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NASM and Branford Hall Launch New Fitness Training Program

The Global Leader in Health and Fitness Education and the Nation's Fastest Growing Career-Training Organization Join Forces to Create New Hands-On Professional Fitness Training Program

Today the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Branford Hall announced a strategic academic partnership to deliver the top health and fitness curriculum and training methodology in a hands-on, classroom setting to individuals seeking to become a personal fitness trainer.

"True to our mission of providing students with a solid educational foundation, our goal is to create the premier fitness training school allowing for a hands-on educational experience," said Paul Ferrise, Senior Regional Vice President of Premier Education Group, parent company of Branford Hall. "To achieve this objective we knew it was critical to align ourselves with the fitness certification program that would best prepare our students for a successful career as a professional fitness trainer. The best partner for us was NASM."

Founded in 1987, NASM is a global leader in personal training certification, sports performance training, and injury prevention and recovery. Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the NASM CPT certification is the preferred choice of top health clubs throughout the world. NASM also serves as the official education provider of the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association (NBATA), and for over 20 years has rehabilitated, reconditioned and trained professional and amateur elite athletes alike.

NASM's position as the industry's most demanded personal fitness certification reflects the vision of Dr. Micheal A. Clark, CEO, and creator of the Optimum Performance Training(TM) (OPT) method used by thousands of health and fitness professionals worldwide. Also serving as the team physical therapist to the NBA's Phoenix Suns, Clark was selected by Men's Health magazine as the top visionary to shape the future of the health and fitness industry.

"I am impressed with the depth of Branford Hall's curriculum as well as their balanced approach to fitness training education," said Dr. Clark. "The blending of classroom education with hands-on lab work prepares professionals for not only NASM's personal trainer certification exam, but for a lifelong career in fitness."

In April, Branford Hall rolled out the Professional Fitness Trainer program under the leadership of David Pettrone Swalve, Premier Education Group's Professional Fitness National Director, on four campuses in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Branford Hall's flagship Professional Fitness Trainer program is designed to prepare students through an instructor-led learning environment that blends both classroom and hands-on training.

Students who complete the 38-week program are prepared to perform the following responsibilities of a personal trainer:

--  Conducting accurate fitness assessments
--  Recruiting and retaining clients
--  Developing evidence-based exercise programs
--  Teaching and demonstrating proper workout techniques
--  Empowering, challenging, and motivating clients toward improved
    quality of life
    

Upon successful completion of the program and the passing of the NASM CPT examination, graduates will have the opportunity to pursue flexible, exciting and financially rewarding careers in one of the following settings: multi-purpose health clubs, corporate fitness centers, independent business operators, community centers, and more.

"The rich history and track record of Branford Hall speaks volumes to the potential of their new professional fitness training program," said Clark. "The combination of NASM's expertise in fitness and Branford Hall's expertise in education creates a powerful partnership that will provide a better professional to the fitness industry."

Students interested in becoming a NASM certified personal trainer at one of the four Branford Hall campus locations throughout Massachusetts or Connecticut should contact 1.800.959.7599 or visit www.branfordhall.edu.

Academic Institutions interested in learning more about integrating the NASM curriculum and certification exam into an existing or new fitness training program should contact the NASM Academic Advisory Team at 1.800.460.NASM (6276) x238 or visit www.nasm.org/academic.

About Branford Hall:

As one of the nation's fastest growing privately owned career-training organizations, Branford Hall offers professional career-focused education at 22 campuses throughout the Northeastern United States, from Maine to Delaware. In each of its campuses, Branford Hall is committed to providing students with the necessary skills and attitudes to secure employment in their field of training. Through the combination of professional faculty, focused support services, and modern, well-equipped facilities, Branford Hall strives to foster pride, dignity, and self-respect in its student body. Branford Hall provides students with a solid educational foundation with which to build their future professional development. For more information, visit www.branfordhall-us.com.

About NASM:

Since 1987, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has been a global leader in providing evidence-based certifications and advanced credentials to health and fitness professionals. In addition to its NCCA-accredited fitness Certified Personal Trainer certification, NASM also offers a progressive career track with access to advanced specializations, continuing education courses, and accredited Bachelor's and Master's Degree programs. The NASM educational continuum is designed to help today's health and fitness professionals enhance their careers while empowering their clients to live healthier lives. For more information, call 1.800.460.NASM (6276) or visit www.nasm.org.