Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Exercise Programming for Weight Loss and Maintenance Specialization

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Exercise Programming for Weight Loss and Maintenance Specialization

Reach weight-management goals through fitness.

Instructors: NASM Faculty

Included with Learn more

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

No prior experience required

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Beginner level

No prior experience required

4 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain the role physical activity plays in weight loss.
Develop strategies for overcoming common barriers to exercise adherence and lifestyle change among fitness clients.
Use creative weight loss strategies to implement a fitness program.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

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Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from National Academy of Sports Medicine

Specialization - 4 course series

This specialization is for aspiring personal trainers and fitness coaches who want to design safe exercise programs specifically for clients pursuing weight-management goals. Across four courses you will learn about the role of the fitness trainer, develop skills to select exercises, and connect those exercise modalities to weight-loss outcomes, metabolism and mental health outcomes.

Applied Learning Project

Learners will strategize on how fitness professionals can identify and address the common barriers to exercise that clients face, and how strategies be personalized to accommodate individual client needs and circumstances. Learners will also differentiate between the roles and limitations of fitness professionals and healthcare providers

Getting Started as a Personal Fitness Trainer

Course 1, 19 hours

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.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Overcoming Obstacles

Category: Public Health

Category: Smart Goals

Category: Health Assessment

Category: Preventative Care

Category: Motivational Skills

Category: Goal Setting

Understanding Fitness Programming

Course 2, 28 hours

What you'll learn

Differentiate between aerobic and anaerobic exercises and design personalized training programs using the FITTE-VP principle.
Integrate flexibility and strength training to improve dynamic range of motion and stabilize force production.
Apply stage training principles to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and prevent overtraining.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Exercise Science

Category: Injury Prevention

Category: Coaching

Category: Communication

Impact of Exercise on Weight Loss

Course 3, 3 hours

What you'll learn

The role physical activity plays in weight loss.
How cardiorespiratory and resistance training affect weight loss specific to energy expenditure, maintenance of FFM, and modulation of appetite.
The mental health benefits of exercise associated with successful weight management.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Exercise Science

Category: Mental Health

Category: Physiology

Fitness Coaching Strategies for Weight Loss

Course 4, 3 hours

What you'll learn

How to design a fitness program based on weight loss strategies for individuals with obesity.
Use creative weight loss strategies to implement a fitness program.
Use creative weight loss strategies to implement a fitness program.

Skills you'll gain

Category: Health And Wellness Coaching

Category: Coaching

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructors

NASM Faculty

National Academy of Sports Medicine

5 Courses50,151 learners

Offered by

National Academy of Sports Medicine

Why people choose Coursera for their career

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Frequently asked questions

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.