Before the IFPA began in 1994, Dr. Jim Bell and many friends, who rank among the world's foremost authorities on fitness, health, nutrition, sports medicine & conditioning and other related fields, identified a major problem in the fitness industry. The major certification organizations had fitness certifications that did an excellent job of meeting the academic criteria of what fitness professionals and specifically a personal fitness trainer should know, but fell far short of teaching practical knowledge, skills and abilities needed to conduct safe & effective personal fitness training sessions. In July 1994, The IFPA started a revolution in the fitness industry with the first ever fitness certification based on the actual job fitness professionals needed to perform, in order to be both safe and effective. Today, the IFPA has over 40,000 Certified Instructors worldwide and continues to lead the industry in both the most practical certification available and the finest Faculty of educators ever assembled. The IFPA is devoted to offering the highest quality learning experiences to individuals aiming to improve their lifestyle & the lifestyles of others. Our educational opportunities provide only the most practical and scientifically based health and fitness information that can be directly applied to “real life” experiences. It is with this dedication that the IFPA is committed to being the lifelong exercise and training resource to the entire fitness community.