US-based The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has renewed and expanded its partnership agreement with The Association of Fitness Studios (AFS).

The partnership will result in a wide range of initiatives, designed to encourage and guide the AFS membership – made up by fitness professionals, studio owners, and aspiring owners – to take their careers to the "next level" by utilising training opportunities offered by NASM and its sister organisation, the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

AFS is the membership organisation for the US' thriving fitness studio sector.

It looks to provide studio owners and developers with business-specific products, services, and benefits for them to more effectively manage and grow their businesses.

"We've enjoyed working with NASM and AFAA and their highly professional executives,” said Josh Leve, AFS founder and CEO.

"We're very pleased and excited to continue to develop mutually beneficial products and services to both our audiences.”

It is the latest partnership agreement secured by NASM, which is actively looking to expand its reach across the global fitness sector.

Last year, it signed a deal with UK health and fitness education provider Premier Global with the view of "transforming the education and training available to its fitness professionals".

The new Premier Global NASM partnership received the Best Innovation award at the Active Training 2017 awards.