Description

Many fitness professionals lack the knowledge to safely and effectively design fitness programs that specifically meet the needs of the arthritic population. Understanding the types of arthritis, symptoms that stem from the disease process, and mastering methods to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and flexibility, is paramount when working with this population.  As the yearly number of people diagnosed with one or more types of arthritis increases, so does the demand for fitness professionals who have the skills and education to deliver quality and individualized fitness programming.

Course Objectives

• Learn the various types of arthritis and their causes
• Understand the symptoms of arthritis
• Analyze epidemiology of arthritis (US vs World)
• Describe the anatomy, biomechanics and function of common joints affected by arthritis.
• Understand treatment strategies in the management of arthritis: Mental vs. Physical
• Examine the healing process when treating dysfunction and pain
• Recognize the role of nutrition as it relates to arthritis
• Understand and demonstrate the common exercise progressions for clients with arthritis

Module Overview

• Module 1: Types of Arthritis – Causes, Signs, and Symptoms
• Module 2: The Six Main Causes of Arthritis
• Module 3: Psychological Symptoms
• Module 4: The Diagnosis
• Module 5: Epidemiology
• Module 6: Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Function of Common Joints Affected by Arthritis
• Module 7: Understanding Treatment Strategies to Manage Arthritis Symptoms
• Module 8: Overview of the Healing Process of Dysfunction and Pain
• Module 9: Anti-Inflammatory Nutritional Recommendations
• Module 10: Exercise Progression for Clients with Arthritis
• Module 11: Exercise Resource Terminology Library
• Module 12: Marketing for the Arthritis Fitness Specialist
• Competency Assessment: Arthritis Fitness Specialist
• Bonus Module! Module 13: Practical Applications and Turnkey Adaptations

Course Delivery and Assessment

This is an online course; all materials are delivered virtually.

This course is delivered through a written course manual, video narrated slide presentations, videos of sample exercises, and sample forms. Comprehension of the material will be measured via a mandatory, multiple-choice item, competency assessment requiring a minimum of 80% correct responses in order to pass.

System Note: We recommend students access courses using Firefox as their browser. The Google Chrome browser can automatically play all videos in a lesson at the same time, which may be an extremely annoying feature for some, and for which, at the present, there is no easy fix in the Google Chrome settings.

Prerequisites and Certificate Information

All of the online courses here on MedFit Classroom which lead to a Certificate of Specialization are considered advanced level education, and are meant to be taken by fitness professionals who have previously acquired education and experience as a professional within the health and fitness industry. In order for one to receive the Certificate of Specialization that is conferred upon those who purchase this Fitness Specialist Course, review all the content, and successfully pass the comprehensive assessment, one must be able to show proof that he or she has the following:

1. Evidence of a current certification, or vocational credential, from a reputable certifying or credentialing organization, and within the health and fitness industry; OR
2. Evidence of an associate’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university in the field of exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, fitness, or a related field; AND
3. Evidence of professional liability insurance

Maintaining this Specialization and Continuing Education Credits

The completion of this specialization course, and the passing of its corresponding competency assessment, leads to a Certificate of Specialization. This Certificate of Specialization will be considered valid for a period of two years. To keep the certificate current, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education, on relevant subject matter, and formally renew the certificate prior to the date of its expiration. As with many certifications and specializations in our field, professionals should anticipate some costs to continuing education and renewal of the certificate.

Continuing Education Credits

This course is approved for credit by:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) to provide 1.6 CEUs
• Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) to provide 15 CEUs.
• Canfitpro to provide 4 CECs.
• International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) to provide 15 CEUs.
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to provide 1.5 CEUs.

If your certifying body is not listed, you will be provided with a Certificate of Specialization at the end of the course that can be used to petition your certifying body for credit.

About the Course Author

Christine Conti is a mother of two who understands the importance of movement as medicine at the physical and cognitive levels. As a 20-year veteran in the fitness industry, Christine has created fitness programs and educated fitness and medical professionals to implement safe and effective exercise programs for all fitness levels. This former investment banker, secondary teacher, and all-American collegiate athlete has also been battling a severe autoimmune disease for the past decade.  Through proper exercise, nutrition, and mindset practices she has been able to reduce symptoms and decrease dependency on medications.  Her quest for knowledge and passion to help others live more quality lives has led to her vast knowledge base for working with arthritic populations and beyond.

Christine has a B.A. in English Language, Rhetoric, and Composition and a minor in Business and Psychology from Binghamton University, cum laude. Christine received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary English Education from the University of Maryland, summa cum laude. She has been nationally certified varsity coach and group fitness and personal trainer through AFAA/NASM since 2001. Christine has since completed over 30 group and personal training certifications such as: LesMills, Piloxing, Spinning, Yoga, PLYOGA, ZUMBA, Kickboxing, Rev02lution Running, Orange Theory Fitness, and more.  She currently serves as an international fitness presenter and educator for fitness and medical fitness conferences around-the-world.

Christine is the CEO of Conti Fitness & Wellness, an online resource for education and counselling to create positive changes through physical and emotional practices. She is the creator of Let’s FACE It Together™ Facial Fitness and Rehabilitation, an exercise program and certification to help reduce signs of aging, prolong onset of disease, and rehabilitate injuries. Christine believes that knowledge is power, so she created a podcast called, Two Fit Crazies and a Microphone. This platform provides free and unbiased information from top experts about fitness, nutrition, and more! This 2x Ironman with 30+ marathons under her belt, has no plans of slowing down! Yes You Can!