Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are the people behind the scenes of many personal training certification companies and industry associations. They volunteer their time and knowledge to provide science, experience, and credibility to exam development and the final exam of the certification company. This is no different at NFPT, a family business.
Why do they do it? For the connection with other like-minded people, to have a voice in the industry, and because they like leading the way.
It’s an honor to be an SME. I’ve been fortunate to represent several companies over the years. I’m fairly new to the NFPT family, but have quickly learned how unique they are. They’re family-owned and operated, which was appealing to me when I was invited to come on board. It’s a volunteer position, so it’s important to be part of a mission you believe in.
I asked some of the other SMEs about their reason for being associated with NFPT when there are many other options out there and I found out I was in good company.
Here’s what the NFPT SME’s had to say:
Matt Hirschberg, partner and COO of Body Renew Fitness says that “NFPT provides a good foundation of knowledge in an easy to understand format without overwhelming them. The NFPT CPT program is my recommended certification for entry level trainers to pursue. What makes NFPT different is how effective it is in giving trainers a good foundation of knowledge in an easy to understand format without overwhelming them. Beyond certification, the NFPT gives trainers an amazing yet cost effective platform to grow and expand their expertise.”
Keeping it simple seems to be a theme for NFPT. “I’m excited about our programs success in helping the entry level trainer get started on the right path. It is our passion to educate trainers of all levels and guide them through their education process. NFPT created a board of education to ensure that all material was beyond the industry standard”, says Charles Defrancesco, Director of Continuing Education and Chairman of Science Board for NFPT.
Frank Campitelli, co-CEO of Nitroforce Industries reminds us that training is about building your body. “NFPT was founded by a bodybuilder after all”, he says. Frank likes that NFPT sticks to that simple concept and preparing professionals to help people with that mission. These days personal trainers are often expected to do much more than what they’re trained for. They become a “jack of all trades, master of none.” Some of the best personal trainers are strong (no pun intended) in the foundations of resistance training and don’t get pulled in too many other directions.
Sam Davis is a fitness instructor in Southern California and likes that NFPT keeps their language simple and easy to understand for the newest personal trainer. He also says, “The company treats each trainer like a person instead of a number or dollar amount. When a person calls, they will actually talk to a person and not an automated recording system. I find the staff at NFPT to be passionate about the certification. They empower each candidate with the foundations that they need.”
Joseph Reza, RD, CPT, CHC agrees with Sam and believes that each personal trainer means something to the organization. This seems to be true of the trainers, staff and SME’s. In my experience, the NFPT executives treat others the way they want to be treated.
“The people you don’t see…but make the NFPT great are all dedicated, kind, honest and reliable.” is what Debrae Barensfeld, co-CEO of Nitroforce Industries really likes about the company.
There you have it, The National Federation of Professional Trainers is healthy on the inside and outside! Something we all aspire to. Their company is smaller than some others, allowing them to focus on each trainer’s needs. “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” is my best shot at describing the way NFPT operates. They focus on hiring the right people and only move forward on projects if the lights are all green. I admire that about them.
Read more about NFPT’s “family philosophy” here.
P.S. NFPT was inducted to the National Fitness Hall of Fame this year.
Congrats NFPT, you earned it! Keep up the good work.
