Exercise Prescription

Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the structure and function of the human body, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, is essential for designing exercise programs.

Biomechanics: This involves the study of how the body moves and interacts with external forces during physical activity. It helps in designing exercises that are safe and effective.

Exercise Physiology: This field of study focuses on understanding the physiological effects of exercise on the body, including cardiovascular and respiratory responses, energy metabolism, and muscular adaptations.

Principles of Training: These are the fundamental guidelines that help trainers design effective exercise programs, and include specificity, overload, progression, and individualization.

Types of Exercises: These include resistance training, cardiovascular training, flexibility training, and neuromotor training, and each has specific benefits and considerations for injury rehabilitation.

Injury Evaluation and Assessment: Understanding common injuries and how to assess them is crucial for designing rehabilitation programs that target specific issues and prevent future injuries.

Functional Movement Screening: These assessments help identify imbalances and movement dysfunctions that can lead to pain and injury. It guides in designing an exercise program specifically for problem areas.

Behavioral Coaching: Helping clients establish and maintain healthy habits is crucial for long-term success. A good trainer will learn techniques to help clients establish healthy habits that they will stick to.

Nutrition and Supplementation: Supporting a healthy eating plan for clients can increase the effectiveness of an exercise program. Some clients may benefit from high-quality supplements to support their training program.

Psychology: Understanding how to motivate and support clients through their fitness journey is key for client success. A trainer should learn to support, motivate and celebrate their client's victories.

Resistance training: Involves using weights or resistance bands to increase muscle strength, size, and endurance.

Aerobic exercise: Increases heart rate and improves cardiovascular health through activities like running, cycling or swimming.

Flexibility training: Increases the range of motion and improves joint mobility through stretching exercises.

Functional training: Involves exercises that mimic or improve daily activities, i.e. carrying groceries, standing up from a chair.

Neuromuscular training: Improves coordination, balance, and stability. Beneficial for people with certain medical conditions, like Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT): Alternating periods of intense activity with recovery periods to boost cardiovascular health and burn body fat.

Circuit training: Combines aerobic and strength training exercises in a continuous series to improve overall fitness.

Plyometric training: Involves quick and explosive movements, like jumping or bounding, to increase muscle power and speed.

Sports-specific training: Focuses on training for specific sports or activities, i.e. soccer or tennis.

Pilates and yoga: Improves flexibility, balance, and strength through low-impact exercises and focused breathing.