NAFC's newly updated Anatomy and Physiology course presents essential knowledge which all Health and Fitness professionals should have an understanding of. Students will leave with an improved grasp of fundamental anatomy and physiology as they pertain to their clients and to real movement patterns.

Certification in Applied Functional Science® (CAFS) gives movement professionals the skills and knowledge to approach each individual according to their unique goals and daily function. Combining the principles of Applied Functional Science® with your existing skill sets and experience, learn how to take an individualized approach to program design and create truly functional programs for your clients.

3DMAPS (3D Movement Analysis & Performance System) is the most innovative way to effectively analyze and enhance the entire body in an efficient, revealing, and evidence-based manner. This certification equips you, the movement professional, with the content, competence, and confidence to meet the needs, wants, and goals of all of your patients and clients. Unlike any other movement screen, 3DMAPS is a movement analysis and performance system that applies to the three-dimensionality and abilities of all individuals and all of human function. 3DMAPS boils down all of human movement (the three-dimensional interaction of joints, muscles, and proprioceptors) into 6 Vital Transformational Zones, adapts these movements within Mobility Analysis Movements (assessing range of motion) and Stability Analysis Movements (assessing control of motion), and empowers you to then prioritize the best and most logical progressions in serving your patients and clients better.

Learn assessment techniques for measuring cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility and body composition. Practice applying these test results for individual program development and goal setting.

Assess and apply an understanding of:

• Body composition assessment.
• Predicting oxygen uptake and caloric expenditures from exercise and increased heart rate.
• Recommended body weight ranges, as based on body fat percentage recommendations.
• A battery of muscular flexibility tests to assess overall body flexibility.
• Cardio-respiratory endurance assessment test results.

This 30-minute animated course will give you an inside look at the supplement industry, showing you the most common scams in the market today.

Developing the eyes of a critical thinking trainer starts here. This course will assist new as well as seasoned instructors to be more adept at assessing body types and to determine appropriate movements for each. Learn to do initial postural assessments necessary prior to working with any new client. Develop skills of looking at individuals as a whole by observing their gait and the way they move. A prerequisite for Mat 1 & 2, or CEC.

Learn basic anatomy, biomechanics and applying this knowledge in training settings for specific muscle groups. Guide clients in maximizing results while minimizing injury risk.

Assess and apply an understanding of:

• Muscle structure and function.
• Programs for training beginners through experienced clients.
• Successful strengthening programs.
• Methods for accurate record keeping and charting progress.
• Strength training programs for diverse populations.
• Safe and effective exercises for all major muscle groups.

The difference between keeping a client and losing one could all be based on your ability to communicate effectively. This animated course will teach you how to easily explain how fat loss works in a way that anyone can understand.

Learn to effectively communicate the health benefits of fitness, disease prevention, diet and nutrition, behavior modification, stress management, and total wellness. Develop motivation and behavior modification strategies to enhance compliance with a fitness and wellness program.

Assess and apply an understanding of:

• Nutrition and Weight Management.
• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.
• Cancer Risk Management.
• Stress Management.
• Tobacco Use.

This course will take you to a level of nutrition knowledge that only the experts truly know. Since nutrition is one of the most important components in guiding your clients to successfully obtaining their fitness goals, this course will give you the tools to offer the most complete fitness solutions available.

The female body is structurally different from the male body both anatomically and in its need for pelvic alignment and health. Working with the female body before, during, and after pregnancy requires a working knowledge of female anatomy in all three stages to prepare, accommodate, and restore a woman's body to alignment and health. This course reviews female anatomy and the anatomy of pregnancy to guide you with pregnant clients. Learn the importance of breathing and posture, guidelines for exercise, contraindications, special considerations, and safe exercises for pregnant clients. Knowledge is key to safety and effectiveness in exercise for your pregnant clients.

Blood pressure is an integral part of the function and health of the cardiorespiratory system. High blood pressure (Hypertension), low blood pressure (Hypotension), Pulmonary Hypertension, and Preeclampsia all have implications for safe and effective exercise prescription.
This course provides knowledge for understanding the anatomy and physiology of blood pressure and its role in health. It teaches you how to screen for blood pressure and provides exercise training and special considerations for clients with blood pressure disease. Learn guidelines to provide individualized exercise recommendations to help clients prevent or delay hypertension. In addition, this course guides the health-fitness professional to help clients with blood pressure disease to safely and effectively exercise to help control the disease.

Heart disease and its complications is the leading cause of death in the US for both men and women. Exercise plays an important role in prevention and treatment of heart disease. This course explores risk reduction, prevention, and management of heart disease through lifestyle changes and exercise. Learn how to safely and effectively lead your clients to a healthier heart and a healthier life.

Health Appraisal and Risk Assessment set the stage for legal responsibility to your client and enable you to limit liability exposure as a health-fitness professional. Understanding this process and using it correctly aligned with industry standards will help you properly screen your client for potential risk. This course teaches you how to navigate through the process dictated by the American College of Sports Medicine Guidelines. It includes several printable assessment forms and covers many important topics that all health-fitness instructors must understand to practice within industry standards.

Chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD, was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2011, according to the CDC. Also, the number of people with asthma continues to grow. Learn guidelines for working with pulmonary dysfunctional clients, breathing exercises, and how to help overcome the fear that accompanies an increased demand on the respiratory system. Learn how to effectively help these clients improve function and quality of life.

According to the American Heart Association, over 47 million Americans have metabolic syndrome. That is approximately one out of every six people. Every health-fitness professional will encounter diabetic clients. This course will help prepare you to effectively work with these clients on many levels. Scenarios are included to help you prepare for inevitable diabetic incidents with clients.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is a very serious diagnosis with a multifaceted approach starting from identification all the way through treatment. Cancer patients are now encouraged to exercise during and after treatment. This course includes important information for health-fitness professionals about cancer and exercise guidelines. Videos guide you through a simple exercise progression for clients with cancer or who are cancer survivors. In the search for a cure, physical activity proves a valuable tool in prevention, treatment, and a progressive return to daily living activities. Learn how to embrace this client base and provide safe and effective programming options.

If you are a personal trainer interested in expanding your training options to the water, it is important to learn about the aquatic environment. The water's viscosity provides resistance that surrounds you and provides "work" for every movement in every direction. The water's buoyancy reduces body mass, impact to weight bearing joints, and spinal decompression in deep water. The water's hydrostatic pressure affects many of the body's physiological functions. If you want to be an effective aquatic personal trainer, learn about the special benefits and qualities the aquatic environment has to offer and incorporate that knowledge into your personal training sessions. This course will start you on your way to becoming a successful aquatic personal trainer.

If you are a personal trainer interested in expanding your training options to the water, it is important to learn about the aquatic environment. Increase your success by understanding the properties of the water and aquatic physiological responses. This course teaches you training formats that work well in the aquatic environment as well as shallow and deep water exercise techniques. It also addresses the proper way to monitor and manipulate intensity in the aquatic environment, a skill critical to the success of your client reaching his/her goals.

Improve the quality of your cardiorespiratory workouts for your clients! Learn how to have your clients working in their target heart rate zones to maximize weight loss and effectively improve function. This course provides evidence based methodology and practice for the often confusing guidelines for aquatic heart rate deductions. Generally accepted equations and methods are provided with easy-to-follow explanations and practice equations. After completing this course you will be able to determine and apply aquatic target heart rates for safe and effective exercise intensity.

Applied anatomical movement can be confusing for any health-fitness professional. This easy to use multimedia course advances your knowledge of basic human movement, muscle use, types of contractions, and the muscle equation for both land and water environments. Deepen your understanding of concentric/eccentric action as it pertains to specific movements and equipment use on land and in water. Gain confidence in understanding the purpose of every exercise you prescribe so you can provide safe and effective programming for your group fitness and one-on-one clients.

At this time, there is no cure for fatal Alzheimer's disease and prevention is key to avoiding this 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Fitness has been found through research to be instrumental in prevention. This course provides important information to help you understand cognitive decline and Alzheimer's relevant to anyone working as a health-fitness professional. It focuses on causes, risk factors, diagnosis, care partners, The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer's Prevention™, and preventive mental exercise.

Cancer is a disease that affects both mind and body. More and more cancer survivors are coming to health-fitness professionals to regain strength, mobility, and endurance. Pilates principles and movements are great for restoring function to Breast Cancer Survivors. You can incorporate these principles for your group fitness and personal training clients without being certified or highly experienced in Pilates. This course provides sound information about breast cancer and its process, along with several exercise video clips to aid you in working with breast cancer clients to help them regain a connection to their body. Use these principles to facilitate your cancer survivors' "return to life."

There are over 2 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today. Due to the ramifications of treatment, exercise is a modality that can be used to facilitate recovery. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise can improve quality of life, reduce side effects of treatment, and improve strength and endurance. This course will help health-fitness professionals understand diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for cancer patients and survivors. Important guidelines and information are provided for safe and effective exercise through course and multimedia content. Embrace this client base with practical exercise options to improve recovery and function.

At this time, there is no cure for fatal Alzheimer's disease and prevention is key to avoiding this 6th leading cause of death in the U.S. Fitness has been found through research to be instrumental in prevention. As the world population continues to grow and live longer, the issues of accompanying cognitive decline, dementia, and fatal Alzheimer's disease are becoming more prevalent, significantly impacting quality of life, health care systems, and the economy of many countries. This course reviews statistics, definitions, risk factors, and stages of disease progression. The primary focus of this course is evidence-based preventive physical exercise for prevention and intervention. Exercise guidelines and considerations are provided and sample programs are included.

Learn how to apply and incorporate Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) into training formats for all ages. The application of multiple strategies, drills, and methods of training allow individuals of all ages to become functionally prepared for life. Multi-plane and multi-sensory methods will be addressed through a science-based, practical approach to understanding an integrated body concept. There are sample programs, sample combinations, and video to guide you through the concepts. Freshen your training and group fitness sessions by adding some practical functional elements.

Almost 80% of American adults will suffer low back pain at some point. Interestingly, 70-80% of low back pain is associated with musculoskeletal imbalances and improper core activation during everyday movement. Join us as we take a look at the latest research on the biomechanics of low back pain. From the hip to the foot, you will be surprised by how many different imbalances attribute to low back pain. Help your clients get their bodies back in balance and move pain free!

It's such a satisfying experience to finish your workout knowing you have created a calorie deficit. Many clients are trying to manage their weight and want to know "How many calories did I burn in this workout?" In order to answer this commonly asked question, it is important to understand the many factors that affect caloric consumption. This quick study will help you guide your clients to better exercise choices and help you better understand the "skinny" on measuring energy production and intensity, and the variables that affect caloric consumption.

The incidence of Parkinson's disease is seen in all races. Almost 10 million individuals worldwide are affected by Parkinson's disease and the number is increasing as people live longer. Health-fitness professionals who work with the general public and older adults will encounter clients and patients with Parkinson's disease. Understanding the basics of the disease allows professionals to recognize disease progression and be aware of and learn how to manage numerous possible symptoms and related problems, allowing those with PD to live longer with better quality of life.

This multi-media course uses video, text, and pictures to provide you with choreography for a complete core workout. Learn how to teach this workout which includes powerful cardio moves that focus on extreme calorie burning combined with unique strength exercises that will sculpt the body. The workout includes an emphasis on balance training to challenge the core and uses functional and interval training techniques. Have your clients engage multiple muscle groups to maximize energy expenditure and increase post workout caloric burn. Keep your clients coming back for more core with this workout!

Core and abdominal strength/endurance are the foundation of all human movement. Learn how to train abdominals efficiently with proper exercise execution in this course. See videos and explanations of abdominal anatomy, proper training technique, and exercises for on land with bonus exercises for in the water. This course helps you build your knowledge and skills for training this fundamentally important part of the body.

Having a strong mid-section is not only aesthetically pleasing but contributes substantially to overall health and stamina as well. Understanding how to progressively and safely restore the core for your client will build a foundation for supporting the spine and improving overall function in both athletics and activities of daily living. Through video, text and informative pictures, Chris Kelly will teach you how to assess your client's core strength and provide several unique and enjoyable exercises to build your client's most important foundation- Core Strength and Function.

Part 2 of Chris Kelly's core series is an evidence-based tested core training program designed to build a strong and aesthetically pleasing mid-section combined with the ability to function efficiently in the real world. Through video and text you will learn the purpose for different types of unique core training exercises and methods to expand your "tool box." Learn to progressively increase the challenge of your training programs for clients of all levels and take the entire core (versus merely the abs) to a new level of function. Part 1 Restore the Core: Integrated Core Training for Real World Function is also available.

The percentage of consumers (your clients) who actively seek information about nutrition and healthful eating has more than doubled from 19% in 2000 to 46% in 2011. It is important for health-fitness professionals to be properly qualified and guided to join the fight against obesity with science-based information and counsel for clients following the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) guidelines. The AASDN creates a fundamental understanding of science-based nutrition concepts in this course. The goal is to allow you to be able to better separate the science-based food and nutrition information from the plethora of misinformation, to properly advise and communicate about nutrition with your clients.

Increase your understanding and professionalism by expanding your knowledge in human movement. This course contains text, photos, interactive graphics, and video to help you deepen your knowledge for the fundamentals of human movement and the unique way each person moves. Make each exercise work for your clients. Develop your ability to effectively understand and modify exercises in order to personalize an exercise movement or routine.

This course provides an important overview of aging through physiological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. With a thorough understanding of the aging body, a health-fitness professional can design effective programs to meet the needs of students. Videos and exercise descriptions are included for chair and standing exercises as well as exercises for in the water. Meet the demands of this growing population with safe and effective exercise options.

It's every fitness professional's nightmare: "I know where the muscle is located, I can see the word in my head, but how do I pronounce it? These terms are so unusual." Even physical therapists, presenters and college professors all say the terms differently. What is the correct pronunciation of basic anatomical terminology? In this course, each muscle is represented with its common spelling, phonetic spelling, a picture, the Latin root of the term, and then the muscle is used in a sentence that helps you learn about the muscle. The best part of this course is that you can click on the speaker icon and HEAR and PRACTICE the correct pronunciation. How good is that!

In this dynamic choreography course, Master Instructor Rella Brennan shows you 15 moves that you can use as building blocks in your own choreography. Safe and effective Hi-Low Choreography shows all moves with a low impact variation, fluid transitions, and great combinations to keep your classes fresh and effective. Learn how to put together several of the moves to get 6 safe combinations that will rock your class, or take it up a notch with Rella's Mega Combinations and see how all of the moves work together to create one great class. Awesome choreography to incorporate into several class formats to keep you fresh!

Exercise demonstration and prescription is a topic that every health-fitness professional needs to constantly consider and can often be neglected due to experience and complacency. This could result in inadvertent poor example/demonstration techniques, and less than optimal planned prescription. These morsels of tips, hints and in some cases in your face frank observations for group, small group, and personal training applications are shared to ensure your professionalism remains top of your game and keeps your clients coming back for more.

This course builds on fundamental exercise physiology to allow the health-fitness professional to take exercise to the next level. Learn how to deliver precision exercise prescription in group fitness, small group fitness, personal training, and boutique/studio fitness applications. The information in this course will change the way you view and deliver exercise programming. Reinforce basic physiology with quick reviews and apply current physiology and technology for zone, threshold, and heart rate training. Understand the science behind the technology of wearable devices to be able to better apply heart rate training to fill your client’s needs and meet their goals. Step into the realm of precision exercise to learn how to deliver a high level of service for all your clients in all fitness applications.

CE short course