Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer (240 hours)

Course Overview/Description

This interactive, comprehensive Web-based Professional Advanced Certificate in Personal Fitness Training (PFT) is a collaboration between industry experts, internship affiliates, national organizations, Educational Fitness Solutions, and their board of advisors. The Advanced Certificate is designed for students interested in furthering their personal training education by incorporating specialized resistance training, functional movements, and nutritional programs for their clients in partnership with Registered Dietitians. This course includes the basic Personal Fitness Trainer program (also offered separately), along with additional material on nutritional management, resistance biomechanics, and functional flexibility. Content and curriculum within each course in the program is designed to present the student with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to implement a unique medically-based fitness model for their future or current clients. Students will learn how to apply their client’s health history, goals, and abilities integrating exercise science curriculum and practical training techniques into a systematic model that teaches students to progress their clients through different training levels and phases. Students will also have the unique opportunity to receive an onsite practical experience in personal training with an optional field internship elective course. The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise® (ACE), allowing graduating certificate students a preferred discount on the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam and study materials. In addition, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has approved the Certificate in Personal Training program for 150 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs), the Advanced Certificate program for 240 CPEUs, and the Optional Field Internship Course for 60 CPEUs for both Registered Dietitian (RDs) and Dietetic Technician-Registered (DTRs).

This certificate program includes:

• Personal Fitness Training career path development or advanced education for current health/fitness/medical professionals
• Advanced education in exercise prescription and nutritional programming
• Study of the exercise sciences, kinesiology, and biomechanics
• A medically-based fitness model
• Knowledge of business administration and management systems in fitness
• Conduct health and fitness testing techniques
• Understand the ACSM screening processes
• Analyze exercise movements and performance
• Develop exercise prescriptions for all age groups
• Optional Field Internship Course: Students that enter the program may complete an optional internship course that is 6 weeks/60 hours in length.
• Guidance, instruction, and interaction from instructors that hold either a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in exercise science, biomechanics, exercise physiology, kinesiology, physical therapy, nutrition or an exercise science-related degree.
• The program is offered in partnership with the American Council on Exercise® (ACE). Graduates of the Certificate Program will receive a preferred discount of 20% to take the ACE Certified Personal Trainer® Certification Exam (an NCCA accredited exam) and on study materials.

 

Course Objectives

By completing the Advanced Certificate in Personal Fitness Training, students will:

  • Prepare or receive advanced education for a career as a personal trainer or fitness professional.
  • Learn to network and partner in a team approach with Registered Dieticians to develop healthy eating plans for your clients.
  • Design educationally- based resistance training programs.
  • Learn how to implement a medically-based fitness model and the ACSM Risk Stratification process for clients.
  • Understand the process to conduct a detailed health and fitness assessment.
  • Identify the business fundamentals of administration, marketing, and management in personal training.
  • Gain information regarding nutrition, exercise science, kinesiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, neurology, client testing and assessment, functional   anatomy, and exercise programming.
  • Explore the profession as a potential career choice with the optional field internship experience.
  • Prepare to take personal training certification exams from ACE, ACSM, and other national organizations.
  • Prepare to work as a personal trainer in the health and fitness industry.

Course Outline

 

I. Introduction to Exercise Science-Level I (Anatomy and Kinesiology)
a. Define the term Kinesiology, Functional Anatomy, and Biomechanics
b. Identify skeletal structures and primary/secondary/stabilizing muscles
c. Understand terminology used to describe body part locations, reference positions, planes of motion, and anatomical directions
d. Understand functional anatomy, muscle contractions, and the effects of exercise placed on joint structures during exercise movements

II. Introduction to Exercise Science-Level II (Exercise Physiology)
a. Understand the reactions and functions of the muscular, skeletal, and cardiorespiratory systems with and without exercise conditioning
b. Review enzymes in their role as a catalyst in cellular reactions and nutrients that are used as fuels during exercise
c. Identify high-energy phosphates and interactions between aerobic and anaerobic ATP production during exercise
d. Understand neuromuscular function and the physiology of exercise in relation to exercise programs and environmental factors

III. Health Risk Profiles and Fitness Assessment Techniques
a. Understand the process of conducting an initial Health and Fitness evaluation for a new member or personal training client
b. Define client screening procedures, medical and health history intake forms, PAR-Q, informed consent forms, and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Risk Stratification Process
c. Learn how to perform fitness and health assessments including posture, cardiorespiratory endurance, joint Range of Motion (ROM), body-fat analysis, blood pressure, and body measurements based on ACSM guidelines
d. Understand the goals and objectives of the client and learn the importance of “Building a Long-term Relationship” with a new client

IV. Business Administration and Management Aspects for Personal Trainers
a. Learn to develop a personal career track in personal fitness training for yourself or that you manage
b. Analyze the state of the fitness industry and personal training market
c. Learn to manage and administer a personal training department, studio, or start-up business
d. Learn personal training business fundamentals in accounting, sales, management, marketing, and business plan development

V. Designing Exercise Prescriptions for Normal/Special Populations
a. Learn the principles of developing an exercise prescription that includes resistance/weight training, flexibility, and cardiovascular programming
b. Review the specific physiological reasons of when to initiate an exercise program and when to discontinue an exercise program
c. Gain a general understanding of how exercise is related to and can help normal to special populations/conditions
d. Document and report your client's exercise prescription evaluation results and progress

VI. Nutritional Analysis and Management
a. Acquire a knowledge base of well-established scientific concepts in the field of nutrition in the following areas; vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and supplements
b. Network and partner in a team approach with Registered Dieticians to develop healthy eating plans for your clients
c. Learn the effects of nutrition on the exerciser and non-exerciser
d. Foster healthful eating habits by identifying and implementing beneficial practices

VII. The Science and Biomechanics of Resistance/Weight Training Techniques
a. Learn a systematic approach to designing and developing resistance/weight training programs for all age groups
b. Understand terms such as training volume, sets/repetitions, load, frequency, and rest periods related to designing resistance training programs
c. Learn key biomechanical and scientific principles
d. Design educationally-based resistance training programs and implement biomechanical elements into creating safe, effective, and efficient exercise movements

VIII. Functional Flexibility, Core and Balance Training
a. Study principles and techniques for evaluation and implementation of exercise prescriptions that include instruction in flexibility, core, and balance training
b. Understand the term functional training and the implementation of functional training and stabilization movements into a comprehensive exercise program
c. Learn the structures of the core complex and secondary muscular structures
d. Review the roles of muscles: such as primary movers (Agonist), Antagonists, Synergist, stabilizers, and neutralizers during balance and flexibility training

IX. Elective Course: Optional Field Internship in Personal Training
a. Intern for a total of 6 weeks/60 hours with professionals in the fitness and health industry for a practical experience working with members at fitness facilities and health centers
b. Network and interact with professionals in the health and fitness industry
c. Develop a professional goal statement and review career opportunities
d. Improve your ability to obtain employment and/or operate your own health and fitness facility

Prerequisites/Audience

There are no specific prerequisites to enter this program other than an Internet connection, an email address, and basic computer knowledge. Students do need to receive CPR certification and approval by the Program Coordinator prior to beginning the Optional Field Internship Elective Course.

The Advanced Certificate Program is designed to supply essential educational pathways and career opportunities to those seeking to start a career in the emerging fitness/health industry, for established fitness professionals who desire advanced education, for Registered Dietitian’s seeking (CPEUs), and for allied health and medical professionals from all fields seeking to broaden their careers to become full or part-time personal trainers/fitness instructors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau publication Occupational Outlook Handbook, overall employment for personal trainers is expected to increase 44% from 2002 to 2012.

PC Requirements/Materials Included

This course is compatible with the Windows Vista operating system.

This course can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. Technical requirements include but are not limited to having internet access with a 56K modem, but it is highly recommended that you have DSL or High Speed Cable Internet Access; 64 MB system RAM; 200 MB free hard disk space memory or sufficient storage; reliable email account access, CD-ROM/DVD capabilities, and a reliable Internet provider. Some individual courses may have additional software and/or hardware requirements.

These items will be provided by Gatlin Education Services:
• Kinesiology for Personal Trainers
• Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance
• ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer, second ddition
• ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, seventh edition
• Contemporary Nutrition
• Total Body Functional Profile
• Dynamic Human CD, Version 2.0
• EFS Exercise Clipart CD

These items are recommended, but are not required for completion of the course. These items are not provided by Gatlin Education Services, but students will have access to purchase these materials through a discounted bookstore if desired.

• Textbooks/Materials
o Joint Structure and Function
o The Anatomy Coloring Book, third edition
o Kinesiology-Scientific Basis of Human Motion, 10th edition
o Illustrated Essentials of Musculoskeletal Anatomy
o Illustrated Skeletal Muscle Flash Cards, first edition
o Exercise Testing and Prescription, sixth edition
o Measurements of Joint Motion - A Guide to Goniometry

• Fitness Equipment
o Posture and Body Alignment Grid
o Slim Guide Calipers
o Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope
o Goniometer
o Spring loaded tape measure
o Theraband Stability Ball
o Challenge Pro Tubing (4 different resistance levels)
o Stretch Out Strap
o Foam Rolls
o Medicine Ball
o Theraband Stability Ball
o Balance Disc Cushion

Instructor Bio

Ken Baldwin, M.ED, ACSM-H/FI
Ken Baldwin, M.ED., is the Program Coordinator and an instructor for the Professional Certificate in Personal Fitness Training and Advanced Certificate Program. He is the former Chair of IDEA’s National Personal Trainer Committee and Chair of the Senior Fitness Subcommittee for the Massachusetts’s Governor’s Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports. Ken is the Senior Editor, content expert, and lead author for the American College of Sports Medicine - ACSM’s Resources for the Personal Trainer Textbook (2nd Ed.). He continues to serve on national committees for ACSM, AAHPERD (AAPAR), and the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). He has been honored with numerous awards including IDEA’s Personal Trainer of the Year Award, presented at the IDEA International Personal Training Summit.

Ken has been involved in the fitness, wellness, and education profession for over 10 years. With an extensive background in the fitness industry which includes operating and managing a personal training company, to training many types of populations from children to seniors and beginning exercisers to athletes, to lecturing and consulting at corporations, public events, national conventions (ACSM Health and Fitness Summit, Club Industry, IDEA, International Council of Active Aging, and the Medical Fitness Association, to name a few) and international conferences. In addition to his industry experience, he is actively involved in working with national organizations and colleges/universities in developing educational standards for those wishing to enter the Personal Fitness Training Profession.

Cody Sipe, MS, ACSM-Exercise Specialist, RCEP
Cody Sipe, MS, has a diverse background in the fitness industry including training and management in medically-based fitness, for-profit, not-for-profit and educational facilities. His primary areas of expertise are in fitness for older adults and in the prevention and management of chronic disease conditions. He regularly presents at national and international conferences and writes for a variety of publications. Cody was awarded the 2005 IDEA Program Director of the Year, 2003 Midwest ACSM Clinical Exercise Professional of the Year, and serves on IDEA’s Program Director Committee. In addition, he is the Co-Founder of the Coalition for Living Well after 50, Board Chair for the Alliance for Health Promotion, and Committee Member for ACSM’s Strategic Health Initiative on Aging and Exercise Science.

Melissa Halas-Liang, RD, MA, CNSD, CDE
Melissa Halas-Liang, RD, MA, is a registered dietitian, with a Masters in Nutrition Education, and a certification in nutrition support. In addition to working as a clinical dietitian, she assist’s in clinical trials, has taught small group diabetes classes, and counseled patients on weight loss. She has spoken on a wide range of topics in the community from diet and fitness to high school sports nutrition. She has spoken at the Woman’s Health Symposium on Fad Diets and on Weight Management and Disease Prevention. Melissa has published articles in periodicals on healthy eating and edited textbook nutrition sections. She developed curriculums for medical residents and lectured to health care professionals for continuing education credits on a variety of topics. Melissa's enthusiasm for healthy eating is contagious and her outgoing and interactive approach to learning motivates her audience to commit to new lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I register?
Click on the register button at the top of the page and follow the directions. It is important that you type all your information in the boxes, then print it out to sign.  Payment and sending instructions are in the bottom right corner of the form.

2. How much do the courses cost?
The fee is in the pink box at the top of the page.

3. Can I register for courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes you can!

4. Do I ever have go to the school I register with?
All of our courses are delivered entirely online, so you never have to go to a class or travel to the school.

5. How long does it take to complete a course?
All of our courses are self-paced and open enrollment. You can start and finish the course at your own pace. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days (6 months) to complete the course. If you need more time, extensions are available.

6. Do I have to buy additional materials?
All materials are included. The cost of materials is covered by your tuition. GES ships all materials via UPS ground service upon registration.

7. Can I get financial aid?
GES courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal aid. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses.

• GES provides a loan opportunity for students. Simply go to www.collegeloanapplication.com to apply for an easier qualifying loan at a slightly higher rate. Click here for more information on this loan program.

8. What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school with which you registered. You must obtain a final passing grade of 70% or greater to be awarded a certificate.

9. Am I guaranteed a job?
GES courses will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. We do not provide direct job placement services, but our instructors will help you build your resume and are available to give advice on finding your first job. Instructors will also be available to use as a professional reference upon completion of the course. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.

10. Who will be my instructor?
Each student is paired with a facilitator for one-on-one interaction. The facilitator will be available (via email or phone) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our facilitators are successful working professionals in the fields in which they teach.

11. What do I have to have in order to take an online course, and what are the system requirements?
In order to take our online courses, you must have access to a computer and the Internet (a normal dial-up connection is fine). You can access the course contents from any Web-enabled computer. There are no necessary plug-ins. You do not have to use the same computer to log-in to the course every time. We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is best) and the latest version of Internet Explorer.

12. Can this course be taken on a Mac?
Yes.

13. How can I get more information on the course?
All of the information we have is available online under our course catalog (www.gatlineducation.com). If you have questions that are not answered online, please feel free to email us at courseinfo@gatlineducation.com or call 817-870-2870. We will answer your questions promptly.

14. When can I start the course?
Our courses are all open enrollment. You can register and start the course as soon as you are ready.

15. How am I graded or assessed in the courses/program?
Your grade will be determined based upon the total points earned on quizzes, problem-solving questions, exams, written reports, special projects, and assignments that require reading the text(s), articles, lecture presentations, internet research, and then going online to complete assignments.

16. What must I do to graduate with the Certificate in Personal Fitness Training?
Complete and receive a passing grade of (C- or above) in all courses to graduate with either the Certificate in Personal Training or Advanced Certificate in Personal Training.

17. How will I interact with the teacher?
We have several communication tools available to us. We know how important it is for the teacher to be available to the student. You can use the regular email system, the classroom discussion boards, the chat room, or the telephone to interact with the teacher.

18. Where and how do I perform my Optional Field Internship Elective Course?
Students that enter the program have three unique internship options for placement in a 6 week/60 hour internship experience. They may elect to intern at an approved partnered internship site, a facility of their choice either in the U.S. or Internationally (with program coordinator/instructor approval), or at a facility they may already be currently employed.

The internship course requires students to establish informational interviews approximately 4 weeks prior to the internship start date with several different internship site locations. An internship information packet is provided in the Business Administration and Management course that guides students in the process to set-up an internship. NOTE: Students do need to receive CPR certification and approval by the Program Coordinator prior to beginning the Optional Field Internship Elective Course.

19. Do I have to buy additional materials?
No, all required materials are supplied with the course. However, there are several additional items that are recommended to help you further understand the course material. These items are listed in the PC Requirements/Materials Required section.

22. What is the difference between the Personal Fitness Trainer program and the Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer program?
The Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer program includes the entire basic Personal Fitness Trainer program, along with additional material on nutritional management, resistance biomechanics, and functional flexibility. The Advanced Personal Fitness Trainer offers a more in-depth education for aspiring personal fitness trainers.