AFAA, Chandler, Arizona, has a new name.
Formerly known as the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), AFAA is now the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. The 33-year-old fitness instructor certification organization announced the rebranding on Wednesday. The new name and logo are showcased at the IDEA World Fitness & Nutrition Expo in Los Angeles this week.
“The word ‘aerobics’ can conjure images of leotards and bright colored legwarmers, which – much as I may love the look – doesn’t necessarily speak to the next generation,” Andrew Wyant, president and general manager, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), said in a statement. NASM is the parent organization of AFAA.
“The ways people choose to get in shape today go well beyond the vision of classic aerobics classes. The ‘new AFAA’ represents our commitment to deliver the highest level of training, certification and career development in a wider array of disciplines,” he added.
Since 1983, AFAA has issued more than 350,000 certifications in 73 countries. Its certified programs include personal trainer, group exercise instructor, kickboxing, step and other continuing education programs. The organization provides instructors and trainers with the practical skills, science and hands-on experience necessary for effective group leaders and trainers to motivate and inspire others to move toward healthier and more happy lives.
“This is not just substituting the word ‘Athletics’ for ‘Aerobics’ in our name," Wyant said. "This demonstrates the vision AFAA has for a future in fitness that includes so many more activities than aerobics classes...While our heritage is firmly rooted in aerobics, AFAA encompasses far more. It’s a new day, and AFAA is the future of group exercise."
The rebranding follows NASM's acquisition of AFAA in August 2015.
NASM, which is part of Ascend Learning, provides certifications and advanced specializations for certified personal trainers, including a career track with access to continuing education units. Its specializations include corrective exercise specialist, fitness nutrition specialist and performance enhancement specialist.