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Master functional movement principles and progressions to improve movement efficiency, prevent injuries and help clients achieve their movement goals.

Make a difference helping clients move better

Support clients of all backgrounds, from athletes to older adults, by improving their balance, flexibility, and overall movement quality for a healthier, more active life.

Stand out from the competition

Earn a respected credential that demonstrates your expertise in functional training, setting you apart as a specialist in improving movement efficiency and performance.

Become a Functional Training Specialist

 
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Designed for professionals like you, seeking to make a greater impact.

While anyone can purchase and complete this program, it was designed with the following professionals in mind:

How it works

To become an ACE Functional Training Specialist, you must complete the full curriculum and pass all quizzes with a score of 70% or higher. No prerequisites required. You'll receive a certificate, and your credential will never expire or need renewal.

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Special skills require a special program

The ACE Functional Training Specialist Program provides a comprehensive approach to improving movement quality. By understanding fascia, applying functional assessments, and using exercise progressions and stretching techniques, you'll be equipped to help clients move more efficiently and effectively.

Intended for experienced health and fitness professionals, this three-part course covers the fundamentals of functional training and how to use functional anatomy, assessments, and motor learning principles to develop comprehensive workout programs. Based on The Pain-Free Program: A Proven Method to Relieve Back, Neck, Shoulder and Joint Pain by ACE Certified Professional Anthony B. Carey, the course will help you develop efficient musculoskeletal systems in clients by focusing on structural strength and postural balance.

You will learn:

  • Muscular causes to structural imbalances and movement impairments
  • Functional anatomy and integration of major myofascial slings and systems
  • Assessments using static postural, single-leg stance and overhead squats
  • Application of motor learning principles for corrective functional exercise
  • Logical progressions of corrective functional exercises

Book
Recorded Video
Online Quiz

Comprehensive assessments are essential in creating exercise programs for clients at all levels. Learn to assess posture and movement for muscle- and joint-related imbalances that could cause movement compensations and/or injury in the shoulders, spine, pelvis, hips, knees, ankles and feet.

The following module has been adapted from content within the ACE Corrective Exercise Specialist Program. For more information on how to work with clients affected chronic conditions or injuries, review and purchase the ACE Corrective Exercise Specialist Program.

You will learn:

  • How to conduct postural and movement assessments
  • How to effectively observe your clients during assessments for pain and/or compensations
  • The correct order in which to conduct assessments

Recorded Video
Online Quiz

Proper form is the key preventing injury and maximizing the effectiveness of exercises that isolate individual muscle groups. Learn specific, in-depth techniques for spotting and cueing so your clients adhere to correct form and control throughout the entire range of motion. Use strategies based on functional movement principles and a better understanding of integrated movement, multiple open- and closed-kinetic chain exercises.

You will learn:

  • How to set up commonly used fitness equipment to properly fit each client
  • Feedback and instructional cues to assure clients demonstrate correct form in stability, mobility and resistance-training exercises
  • Safe and effective techniques for spotting clients during exercise

Recorded Video
Online Quiz

Learn the three principles of force to help you determine where to place your hands, what direction to push, and how much force to use when helping your clients stretch. Discover safer and more effective ways to stretch your clients to aid in muscle recovery, as well as techniques for specific areas of the body.

You will learn:

  • How the law of action-reaction relates to assisted stretching and how to apply it
  • To identify form errors that occurs when principles of force application have been violated
  • How stretching can help alleviate chronic lower back pain and peripheral neuropathies

Recorded Video
Online Quiz

Gain the knowledge and tools needed to make significant contributions to your clients' development. This course aims to provide easy-to-implement, level-appropriate drills and training guidelines for you to use with your athletes and clients. You'll also learn about a dynamic process you can follow to find safe, innovative, and effective training methods to help clients improve their movement skills while increasing strength and explosive power. The ultimate goal is to lead clients toward improved performance in sports and in life. To successfully complete the course, follow the format outlined in the workbook provided.

You will learn:

  • To identify the characteristics of fascia
  • How the fascia and lines of fascia affect functional movement
  • How to train the fascial lines to improve function and performance

PDF
Recorded Video
Online Quiz

Approved Providers

Approved by the following organizations for continuing education hours:

1.5 CEUs
1.9 CEUs
25.0 CECs

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Reviews

Julio

Bronwyn (ACE Certified Professional)

This is a great course that connects trainers to the next level training methods for our clients.

Derek (ACE Certified Professional)

Joelle (ACE Certified Professional)

Sanjay (ACE Certified Professional)

William (ACE Certified Professional)

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