Understanding The Accreditation Certification Controversy With Pam Kufahl - Editor Fitness Business Pro Magazine - Show #10

Pamela Kufahl, is the editor of Fitness Business Pro Magazine (www.fitnessbusiness-pro.com).

Pam has been with the magazine since 2002, having moved into the editor’s role in January 2005.

She has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism.

Prior to working on this publication, Pam covered business and management issues related to energy companies.

Her lifelong interest in fitness has enabled the magazine to transition from a “how-to” publication for club owners and general managers to its current incarnation as a news and analysis magazine.

Fitness Business Pro is geared towards management of for-profit and nonprofit fitness facilities. In addition, major corporations, hotel chains, government, military fitness facilities and athletic directors at colleges and universities also seek out her magazine for its wealth of valuable information and ideas.

The magazine is part of a franchise that includes the Club Industry National Show and the Club Industry East Show, the website www.fitnessbusiness-pro.com, as well an e-newsletter.

Pam answered the following questions:

What exactly is IHRSA recommending occur as of January 1, 2006 in regards to personal trainers?

What is the difference between accreditation and certification?

How and why did IHRSA’s recommendation come about?

What does this recommendation mean to club owners and personal trainers?

Does this recommendation affect educational agencies?

How is this recommendation affecting certifying agencies?

What is the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)?

Are the national boards included in IHRSA’s recommendation?

Are club owners and personal training directors leaning toward accreditation or national boards?

Could accreditation of certifying agencies and curriculum as well as the national boards lead to licensing of personal trainers by states?

What effect might accreditation and national boards have on the public’s perception of the fitness industry?

Could these lead to more medical reimbursement of personal training costs?

How could this issue affect certification of group exercise instructors, Pilates and yoga instructors? Do you foresee something similar happening in each of these areas in the future?

To listen now click here: Fitness Business Radio (37:21 minutes 8.54 MB)