Carter Collins started teaching group fitness classes in college while pursuing her nursing degree. As time went on, she looked forward more and more to teaching class. She recognized it brought her joy and happiness. That passion and experience expanded her mindset.
“I realized I had a unique opportunity to bridge my knowledge of the human body with the fitness world and contribute a science-backed perspective to fuel my passion for total wellness,” said Collins.
As such, Collins started to develop programming for several large fitness club chains — and she still does for local organization Fuel Fitness. However, her belief in easy and affordable access to quality certifications with current science-backed fitness trends soon led her to purchase the International Fitness Trainers Association (IFTA) alongside Shawn Stewart.
IFTA was established in 1993 by co-founders Greg Sims and Jeff Borden. In September 2022, Collins and Stewart partnered to acquire IFTA. They’ve continued its legacy as a full-service program for certifying and developing top trainers and instructors ever since.
Driving the Mission of IFTA
“Our mission is to provide potential instructors and trainers with the basic education and practical skills necessary to become qualified fitness leaders,” explained Collins. “IFTA also provides certified fitness leaders, trainers and instructors with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance the professionalism of their existing programs.”
Collins elaborated IFTA’s desire to serve instructors and trainers by providing the tools needed to develop all components of fitness and wellness. They’re passionate about learning that leads to both certification and helping instructors stay current.
In fact, Collins shared the relationships she gets to build through IFTA are a big motivator for her. It’s one reason why in-person options are still key to IFTA. “I love the hands-on piece to our training that allows our members to put what they learn in a certification into practice,” she said.
IFTA has a presence not only in all 50 U.S. states but also 20 different countries worldwide. As a U.S. federal governent fully-verified and approved certification body, over 90,000 certifications have been delivered during IFTA’s 31 years. In fact, the association has over 20,000 members across the globe. “Our community is truly a community – not just take a certification and be finished,” said Collins.
Partnering with and Empowering Professionals
Embodied within those stats is campus recreation. Collins shared they enjoy relationships with Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem State University. She also noted one of the biggest benefits to campus rec industry specifically is IFTA’s ability to come to campus to train instructors with a hands-on experience. “We believe in the power of the group, and that learning by doing is the best way to be successful,” said Collins. “We also offer completely online or virtual alternatives, as we recognize in person is not always possible.”
And like those in higher ed, IFTA believes in lifelong learning. Collins said it’s with this mindset — and the idea of healthy choices impact one’s overall well-being — IFTA charges ahead. “We believe in fitness as a means to total wellness, but that all body systems work together, and not independently,” she said. “We believe access to nutrition, mental health resources and other learning opportunities are what will ultimately deliver the most success to our instructors, trainers and coaches, and those who they serve.”
Adapting to Campus Rec’s Needs
Plus, it’s IFTA’s desire to offer the very best quality at every turn. This means hands-on is preferred. “Certifying bodies are changing the way they think,” said Collins. “As other companies are restructuring, IFTA is proud to still offer in-person options for the practical piece of all of our trainings at an affordable price tag. We’re easily able to mold and adapt our pricing structure for college and university students, and are able to partner with curriculums to offer personal training or group fitness certifications upon completion of coursework.”
Ultimately, Collins and IFTA look to be an affordable, adaptable alternative in this day and age. With inclusion and quality at every turn, they’re working daily to make their mark and achieve what they set out to do — and that’s to deliver the tools to create the best instructors, trainers and coaches in the industry.
