AAAI/ISMA Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics is effective October 1, 2025

Purpose
The mission of AAAI/ISMA is to support the health, fitness, well-being and safety of the people
we serve. Every certified professional is expected to act with honesty, respect, and
professionalism. These standards are here to guide behavior in daily practice and to protect
clients, the public, and the reputation of the fitness field.

Responsibilities of AAAI/ISMA Professionals
1. Safety and Quality of Service

  • Provide safe, effective, and evidence-based programs.
  • Put the client’s health and safety first.
  • Do not use methods that put clients at unreasonable risk.

2. Fair and Equal Treatment

  • Treat every client with respect and dignity.
  • Do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or
    financial situation.
  • Make reasonable efforts to provide accessible services to people with different abilities.

3. Honesty and Accuracy

  • Represent your qualifications and certifications truthfully.
  • Only work within the limits of your training and certification.
  • Do not exaggerate or misrepresent outcomes clients can expect.

4. Client Confidentiality

  • Protect personal and health information.
  • Share client details only with permission, or when required by law.
  • Get written consent before using client images, testimonials, or videos.

5. Informed Consent

  • Explain the goals, methods, risks, and benefits of programs before starting.
  • Ensure clients understand and agree to participate.
  • Respect a client’s right to stop or decline any activity.

6. Scope of Practice and Referrals

  • Recognize the limits of your role.
  • Do not diagnose or prescribe unless you hold the proper license.
  • Refer clients to medical, nutrition, or mental health professionals when needed.

7. Professional Boundaries

  • Maintain clear, respectful relationships with clients.
  • Sexual or romantic involvement with clients is prohibited.
  • Avoid harassment, favoritism, or exploitation of any kind.

8. Conflicts of Interest

  • Be transparent if you have a financial interest in a product or service you recommend.
  • Disclose if you receive payment, commissions, or free products.
  • Do not let business or personal gain override the client’s best interest.

9. Professional Conduct

  • Carry yourself in a way that reflects well on AAAI/ISMA and the profession.
  • Show respect to colleagues, clients, and the public.
  • Do not engage in illegal, dishonest, or harmful behavior.

10. Substance Use and Impairment

  • Do not provide services if you are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or illness.
  • Seek help if you are unable to safely and effectively carry out your professional role.

11. Continuing Education and Competence

  • Stay up to date with current knowledge and best practices.
  • Complete required continuing education.
  • Maintain certifications including CPR, first aid.

12. Social Media and Public Representation

  • Be honest and accurate when posting online or marketing services.
  • Do not make exaggerated claims or false promises.
  • Respect client privacy when using photos, videos, or testimonials.

13. Digital and Remote Coaching

  • Protect client data when using apps, wearable devices, or online platforms.
  • Be clear about the risks and limits of remote training.
  • Use secure methods to store and share client information.

14. Collaboration with Other Professionals

  • Work cooperatively with other health and fitness providers.
  • Refer clients when another professional’s expertise is needed.
  • Support, not undermine, the work of other qualified practitioners.

15. Public Health and Community Responsibility

  • Promote health and fitness in ways that benefit the broader community.
  • Avoid practices that harm public trust or exploit vulnerable populations.
  • Support a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and lifelong health.

16. Videotaping and Respect for Privacy

  • Do not record or photograph clients without their clear, written consent.
  • Respect the rights of other gym members and staff who may not wish to appear in photos
    or videos.
  • Only use recordings for agreed purposes, such as client education or progress tracking.
  • Never post client images or videos online without explicit permission.
  • Follow all facility rules regarding filming in gyms or studios.

Enforcement

Violations of this Code may lead to disciplinary action, loss of certification. AAAI/ISMA
reserves the right to investigate complaints and take steps needed to protect clients and the
public.

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