In order to understand how the human body can be affected by exercise and physical activity, the skilled personal trainer must have a good foundation of anatomical and physiological knowledge.

This unit provides practical nutrition knowledge in a straightforward structure and approach. The content is in line with the latest research and recommendations, and the knowledge can be utilised to help guide, advise and plan healthy eating for active clients. This unit aims to give current factual information but encourages the skilled professional to seek out the latest research and gain insight into the world of nutrition through their own investigative eyes.

To understand how lifestyle factors affect a client’s health and wellbeing, it is useful to understand and apply a range of psychological theories in relation to health behaviours. This will enable a skilled professional to support their client with their behavioural change goals. The theories covered in this section are not exhaustive and research in this area is constantly moving forward. We also cover the impact of common medical conditions on health.

Skilled professionals utilise a wide variety of skills based on theoretical models and experientially learned strategies in order to be able to encourage positive health and fitness behaviours in clients. This unit will review a variety of methods that have been tried, tested and found to be effective when working with a wide range of clients.

This unit will review the knowledge and skills required for a PT to safely and effectively design and deliver progressive exercise to a range of healthy adults, including individual and group training in traditional and alternative exercise environments.

It is important for the personal trainer to understand the legal and professional requirements for personal training. A thorough understanding will ensure that work is conducted in accordance with legal, professional and ethical codes of practice.