The National Council for Certified Personal Trainers (NCCPT) was started in Southern California by John Platero in September of 1995 when he was promoted to Director of Personal Training for a chain of health clubs called LA FITNESS. Faced with the common problem of having to increase revenue without a qualified staff, John decided to create a vehicle by which he could recruit new trainers, teach them the basics and provide these future professionals with a system to earn a good living, while they continue to learn and grow as a Personal Trainer.