NASM Senior Fitness Specialization (SFS)

Play an important part in keeping active older adults healthy! There are currently over 54 million adults over the age of 65 living in the United States, and that number is projected to continue to grow.

Senior Fitness Specialists have a unique opportunity to work with the growing older adult population and help them improve their health by providing safe and effective exercise programs that use NASM’s Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) Model program.

Our Senior Fitness Specialization provides an immersive online learning experience for fitness professionals, teaching innovative ways to design individualized programs to meet the needs of active aging adults through evidence-based practices. Addressing physiological and psychological needs, this course will provide the application needed to create a positive, comfortable trainer-client relationship and help older adult clients achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Why Become a Youth Exercise Specialist?

• Meet the specific needs of aging adults by designing exercise programs that use NASM’s Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) Model program
• Reduce risks for falls and preserve the independence of older adult clients
• Enjoy the convenience of schedule flexibility to increase clientele with active aging adults
• Understand aging adults’ limitations, common medical conditions, aging process, and frequent fitness obstacles

The course includes:

• 1.5 NASM CEUs
• 13 In-Depth Chapters
• 12 High-End Videos
• Programming Manual (PDF Download)
• 90+ Infographics & Charts
• 1 Year to Complete the Final Exam
• Course content 100% Online; Access on All Devices
• Certificate of Completion

Course Curriculum:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Senior Fitness
• Chapter 2: Scope of Practice
• Chapter 3: Physical and Physiological Considerations of Aging
• Chapter 4: Psychological Considerations of Aging
• Chapter 5: Fitness Assessments for the Active Older Adult
• Chapter 6: Flexibility Guidelines for Active Older Adults
• Chapter 7: Cardiorespiratory Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
• Chapter 8: Core, Balance, and Plyometric Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
• Chapter 9: Resistance Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
• Chapter 10: Program Design for the Active Older Adult
• Chapter 11: Common Medical Conditions and Programming Modifications
• Chapter 12: Nutrition Guidelines and Considerations for Active Older Adults
• Chapter 13: Professional and Business Development

Final Exam Format:

• Close book exam
• Passing score: 70% or higher
• Number of questions: 100 multiple choice
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Number of attempts : 3
• Exam Expiration : 365 days from the course activation
• Exam Administration: Exam must be taken at Optimum Performance Studio in Central

CEUs: NASM (1.5) AFAA (15)