The Private Trainers Association (PTA) was established in 1980 by former Mr. USA, Joe Antouri. After more than a quarter century in the world of fitness as a competitor, personal trainer, and a nutritional counselor, he created an organization consisting entirely of IFBB professionals-- the educational and practical pioneers of training and nutrition-to examine, test, and certify the fitness industry’s elite personal trainers.

The PTA offers certification programs for personal trainers, nutrition specialist, Olympic weight lifting coaches, dance & fitness instructors, and youth and health fitness coaches. The PTA is a World Wide organization recognized as the leader in fitness accreditation, conducting on-going educational seminars all over the world, updating members on the latest industry and educationally relevant information.

The certification program features cutting-edge information with a curriculum that includes human anatomy, physiology, chemistry, kinesiology, microbiology, nutritional science and diet therapy, sport medicine, all aspects of weight training, strength training, and specialty education in the elderly, eating disorders, injury rehabilitation, and medical conditions. The PTA text book is recognized World Wide as the most complete, university level informative reference source, and is updated regularly.