News
By Jason O'Dell · 2026-10-01
On Oct 1, 2026, Gold's Gym and NASM announced that the NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential is now the official certification for the Gold's Standard Personal Trainer program at company-owned Gold's locations. If you work for a chain or might, this shows that your certifications and specializations can decide how you move up.
On Oct 1, 2026, Gold's Gym and NASM announced a partnership. The NASM Certified Personal Trainer credential is now the official certification for the Gold's Standard Personal Trainer program at company-owned Gold's locations. NASM's ClubConnect PRO platform is also part of the deal, and it brings education and trainer-client engagement tools to those trainers.
The part that matters most is the leveling system. NASM certifications and specializations are built into how Gold's levels its trainers, so they count toward advancement. The NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach specialization is a standard advanced credential in that path. This announcement covers company-owned locations, so it does not automatically apply to every Gold's gym.
For you, the lesson is bigger than one brand. Big chains are tying trainer levels to specific certifications and specializations. If you work at a gym with a leveling system, your credentials may shape your path as much as your client results do. If you are independent, it is a useful signal of which credentials large employers are choosing to recognize.
This week, find out how your gym or the one you want to join levels its trainers. Ask which certifications and specializations count, and write down which ones you already hold. If you work at a company-owned Gold's, ask your manager how this change affects your level before you spend money on a new credential.
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