During the last 31+ years, the AFPA has certified over 130,000 health, nutrition and exercise professionals. We regularly have distinguished and young graduates who use what they have learned to inspire others and make the difference.
Meet one of our graduates, Terri Scrivano. Terri has won the Pilates trainer certification by AFPA.
Meet the AFPA Terri Scrivano graduate
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Terri Scrivano. They are currently living in Barnegat, NJ, but I was born and raised in a small town north of Buffalo in New York. I am certified as a fitness trainer and pilates, a senior fitness specialist and a nutrition coach. I am also the founder and chief executive of Embrace Wellness with Terri, a company I created to help women over 50 achieve sustainable weight loss without a diet. My goal is to help them sleep well and live alive, without pain with renewed energy and trust.
How was he initially interested in health and well -being?
Already in my twenties, I struggled to achieve a balanced approach to my weight management. Despite my commitment to diet and exercise, my weight and emotions felt trapped in an endless yo-yo cycle. At 55, after going through menopause, I found myself carrying an extra 30 pounds, making the heaviest I ever. I had been playing with chronic inflammation and pain that prevented me from doing simple activities like walking.
I had just lost my mom and saw my dad’s decline. Both had struggled with poor nutrition and lack of movement in their last years. My mom’s death deeply influenced me. served as an awakening call. I realized that not only had I had to take action to improve my own health, but I also wanted to help other older adults.
Fulfilled by a strong passion for discovering the answers that could benefit both myself and others, I was invested in my training and became a certified team and trainer Pilates, a senior fitness specialist and nutrition coach.
After my retirement from a 35 -year career in the corporate world, I started my own health training business. I have successfully lost 30 pounds, I gained strength and I am full of energy. Once again I enjoy the activities I love, such as taking 3 miles rides, teaching Pilates and the journey. In my training practice, I help other women with proper nutrition, the importance of movement and guide them to a fascinating path to health, wellness and happiness.
What AFPA certification have you won and why did you choose this certification program?
I received the Pilates certification from AFPA. In addition to certifying my gym team, I have chosen to specialize in Pilates because I believe it is an extremely beneficial practice for women who are over 50 years old.

Learn how to become a Pilates trainer online in less than 6 months
Tell us about your business and how you serve people.
I am the founder and chief executive of Embrace Wellness with Terri. I use my certifications to teach fitness lessons in an active adult community, in addition to my health training.
What are your favorite places for the operation of your business or to use your certification?
What I love absolutely for the operation of my business is the freedom to be my boss and put my program! While the start of a business comes with its challenges, time and dedication have really rendered. Working with incredible women and the witnesses of their transformations brings me enormous joy and fulfillment every day! I wouldn’t have come so far away or I would have confidence without certification.
How has it been certified with the AFPA that influenced your life?
The impact was really remarkable! They are incredibly rewarding to support women in shaping their future with confidence and purpose. I am really excited about the positive change we create together!
Do you have success stories you would like to share?
I have some success stories that I would like to share.
I have worked with a customer and has done with me pilates for about three months. At the beginning of Pilates, he talked about how he didn’t feel strong. But now that she is practicing with me and working with me on diet, she told me the next day that her mom had taken a photo of her. She looked at her hands and said, “Wow. I can’t believe my hands look really sculptures!” I liked to hear this story.
Another woman with whom I work – she has taken the order of pilates every day, and I also work with her for nutrition – she lost about 18 pounds. She says how she can now fit in her jeans that she failed to put it in for about 10 years. I was very excited to hear it from her.
These are just a few incredible women who make some remarkable changes through proper nutrition and fitness – and, of course, taking my pilates class.
What advice would you give others to receive certified through AFPA?
The tips I would give anyone to think of trying to be certified with AFPA – or any certification when it comes to health and fitness – are: Don’t hesitate.
I have been in the corporate world for 35 years and I never think I would be where I am today. I started with myself – to use 30 pounds, to be strong, full of energy – and then work with all these other people.
It’s just so rewarding, and I would probably not have the confidence to do so without my certification. Don’t hesitate. Do something good for yourself, and then you may be able to pay it.
How can we find you online?
Hug the well -being with Terri