In this short module Sam Bacon introduces the course and explains the elements of the course

In Unit 1 you will learn about why you should plan and programme for your clients, the standardised approach to this in the fitness industry and how decisions about planning and programming are made and the monitoring around this. You will also learn about what considerations need to be taken into account when carrying out a needs analysis and determining what information is needed before you design a training programme for a client.

In unit 2 you will learn about the scientific principles that underpin training and should guide everything you do as a coach. You will also learn about how to manipulate different training parameters to induce desired adaptions.

In unit 3 you will learn about the concept of periodisation, macro, meso and micro cycles and different models of periodisation along with their limitations and potential solutions.

In unit 4 you will learn about tapering in relation to the fitness fatigue model; what physiological and psychological changes occur in response to a taper; which factors can be manipulated when designing a taper and the impact of training prior to a taper on peaking for optimal performance. You will also look at the practical applications of the available evidence and key considerations that may alter taper design.

In unit 5 you will explore the physiological changes associated with different durations of detraining & what can be done to retain adaptations and what training variables can be manipulated to obtain a minimum or optimal dose-response.

In unit 6 you will learn about why having a critical awareness of the evidence is important and why research should be interpreted with caution. You will also explore the practical applications of the individual training response and how it could alter your programming.

In unit 7 you will learn about the theory behind concurrent training and the underpinning mechanisms of the interference effect. You will also explore the factors that influence the extent of interference and look at how to collate and interpret the available evidence to determine the real-world practical applications of concurrent training.

In unit 8 you will learn about the importance of training transfer; the difference between specificity and dynamic correspondence; how different exercises are classified and when to use them; how to use the force-velocity curve; the key movement patterns which should form the basis of any programme and the general rules of exercise progression.