients expectations.
Cardiovascular and resistance training programs are an extremely important part of the health club experience, and we know that trainers and club owners are anxious to see more success and greater results with their clientele, said Jesse Harper, Polar Director of Sales, Health Clubs. By integrating Polar heart rate monitoring education and technology with NESTAs comprehensive certification programs, trainers and club owners now have an effective way to plan, measure and assess a club members efforts. This intelligent approach to fitness and weight loss will improve member results, boost retention and increase club revenues.
Beginning in March 2008, Polar cardiovascular education and heart rate monitor training and technology will be incorporated into NESTAs Personal Fitness Trainer (PFT) 2.0 certification program and personal study manual. Students enrolled in the PFT 2.0 enhanced certification option will receive and train with a Polar F11 heart rate monitor as part of their educational process. NESTAs certification workshops will also incorporate these training methodologies and heart rate monitoring education from Polar.
By combining Polars cardio expertise and technology with NESTAs certification programs, were giving our trainers an educational edge that no other certification organization currently provides, said Scott Gaines, NESTA Vice President of Program Development. Personal trainers who are certified through this collaborative process will be able to achieve greater results with health club members, increase retention among personal training clients and develop consistent revenues for any health facility or as an independent trainer.
Today, a cardio workout is a major part of an individuals exercise routine. In fact, nearly two-thirds of health club members use a treadmill, stationary bike or elliptical machine when they visit the gym, according to IHRSAs Health Club Trend Report 2006.
We understand that health club members can become frustrated when the investment of time and money doesnt generate the desired results, which can sometimes lead to cancelled memberships, said Harper. By incorporating Polar heart rate monitor technology into the picture, it takes the ambiguity out of working out it provides a window to a persons current fitness level, quantifies their efforts and helps them know exactly what they need to do to reach their goals.
Polar heart rate monitor technology can be found throughout health clubs nationwide from treadmills and ellipticals to spin bikes and BodyAge machines a fitness assessment tool which measures a persons biological age versus chronological age and charts a realistic, attainable course for fitness and weight loss goals.
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Since 1992, NESTA has been a leader in innovative solutions for fitness and wellness professionals and club owners by offering comprehensive certification and educational programs that combine science with practical, real-world experience to ensure a well-rounded understanding of how to guide clients to reach their goals. In addition, NESTA offers business development systems for individuals and companies ranging from personal training to life coaching to yoga and Pilates. Visit www.nestacertified.com for more information.
