VASA Fitness Partners With ISSA to Build Internal Personal Trainer Pipeline
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
VASA Fitness is creating a new pathway for existing employees to become certified personal trainers as the gym operator continues to expand its club network.
The company has partnered with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) to launch its Trainer in Training Program, which will sponsor up to 150 ISSA Personal Trainer certifications each year for eligible VASA team members.
The program launches this month and is designed to move employees from education into coaching roles within VASA. Participants will complete ISSA’s personal training curriculum and will have opportunities to apply what they learn through hands-on coaching within VASA clubs.
For VASA, the initiative also creates an internal source of certified trainers as the company adds locations and grows its personal training business. Rather than relying exclusively on external recruitment, the operator can identify employees already working within its clubs who are interested in moving into fitness careers.
"At VASA, we're committed to creating opportunities for our people to learn, grow and build meaningful careers," said Michael Osanloo, CEO of VASA Fitness. "The Trainer in Training Program is an investment in our team members and in the members they serve every day. By partnering with ISSA to provide access to industry-leading education and certification, we're helping passionate individuals become exceptional coaches while strengthening the experience our members can expect at every VASA club. That's how we continue building a stronger company—by investing in people first."
The program comes as staffing, trainer development and career longevity remain important considerations for fitness operators. Building talent internally can provide another recruitment channel while giving existing employees a defined route into personal training.
"Our members place tremendous trust in our Personal Trainers to guide them through some of the most important health journeys of their lives," said Chris Griebe, COO at VASA Fitness. "By creating more opportunities for our team members to earn nationally recognized credentials and build rewarding careers, we're investing in both exceptional people and exceptional member experiences."
ISSA will provide the education and certification component of the program, while VASA will provide the pathway into practical coaching roles within its clubs.
According to ISSA, the initiative will initially focus on upskilling front desk managers, creating an opportunity for employees already familiar with VASA’s operations and members to transition into personal training.
"VASA Fitness understands that the future of fitness relies on investing in people. By upskilling 150 Front Desk Managers through ISSA, VASA is tackling industry staffing needs head-on by nurturing talent from within," said Kurt Mangum II, ISSA's VP of Strategic Partnerships. "As VASA's preferred education partner, we are proud to provide the career pathways and training that help fast-growing health clubs scale their workforce alongside their business."
VASA expects to sponsor up to 150 certifications annually through the program, making the initiative part of both its employee development strategy and its approach to building the personal training workforce needed to support future club growth.
