• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  2. Categories
  3. Exercise

Exercise Courses

Exercise courses can help you learn strength training, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility techniques, and nutrition basics. You can build skills in creating personalized workout plans, understanding body mechanics, and monitoring progress effectively. Many courses introduce tools like fitness trackers, resistance bands, and apps for tracking workouts, which support your journey in maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle.

Popular Exercise Courses and Certifications

  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Science of Exercise

    4.8 stars, 4.8K reviews, Beginner, Course

    ★ 4.8 (4.8K) · Beginner · Course

  • N

    National Academy of Sports Medicine

    Science of Diet and Exercise

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Nutrition and Diet, Physiology, Endocrinology, Biochemistry

    4.6 stars, 459 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.6 (459) · Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • N

    National Academy of Sports Medicine

    NASM Personal Fitness Trainer

    Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Automated External Defibrillator, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Overcoming Obstacles, Mechanics, Injury Prevention, Public Health, Anatomy, Motivational Skills, Medical Terminology, Communication

    4.7 stars, 431 reviews, Beginner, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.7 (431) · Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • cplus logo

    Save big and unwrap a year of new skills

    Save now
  • N

    National Academy of Sports Medicine

    Understanding Fitness Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Coaching, Injury Prevention, Communication

    4.6 stars, 46 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.6 (46) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • N

    National Academy of Sports Medicine

    Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology for Fitness Professions

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Physiology, Mechanics, Injury Prevention, Anatomy, Medical Terminology, Nutrition and Diet

    4.7 stars, 86 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (86) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • What brings you to Coursera today?

  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Strength and Conditioning: Prehab/Rehab Specialist

    Skills you'll gain: Lifting Ability, Safety Training, Mechanics

    5 stars, 9 reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 5 (9) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • N

    Niel Asher Education

    Niel Asher Education Advanced Personal Trainer

    Skills you'll gain: Athletic Training, Physical Stamina, Lifting Ability, Nutrition Care Plans, Injury Prevention, Nutritional Assessment, Exercise Therapy, Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Diet, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy, Coaching, Training Programs, Health And Wellness Coaching, Safety Training, Resilience, Decision Making, Education and Training, Communication, Pain Management

    4.5 stars, 14 reviews, Advanced, Professional Certificate, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.5 (14) · Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • M

    McMaster University

    Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Physical Stamina, Lifting Ability, Human Musculoskeletal System, Nutrition and Diet, Physiology, Mental Health

    4.7 stars, 820 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.7 (820) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • A

    American Council on Exercise

    Foundations of Exercise and Nutrition

    Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Nutrition and Diet, Safety Assurance, Anatomy

    4.2 stars, 9 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.2 (9) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • A

    American Council on Exercise

    Coaching and Training Women

    Skills you'll gain: Health And Wellness Coaching, Kinesiology, Coaching, Physiology

    Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • A

    Arizona State University

    Anthropometry, Biomechanics, and Motor Skills in User Design

    Skills you'll gain: Human Factors, Human Factors Engineering, Control Systems, Mechanics, Human Centered Design, Product Design, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation

    4.7 stars, 19 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (19) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

1234…22

Best Exercise courses from National Academy of Sports Medicine

Top-rated Exercise courses offered by National Academy of Sports Medicine on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Science of Diet and Exercise
    National Academy of Sports MedicineIntermediate1 - 4 Weeks4.6(459)National Academy of Sports Medicine
  2. 2
    NASM Personal Fitness Trainer
    National Academy of Sports MedicineBeginner3 - 6 Months4.7(431)National Academy of Sports Medicine
  3. 3
    Understanding Fitness Programming
    National Academy of Sports MedicineBeginner1 - 3 Months4.6(46)National Academy of Sports Medicine

Best Exercise certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Exercise from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Strength and Conditioning: Prehab/Rehab Specialist
    Niel Asher EducationIntermediate3 - 6 Months5.0(9)Specialization
  2. 2
    Niel Asher Education Advanced Personal Trainer
    Niel Asher EducationAdvanced3 - 6 Months4.5(14)Professional Certificate

Best Exercise courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Exercise courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Science of Exercise
    University of Colorado BoulderBeginnerNo prerequisites
  2. 2
    Anatomy, Physiology, and Kinesiology for Fitness Professions
    National Academy of Sports MedicineBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(86)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.
    McMaster UniversityBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.7(820)No prerequisites

Frequently Asked Questions about Exercise

Exercise is any physical activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. It plays a crucial role in promoting cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing mental well-being. Regular exercise can help prevent chronic diseases, manage weight, and improve mood and energy levels. Understanding the importance of exercise is essential for anyone looking to improve their health and quality of life.‎

A variety of career paths are available in the field of exercise, including roles such as fitness trainers, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, and wellness coaches. These positions often involve working with clients to develop personalized fitness plans, providing guidance on exercise techniques, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, opportunities exist in corporate wellness programs, sports teams, and rehabilitation centers, making this a versatile field for those passionate about health and fitness.‎

To succeed in the exercise field, you should develop a range of skills, including knowledge of anatomy and physiology, exercise programming, and nutrition. Communication skills are vital for effectively working with clients and understanding their needs. Additionally, gaining certifications in areas such as personal training or group fitness can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Continuous learning and staying updated on the latest fitness trends and research are also important for long-term success.‎

There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in exercise. For instance, the Science of Diet and Exercise Specialization offers a comprehensive understanding of how diet and exercise work together. Other notable courses include Foundations of Exercise and Nutrition and Hacking Exercise For Health, which provide valuable insights into effective exercise strategies and health benefits.‎

Yes. You can start learning exercise on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many exercise courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in exercise, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Exercise courses typically cover a range of topics, including exercise science, nutrition, program design, and injury prevention. You may also explore specialized areas such as strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility exercises. Understanding the psychological aspects of exercise, such as motivation and behavior change, is also common. These topics equip you with the knowledge needed to create effective fitness programs and support clients in achieving their health goals.‎

For training and upskilling employees or the workforce, courses like Managing Your Health: The Role of Physical Therapy and Exercise can be particularly beneficial. These courses provide insights into how exercise can be integrated into health management strategies, enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Additionally, programs focusing on nutrition and exercise science can help organizations promote a healthier workplace culture.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Coursera

  • About
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Udemy

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Free Courses
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog
  • Social Impact

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok