Skip to product information
1 of 2

Senior Fitness Specialization | SFS

Senior Fitness Specialization | SFS

Older adults can be a fantastic source of clients for your fitness business. In this specialization, you’ll learn about the physical, physiological, and psychological considerations of aging, and how to adjust your training routines to align with the training guidelines for older adults.

When you choose NASM to pursue your Senior Fitness Specialization, you’ll get access to:

  • World-class fitness & nutrition experts.

  • Peer-reviewed content from the brightest minds in the industry.

  • State-of-the-art digital learning platform designed to meet multiple learning styles.

  • A curriculum that is consistently reviewed and updated with the most up-to-date material available.

CEU Value: 1.5 NASM

Translation missing: en.products.product.price.monthly_price

CAD 45.75 / month

CAD 549.0

One-time payment

CAD 698.6

SAVE $149
View full details

Program details

What could be more rewarding than helping older adults to stave off age-related decline and rediscover their health and fitness? In this specialization, you’ll gain the tools you need to exert a life-changing impact on the lives of active older adults.

  • Empower older adults by helping them regain the strength, stamina, and flexibility to stay healthy and independent
  • Explore the physiological and psychological changes that occur with aging
  • Learn advanced fitness assessments and evaluations specific for the needs of older adults
  • Design exercise programs to help older adults reduce the risk of falls, gain independence, and ward off the negative physical effects of aging
  • Understand the limitations and fitness obstacles of older adults
  • Expand your client base by appealing to the 54 million (and growing) adults over 65
  • Self-paced online program makes it easy and convenient to launch your new career from home in as little as 2-4 weeks
  • CEU Value: 1.5 NASM

Curriculum

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course. Although a personal trainer certification or a fitness specialization is recommended.

Section 1:

5 Infographics | 1 Video | 1 Quiz

Chapter 1: Introduction to Senior Fitness
The Senior Fitness Specialization (SFS) is a comprehensive program for fitness professionals delivered in an immersive online experience that combines current evidence-based information on the physiological and psychological considerations of aging, assessment strategies for the older adult, exercise progressions, and program design considerations for the older client.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Scope of Practice
In this chapter, you'll examine the scope of practice for Senior Fitness Specialists and understand their role in the healthcare continuum.

Section 2

11 Infographics | 2 Videos | 2 Quizzes

Chapter 3: Physical and Physiological Considerations of Aging
You'll understand the physiological changes that occur in the nervous system and the cardiorespiratory system as people age. Learn how the musculoskeletal system changes with age and understand safety concerns.

Chapter 4: Psychological Considerations of Aging
In this chapter, you'll learn age-related influences on the quality of life, emotional well-being, and self-perception for the older adult client. You'll also understand the psychosocial effects that exercise can have.

Section 3

5 Infographics | 1 Video | 3 Printable Handouts | 1 Quiz

Chapter 5: Fitness Assessments for the Active Older Adult
This chapter will help you understand the components of an integrated assessment to be used with older adults. Learn how to conduct a screening process and interpret the data to reveal health risks. Utilize several different assessments to enable successful behavior change, physiological and functional fitness improvement.

Section 4

8 Infographics | 4 Videos | 1 Printable Handout | 4 Quizzes

Chapter 6: Flexibility Guidelines for Active Older Adults
This chapter discusses the rationale for flexibility training. Learn to safely progress an older adult through flexibility training and apply appropriate acute variables when performing flexibility training with older adults.

Chapter 7: Cardiorespiratory Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
You'll get an understanding of cardiorespiratory training and how to safely assist older adults through it. Find out how to apply the FITTE principles when performing this type of training.

Chapter 8: Core, Balance, and Plyometric Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
This section explains the epidemiology of falls and importance for fall prevention programming in older adults. Learn different core, balance and reactive trainings to help prevent the risk of falls.

Chapter 9: Resistance Training Guidelines for Active Older Adults
In this chapter, you'll learn the adaptations that occur during the stabilization-endurance, strength-endurance, muscular hypertrophy, maximal strength, and power phases on the Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) Model. Know how to use appropriate resistance training exercises based on the different levels of the OPT™ Model.

Section 5

10 Infographics | 2 Videos | 1 Printable Handout | 2 Quizzes

Chapter 10: Program Design for the Active Older Adult
This chapter will help you define and describe the acute training variables within each phase of the Optimum Performance Training (OPT™) Model. Be familiar with the physiological considerations when designing cardiorespiratory and resistance training programs for older adult clients.

Chapter 11: Common Medical Conditions and Programming Modifications
Be able to determine various chronic conditions and comorbidities associated with active older adults. Understand how medical conditions affect the body and be able to outline exercise recommendations for those with chronic conditions and comorbidities.

Section 6

2 Infographics | 1 Video | 1 Quiz

Chapter 12: Nutrition Guidelines and Considerations for Active Older Adults
You'll understand the caloric requirements, guidelines and considerations for macronutrient consumption for older client health. Explain proper micronutrient considerations and determine nutrition guidelines for them.

Section 7

1 Video | 1 Quiz

Chapter 13: Professional and Business Development
In this chapter, you'll learn the legal requirements when working as a personal trainer and NASM's Code of Professional Conduct. Develop a plan of action to best market services.

Final Exam

You will have 365 days from the date of enrollment to take your final exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. There is a time limit of 90 minutes, and you must pass with a 70% or higher. You will have 3 attempts to pass, but additional retests can be purchased by calling Member Services at 1-778-504-0233.

Discover Your Career Path With This Certification

Your potential career pathways start here.

Master Trainer

Master Trainer

Your NASM CPT is the essential first step toward becoming a Master Trainer—a respected leader who educates peers, mentors others, and shapes the future of fitness. By building on your CPT with advanced specializations, you evolve from a knowledgeable trainer into a recognized expert. It’s more than a career path—it’s your launchpad from trainer to trailblazer.

Education Instructor

Education Instructor

With an NASM CPT, professionals in higher education deepen their expertise, enhance coursework development, and bring real-world application into the classroom. Whether you're designing new programs or leading hands-on labs, your certification empowers you to teach with authority. Additional certifications required.

Online Trainer

Online Trainer

Expand your reach beyond the gym. With NASM CPT credibility, you can deliver effective, individualized training virtually, helping clients achieve results no matter where they are. Leverage tech, build relationships, and create lasting change from any location.

Fitness Manager

Fitness Manager

Move from coaching individuals to leading entire teams. With an NASM CPT, you’ll be equipped to mentor other trainers, manage operations, and elevate client experiences. Drive excellence, promote growth, and lead with confidence.

Social Media Influencer

Social Media Influencer

Build a trusted voice in the fitness space. An NASM CPT adds the credibility behind your content, giving you the authority to inspire, educate, and grow an audience that values expertise. Share your passion, spark action, and lead with authenticity.

Gym Personal Trainer

Gym Personal Trainer

Work in a boutique studio or large gym, creating customized workouts and guiding clients toward their goals. With an NASM CPT, you’ll have the expertise and credibility to deliver real results and stand out on the gym floor. Build trust, drive transformation, and become the trainer clients seek out.

Independent Personal Trainer

Independent Personal Trainer

Build your fitness business and be your own boss. An NASM CPT gives you the knowledge and confidence to create tailored programs, attract loyal clients, and grow a career on your terms. Flex your creativity, scale your impact, and coach with purpose. Your brand. Your business. Your rules.

Corporate Wellness Trainer

Corporate Wellness Trainer

Design and lead programs that keep employees healthier, happier, and more productive. As an NASM CPT, you’ll have the skill set to make fitness part of workplace culture—boosting morale, reducing stress, and improving performance. An additional Wellness Coach certification may be needed. Strengthen workplace teams through wellness.

Gym Owner

Gym Owner

Turn your vision into reality. With an NASM CPT as your foundation, you’ll have the experience and know-how to create a space where clients come to transform—and a business built to thrive. Lead with purpose and shape your community.

CAN’T FIND WHAT
YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

Talk to an NPTA Program Advisor
Our team are ready to help you decide which is best fit you!
+1-778-949-6782

Hear from our certified trainers

Alfredson T.
Mark Lopez

"I chose to get NASM certified because of its in-depth, evidence-based approach, which I knew would greatly benefit my clients."

Mark Lopez

Martin Chan

"I selected NASM certification for its comprehensive and research-driven curriculum, ensuring my clients receive the highest level of expertise."

Martin Chan

Debora

"For the past six months, I have been studying hard to become a Certified Personal Trainer with NASM, known for its rigorous exam and strong reputation. Before this, I earned a German fitness instructor license (B-Lizenz). I worked in a gym while studying and really liked the NASM content, especially the OPT model."

Debora

Kevin

"Becoming NASM Certified is a significant milestone for me. It represents the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired, and my dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals."

Kevin

Vierra G.

"Balancing studying, work, and motherhood was incredibly challenging, but I’m proud to have completed it. This certification enhances my skills for better client service. The Corrective Exercise Specialist course provided advanced techniques for movement impairments, and I’m eager to apply this knowledge to help my clients reach their goals."

Vierra G.

Joyce

“I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional education and support I have received at NASM. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained here have been invaluable, and I am truly thankful for the dedication and passion of the faculty and staff.”

Joyce

Mahmoud

"I chose the NASM program for its excellent reputation and scientific approach, ensuring I gain the skills to provide top-notch service to my clients. With my NASM certification, I now create personalized training programs to help clients achieve their fitness goals safely and effectively.”

Mahmoud

Hossam

"I study biochemistry, but my passion is exercise science. Finding NASM was the best choice ever. Completing the course while studying was tough, but it deepened my love for exercise science and equipped me with valuable tools to become a professional personal trainer. Thank you, NASM."

Hossam

Abigail

"I'm officially a NASM-certified personal trainer and deeply grateful for the program's support in passing the CPT exam! I'm excited to use what I've learned to help clients achieve their fitness goals and transform lives. Certification is just the beginning, and I'm ready for what's next!"

Abigail

Natalya

"I am now officially a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I learned so much from this program. As a Certified Personal Trainer, I can now help people achieve their fitness goals and be the best version of themselves! Thank you to everyone who believed in me and helped me in my journey."

Natalya

Rodrigo

"NASM made this course extremely enjoyable and very informative. I was able to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow me to be a successful personal trainer. I’ve learned so much information that I would love to implement to empower others and help them achieve their goals. I am truly passionate about assisting others in becoming the best versions of themselves and living healthier and happier lives."

Rodrigo

Marina

“I’ve been a Personal Trainer for 8 years and chose NASM for their reputation and flexible schedule. The certification took 4 months at my own pace and was applicable to both my profession and personal routines. I’m excited to use my new credentials to help people achieve their fitness goals and improve their lifestyles. Thank you, NASM!”

Marina

Frank

"Training isn't complete without nutrition. For those offering nutritional guidance, the NASM CNC is essential. In my nine years in fitness, it’s been one of the most comprehensive and insightful certifications. The sections on behavior change and coaching skills were transformative. I’m now equipped to assess client needs and provide tailored nutritional coaching for their fitness and lifestyle goals."

Frank

Savanna

"Enrolling in NASM was one of the best decisions for my career as a Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist. The education provided was excellent and equipped me with essential knowledge for the fitness industry. I appreciated the focus on coaching, nutrition, and exercise techniques. Thanks to NASM, I feel empowered to pursue my passion and look forward to further education in fitness, health, and wellness. I highly recommend NASM for expanding your knowledge in the fitness industry."

Savanna

Alex Jung Lee

"Throughout the NASM CPT certification course, I've gained a comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic value associated with health and wellness. I take great pride in successfully achieving the designation of NASM CPT. I am enthusiastic about leveraging my acquired knowledge to support and enhance the well-being of my family, friends, and community as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer."

Alex Jung Lee

Felicitas Avendaño

"In 2018, I became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), turning a hobby into a full-time job with a busy schedule across two gyms, online clients, and home visits. Being a nutrition coach has enhanced my ability to help clients and added revenue streams to my business. I’m also proud to have been a gym owner for almost a year, enjoying the responsibility and freedom of leading my own team."

Felicitas Avendaño

Helen

"𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 💭 𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞...𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐓!⁣ Studying at 𝟓𝟕 is so very different than at 𝟏𝟗. Yet very possible.⁣"⁠

Helen

Darryl

"Time to pass some of this fitness energy down to our youth! Helping to make sure that they play for at least 60 minutes a day."

Darryl

Kenneth

"You can teach an old dog new tricks 😂 something good came out of the pandemic for me!"

Kenneth

Want to personalize your certification path?

Contact us to create a custom bundle tailored to your goals in nutrition, personal training, or specialization.