Working with youth clients provides an unparalleled opportunity to change lives by preparing them with the knowledge and habits they’ll need to live a long, healthy life. In this specialization, you’ll learn the important differences between adult and youth clients and how to adjust your training for a younger client base. Includes chapters on cardiorespiratory training, resistance training, plyometric training, and much more!

When you choose NASM for your Youth Exercise 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.

NASM’s online program makes earning your Youth Exercise Specialization as easy and convenient as can be. By completing the self-guided study materials at your own pace, you can begin working with clients in as little as 2-4 weeks.

To earn your NASM Youth Exercise Specialization, you simply have to:

• 1) Register in the NASM YES program.

• 2) Complete the self-guided online study materials in your own time from the comfort of home.

• 3) Pass the certification exam.

After completing the study materials, you’ll take an online exam to earn your Youth Exercise Specialization. This exam features:

• • 60 multiple-choice questions

• • 90 minutes to complete

• • Open-book format

• • 70% required to pass

• • 3 test attempts included

Section 1: The Science of Youth Exercise

Chapter 1: Rationale for Youth Fitness TrainingThis chapter will provide a better understanding of the different terms that identify the youth population, the difference between overweight and obesity, and be able to describe why so many youths are overweight.

Chapter 2: Anatomical and Physiological Considerations for YouthUnderstand the key physiological differences between children, adolescents, and adults.

Chapter 3: Psychological Considerations for YouthSelf-perceptions and self-belief help the youth be successful in a fitness program. Provide young clients with tools and strategies to help better adapt activities and habits in pursuance of a fitness goals.

Section 2: Fitness & Training Guidelines for Youth

Chapter 4: Fitness Assessment for Youth
Be able to recognize the expectations for health and fitness professionals. Understand the special considerations for test administration in youth.

Chapter 5: Youth Flexibility Guidelines
Understand and provide general exercise guidelines and various flexibility options for youth.

Chapter 6: Cardiorespiratory Training for Youth
Understand and develop general cardiorespiratory training guidelines and programs for youth.

Chapter 7: Core and Balance Training Guidelines for Youth
Determine the appropriate core and balance exercise programs that are safe, effective, and fun for youth based on the OPT™ Model.

Chapter 8: Plyometric, Speed, Agility, and Quickness Training for Youth
Understand the importance of plyometric and speed, agility, and quickness training (SAQ) for youth. Determine appropriate exercises to incorporate into a youth programs based on the OPT™ Model.

Chapter 9: Resistance Training for Youth
Design and implement a safe, effective, and progressive resistance training program for youth, as well as eliminate myths about the safety of youth engaging in resistance training.

Section 3: Development for Youth Clients

Chapter 10: Integrated Program Design for Youth Clients
Be able to define cardiorespiratory stage training, the principles behind each stage, and how each stage fits into the OPT™ Model.

Chapter 11: Nutrition for Youth
Recognize the current trends of youth eating habits while understanding the effects of obesity on their population. Understand nutrition recommendations and basic fluid intake guidelines for youth.

Chapter 12: Professional Development
Understand the legal and ethical responsibilities related to a health and fitness professional working with youth.

Final Exam

After the completion of the course, you will take an online final exam from the comfort of your own home, or wherever you prefer to take tests. The exam has 60 questions with a time limit of 90 minutes. To pass, you need a score of 70% or higher. Don’t fret though, if you score below that, you have up to 3 attempts to pass.