With NASM to Kiran Fitness!

07-08-2025

Just a year ago, I was a full-time project manager in the chemical industry, working behind a desk, feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly energized me, movement, transformation, and people. Health and fitness had been a personal pursuit for years, but I never imagined it could become a professional one. That changed when I discovered the NASM certification program offered by EFAA.

Signing up for the NASM program felt like a leap of faith. I didn’t come from a traditional fitness background, and English being my primary language, I was grateful to find EFAA’s English-language offering. The structure, clarity, and in-depth curriculum of NASM gave me not just knowledge but confidence. I began to understand the "why" behind every movement and the science that supports effective, safe, and sustainable training.

The journey wasn’t always easy, juggling study, work, and workouts took discipline. But with every chapter, I became more certain that I was moving in the right direction. When I finally passed the exam, it was more than just a certificate, it was a personal transformation.

Shortly after, I registered my own business: Kiran Fitness. My mission is to help individuals achieve not just physical goals but complete lifestyle change, combining personal training, wellness consulting, and mindset coaching. I’ve started offering one-on-one sessions and am slowly building my presence in the Dutch fitness community, especially focusing on empowering those who, like me, may not come from a traditional fitness background.

What I really appreciate about EFAA is how the relationship doesn’t end after certification. There’s a genuine sense of community, and opportunities continue to evolve, whether it's teaching, supporting exams, or simply staying in touch. 

To anyone reading this and considering a shift into the fitness industry, I’d say: trust your instinct. If it lights you up, pursue it. Whether you want to be a trainer full-time or combine it with your current profession, the NASM certification is a powerful foundation, and EFAA provides the support to turn that foundation into a future.

Looking forward, I hope to continue growing Kiran Fitness, mentor others starting their journey, and contribute more to the EFAA and NASM community.

Kiran Kumar Thulasiraman