Personal Fitness Trainer

Curriculum

Certificate Requirements

To earn a Personal Fitness Certificate, you must complete all five core courses within a period of two years.

EXSP 8406 : Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I

In this course, students gain an understanding of musculoskeletal and functional anatomy and the effects of exercise placed on joint structures during exercise movements. Emphasis is placed on learning about proper body alignment, joint range of motion (ROM), basic biomechanics, and kinesiological principles to the development of safe and effective exercise programs.

EXSP 8407 : Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II

Learn how the muscular, skeletal, and cardio respiratory systems function with and without exercise conditioning in this class. Additional topics include energy metabolism, neuromuscular function, and the physiology of exercise in relation to training programs and environmental considerations.

EXSP 8408: Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques

Prepare to assess and evaluate cardio respiratory endurance, muscular testing techniques, joint ROM, flexibility, body-fat analysis, blood pressure, and body measurements based on ACSM guidelines. Topics include client screening procedures, medical and health history intake forms, identifying high-risk clients, determining the appropriate test, conducting the test, and evaluating the results.

EXSP 8410: Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers

Get a solid background in developing or starting a personal training business and prepares them for financial management, marketing strategies, and business plan development. Techniques for effective management include standards and guidelines, facility/studio personnel management, and operational issues from a small personal training (PT) studio to managing a PT department at a large health facility.

EXSP 8463: Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations

Learn how to develop an exercise prescription in relation to health implications for normal/special populations related to age, medical condition, and fitness level. Topics include cardiac conditions, diabetes, physical disabilities, HIV and AIDS, asthma, sensory impairments, pregnancy, and program design for children to senior populations. This course is designed as a research-based class with emphasis on designing a step-by-step process to creating individualized exercise programs.

EXSP 8467: Optional Field Internship in Personal Training

Prerequisite: 5 Core Courses and CPR Certification
NOTE: This course is an optional course and is not required to receive the Certificate.
Learn to work with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a hands-on experience working with members at fitness facilities and health centers. Students intern for 60 total hours in this course

Program Format

The Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate Program is conveniently offered online. For more information, view the Admissions Page.

Required Course Materials

The course materials required for the Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate Program are provided here. For more information about obtaining these required course materials, please click here.

Required Courses

Elective Courses