The global certification giant will serve as Cult.fit’s exclusive certified personal trainer education provider, capitalizing on India’s fitness boom
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is cementing its influence in South Asia, announcing a multiyear partnership with India’s largest fitness brand, Cult.fit, to serve as its exclusive provider of certified personal trainer education.
Through the collaboration, ISSA will deliver CPT education as well as information about advanced fitness specializations — including GLP-1 weight-loss support training — to Cult.fit trainers across India.
ISSA is ingratiating itself in a booming fitness industry in India, as it experiences rapid growth and market revenue projected to more than double by 2030. Despite that, fewer than one percent of Indians currently participate in organized fitness, with the demand for qualified fitness professionals rising as interest in exercise does.
The partnership is meant to establish a single, evidence-based education framework across Cult.fit’s extensive footprint, which spans physical fitness centers, digital workouts, nutrition support and wellness services across India.
“India is at an inflection point for fitness and health,” said ISSA CEO Warren Heffelfinger.
“As weight management becomes more complex and more connected to metabolic science, the role of the fitness professional must evolve,” he added. “This partnership with Cult.fit allows us to deliver globally recognized, science-backed education at scale, starting with Certified Personal Trainer certification and extending into advanced areas like GLP-1 support.”
As the partnership rolls out across India, 750 Cult.fit trainers will complete ISSA’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training program, which provides science-backed education in metabolic health, GLP-1 medications and responsible client coaching as the fitness industry continues being reshaped by the medications.
Its new weight-loss focused curriculum focuses on applied exercise science, client communication and evidence-based coaching strategies geared to support clients using the GLP-1 drugs.
“This collaboration is about the future of the fitness professional,” said Cult.fit COO Mutjabha Magrey. “By aligning with ISSA, we’re investing in our trainers, our members, and the long-term integrity of fitness education in India.”
ISSA has continued expanding its role as a pivotal provider of personal trainer certifications and education globally, recently partnering with 24 Hour Fitness in an initiative requiring all of the operator’s general managers to complete its CPT certification.
This year, ISSA also announced its Global Summit, a four-day virtual event aimed at uniting fitness professionals, students, educators and industry partners from its network spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Set for June 9–12, 2026, ISSA’s inaugural summit marks a significant milestone for the Phoenix-based fitness certification giant, as it brings a centralized digital hub for continuing education, career advancement and industry networking at scale.
