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Elevating Fitness Leadership: 24 Hour Fitness and ISSA Break New Ground

In a significant advancement within the health and fitness industry, 24 Hour Fitness has announced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at professionalizing club leadership. The company has partnered with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) to certify all of its nearly 250 General Managers as Certified Personal Trainers (CPT). This initiative signals a commitment to enhancing the member experience and fostering a culture of fitness knowledge from the top down.

Founded over four decades ago, 24 Hour Fitness has continuously prioritized health and fitness, making this partnership with ISSA an exciting development in its mission to provide exceptional services. Enrollment for the certification program began on August 8, 2025, with all participating GMs expected to complete their training by the end of November. The ISSA's comprehensive curriculum will enrich the GMs' understanding of essential topics like exercise science, program design, and client motivation—all vital skills for leading their teams effectively.

Chris Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Club Operations at 24 Hour Fitness, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the General Managers are the "heartbeat of our clubs." This certification will equip them not only with credentials but with the practical knowledge to lead by example in fitness discussions. By improving the expertise of its leadership, 24 Hour Fitness aims to create an environment that empowers both employees and members alike, ensuring that every member has expert guidance in achieving their health goals.

A Commitment to Professional Standards

This initiative emphasizes a shared objective between 24 Hour Fitness and ISSA: to elevate professional standards within the fitness industry. ISSA will support the General Managers throughout their educational journey by offering streamlined enrollment processes, progress tracking, and ongoing assistance through their innovative learning management system.

Warren Heffelfinger, CEO of ISSA, highlighted the initiative’s significance, stating, "Certifying 24 Hour Fitness' General Managers is about more than adding credentials; it's about strengthening the connection between leadership and club members." The partnership between these two organizations represents a comprehensive approach to enhancing the quality of fitness guidance available in clubs, ultimately benefiting the customers.

Future Endeavors and Networking Opportunities

The collaboration also includes plans for social media activations, influencer partnerships, and events designed to attract and nurture the next generation of fitness professionals. As part of this effort, 24 Hour Fitness will host a Hiring Event on the ISSA Career Connect platform later this month, connecting ISSA-certified coaches with career opportunities within 24 Hour Fitness locations nationwide.

About ISSA and 24 Hour Fitness
For over 37 years, ISSA has established itself as a leader in the fitness and wellness certification space, offering diverse programs and specialist courses. Nearly one million trainers in 176 countries have benefited from ISSA's courses, underscoring its commitment to improving the industry landscape and fostering healthy living on a global scale.

On the other hand, 24 Hour Fitness has been dedicated to promoting health for over 40 years. Its commitment to creating welcoming club environments complements this initiative, ensuring members can access top-notch resources including personal training, group classes, and digital offerings. As both organizations forge ahead, this partnership promises to transform the fitness experience at 24 Hour Fitness.

For more information regarding 24 Hour Fitness's programs and offerings, you can visit their official website: www.24hourfitness.com.