NEWS RELEASE
Functional Aging Institute Latest Company To Join AFS
(OAKLAND, CA, WEST LAFAYETTE, IN, August 29, 2016) – The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) today proudly announced and welcomed the addition of the Functional Aging Institute (FAI) to its membership and sponsorship ranks.
With a focus on training and programming for the senior market, FAI works with fitness professionals and studios to help them safely and effectively access the 80 million Baby Boomers (with an additional 10,000 people turning 65 every day). 
“The senior market is a huge, still relatively untapped market,” said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO. “FAI’s programming is a natural fit for AFS – both for our studio and fitpro members. The key is knowing how to truly help seniors and appropriately applying that knowledge and FAI brings those important components to the table.”
FAI offers opportunities, certification, and several unique programs for instructors to enhance their careers, as well as for studio owners to add senior programming to their client offerings. These concepts will find a warm reception among AFS members.
"The growing older adult population has unique functional needs and goals," said Cody Sipe, PhD, co-founder and vice president of FAI. "They are looking for trainers who understand how to train them safely and effectively so that they can continue to enjoy doing all of the things they love to do for as long as possible."
FAI provides great opportunity for fitness professionals to become more effective and confident in dealing with older clients, which by its very nature will make them better trainers and allow them to apply this specialty to enhance their business and client base.
The FAI Functional Aging Specialist certification program is delivered in multiple formats including online and downloadable manuals, videos and audio files so trainers can learn in the way that suits them the best. Real-life case studies and examples are included to help you fully understand and apply the information. CEUs and CECs are also available from the leading fitness certifying bodies.
In addition to educational programs on exercise training FAI teaches trainers how to grow their business with older clients through unique marketing and sales strategies.
“It’s critical for trainers and studio owner to better understand the priorities and goals of the senior population,” said Sipe. “We will show both groups how to leverage the use of 1-1, small group, and large group settings to improve function, client satisfaction and their bottom line.”
With and for AFS, FAI will develop a content development program that addresses the issues of seniors and how to design appropriate programs and market those programs in their local communities.
“We see FAI as a huge resource in an incredibly important market segment,” said Leve. “We look forward to working with Cody and his team to develop the program as a win/win scenario for all parties.”
For more information on the Functional Aging Institute: https://www.functionalagingin
About AFS
The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS) is the only membership community dedicated solely to the business of fitness studios. AFS provides studio owners and developers a wide array of business-specific products, services, and benefits that enable them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses, building on the passion, compassion and courage they’ve already shown. www.afsfitness.com
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