Personal Fitness Trainer Certificate

Become a Personal Fitness Trainer

Gain the knowledge, practice and experience that you need in order to be successful in this growing business. The fitness profession offers flexible hours, full and part-time careers and supplemental income. It is a career that will make you smile every time you clock in!

For Course Information visit www.stchas.edu/learnforlife

Methods of Instruction

The nine-week course is taught on the St. Charles Community College campus and includes, lecture, demonstration, hands-on practice, skills assessments and final examination. Registered students receive course workbook and study guide and information on required course textbook. Students are also required to participate in a 30-hour internship.

Completion Requirements

Students must earn a score of 70% or higher on the written exam and in each of the five section practical exams. Attendance is required and students are only allowed one excused absence. Students with an excused absence must schedule a make-up session and complete any work assigned. Adult CPR/AED is required for the certification to be issued. All items must be completed within 12 months of the original course start date. Certification is good for two years.The renewal period is based on the original course completion dates.

Pre-Requisite

High school diploma or GED Required. This is a beginning level course. Students must obtain Adult CPR & AED certification in order to receive certification.

Registration

Register online at www.stchas.edu/learnforlife or call 636-922-8233.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and describe basic anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology.
2. Assess an individual’s level of fitness using ACSM guidelines.
3. Design and customize exercise programs.
4. Demonstrate proper execution of resistance, cardio-respiratory and flexibility exercises.
5. Identify and demonstrate at least one strength exercise for every major muscle group.
6. Explain ACSM and AHA recommendations for cardiovascular exercise.

Course Outline

Classroom Lecture

Session 1: Physical activity, health and health appraisals
Session 2: Exercise physiology
Session 3: Functional anatomy and biomechanics
Session 4: Fitness evaluation, assessment and nutrition
Session 5: Exercise prescription: Cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility
Session 6: Special populations: Youth, children, older adults and women
Session 7: Exercise leadership and behavior modification
Session 8: Injury prevention and treatment and program administration
Session 9: Written Exam

Practical

Session 1: Medical history and screening lesson and presentation
Session 2: Interview techniques and goal setting lesson and presentation
Session 3: Fitness testing protocols: lesson and presentation
Session 4: Fitness testing protocols: practice and role playing
Session 5: Exercise prescription, equipment use: lesson and presentation
Session 6: Exercise prescription and equipment use: practice and role playing
Session 7: Resistance training techniques, program design: lesson and presentation
Session 8: Resistance training techniques, program design: practice and role playing
Session 9: Practical Exam