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Personal Trainer Course
More than 2 million students worldwide

Personal Trainer Course

4.6

Launch your career as a certified personal trainer with the knowledge and practical skills employers and clients demand. This comprehensive course covers anatomy, programme design, nutrition, injury prevention, and business fundamentals. Everything you need to train clients safely, effectively, and professionally is right here.

Dedika for businesses

What you will learn:

You will master human anatomy, exercise science, and the training principles that drive real client results. You will learn how to assess clients, design goal-specific programmes, and coach proper technique across all major movement patterns. The course covers nutrition fundamentals, injury prevention, corrective exercise, and behavioural coaching strategies. You will also develop the business and legal skills needed to build and grow a personal training practice. By the end, you will be fully prepared to work with diverse clients across a wide range of fitness goals.

How you study in practice Personal Trainer Course

How you practise Personal Trainer Course

For companies looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the specific needs of your company.

Click here

Course content

8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology

  • Lesson 1 • Skeletal System and Joint Mechanics

    Covers bone structure, joint types, and movement planes. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout all subsequent training concepts.

  • Lesson 2 • Muscular System Fundamentals

    Identifies major muscle groups, fibre types, and contraction mechanics. Directly informs exercise selection and cueing strategies.

  • Lesson 3 • Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

    Explains heart function, blood circulation, and oxygen delivery during exercise. Provides the physiological basis for cardiorespiratory programming.

  • Lesson 4 • Energy Systems and Metabolism

    Covers ATP-PC, glycolytic, and oxidative pathways and their exercise applications. Links energy system knowledge to intensity and duration programming.

  • Lesson 5 • Nervous System and Neuromuscular Control

    Describes motor unit recruitment, proprioception, and reflex arcs. Explains how the nervous system governs movement quality and coordination.

Chapter 2See details

Exercise Science Principles

  • Lesson 1 • Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations

    Distinguishes neural vs. structural adaptations driving strength and muscle growth. Guides trainers in setting realistic client expectations.

  • Lesson 2 • Acute Training Variables

    Defines sets, reps, load, tempo, rest, and frequency. Mastery of these variables enables precise programme manipulation.

  • Lesson 3 • Cardiorespiratory Training Principles

    Covers VO2 max, heart rate zones, and aerobic base development. Connects physiological markers to practical cardio programming decisions.

  • Lesson 4 • Flexibility and Mobility Science

    Explains static, dynamic, and PNF stretching mechanisms and their effects. Positions mobility work within a complete training programme.

  • Lesson 5 • Principles of Training Adaptation

    Introduces overload, specificity, reversibility, and individuality. These principles form the decision-making framework for all programme design.

Chapter 3See details

Client Assessment and Fitness Testing

  • Lesson 1 • Muscular Strength and Endurance Testing

    Covers push-up, grip strength, and repetition maximum testing protocols. Establishes strength baselines for resistance programme design.

  • Lesson 2 • Health History and Risk Stratification

    Covers pre-participation health screening tools and cardiovascular risk classification. Ensures trainers identify clients requiring medical clearance.

  • Lesson 3 • Cardiorespiratory Fitness Testing

    Introduces submaximal aerobic tests and heart rate recovery protocols. Provides objective data for setting cardio training intensities.

  • Lesson 4 • Body Composition Assessment

    Explains skinfold, circumference, and bioelectrical impedance methods. Teaches accurate measurement and sensitive communication of results.

  • Lesson 5 • Postural and Movement Assessments

    Teaches static postural analysis and functional movement screens. Identifies compensations that inform corrective and programme design choices.

Chapter 4See details

Exercise Technique and Instruction

  • Lesson 1 • Resistance Training Exercise Technique

    Details setup, execution, and common errors for major free-weight and machine exercises. Builds trainer confidence in technical instruction.

  • Lesson 2 • Foundational Movement Patterns

    Establishes the squat, hinge, push, pull, carry, and lunge as core movement categories. Provides a classification system for exercise selection.

  • Lesson 3 • Spotting Techniques and Safety

    Teaches proper spotting positions and protocols for common exercises. Ensures trainer and client safety during maximal and near-maximal efforts.

  • Lesson 4 • Effective Cueing Strategies

    Covers verbal, visual, and tactile cueing methods and their appropriate use. Improves client comprehension and movement quality in real time.

  • Lesson 5 • Cardiorespiratory Exercise Instruction

    Covers treadmill, cycle, rowing, and elliptical setup and technique. Ensures clients use cardio equipment safely and effectively.

Chapter 5See details

Programme Design for Diverse Clients

  • Lesson 1 • Cardiorespiratory Programme Design

    Structures continuous, interval, and circuit cardio programmes by goal and fitness level. Integrates cardio with resistance training for balanced programming.

  • Lesson 2 • Goal Setting and Programme Planning

    Applies SMART goal frameworks and needs analysis to programme creation. Aligns training structure with client goals, lifestyle, and assessment data.

  • Lesson 3 • Periodisation Models and Application

    Introduces linear, undulating, and block periodisation for long-term planning. Teaches trainers to cycle volume and intensity to prevent plateaus.

  • Lesson 4 • Programming for Special Populations

    Adapts programme design for older adults, youth, prenatal clients, and deconditioned individuals. Applies risk-appropriate modifications to standard templates.

  • Lesson 5 • Resistance Training Programme Design

    Covers split vs. full-body structures, exercise order, and variable manipulation. Produces programmes targeting hypertrophy, strength, or muscular endurance.

Chapter 6See details

Nutrition Fundamentals for Trainers

  • Lesson 1 • Micronutrients and Hydration

    Identifies key vitamins, minerals, and hydration needs for active clients. Addresses common deficiencies that impair performance and recovery.

  • Lesson 2 • Nutrition for Performance and Recovery

    Covers pre-, intra-, and post-workout nutrition strategies. Optimises energy availability and muscle protein synthesis around training.

  • Lesson 3 • Weight Management Nutrition Strategies

    Applies caloric deficit and surplus principles to fat loss and muscle gain goals. Teaches sustainable approaches over crash dieting.

  • Lesson 4 • Macronutrients and Energy Balance

    Covers protein, carbohydrate, and fat functions and caloric values. Links energy balance to body composition change goals.

  • Lesson 5 • Scope of Practice in Nutrition

    Defines the boundary between general nutrition guidance and clinical dietetics. Protects clients and trainers by clarifying referral responsibilities.

Chapter 7See details

Injury Prevention and Basic Corrective Exercise

  • Lesson 1 • Common Training Injuries Overview

    Describes prevalent musculoskeletal injuries by region and their mechanisms. Builds trainer awareness for early recognition and appropriate response.

  • Lesson 2 • Foam Rolling and Self-Myofascial Release

    Covers foam rolling technique, target areas, and evidence-based benefits. Teaches clients self-care tools to support recovery and mobility.

  • Lesson 3 • Core Stability and Injury Prevention

    Distinguishes core stability from core strength and its role in spinal protection. Introduces anti-movement exercises as foundational injury prevention tools.

  • Lesson 4 • Corrective Exercise Methodology

    Introduces the inhibit, lengthen, activate, integrate corrective sequence. Provides a systematic approach to addressing movement compensations.

  • Lesson 5 • Emergency Response and First Aid Basics

    Covers trainer responsibilities during medical emergencies in a fitness setting. Ensures readiness to respond to cardiac events, fainting, and acute injuries.

Chapter 8See details

Professional Practice and Business Skills

  • Lesson 1 • Client Retention and Communication

    Applies motivational interviewing and active listening to strengthen client relationships. Retention strategies reduce dropout and build a sustainable client base.

  • Lesson 2 • Building a Personal Training Business

    Covers pricing models, marketing channels, and client acquisition strategies. Equips trainers to launch and grow an independent or gym-based practice.

  • Lesson 3 • Scope of Practice and Ethics

    Defines professional boundaries, ethical obligations, and dual-relationship risks. Protects clients and trainers through clear role understanding.

  • Lesson 4 • Legal Responsibilities and Documentation

    Covers informed consent, liability waivers, and accurate record-keeping requirements. Reduces legal exposure through proper documentation practices.

  • Lesson 5 • Continuing Education and Certification

    Outlines certification maintenance, continuing education pathways, and specialisation options. Supports long-term career growth and professional credibility.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Career changers: ready to leave their current field for a fitness profession.

  • Fitness enthusiasts: wanting to formalize their passion into a paying career.

  • Healthcare support workers: looking to expand their scope into exercise coaching.

  • Recent graduates: seeking a practical credential to enter the wellness industry.

  • Gym employees: aiming to move from floor staff into a certified trainer role.

  • Athletes: transitioning out of competition and into coaching or training others.

What our students say

Your classes are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of my interest without needing to change platforms... I thank you for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
Mariana Ferres
Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
Luciana Alvarenga
Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast, simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos help a lot with learning.
André Felipe
André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

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