Celsius Holdings Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., announced a partnership agreement with the National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC), Newport, Ore. Through the agreement, certified NAFC fitness trainers will serve as brand ambassadors throughout the country in support of Celsius' brand mission of sharing its scientifically backed results of incorporating Celsius products into individuals' healthy lifestyles.

"With 27,000 active fitness trainers within their community, our partnership with the NAFC poses a unique opportunity for Celsius to be shared with health experts and their clientele,” said Gerry David, chief executive officer of Celsius Holdings, in a statement. “This agreement will prove to contribute outstanding support to our brand mission of sharing Celsius' clinically backed benefits on the health of our consumers. Providing multiple certifications within the field as well as creating a community between trainers has led NAFC to become one of the most renowned organizations in fitness, giving Celsius the opportunity to vastly expand consumer awareness across the fitness and health industry."

NAFC trainers join the Celsius roster of health-conscious and active ambassadors ranging from professional athletes to weekend warriors.

The NAFC was established by a group of fitness professionals in fields ranging from exercise physiology to adaptive physical education to professional coaching. Combining demanding standards and practical application of scientific principles, the NAFC offers hands-on, practical experience to cover the science behind training, motivation, diet and nutrition, it says.

"The mission behind the NAFC is to encourage trainers and their clients to lead healthy and fit lifestyles with the support of a community behind them,” said Mike Leboss, executive director of the NAFC, in a statement. “This is a mission that is closely aligned with the goals of the Celsius brand, making this an evergreen partnership agreement. Understanding the benefits of the functional beverage, I anticipate that through this agreement, Celsius will become the go-to fitness drink for up-and-coming, as well as established, fitness professionals who want their clients to get the most out of their exercise training."

Backed by multiple clinical studies, drinking a Celsius negative-calorie beverage before exercise has been proven to help burn 100 calories or more per serving, boost metabolism, reduce body fat, increase endurance and provide lasting clean energy, the company says. It is available in five flavors, carbonated and non-carbonated, and also in powder stick packets that can be mixed with water.