National Academy of Sports Medicine

Getting Started as a Personal Fitness Trainer

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Getting Started as a Personal Fitness Trainer

NASM Faculty

Instructor: NASM Faculty

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

249 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

249 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identifying the components and purposes of fitness assessments.

  • Evaluating client information to inform individualized training programs.

  • Differentiating between the roles and limitations of fitness professionals and healthcare providers.

Details to know

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Assessments

29 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English
98%
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Build your Basic Science expertise

This course is part of the NASM Personal Fitness Trainer Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate from National Academy of Sports Medicine

There are 5 modules in this course

In this module, you will critique the relationship between sedentary lifestyles and the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. You will synthesize current health trends to advocate for the benefits of regular physical activity. You will also assess how technological advancements have contributed to sedentary behavior and its impact on physical health.

What's included

6 videos9 readings6 assignments2 plugins

In this module, you will analyze the psychological factors that influence client motivation, distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic drivers. You will develop strategies to help clients overcome common barriers to exercise adherence and lifestyle change. You will also construct SMART goals to support measurable, attainable progress toward clients' health and wellness objectives.

What's included

8 videos7 readings6 assignments5 plugins

In this module, you will identify the components and purposes of a fitness assessment in guiding exercise selection and program modification. You will evaluate client information to inform the design of an individualized, integrated training program based on their goals, needs, and abilities. You will also differentiate between the roles and limitations of a fitness professional and a medical healthcare provider.

What's included

7 videos8 readings7 assignments

In this module, you will conduct objective fitness assessments—including physiological, body-composition, postural, and cardiorespiratory measures—to evaluate a client's fitness needs. You will analyze assessment data to identify areas for improvement aligned with client goals. You will also administer the YMCA 3-Minute Step Test to assess a client's cardiorespiratory fitness level.

What's included

7 videos9 readings8 assignments

In this module, you will identify the components and purposes of fitness assessments by selecting and describing appropriate approaches for hypothetical client scenarios. You will differentiate between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in the context of fitness. You will evaluate client information from case studies to develop individualized training programs, and construct SMART goals grounded in assessment data and client motivations.

What's included

2 assignments

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Instructor

Instructor ratings
(57 ratings)
NASM Faculty
National Academy of Sports Medicine
5 Courses49,271 learners

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.