Creating a Stronger,

Healthier World

International Sports Sciences Association

COURSE CATALOG
Celebrating 20 Years of Fitness Education and Certification

1.800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com International Sports Sciences Association

Countless studies show that Americans are in worse
shape today than at any other time in history. The 2007
Trust for America’s Health study found that adult obesity rates rose in 31 states and not a

single state saw a decline. In their groundbreaking Preventative Healthcare Study,

marketing research giant Yankelovich found that almost 65% of people have never been

to a nutrition class and about half have never taken an exercise or fitness class.

Taking a Stand
 The International Sports Sciences
Association believes that the health
and fitness of our society can be
significantly improved by our stu-
dents’ success as health, sports and
fitness professionals. Our efforts to
stem the tide of poor health and
physical decline are multiplied
exponentially as our graduates and
members disseminate the ISSA
principles and methods to their
clients, peers and associates.
Together with our members, the
ISSA is committed to creating a
stronger, healthier world.

800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com

Our mission is to
inspire students to
positively impact
the quality of life
of each individual
with whom they
come in contact.
L
Leadership is essential to any
organization. Our team of directors,
authors, and advisors are leaders in
their respective fields. Accomplished
educators, researchers, professionals,
and athletes combine to create a
dynamic force striving for excellence.

EADERSHIP
International Sports Sciences Association
Since 1988

Sal A. Arria, DC, MSS

Sal A. Arria is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the ISSA. For
10 years, Dr. Arria was an active member of the Sports Medicine com-
mittee for the US Powerlifting Federation and served as a team doctor
for numerous national powerlifting championships and three USPF
World Championships. He also served as a team doctor for the US
Track and Field team at the 1984 Olympic Games and continues to
advise many Olympic and professional athletes. Arria founded one of
the first sports medicine clinics to incorporate a fitness training center
within the clinic and has served as a Special Advisor to the Governor’s
Council on Physical Fitness. Arria is a three-time California State
Powerlifting champion and ranked in the top three in the USA in the
220-pound and 242-pound divisions. He has appeared on numerous
national radio and television shows including CBS, CNBC, ESPN and
the Family Channel. He directed the American Institute of Health
Education’s 1996 TELLY AWARD winning show The Five-Step Back
Solution. Dr. Arria was also the Fitness Program Designer for Kathy
Ireland’s platinum award winning abdominal training video, ABSolutely
Fit. In 2004, Dr. Arria was elected by the National Board of Fitness
Examiners Board of Trustees to serve as the foundation’s president.

Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD, MSS

ISSA Co-founder and President Dr. Fred Hatfield (a.k.a., “Dr. Squat”)
won the World Championships three times in the sport of powerlifting
and performed a competitive squat with 1014 pounds at a body weight
of 255 (more weight than anyone in history had ever lifted in competi-
tion). Former positions include an assistant professorship at the
University of Wisconsin (Madison) and Senior Vice President and
Director of Research and Development for Weider Health & Fitness,
Inc. Dr. Hatfield was honored by Southern Connecticut State
University when they presented him with the 1991 Alumni Citation
Award. He has written over 50 books and hundreds of articles in the
general areas of sports training, nutrition, fitness, and bodybuilding.
He has been a coach and training consultant for several world-ranked
and professional athletes, sports governing bodies, and professional
teams worldwide. Recently, Dr. Hatfield competed in the 1998 World
Championships in Olympic Lifting Masters Division.

800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com
Program Directors
Jack Barnathan, DC
Fitness Sciences
Bob Delmonteque, ND
Senior Fitness Consultant
Thomas D. Fahey, EdD
Youth Fitness & Sports Conditioning
Jane Frederick, MS
Women’s Fitness
Karl Knopf, EdD
Senior Fitness & Adaptive Fitness
E.J. “Doc” Kreis, EdD
Sports Sciences Advisor
Bill Pearl
Fitness Advisor
John Schaeffer, MS
Powerlifting Sciences
LtCol. J.K. Taylor, BS, MFS
ISSA Seminar Instructor
Administrators
Nancy L. Carlson
Director of Finance
ncarlson@issaonline.com
Patrick Gamboa, BS, MSS
Vice President of Education
pgamboa@issaonline.com
Chessie Hughes
Director of Continuing Education
chughes@issaonline.com
Jen Lilienstein
Director of Sales & Marketing
jlilienstein@issaonline.com
Sarah McDonough
Director of Editorial & Production
smcdonough@issaonline.com
Frank Miele
Vice President of Operations
fmiele@issaonline.com
Mike Stein
Vice President and Managing Director
mstein@issaonline.com

C
REDIBILITY
International Sports Sciences Association
Since 1988
> ISSA’s team of experts are leaders in their
respective fields. No other organization has
such a diverse and knowledgeable team of
scientists, researchers, and athletes.
> Nearly 100,000 people have enrolled in ISSA’s
fitness education programs and continuing
education courses.
> All members can access cutting-edge
information on strength training, aerobic
conditioning, proper nutrition, flexibility,
and a positive outlook on life.
> ISSA programs are widely accepted for
continuing education credits by professional
organizations such as chiropractic
associations, physical therapy associations,
and other fitness certification organizations.
> ISSA provides online, interactive learning,
testing, and assistance.
The International Sports Sciences Association acts
as a teaching institution and certification agency
for fitness trainers, athletic trainers, aerobic
instructors, and medical professionals in every
field of health care. ISSA hosts seminars from
coast to coast, as well as numerous countries
around the world. Our organization has set new
standards in exercise assessment, nutritional
planning, fitness instruction, sports medicine
practice, and post-rehabilitation training.
> ISSA offers unlimited educational support,
training guidance, and business advice for
all active members—while you study
and after you are certified!
> ISSA is internationally recognized with
students in 84 countries including Canada,
South Africa, Norway, Trinidad, Italy, India,
Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates.
> ISSA is approved by the California Bureau for
Private and Postsecondary Vocational
Education contracted by the Veteran’s
Administration.
> ISSA has been propelling the fitness industry
forward since 1988.
> ISSA has been granted Provisional Affiliation
with the NBFE. Individuals who complete
ISSA’s CFT program will be eligible to sit for
the National Boards exams.
800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com
 ISSA is registered with the BBB
and has been awarded the
highest company rating of AAA.
We are approved by the Bureau
for Private Postsecondary and
Vocational Education (BPPVE)
and the New York Chiropractic
College for Postgraduate and
Continuing Education. ISSA is
also a proud Provisional Affiliate
of the National Board of Fitness
Examiners (NBFE).

AFFILIATIONS
> National Board of > International Federation of
Fitness Examiners (NBFE) Bodybuilders (IFBB)
> Better Business Bureau > Santa Barbara
Chamber of Commerce
> National Professional Group
> Muscle Magazine
> Power Systems
> Training and Conditioning
> Club Industry — Primedia
> Smart Fuel
> Health Club Technologies
> Aquasana
> Bill Pearl Enterprises
> Fitness Today
> Health Clubs of America
> Elite Fitness Center
> Human Kinetics
> Pro Trainer Elite
> Lift for Kids
> EAS
> Liberty Science LLC
> Millennium Fitness
> Pro Power
C “
I spent a lot of time researching fitness training
programs before I selected ISSA. Based on my
experience over the last year, I am confident
that I have chosen the best program available
and I am proud to be affiliated with ISSA.
Having completed the course, I look forward

”
to working with ISSA for continuing educational
and business opportunities.

OURSES ~Wade D. Aumiller, PhD

International Sports Sciences Association

Since 1988

STUDY OPTIONS
International Sports Sciences Association
HOME STUDY. Home study is available for students who
wish to complete their studies at their own pace. ISSA
provides all students with unlimited access to our toll-free
help line. This invaluable student support and assistance is
available both while you prepare for your examination, and
after you complete the course, at no additional charge!
ONLINE STUDY. ISSA offers well-organized and skillfully
written courses online, which make it possible for
students to start studying the day they enroll. Students are
provided access to ISSAtrainer.com, our exclusive
members-only website, where they can further enhance
their studies with interactive quizzes, audio glossaries, and
a video exercise library. Online study also offers direct
access to instructors via email or message boards.
CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER SEMINARS. ISSA offers
two-day seminars and proctored on-site examinations.
Information students study in the course material is
clarified, solidified, and brought to life by dynamic seminar
instructors. The first day of the seminar consists of lecture,
question-and-answer sessions and group learning activities.
The second day covers practical application, taking a
hands-on look at all aspects of training. Enrolled students
are eligible to attend the seminar for a reduced fee of $149.
Call us today at 800.892.4772 or log on to our website at
ISSAonline.com to find CFT seminars near you.
CFT
CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER
AUTHOR: Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD
LENGTH OF COURSE: 33 Units
If you enjoy staying in shape and helping others,
there has never been a better time to become a
Certified Fitness Trainer (CFT). Countless med-
ical and scientific studies have proven that the
most important factors to change the current
health crisis are increased activity, weight train-
ing, aerobic conditioning, flexibility and proper
nutrition. In fact, former President Bill Clinton
stated in late 2007, at CNN’s first Fit Nation
Summit, that “obesity is the number one health
crisis in the United States, and the nation could
be at risk without immediate action.”
According to the American Sports Data
Company, personal trainers can expect to earn
$22-$45 per hour doing training sessions at the
gym. And many personal trainers with entrepre-
neurial spirits enjoy even higher hourly rates.
SPN
SPECIALIST IN PERFORMANCE NUTRITION
AUTHORS: Dan Gastelu MS, MFS and
Dr. Frederick C. Hatfield, PhD
LENGTH OF COURSE: 19 Units
A good exercise program is only half the story.
Equally important is proper nutrition. Incorpor-
ating a cutting edge, scientifically sound diet and
nutritional regimen can radically increase the
effectiveness of your clients’ fitness training objec-
tives, resulting in more lean mass, less body fat
and greater energy levels.
The ISSA’s Performance Nutrition program
provides important insights into digestion and
absorption, metabolism, body composition,
eating to enhance athletic performance, and
knowing when to eat as well as what to eat. By
learning the science behind nutrition and its
effects on performance, muscle growth, and fat
loss, you will amaze your clients with fast results
with this integrated approach to nutrition.
ISSA’s acclaimed personal trainer course has
been designed to prepare you for a rewarding
career in fitness. We pride ourselves on outstand-
ing student & business support both pre- and
post-certification. From our toll-free help line and
question board pre-exam to exclusive personal
trainer job listings and help with client challenges
post-certification, our staff is dedicated to helping
you fulfill your dreams and succeed financially.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $595
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.
800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com
The easy-to-follow text is enhanced by two pow-
erful reference tools. The first is a 30+ page glos-
sary that includes virtually every food and
supplemental nutrient known, explaining the func-
tion of each in the human body. The second is a
comprehensive section on supplementation which
explains why nutritional supplements are vital to
health and well-being and how they can diminish
pain, fatigue, lack of endurance, mood swings, and
cravings for sugar or fat.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $550
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.
FT
FITNESS THERAPY

AUTHOR: Dr. Karl Knopf, EdD

LENGTH OF COURSE: 21 Units

Every day thousands of health club members and
clients of personal trainers are discharged from
prescriptive medical care and need to undergo a
supervised fitness therapy program specifically
designed around their condition. ISSA’s Fitness
Therapy course takes the best technologies from
the health care and fitness realms, and combines
them into a program that helps personal trainers
and health care specialists take over where med-
ical treatment leaves off.
Health conscious individuals worldwide under-
stand the vital link between fitness and wellness
and are calling for a union between the health
care and fitness communities. Hundreds of hospi-
tals have recognized this emerging trend and have
already opened fitness facilities, with hundreds
more in various stages of development.
If you’re a fitness trainer wanting to expand
your clientele to include individuals with medical
conditions that require special care when exercis-
ing, or a health care professional with a desire to
go beyond the often ridiculous restrictions
imposed by insurance companies, this program
opens up many new channels in which to help
change people’s lives for the better.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $595
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.
PREREQUISITE: Certified Fitness Trainer certification

SSC
SPECIALIST IN SPORTS CONDITIONING

AUTHOR: Thomas D. Fahey, EdD

LENGTH OF COURSE: 38 Units

Until recently, most people believed that athletes includes units on anatomy, physiology, assessment,
were born and not made; this has changed! strength training, periodization, sport-specific
Modern training techniques can make anyone sample programs, sports psychology and plyomet-
faster, stronger, and more powerful. Professional rics, as well as many other topics to equip you to
and amateur athletes at all levels—from grade- properly and effectively train athletes.
school club teams to the National Football
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
League—need the assistance of expert personal requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
trainers to help them excel at their sports.
ISSA’s Specialist in Sports Conditioning pro- TUITION AND TEXT: $550
gram has been designed to provide you with the Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
knowledge, expertise, and specific training tech- certification can be issued.
niques to enable athletes and fitness training
clients to expand the capacity of their bodies to
perform the most difficult athletic feats—while
remaining strong and free from injuries. Proper
training and preparation also gives athletes the
confidence to push themselves to their limits,
without fear of physical breakdown.
Authored by champion athlete Thomas Fahey,
EdD, ISSA’s Sports Conditioning curriculum
YFT
YOUTH FITNESS TRAINER

AUTHOR: Thomas D. Fahey, EdD

LENGTH OF COURSE: 21 Units

If children are our future, we’re in big trouble.
The CDC has warned that the number of over-
weight youth has tripled in past decades and con-
tinues to rise. And that’s not all. A wide variety of
health problems have all been linked to childhood
obesity. Despite these facts, schools from coast-to-
coast spend less money on physical education
each passing year.
Youth fitness training is one of the fastest-
growing segments in the health club and fitness
industry. The gift of fitness is one that many par-
ents will readily give their children, especially if
they know how important fitness is to a young
life. Use the YFT program to expand your market
into the segment of our population most in need
of fitness education and transform our children
into a healthier, stronger generation.
ISSA’s Youth Fitness Trainer program has been
designed to provide personal trainers with all the
essential tools to safely and effectively train kids
and teens, as well as the necessary credentials to
reduce lingering liability issues. A great compli-
ment to a physical education career path, the
course teaches proven techniques that will treat
and prevent obesity before it causes a lifetime of
health problems.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $595
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.

SFOA
SPECIALIST IN FITNESS FOR OLDER ADULTS

AUTHOR: Dr. Karl Knopf, EdD

LENGTH OF COURSE: 14 Units

By the year 2030, the number of Americans over While this burgeoning segment of the personal
the age of 65 will grow to over 63 million. This training market constitutes a lucrative opportuni-
group now constitutes the fastest growing seg- ty, the real value is in restoring your clients’
ment of our population. Research on anti-aging capacities to perform daily activities such as
has brought about a profound understanding of climbing stairs or unloading groceries.
the aging process that, for the first time, gives us a Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
choice as to how we age. requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
Each year, hundreds of older adults who partic-
TUITION AND TEXT: $595
ipate in marathons and triathlons dispel the old
belief that sickness and deterioration are a neces- Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
sary part of the aging process. Study after study certification can be issued.
has shown that seniors are not only capable of
strenuous exercise, but can vastly improve their
health, strength, mobility and independence
through exercise.
After several years of intensive preparation, the
ISSA has brought together some of the finest
minds in fitness training science to create a break-
through senior fitness program for personal
trainers who wish to work with older adults.
EFT
ENDURANCE FITNESS TRAINER

AUTHORS: James A. Peterson, PhD and

Cedric X. Bryant, PhD
(contributions by Frederick C. Hatfield PhD, MSS)
LENGTH OF COURSE: 21 Units

No longer does a fitness instructor have to be
confined to the indoors! ISSA’s Endurance Fitness
Trainer course addresses all aspects of personal-
ized aerobic conditioning. This unique program
provides students with the education to train
clients in a variety of outdoor endurance exercises
like cycling, power walking, triathlons, and cross-
training as well as the most complete guides to
using cardio equipment.
An aerobic program is most beneficial when it
meets two critical criteria: (1) it must place the
appropriate demand on the cardiovascular sys-
tem, and (2) it must be designed in such a way
that the trainee will not grow bored with it and
stop exercising. The EFT program provides train-
ers with the knowledge to provide both of these
critical criteria to their clients.
If you are considering becoming a personal fit-
ness trainer specializing in endurance fitness, look
no further. And if you are already a certified per-
sonal trainer, this program can expand your client
base immeasurably by enabling you to design a
complete, individualized exercise program to stu-
dents at any age or with any chronic condition—
without being confined to a gym.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $495
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.

WFT
WATER FITNESS TRAINER

AUTHOR: Dan Solloway, BS, MFS

LENGTH OF COURSE: 15 Units

Interest in aquatic exercise has grown from injured sites. Expand your scope practice beyond
obscurity to millions of participants in just the the role of trainer and into that of post-rehab ther-
past few years. One of the reasons for the start of apist or simply grow your client base into more
this trend is the aging of our population. Water is diverse populations who can benefit from water-
seen as a gentler medium for seniors and physical based training with this unique course offering.
therapy patients alike. But aquatic fitness has
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
proven to be an effective training modality for requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
elite athletes and fitness enthusiasts of all ages.
ISSA believes that water fitness has the poten- TUITION AND TEXT: $495
tial to become one of the most widely used forms Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
of exercise available—and we don’t mean just certification can be issued.
swimming laps! The ISSA’s water fitness course
delves into all aspects of aqua training technolo-
gy—from the limitations of water exercise to clin-
ical, rehabilitative & sports medicine applications
to directing an aqua aerobics class to client pre-
screening protocol.
Upon completion of this program, you will
know how to successfully use aquatic training to
increase strength, improve posture, and heal
SMAC
SPECIALIST IN MARTIAL ARTS CONDITIONING

AUTHORS: Charles Staley, BS, MSS

LENGTH OF COURSE: 9 Units

The ISSA is proud to offer the world’s first certifi-
cate program to address the specific training
needs of martial arts professionals in this unique
course. Back in the “old days”, promotion to black
belt was all that was needed in terms of securing
credibility in the martial arts profession, but that’s
all changed now.
While the martial arts are an area of athletic
competition that requires incredible skill, teach-
ing technique is only half the formula for success.
Emphasizing only skill development without
teaching physical conditioning
leaves your students literally half prepared.
Fitness instructors who have mastered not only
their art, but also the principles and methods of
scientific sport training, will get the best results
from their students. The ISSA’s SMAC course
curriculum includes information on periodiza-
tion and planning, managing acute training vari-
ables, performance nutrition and
supplementation, improving joint range of
motion, mastering principles of sport training,
integrating conditioning and skill training,
strength and speed-strength development, com-
petition readiness, injury prevention and man-
agement, and increasing your clientele.
Completion of this course satisfies all continuing education
requirements for ISSA certification renewal.
TUITION AND TEXT: $495
Documentation of valid Adult CPR/AED is required before
certification can be issued.

BRIAN THEISS, THEISS INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND FITNESS

Brian Theiss, owner of Theiss Institute of Health

& Fitness, has provided fitness consulting to the
Los Angeles Kings, Cincinnati Reds, Ventura Fire
Department, Ventura County School District,
California Lutheran University, UCLA Medical
Center, Los Robles Medical Center, Starkey Labs,
Auidbel, Employers Direct, Guitar Center, Honda
Motor Company and more. Brian launched his
career with ISSA; so can you.

‘‘
‘‘
ISSA provided me with the educational, business
and practical foundation that I needed to launch
my career in the fitness industry. Perhaps just as
critical as the tools ISSA provides has been the
support, encouragement, and belief by everyone
at ISSA that my vision could become a reality.

-Brian Theiss
S
ISSA founders and directors know how frustrating it is to have received
an education only to be left in the dark when it comes time to break into
the professional field. That’s why ISSA is committed to providing
comprehensive Educational and Business Support for its members while
they study and after they are certified. In addition, ISSA offers numerous
fitness, health, and business Continuing Education Courses, enabling
certified trainers to constantly advance their store of knowledge.

UPPORT
International Sports Sciences Association
Since 1988

“
I’ve recently accepted a position as a personal trainer and just wanted to
thank ISSA and those on the Question Board for the continued support
and advice that helps me and so many others succeed in the fitness
industry. I want to especially give much props and appreciation to the

”
Educational Support staff for making the board a valuable resource and
blessing for ISSA trainers.
~David Price, CFT

Educational Support
ISSA’s Educational Support team is available, free of charge, while
students study and after they become certified. ISSA’s member services
provide that all academic and training-related questions are personally
addressed by our highly-qualified Educational Support team.

Business Support
ISSA Business Support enables ISSA fitness professionals, both novice
and veteran, to operate a more successful business. Whether the goal is to
develop an online training business, learn essential business skills, own a
franchise, or simply get more clients, ISSA Business Support resources
enable trainers to reach their business objectives.

ISSAonline.com • 800.892.4772
TUITION, TESTING, AND COURSE COMPLETION
Tuition for the course includes the cost of all
required textbooks, study guides, examination,
and ongoing educational support.
You have two years from the date of enrollment
to complete your certification. After passing your
examination, you will be issued your certificate
and wallet identification card.* ISSA certification
is valid for two years and is renewable by com-
pleting approved continuing education contact
hours, and submitting an updated CPR/AED
card and renewal processing fee. ISSA provides
many specialized certification programs and
individual continuing education courses that
meet ISSA’s continuing education requirements.
Need help while you study or after
you get certified? All ISSA students have
unlimited access to our toll-free help line; give
us a call at 1-800-892-4772.

* Adult CPR and AED training are necessary to any fitness career. Valid CPR/AED certification are required for
completion of all ISSA courses. The Red Cross and other civic organizations offer certification in CPR/AED
training. Call 800.892.4772 with questions.

ACADEMIC POLICIES
The International Sports Sciences Association is com-
mitted to equality of educational opportunity and
does not discriminate in its admission of students on
the basis of race, color, age, religion, gender, national
origin, sexual orientation, or disability. Requirements
for admission may vary for individual programs of
study. Please review the enrollment application for
information on other ISSA policies including gradua-
tion, retesting and refunds. Please be aware that the
application materials, as well as any other documents
submitted, become the property of the International
Sports Sciences Association and cannot be returned.

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS Enrollment is easy with four options to choose from!

Call Log on Mail application to: Fax application to:

(800) 892-4772
It takes just a few minutes
to process your application
over the phone. Our cour-
teous staff is always avail-
able to assist you.
ISSAonline.com
Enroll online on our secure
website. Access study materi-
als, online resources, and
technical support as soon as
you submit your application!
ISSA
1015 Mark Avenue
Carpinteria, CA 93013
Your course materials will
arrive within 5 business days of
application processing.
(805) 745-8119
We will process your applica-
tion as soon as we receive it.
Your course materials will
arrive within 5 business days
of application processing.

International Sports Sciences Association 800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com

 Creating a Stronger,
Healthier World

International Sports Sciences Association

Celebrating 20 Years of Fitness Education and Certification

1.800.892.4772 • ISSAonline.com
1015 Mark Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013 • 1.805.745.8111 International Sports Sciences Association