Bridging the Gap Between Physical Fitness and the Mind, NASM Introduces Behavior Change Specialization
Real-life Scenarios Give Personal Trainers Strategies to Help Clients Reach Higher Levels of Success
CHANDLER, Ariz., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Personal Training is not just about the body. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has created a model that can help Certified Personal Trainers (CPTs) grow their business, boost client retention and increase the value of their personal training sessions.
NASM worked with researchers, industry specialists and personal trainers to develop the NASM Behavior Change Specialization (BCS) to help CPTs identify and overcome clients' barriers to change, both in and out of the gym. NASM's Behavior Change Specialization allows CPTs to implement individual behavior change strategies based on their client's unique drivers and influencers. The specialization is designed to help pinpoint motivational triggers and help clients stay on track.
"NASM's Behavior Change Specialization was created to help CPTs identify their client's ability to change and immediately put into practice the appropriate intervention techniques aligned with their needs," said Erin McGill, senior director of product development at NASM, M.A. in Sport and Exercise Psychology. "Knowing how and when to introduce these strategies can be critical to clients achieving their goals. If a client experiences positive results, it could help improve long-term client retention and business success for CPTs."
The new specialization applies many of the same scientific motivational principles developed by knowledgeable sports psychologists. The tactics within NASM's Behavior Change Specialization are similar to those utilized by elite athletes and coaches and can benefit CPTs as well. CPTs with these skills can help their clients obtain quicker, more effective results.
"For example, having a deep understanding of their mental skills and capabilities beyond the physical can often mean the difference between second and first place for athletes," said Dr. Robert Weinberg, former president of Association for Applied Sport Psychology and BCS contributing author. "It is similar for a CPT working with a client. Specific interventions and motivational techniques can greatly impact an individual's ability to accomplish goals."
The methods outlined in the specialization can apply to both one-on-one and virtual training, allowing CPTs to offer flexible training options. The Behavior Change Specialization is now available for purchase for $499 and completion of the specialization earns CPTs 1.9 NASM CEUs.
To learn more about the Behavior Change Specialization, please contact an education advisor today at 1.800.460.NASM or visit www.NASM.org.
About NASM
Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced specializations for fitness professionals. In addition to its NCCA-accredited Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) exam, NASM offers a progressive career track with access to Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and specializations including the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS) Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and Behavior Change Specialization (BCS). Academic institutions nationwide incorporate NASM's leading fitness content into curriculum as part of Certified Personal Trainer courses, and bachelor's and master's degree programs. The vision of NASM is to empower fitness and wellness professionals, supporting them in their goal of motivating clients to lead healthier lives.
To learn more about NASM, visit www.nasm.org or call 1.800.460.NASM. For news, industry insight and promotions, subscribe to the latest issue of The Training Edge and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
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SOURCE National Academy of Sports Medicine
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