Become a Certified
Health Coach
Join a career helping others improve their health and achieve wellness with a globally recognized Health Coach Certification
Join ISSA certified professionals
Study at your own pace
Flexible online learning
Accessible certification for everyone
ISSA-approved course
International Credits of the Course
International Credits of the Course
All courses are officially approved and accredited by ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association, a USA-based organization), one of the most recognized and respected fitness certification bodies worldwide.
ISSA certifications are internationally recognized and accepted in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, and many other countries, making them a valuable credential for fitness professionals seeking to expand their careers globally.
This globally recognized certification enables fitness professionals to access international job opportunities, work with elite clients, and enhance their expertise in the fitness industry.
With ISSA’s strong reputation in science-based fitness education, graduates of this course will gain the knowledge and credentials needed to work in gyms, personal training studios, rehabilitation centers, and sports teams worldwide.
How It Works
How It Works
Enroll now and get instant access
Study at your own pace
Use your dedicated Success Coach for study help
Take chapter quizzes to see your progress
Pass the open-book, untimed Final Exam from anywhere!
What’s Included
What’s Included
ISSA’s Certified Health Coach program covers:
- How to motivate anyone to make their fitness goals a reality
- In-depth knowledge of the body’s muscle and skeletal structure
- How to assess and build custom training programs
- How to help clients get stronger with less pain or injury
- How to pinpoint what exercise is most effective for each movement
- Details of how diet and exercise work together to transform people’s lives
- The deeper answers to help go beyond “workout more” and “eat better”
COURSE CONTENTS
COURSE CONTENTS
01FUNDAMENTALS OF HEALTH COACHING
- Introduction to Health Coaching and Behavior Change
- The Role of the Health Coach
- The Science of Health Behavior Change
- Identifying Social Determinants of Health to Improve Client Health
02CLIENT COACHING AND COMMUNICATION
- The Role of a Coach
- Why People Need Coaching
- The Purpose of a Coach
- Health Coaching Outcomes
- The Client-Centered Approach to Coaching
- Effective Coaching Communication
- The Goals of Coaching
- Positive Psychology
- The PERMA Model
03COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
- Scope of Practice
- Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Approaches to Health Coaching
04PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS TRAINING
- Empathy
- Psychology and Behavior Change
- Positive Psychology
- Stress
- Motivation and Behavior Change
- Motivational Interviewing
- Motivational Interviewing Strategies
05EXERCISE IS MEDICINE
- Exercise Is Medicine
- Health Benefits
- Proactive Exercise and Rehabilitation
- Exercise and Disease
06CHRONIC CONDITIONS OVERVIEW
- Common Chronic Conditions
- Health Coaching for Chronic Disease
07HYPERTENSION
- Diagnosing Hypertension
- Stages of High Blood Pressure
- Physiological Effects of Elevated Blood Pressure
- Risk Factors for Hypertension
- Coaching Clients with Hypertension
08OBESITY
- Diagnosing Obesity
- Stages of Obesity
- Physiological Effects of Obesity
- Risk Factors for Obesity
- Coaching Clients with Obesity
09TYPE 2 DIABETES
- Diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes
- Stages of Diabetes
- Physiological Effects of Type 2 Diabetes
- Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes
- Coaching Clients with Type 2 Diabetes
10CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
- Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease
- Stages of Heart Disease
- Physiological Effects of Coronary Heart Disease
- Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease
- Coaching Clients with Heart Disease
11ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Orthopaedic Dysfunctions
12CANCER
- Diagnosing Cancer
- Stages of Cancer
- Physiological Effects of Cancer
- Risk Factors for Cancer
- Coaching Clients with Cancer
13BASIC EXERCISE SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Adaptations of Fitness
- Pre-participation Exercise Forms
- Physical Activity Guidelines
- Health Coaching and Physical Activity Guidelines
- Physical Activity Guidelines Quick Reference Guide
14COMPONENTS OF FITNESS
- Exercise Intensity
- Understanding Flexibility
- Collaborating with Fitness Professionals
- Coaching Clients through an Exercise Program
15NUTRITION COACHING
- How Humans Select Food
- Nutrition and Culture, Economics, and Religion
- Metabolism
- Cellular Energy Currency
- The Digestive System
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrition
- Water and Hydration
- Understanding Food Labels
- Health Coaching and Nutrition
16SLEEP
- Stages of Sleep
- Sleep Guidelines
- Benefits of Adequate Sleep
- Sleep and Chronic Disease Risk
- Common Sleep Disorders
- Coaching Clients for Better Sleep Hygiene
17STRESS MANAGEMENT
- Homeostasis
- Types and Sources of Stress
- Stages of Stress
- The Physiology of Stress
- Stress and Chronic Disease Risk
- The Psychology of Stress
- Health Coaching and Stress Management Techniques
- Scope of Practice
18GENETIC INFLUENCES
- Genotypes and Phenotypes
- Testing DNA
- Health Coaching to Genetic Influences
19CLIENT ASSESSMENTS
- Well-Being Assessment
- Psychological Assessment
- Nutrition Assessment
- Physical Fitness Assessment
20GOAL SETTING
- SMART Goals
- The Purpose of SMART Goals
- A SMART Approach to SMART Goals
- Commitment Devices
- Self-Reliance
21PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE & ETHICS
- Health Coaching and Diversity
- Scope of Practice
- Code of Ethics
- Health Coaching Liability
- Health Coaching Federations
- Emergency Procedures
22BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
- Types of Health-Coaching Sessions
- Other Freelance Opportunities
- Setting Up a Business
- Client Referrals
23APPENDIX
- Client Scenario 1
- Client Scenario 2
- Client Scenario 3
- Client Scenario 4
Premium Resources and Expert Support
Premium Resources and Expert Support
Online Textbook
Your primary online (or optional physical) text book is the 715-page Foundations and Applications for a Certified Health Coach. You’ll get the latest in exercise science brought to life through interactive and engaging study materials.
Online Practice Quizzes
Check your progress along the way with quizzes that don’t affect your exam score. Easily see the topics to focus on so you are sure to pass the exam!
Audio and Video Lecture Options
However you like to study and learn – we’ve got your covered. Your course lectures are available for review anytime and anywhere you like in both audio and video.
Online Workbook
Master the detailed knowledge you need to pass the final exam chapter by chapter including proper form and technique with easy-to-follow videos.
Online Student Forum
ISSA Master Trainers are online and ready for your questions anytime. Post your questions and receive guidance from both our on-staff personal training experts and the worldwide ISSA community.
Unlimited Support – Even After You’re Certified!
Receive unlimited support from our teams of dedicated advisers. Our on-staff experts will guide you through passing your health coach exam. They’ll even help you succeed in whatever health and fitness career you want to achieve!
Purpose Driven Training Model
Dominate your career. The ISSA Purpose-Driven Training Model is a great starting point for new trainers looking to make a real impact on the lives of their clients. This model focuses on creating customized workouts tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. By going through the various steps of the model, you’ll learn how to properly assess your clients, design effective training programs, and guide them toward complete wellness.
COURSE AUDIENCE
COURSE AUDIENCE
for whom this course can be useful
Adults interested in a career as health coachs in the health and fitness industry.
Individuals seeking to enhance their skills in planning, delivering, and supervising individualized exercise programs.
Those looking to obtain reputable certifications to boost their professional credibility.
People aiming to improve their client communication and service delivery skills.
Individuals motivated to help clients achieve positive behavior changes and fitness goals.