The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) have established a collaborative partnership. The organizations have completed and executed a Master Services Agreement to endorse and enhance professional certification credentials and educational programming for Certified Personal Trainers and Clinical Exercise Physiologists in North America.
The partnership aims to solidify ACSM and CSEP as leaders in medical fitness, exercise science, physiology, and personal training. It allows professional members from both organizations to transfer certifications across the border and introduces ACSM-endorsed content in Canada and CSEP-endorsed content in the United States.
Approximately 60% of Americans and Canadians live with at least one chronic disease. Qualified Exercise Professionals can play a cost-effective role in reducing and managing the risks of disease through exercise therapy. This includes conditions like cardiac disease, diabetes, cancer, brain health, obesity, neurological disorders, and muscular dysfunction. The World Health Organization estimates that physical inactivity-related noncommunicable diseases cost $27 billion annually.
ACSM and CSEP Qualified Exercise Professionals lead interventional programs such as Exercise is Medicine®, which effectively support the achievement of healthy physical activity targets and the prevention and management of chronic disease.
The partnership has been met with excitement from both organizations. Zac Weston, CEO of CSEP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the opportunity to support the educational needs of members and solidify leadership in medical fitness, exercise science, and personal training. Kristin Belleson, CEO of ACSM, views the partnership as an opportunity to enrich lives through the science of exercise and equip fitness professionals across North America with necessary education and resources.
ACSM, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with over 50,000 members. CSEP has approximately 5,000 professionals in Canada, working with a range of clients, from those with chronic health conditions to Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
The partnership between CSEP and ACSM is a significant development in the field of exercise science and sports medicine. It enhances the professional certification credentials and educational programming available to Certified Personal Trainers and Clinical Exercise Physiologists in North America. With a joint focus on medical fitness, exercise science, physiology, and personal training, the collaboration aims to support the prevention and management of chronic disease and optimize the health and athletic performance of all Canadians and Americans through exercise.
