Exercise is Medicine®: Supporting Clients with Chronic Conditions

More people than ever are living with chronic conditions—set yourself apart by learning how to support them with safe, effective movement.

The Exercise is Medicine^® Online Course is a self-paced course designed for health and fitness professionals ready to expand their impact. Developed in partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the course features insights from over 35 ACSM subject matter experts, along with leading practitioners in medical fitness and chronic disease management, and behavior change specialists from Wellcoaches^®. Together, they deliver a comprehensive learning experience grounded in the latest research and real-world application.

You’ll gain practical, science-backed strategies to create personalized programs, improve communication and documentation, and build strong relationships with healthcare providers. The course also integrates behavior change techniques like motivational interviewing to support long-term success.

Whether you work one-on-one, in small groups, or virtually, this program equips you to adapt your approach and meet a wider range of client needs. You’ll learn to apply established guidelines, modify programming for older adults, and guide clients transitioning from clinical care to community-based fitness.

Earn a respected certificate of completion and advance your career by becoming a trusted partner in health-focused fitness.

Upon completion, you will be able to:

• Understand Health Care’s Evolving Role
  Explore how population health and value-based care are shifting fitness into the broader healthcare system—bridging clinical and community care.
• Support Clients with Hypertension
  Learn evidence-based exercise strategies to help manage high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Address Obesity & Metabolic Conditions
  Use targeted training approaches like HIIT, yoga, and resistance training to support clients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD.
• Guide Those with Diabetes
  Design exercise programs that help regulate blood glucose and improve health outcomes for clients with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• Manage Osteoarthritis & Low Back Pain
  Implement movement strategies that relieve pain and improve function, tailored to the specific needs of clients with musculoskeletal conditions.
• Train Clients Affected by Cancer
  Apply safety-first exercise recommendations to support cancer survivors in rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence.
• Empower Older Adults Through Movement
  Understand the physical effects of aging and promote independence with exercise plans tailored to older clients.
• Facilitate Lasting Behavior Change
  Incorporate mindset coaching and small group programming to foster accountability, community, and long-term success.
• Use Technology to Enhance Results
  Leverage digital tools, self-monitoring apps, and virtual training platforms to increase client engagement and adherence.