Affordable NASM CEUs: How to Stay Certified Without Spending a Fortune

I’ve been a NASM Certified Personal Trainer since 2011, which means continuing education has been part of maintaining my certification for a long time. When I first started earning CEUs, I stuck pretty closely with NASM. It was the organization I was certified through, I was familiar with their courses, and I felt comfortable knowing exactly what I was getting.

I even completed additional NASM training, including the Corrective Exercise Specialist program. At the time, the cost felt much more manageable. As the years went on, though, the price of certifications and specializations continued to rise. Today, NASM’s Certified Personal Trainer program starts around $999 for the self-study option, and additional specializations can easily add hundreds of dollars more.

I have learned a lot from NASM over the years, and I’m grateful for the education I received through them. But eventually I realized that I didn’t have to purchase all of my continuing education directly through NASM to maintain my NASM certification.

That was a game changer.

Once I started looking at NASM-approved CEU providers, I discovered that there are much more affordable ways to earn the credits I need while still taking courses that are useful and relevant to me as a trainer.

Two options I’ve personally used are FiTOUR and Exercise Etc. I completed the Indoor Cycling course through FiTOUR and Athletic Body in Balance through Exercise Etc. Both were affordable, easy to work through, and gave me practical information without requiring a huge investment.

At this stage in my life, flexibility and affordability matter more than ever. I still want to keep learning and maintain the certification I’ve held for so many years, but I also don’t want to spend hundreds—or potentially thousands—of dollars every time I need continuing education.

If you’re a NASM trainer approaching your recertification deadline and wondering how to get your CEUs without spending a fortune, these are some of the most affordable NASM CEU options I’ve found.

FiTOUR

FiTOUR offers NASM-approved CEU courses starting at $49, and everything is 100% online and self-paced. Their topics include senior fitness, core conditioning, and resistance training. You’ll receive instant access and your certificate upon completion. It’s one of the simplest, most affordable options for NASM CEUs.

Exercise Etc.

Exercise Etc. provides in-depth CEU courses via e-books and webinars, all at accessible prices. Most of their offerings range from $49–$119 and cover everything from posture and functional aging to sports nutrition and motivational coaching. You can fulfill your entire NASM requirement with one or two courses and the material is both practical and research-backed.

NASM CPR/AED Online Certification

When it comes to fulfilling my NASM CEU requirements, having more flexible online options for CPR certification is a huge plus. That’s why I’m especially grateful for NASM’s online CPR/AED certification course because it is convenient and affordable. NASM CPR certification will automatically upload your certificate to your renewal page, making the recertification process very seamless and hassle-free.

Are Budget-Friendly NASM CEUs Worth It?

When choosing NASM CEUs, affordability is important, but so is quality. Many budget-friendly options like FitTour and Exercise Etc. offer reputable, NASM-approved courses that provide valuable knowledge and practical skills without a hefty price tag. As long as the course meets NASM standards and fits your learning style, budget-friendly CEUs can absolutely be worth it.

Personally, I’ve taken the Athletic Body in Balance course through Exercise Etc. and the Indoor Cycling course from FiTOUR. Both were affordable, easy to follow, and packed with practical information that helped me grow as a trainer. At this stage in my life, I value flexibility and affordability more than ever. I’m thankful for CEU options that don’t require a huge investment but still deliver real value. If you’re in the same boat, I hope this list helps you stay certified without the stress.