Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Certification

Course Structure

• Understand the importance of hydration and fluid balance for exercise performance and health, and develop strategies for maintaining optimal hydration during various types and durations of physical activity.
• Provide an overview of sports foods, drinks, and supplements, and evaluate their potential benefits, risks, and appropriate use for athletes and active individuals.
• Develop a personalised nutrition plan using a systematic, evidence-based approach that takes into account an individual’s goals, sport or activity, and specific nutritional requirements.
• Synthesise the knowledge acquired throughout the course to make informed decisions and recommendations regarding nutrition for sport and exercise.

These are the learning outcomes offered from this course

• Explain the processes of energy production in the body and the concept of energy balance, and their relevance to body composition in the context of sport and exercise.
• Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates, their role as a primary fuel source for exercise, and develop carbohydrate feeding strategies based on individual requirements.
• Understand the structure and function of lipids, the role of fats as a fuel source for exercise, and determine appropriate fat intake for athletes and active individuals.
• Explain protein structure and metabolism, and determine protein requirements for individuals engaging in various types and intensities of exercise.
• Identify the key vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that play a role in exercise performance and recovery, and understand their specific functions and requirements in the context of sport and exercise nutrition.

Modules included in this course

Lesson 1 – Introduction

• How to study this course
• What you will learn

Lesson 2 – Anatomy and function of the spine

• Introduction
• Vertebral column
• Curves of the spine
• Movements of the spine and pelvis
• Intervertebral discs
• Anatomy and biomechanics of the vertebral column
• Range of movement (ROM)
• Summary

Lesson 3 – Anatomy and function of the core muscles

• Introduction
• Anterolateral abdominal wall
• Posterior abdominal wall
• The pelvic floor
• Muscle balance
• Summary

Lesson 4 – Core strength and stability

• Introduction
• Core strength and stability
• Neutral spine and correct breathing
• Postural stability – musculature and myofascial mechanisms
• Core activation
• Summary

Lesson 5 – Exercises for core stability

• Introduction
• Anti-flexion
• Anti-extension
• Anti-lateral flexion
• Anti-rotation
• Summary

Lesson 6 – Exercises for core strength

• Introduction
• Spinal flexion
• Spinal extension
• Spinal lateral flexion
• Spinal rotation
• Summary

Lesson 7 – Programming for core strength and stability

• Introduction
• Exercise prescription guidelines
• Summar

Lesson 8 – Course assessment and summary

• Course assessment
• Course summary
• Glossary of terms
• References

CIMSPA CPD Points

This course is endorsed by CIMSPA and awards a total of 7 CPD points.