AFPA

Deciding to become a health coach is a significant investment of your time, energy, and financial resources. It’s important to make the education you receive actually prepares you for the realities of the job. Whether you are looking for health coaching jobs in a clinical setting or planning to launch a private practice, the quality of your training matters.  To help you navigate this […] The pos…

“What set me apart over 20+ years as a trainer and business owner was my commitment to keep learning. Education made me a better coach, a stronger leader, and a more trusted professional. If you want to grow your impact, serve clients at a higher level, and stand out in a crowded field, invest in your development every step of the way.” – Diane Vives, M.S., AFPA Senior Director In the health and …

Every five years, the federal government releases updated dietary guidelines for Americans based on the latest available evidence. These guidelines shape national nutrition policy, school meal programs, public health initiatives, healthcare recommendations, and food assistance programs across the country. The new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans introduce what the report calls a “signif…

Walk into any gym and you will see it. The fittest person in the room often draws attention. Defined muscles, impressive lifts, a list of personal records that turn heads. It is easy to assume that those accomplishments automatically make someone an exceptional personal trainer. But clients don’t hire you to admire your achievements, they hire you to change their lives. As a trainer, it is not yo…

Few life stages are as transformative as pregnancy and postpartum recovery. For fitness professionals, earning a pre and postnatal fitness certification is not only a meaningful way to support clients during this pivotal time, but also a specialization that can open doors you may not have considered. Here are seven ways a pre and postnatal fitness certification can advance your career in the fitn…

Supporting clients through nutrition and lifestyle change is meaningful, impactful work. It is also work that comes with responsibility. As a nutrition professional or health coach, your role is not to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Your role is to educate, guide, and support behavior change within a clearly defined scope of practice. When done well, this type of non-MNT work can be just as tr…

A lot of AFPA students and grads have incredible knowledge, real client wins, and a passion to impact more people. What they don’t always have is a simple way to turn that value into something clients can use again and again, even outside of sessions. That’s where publishing can be powerful, not as a huge life goal, but as a practical way to support people, build credibility, and extend your impa…

Most people who decide to improve their eating habits are not looking for a complicated plan, a rigid set of rules, or a short burst of motivation. They are looking for something more meaningful. They want guidance that sees the full picture of their health and treats food as one part of a much larger landscape. They want support that feels human and relatable rather than prescriptive. “Most peop…

Seasonality shapes nearly every profession and health coaching is no exception. Farmers plan their entire year around growing seasons. Accountants feel the intensity of tax season. Retailers depend on the holiday rush. In the health and wellness industry, the New Year is our most significant season. For those who want to become a health coach, January provides both momentum and clarity. You have …

As we move into 2026, the nutrition landscape is evolving in ways that feel both exciting and empowering. The future of food is grounded in a more balanced and thoughtful understanding of how what we eat influences how we feel, how we age, and how we show up for our daily lives. Many people are realizing that health is not built on restriction or perfection but on daily choices that nourish the b…

The Rising Standard in Holistic Health and Coaching Health coaching is having a moment, but not because it is trendy. It is because integrative and functional practitioners have realized what has long been an issue. A brilliant care plan does not change anyone’s life if the person receiving it cannot follow it. Clients want root-cause care. Providers want better outcomes. The missing link is a co…

Why Habits Matter More Than Willpower  When most people think about changing their nutrition, they picture overhauling their diet overnight. Strict meal plans and rigid rules often feel like the fastest way to see results. Yet these approaches rarely last because issue is not a lack of motivation but the unsustainable nature of drastic dietary changes.  When it comes […] The post Habit-Based Nutr…

If you are a certified fitness, nutrition, or health coaching professional, you already know how valuable continuing education (CE) is to your success. It keeps your knowledge sharp, your skills relevant, and your confidence strong. Yet even for the most dedicated wellness professionals, staying on top of CE requirements can feel overwhelming. Between work, clients, […] The post How to Plan a Yea…

When you became certified as a health coach, fitness professional, or nutrition coach, you took the first step toward a career built on helping others live better. But maintaining that certification (and staying relevant in a dynamic industry) requires more than just passion. It requires continual learning that fuels your growth, sharpens your skills, and […] The post How AFPA’s CE Advantage Can …

Why These Four Lifts Matter for Every Client  In kettlebell training, there are dozens of movements, but only a handful that form the true foundation. The clean, press, squat, and snatch are those essentials. When clients master these four lifts, they gain access to safer, stronger, and more effective training. These lifts not only build […] The post 4 Kettlebell Exercises Clients Should Master a…

Great coaches are also great learners. The most effective coaches never stop learning. Whether you are supporting someone through a fitness transformation, guiding a client toward healthier eating habits, or helping them navigate stress and life changes, your success as a coach depends on your ability to keep growing. That growth does not only happen […] The post 8 Books to Help You Become a Bett…

Continuing Education for the Modern Nutrition Coach  The nutrition field is evolving faster than ever. In just the past few years, research has reshaped how we view carbohydrates, dietary fat, gut health, and even alcohol and wellness. Clients are asking more informed questions, trends come and go in the blink of an eye, and wellness […] The post Best Continuing Education Courses for Nutrition Co…

During the last 31+ years, AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition, and fitness professionals. We regularly feature distinguished and new graduates who are using what they have learned to inspire others and make a difference.  Meet one of our featured graduates, Terri Scrivano. Terri has earned her Pilates Instructor Certification from AFPA. Meet AFPA Graduate […] The post AFPA Graduate…

The Start of a New School Year: An Opportunity for Wellness  For many families, the back-to-school season feels like a whirlwind. The slower pace of summer quickly gives way to packed schedules, early mornings, homework deadlines, sports practices, and after-school activities. It’s easy for healthy habits to slip when everyone is trying to keep up.  […] The post How to Build a Back-to-School Well…

If you’re passionate about health and helping others thrive, but you’re not interested in spending years in medical school, you’re not alone. More people than ever are stepping into meaningful, impactful wellness careers that don’t require an MD, RN, or NP after your name.  The wellness industry is booming. As people seek out holistic, preventive, […] The post 10 Wellness Careers You Can Start Wi…