Sports Nutrition Certificate

Course List

Your program consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step through the information and skills needed for effective Sports Nutrition.

Here's how it works
Your first course will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have the study materials needed for your coursework.

Note: A High School Diploma or GED is required to enroll in this program.

Computer Specifications
You will need access to a Microsoft® Windows®-based computer running Windows® XP or later (Mac OS X® or later) and high-speed Internet in order to complete your program with Penn Foster.

NTR015 - Introduction to Sports Nutrition

Understanding the demands of sports; the differences between health, fitness, and performance; sport specificity and nutrition; optimizing performance; managing tissue health; relative factors of nutrition; individualized approaches to sports nutrition.

Fueling the Systems
Aerobic and anaerobic metabolism; the phosphagen system; glycolytic pathways; intensity-related activities; buffering; lactate clearance; glycogen depletion; onset of fatigue.

NTR016 - Calories, Nutrients, and Water

Determining Caloric Needs
Energy demands in sports; identifying individual carbohydrate requirements; types of protein; the role of protein in exercise metabolism; tension-based demands; considerations for high-protein intake; types of lipids; fat requirements for high-risk athletes.

Micronutrient Management
Water- and fat-soluble vitamins; antioxidants; macro- and micronutrients; chemical interactions; mineral deficiencies; the role of electrolytes.

Thermoregulation
Relative demand for water; factors that affect hydration; hyponatremia; interaction of water and minerals; balancing fluid intake and retention; monitoring fluid and mineral loss; the physiology of dehydration; consequences of inadequate intake.

NTR017 - Nutrition and Supplements for Training

Nutrition for Optimal Training
Pre-activity energy consumption; the glycemic index; carbohydrate loading; metabolic considerations; gastric emptying and digestion; post-exercise refueling.

Ergogenic Aids
Legal issues and regulations regarding the use of supplements; professional responsibility; energy-yielding supplements; energy enhancers; mass enhancers; thermogenics and fat blockers; anabolic steroids and their side effects.

NTR018 - Body Composition and Weight Management

Body Composition
Fat vs. fat-free mass; water and weight; methods of measurement; using body composition data; understanding the fat–endocrine relationship; dynamics of fat tissue; optimizing performance weight; the physics of mass and velocity.

Weight Management
Maintaining lean mass; the dynamics of energy balance; the role of resistance training and aerobic exercise; managing calories; types of training; cutting fat; avoiding catabolic behavior; common obstacles and pitfalls; troubleshooting performance decline; disordered eating.

Graded Project: Sports Nutrition
Practical exercise designed to apply what you’ve learned about sports nutrition.

Software: DietMaster 2100*

Note: The Penn Foster Sports Nutrition program is approved for 7 continuing education units by the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) toward recertification as a personal trainer. The NCSF requires the completion of 10 CEUs biannually to renew the CPT credential, which must include 2.0 CEUs of CPR training and 1.0 CEU of professional ethics.

This program is approved by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 1.7 CECs toward recertification as an ACE fitness professional. Note that ACE requires the completion of 20 hours (2.0 CECs) of continuing education biannually.

Penn Foster currently partners with the NCSF to provide the Certified Personal Trainer career diploma program.

 

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and to assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

MAC OSX is a trademark of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.