Favorite Links

Aerobics & Fitness Association of America - AFAA - certifies exercise instructors and personal trainers for health clubs, studios, & gyms.

American Council on Exercise - ACE - non-profit organization has info on the certification of fitness professionals, plus educational materials about fitness, exercise and nutrition. Includes ACE FITness FACTS FAQ

American College of Sports Medicine - ACSM - the largest, most respected sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, promoting and integrating scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.

International Association of Fitness Professionals - IDEA - provides education, professional development, leadership and worldwide recognition for instructors, personal trainers, directors and business owners to ensure their success and build participation in safe, effective fitness and healthy lifestyle programs.

National Athletic Trainer's Association - NATA - nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of athletes, provides a variety of services to its membership including continuing education, governmental affairs, and public relations.
National Strength & Conditioning Association - NSCA, as a non-profit worldwide authority on strength and conditioning for improved physical performance, creates and disseminates related knowledge and enhances the careers of its members

American Association of Retired Persons
Take Charge of Your Weight Through Exercise and Healthy Eating

American Running Association- founded in 1968 as the National Jogging Association, provides information and support programs for people interested in running as a practical way of achieving physical fitness. The association offers its members information, literature, discounts on exercise books, software, and rehab products, and medical advice on exercise-related problems.

Aquatic Exercise Association
The Aquatic Exercise Association is a non-profit organization committed to increasing the healthy life span for individuals through education ad participation in safe and effective aquatic exercise programs. The AEA REsearch Committee is dedicated to reviewing and reporting on all findings in aquatic fitness. The Committee provides many services including research references, resources, bibliographies and case study planning for all aspects of research. The AEA is recognized internationally with Certified Instructors in over 35 countries

Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation, established in 1948, is a nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to supporting research and education concerning the causes, prevention, and cures of all forms of arthritis. The local chapters offer a comprehensive spectrum of services to people with arthritis and their families, medical professionals, and the general public.

HCF Nutrition Research Foundation, Inc.
The HCF Nutrition Research Foundation is a non-profit, public foundation founded in l979. HCF promotes nutrition as a choice for better health, as well as advocating a healthful lifestyle which includes regular exercise, not smoking, and stress management. An HCF Nutrition Plan helps in the prevention and treatment of conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and cancer by increasing fiber in the diet. The Foundation disseminates information through seminars, public forums, and personal contacts.

National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

(NCPAD) encourages persons with disabilities to engage in regular physical activity so as to maintain good health and prevent the development of secondary conditions. NCPAD disseminates research on physical activity and disability for persons with disabilities, fitness and exercise professionals, health professionals, and researchers through its web site searchable database of adapted physical activity programs by state, adapted equipment vendors, and conferences, as well as references to journal articles, books, newsletters, and Internet resources. NCPAD produces fact sheets and monographs on disabilities, physical activity, and adapted sports, and is currently developing exercise modules which will allow web site visitors to customize a fitness regime according to a disabling condition and their preferences for aerobic, flexibility, or strength training.

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Physical Activity and Weight Control

Summary: Health Benefits of Physical Activity? weight loss and weight maintenance. accumulate 30 minutes or more of physical activity per day.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse

The Clearinghouse distributes National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Skin Diseases publications and also maintains a file in the Combined Health Information Database (CHID), publicly accessible on the Internet. Materials indexed in CHID include books, pamphlets, journal articles, and audiovisuals. Personal information requests from patients are fulfilled by Information Specialists and referred to other appropriate organizations for additional information.

National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health

The Institute provides for the study of biomedical, psychological, social, educational, and economic aspects of aging through in-house research conducted at its Gerontology Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland, and through grant support of extramural and collaborative research programs at universities, hospitals, medical centers, and nonprofit institutions throughout the country. NIA also provides support to institutions training scientists for research careers in aging.

President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports serves as an advisory body to the President and Secretary of Health and Human Services on matters involving physical activity, fitness, and sports that enhance and improve health. It encourages regular participation in sports and physical activities for people of all ages and abilities. The Council coordinates several national programs that encourage improved physical fitness including The President's Challenge, the Presidential Sports Awards, and each May, National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. The Council works with its partners in education, business, and government to develop and promote quality programs for individuals, institutions, and organizations.

YMCA of the USA

The National Council of Young Men's Christian Associations of the United States of America, (The YMCA of the USA), is actively involved in improving spiritual, mental, and physical health through its over 2,000 local member associations. YMCA fitness and health programs are based on preventive health care activities designed to head off heart disease, stroke, and other afflictions before they begin to develop. Prevention programs designed for people of all ages include fitness testing, aerobic conditioning, health education, individual and group fitness regimens, and weight management. Programs geared to children in kindergarten through grade nine combine exercise with educational activities which teach cardiovascular health concepts. Prevention programs for adults offer fitness assessment and development of individualized programs for exercise and conditioning. Intervention programs include a program designed to prevent back pain and educational and rehabilitation programs for cardiac patients. Certification programs are offered for health and fitness instructors. The YMCAs provide a variety of brochures dealing with such issues as physical fitness and health education. Local YMCAs publish flyers announcing their health and fitness programs.  

Your online resource for Curves
Guide to resources for Curves, including equipment, exercises, and dieting.