Certifications & Credentials

Darla O’Brien maintains more than a dozen nationally accredited certifications for personal fitness training. Here is information about each of those institutions:

Cooper Institute

Cooper Institute, Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT)

A non-profit research and education center, The Cooper Institute was established by Dr. Kenneth Cooper. Also known as the “father of aerobics”, Dr. Cooper is responsible for pioneering the benefits of aerobic exercise as a means of maintaining personal health.

ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine Certifications

Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, ACSM/American Cancer Society 2012-Present

Certified Exercise Physiologist, 2011-Present

Certified Personal Trainer, 2011-Present

Certified Group Exercise Leader, 1997-Present

Since 1954, ACSM has worked to become one of the most respected names in sports medicine and the science of exercise. With tens of thousands of certified professionals and members representing scores of professions within the industry, ACSM offers a complete education in the field.

ACE – American Council on Exercise Certifications

Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, ACE 2011-Present

Certified Personal Trainer, ACE 2011-Present

A non-profit entity, ACE has been committed to advancing the health and wellness of Americans through science-driven fitness research since 1985. Among the most trusted names in health and fitness research and education, ACE has certified more than 50,000 professionals nationwide.

NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine Certifications

Certified Weight Loss Specialist, 2014-Present

Fitness Nutrition Specialist, 2014-Present

Certified Women’s Fitness Specialist, 2014-Present

Youth Exercise Specialist, 2014-Present

Performance Enhancement Specialist, 2014-Present

Senior Fitness Specialist, 2014-Present

Corrective Exercise Specialist, 2014-Present

Certified Personal Trainer, 2014-Present

Established 1987, NASM has grown to an impressive 100,000 members. Through independent research and training, NASM promotes knowledgeable and effective health and exercise professionals. The NASM Certified Personal Trainer certification, its oldest, has become the standard in the fitness industry.

Other NCCA Accredited Certifications

NSCA – National Strength and Conditioning Association

Certified Personal Trainer, 2014-Present

NFPT – National Foundation of Professional Trainers
Certified Personal Trainer, 2010-Present

AFAA – Athletics and Fitness Association of America

Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, 2009-Present

FiTOUR™ Educator/Instructor/Personal Trainer 2009-Present

Master Member, IDEA