#United States #Phoenix #ISSA #Andrew Wyant #fitness professionals

Andrew Wyant Returns to ISSA as CEO

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) has embarked on a significant new chapter with the return of Andrew Wyant as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Wyant's leadership previously saw ISSA grow from a modest $10 million to virtually $80 million in annual revenue, a testament to his business acumen and dedication to fitness education.

Having led the organization from February 2018 until April 2024, Wyant is well-versed in the challenges and opportunities within the fitness industry. His return comes at a crucial time, as the demand for qualified fitness professionals continues to skyrocket. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows there are approximately 388,400 fitness trainers and instructors in the U.S., with projections indicating a 7% growth rate from 2025 to 2035—much faster than the average growth rate across all occupations.

In a statement regarding his comeback, Wyant expressed his commitment to empowering individuals to turn their passion for fitness into viable careers. He stated, “Every week, someone decides to bet on themselves with ISSA. They trust us with their time, money, and future and it pays off. Our job is to get them across the finish line and into the work they love.”

Addressing Current Industry Challenges

One of the most pressing challenges impacting the fitness sector is the shortage of job-ready trainers. A recent ISSA report highlighted that employers are finding it difficult to locate trainers who possess the necessary skills in client acquisition, retention, and sales. Approximately 94% of gym operators expressed a willingness to use a platform that provides pre-vetted, job-ready trainers, indicating a vast opportunity for ISSA to enhance its training programs.

Many reputable gyms are facing staffing shortages, with chains like Anytime Fitness reporting a deficit of around 1,300 coaches. Snap Fitness is on the lookout for an additional 4,000 trainers worldwide, while Equinox aims to hire over 500 new coaches in the coming five years. According to Wyant, the industry requires trainers who can not only attract clients but also sustain those relationships to foster business growth from their very first week on the job.

ISSA’s Strategic Priorities Under Wyant

With his leadership, Wyant aims to focus ISSA's efforts on enhancing three key areas vital to the success of its students:

1. Finishing and passing: Wyant aims to improve student completion rates and certification pass rates by implementing clearer milestones and enhanced support systems. In 2025, ISSA led the charge globally with 35,293 new certified personal trainers, a notable 12.8% increase from 2024.

2. Getting job-ready: The curriculum will evolve to include skills demanded by employers, such as client acquisition, retention, and business development, alongside essential exercise science knowledge. Students may also take an exam offered through NIHPT, an ISSA subsidiary.

3. Getting hired: Wyant plans to strengthen job placement opportunities through ISSA's job guarantee and Career Connect programs, which link over 49,000 certified coaches with more than 23,000 global hiring gyms. ISSA's job guarantee assures eligible students that their investment in training will pay off, with refunds available for those not hired within six months.

Embracing Innovation in Learning

As part of his vision, Wyant recognizes the importance of adapting to evolving industry trends, particularly in practical learning for the AI era. Graduates will learn to leverage technology effectively, keeping pace with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in client engagement. Wyant noted, “The coach who can apply knowledge, read a client and build a relationship will win. That's who ISSA trains, and that's the standard we are held to.”

In the weeks ahead, Wyant is set to meet with ISSA's teams, students, graduates, and industry partners, fostering deeper connections within the ISSA community.

About ISSA

Established in 1988, ISSA stands as the world's premier fitness and wellness ecosystem, dedicated to transforming the lives of professionals through comprehensive training solutions. With a commitment to connecting individuals with meaningful careers, ISSA facilitates a pathway for over one million students in 176 countries to achieve their career aspirations in fitness by 2030.

Wyant’s return heralds a new era for ISSA and its commitment to producing well-trained, job-ready fitness professionals prepared to meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry.