Note 1: This course does not teach the basics of personal training but builds on that knowledge base. It is important to have basic personal training knowledge and skills including health history, risk factor analysis, fitness assessment, and one-on-one programming prior to starting an aquatic personal training carreer. You will be required to show proof of a related higher education degree or Personal Training certification prior to receiving the Specialist Certificate.

Course Module 1: Applied Anatomy: Land and Water (3-4 Hours)
Applied anatomical movement can be confusing for any health-fitness professional. This easy to use multimedia course advances your knowledge of basic human movement, muscle use, types of contractions, and the muscle equation for both land and water environments. Deepen your understanding of concentric/eccentric action as it pertains to specific movements and equipment use on land and in water. Gain confidence in understanding the purpose of every exercise you prescribe so you can provide safe and effective programming for your group fitness and one-on-one clients.

Course Module 2: Introduction to Aquatic Personal Training (3 Hours)
If you are a personal trainer interested in expanding your training options to the water, it is important to learn about the aquatic environment. The water's viscosity provides resistance that surrounds you and provides "work" for every movement in every direction. The water's buoyancy reduces body mass, impact to weight bearing joints, and spinal decompression in deep water. The water's hydrostatic pressure affects many of the body's physiological functions. If you want to be an effective aquatic personal trainer, learn about the special benefits and qualities the aquatic environment has to offer and incorporate that knowledge into your personal training sessions. This course will start you on your way to becoming a successful aquatic personal trainer.

Course Module 3: Aquatic Personal Training Programming (4 Hours)
If you are a personal trainer interested in expanding your training options to the water, it is important to learn about the aquatic environment. Increase your success by understanding the properties of the water and aquatic physiological responses. This course teaches you training formats that work well in the aquatic environment as well as shallow and deep water exercise techniques. It also addresses the proper way to monitor and manipulate intensity in the aquatic environment, a skill critical to the success of your client reaching his/her goals.

Course Module 4: Determining Intensity with Aquatic Target Heart Rates (2 Hours)
Improve the quality of your cardiorespiratory workouts for your clients! Learn how to have your clients working in their target heart rate zones to maximize weight loss and effectively improve function. This course provides evidence based methodology and practice for the often confusing guidelines for aquatic heart rate deductions. Generally accepted equations and methods are provided with easy-to-follow explanations and practice equations. After completing this course you will be able to determine and apply aquatic target heart rates for safe and effective exercise intensity.