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Kinesiology is the study of the mechanics of body movement and is used to promote health, reduce disease, and improve performance. In this module, students study the fundamental principles of human movement, including identifying joint actions and planes of motion.

The word musculoskeletal is a combo of the words “muscular” and “skeletal” and refers to what makes up the body – bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, membranes, joints, and ligaments. Anatomy is the study of the human body’s structure. This module focuses on the naming system for all the bones and muscles that work together during movement.

Building on the information learned in the Musculoskeletal Anatomy module, students learn about the three types of muscle contractions and the chemicals involved. They will also learn about slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers as well as creating programs utilizing plyometrics and speed, agility, and quickness (SAQ) training.

Biomechanics explains the science behind the position and angle of body parts. In this module, students learn the prime (agonist) and opposing (antagonist) muscle movers for exercises and movements in addition to identifying the forces acting upon the body.

The cardiorespiratory system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood and transports nutrients like oxygen throughout the body. In this module, students learn to label the heart with its chambers, major vessels, and valves, trace the flow of blood from the right to the left atrium, and identify the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes.

The food we eat is broken down into nutrients that are used by muscles for energy to fulfill specific demands. Students learn to identify the caloric value, role in energy production, and major structural components of macronutrients. In addition, they learn to calculate the caloric deficit required to reach a weight-loss goal.

This module focuses on building a career as a personal trainer. Students identify common professional challenges and goals and create a plan to achieve those goals. They learn how to write an effective cover letter and create a resume. In addition to a mock interview, we provide tips on inquiring about potential job opportunities and determining if a company is a good fit for an individual.

Students learn the training principles, including progression, overload, and variety so that they can identify the benefits, risks, and options for cardiorespiratory, resistance, and flexibility training. By the end of this module, students develop an appropriate workout given a list of client’s goals, capabilities, equipment, and schedule.

When working with a new client, it is essential to evaluate them first to identify potential health risks. Risk Stratification is a best practice for identifying people with health issues like pulmonary or cardiovascular disease as well as those with an elevated risk for sudden
cardiac death. Students learn to evaluate pre-screening questionnaires and risk factors to determine if there is a need for medical clearance or testing.

In this hands-on module, students interview a client to determine their goals, health history, and injuries. After that, they perform numerous activities – calculate target heart rate zones and body mass index; take a blood pressure reading, skinfold measurements, and resting heart rate; and implement a muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility test.

Students learn the SMART goals – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely – and how to establish them. In the hands-on application, they coach and motivate a client during resistance and cardiorespiratory training and communicate with a client during an intense training session.

In this module, the instructor provides an overview of the material in preparation for the final exam and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification exam. Focus Personal Training Institute pays for the test and helps students register, but an outside
agency will administer and proctor it. We encourage students to take the exam within one month of graduation.

All employers require CPR training for personal trainers. A CPR-certified instructor provides hands-on CPR training, AED defibrillator use, and tests for CPR certification.