Our History
Founded in 1977 by Michael Wollman, the National Exercise Trainer Association (NETA) is a non-profit organization and recognized leader in the health and fitness industry. Originally introduced as the National Dance-Exercise Instructors Training Association (NDEITA), the organization officially changed its name in 2004 to reflect the comprehensive scope of the professional programs we offer. Over the course nearly four decades, NETA has provided career education, training and certification to more than 130,000 fitness professionals and our credentials are now recognized by over 18,000 fitness facilities nationwide.
Today, NETA’s Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer certifications are both accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). In fact, NETA is proud to be one of just two organizations that have earned NCCA-accreditation for its Group Exercise Instructor certification. This recognition is just another example of our continuing commitment to advance the professional potential of every client and the fitness industry as a whole.
Our Vision
...is to help our society achieve optimal health facilitated by access to and guidance from a network of well-qualified fitness professionals.
Our Mission
...is to support and inspire the development of well-qualified fitness professionals through the delivery of high-quality educational programs incorporating evidence-based research and practical application. We are committed to guiding fitness professionals throughout their careers by offering affordable, accessible educational opportunities.
Specialty Certification
NETA specialty certifications help you develop superior expertise in specialized disciplines while also providing continuing education credits (CEC) approved by NETA, ACE, AFAA and NASM.
Our intensive, two-day Yoga Foundations workshop provides hands-on experience in teaching beginner yoga formats through a breakdown of 20 poses focused on alignment, safety, variations and breathing techniques. In addition to the basics of class formatting, you’ll discuss yoga history through exploration of the 8 limbs, learn the anatomy and physiology of the nervous and respiratory systems, as well as discover ways to encourage and motivate your participants through verbal refinements and inclusive cuing. This certification will provide two sample beginning yoga classes as well as time for practice under the supervision of an experienced yoga teacher.
Pilates Reformer Specialty CertificationThis progressive course examines the many aspects of Pilates Reformer and teaches you how to safely guide participants through a total body workout. NETA’s Pilates Mat principles will also be reviewed and Reformer-specific exercises will be introduced. You’ll gain both knowledge and skills through classroom instruction, observation, exercises and hands-on participation to achieve a 360 view into the world of Pilates Reformer.