PFT 101 introduces the applied principles and professional practices of personal fitness training. The course emphasizes client consultation, fitness assessment, exercise technique, and the design of individualized programs using evidence-informed training principles. Students explore how the body responds and adapts to resistance and aerobic training, how to select and administer fitness evaluations, and how to design safe, effective programs for diverse populations and goals.
Students develop foundational skills in exercise instruction, goal setting, motivation strategies, and professional responsibility. The course also addresses basic nutrition concepts, special population considerations, and the ethical and legal standards expected of personal fitness professionals.
This course is designed to prepare students to sit for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) examination. Any certification eligibility requirements established by the NSCA must be met independently of course completion.
Explain foundational principles of exercise science, biomechanics, and physiological adaptation in order to support safe and effective personal training decisions.
Conduct client consultations, including health screenings and dietary intake reviews, to identify risk factors and training priorities.
Demonstrate proper exercise technique across resistance, aerobic, and performance modalities in order to promote movement quality and client safety.
Design individualized training programs using evidence-based exercise and nutrition principles in order to support client health, fitness, and performance goals.
Apply professional, legal, ethical, and scope-of-practice standards in order to provide responsible personal training services.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
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Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
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