About Us

The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR)

AAPAR is a membership association of professors, students, teachers, fitness professionals, recreation instructors, and community leaders who promote lifelong physical activity, adapted physical education, and recreation sports and leisure activities among people of all ages and abilities.  

Promoting Fitness and Active Living

AAPAR's mission is to enhance quality of life by promoting creative and active lifestyles through meaningful physical activity, recreation, and fitness experiences across the lifespan, with particular focus on community based programs.  

We invite you to:   

• PARticipate in our workshops and conferences to advance your career and develop your mind and body.
• PARtner with like-minded professionals, businesses, and students to promote healthy, active lifestyles for all Americans.
• PARtake of our programs, services, and publications to learn and integrate the latest research findings, the most effective training, and the most fun activities!
• PARtner with us to bring innovative activities programs, PARexcellence, to your community. Enhance your career by exchanging ideas, best practices, and cutting-edge research with thousands of intelligent and energetic leaders committed to physical activity and leisure & recreation.  

Learn more about who we are and what we offer. Follow the links at the top or the left for information about our workshops, getting certified, connecting with fitness professionals, downloading free resources, and becoming a member of AAPAR and AAHPERD.  

Healthy Families Since 1885  

AAPAR is one of five national associations belonging to the American Alliance for Health, Physical Activity, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). First created in 1885, AAHPERD is the largest and oldest organization of professionals supporting and assisting those involved in health and physical education, leisure, fitness, dance, and other specialties related to achieving a healthy lifestyle.  

AAPAR was formed in 2005 from a merger of former AAHPERD associations: the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness (AAALF) and the American Association for Leisure and Recreation (AALR).