Program Smarter, Coach Better:
A Practical, Proven System for Designing Effective Training Programs
The Principles of Exercise Programming Certificate of Specialty is your next step in becoming a smarter, more strategic coach. Designed for certified personal trainers and fitness professionals, this course goes beyond exercise knowledge. It equips you with the real-world tools, checklists, and adaptable systems you need to build effective, scalable programs across diverse populations and settings.ย
This is a deep dive into programming mastery that bridges the gap between high-level models, functional movement principles, and the demands of real-life coaching. Whether youโre working with beginners, elite athletes, or large groups, this course equips you with a proven programming algorithm to streamline decision-making and achieve meaningful results.ย
The Competitive Advantage That Sets You Apart as a Coach
Get more than just programming knowledge. Gain a system that elevates how you think, plan, and coach. This course helps you streamline your approach, deliver consistent results, and grow your reputation as a go-to fitness professional. Itโs the edge that helps you do your best work with every client, in every setting.
Gain total confidence in your programming.
Use a proven system that helps you design effective workouts with clarity and purpose.
Save time and reduce burnout.
Streamlined workout templates and checklists allow you to spend less time planning and more time coaching.
Deliver better results for every client.
Whether youโre working with individuals or groups, youโll know exactly how to scale, progress, or modify based on limitations.
Stand out as a professional.
Go beyond basic certification with advanced tools and systems that show clients youโre the real deal.
Reignite your passion and grow your impact.
With smart, adaptable programming at your fingertips, youโll feel energized, empowered, and ready to help more people reach their fitness goals.
Learn at your own pace.
Get immediate access to your online classroom and included resources, and move through the content as quickly or as gradually as you’d like. Your enrollment includes 6 months of full access.
Practical Tools. Trusted Educators. Lifetime Value.
This course is packed with ready-to-use tools, frameworks, and systems that eliminate guesswork and help you build smarter programs for every type of client. From proven algorithms to adaptable templates and scalable resources, youโll be equipped to immediately apply what you learn in real-world settings. Itโs a streamlined, no-fluff learning experience designed by two of the industryโs most trusted coaches.
Here’s what your course enrollment includes:
- Practical learning by leading experts Eric DโAgati and Mike Perry
- 80+ exercise demo videos
- 46 handouts to print and refer to in your business
- Proven programming algorithm that simplifies complex decisionsย
- Adaptable templates and systems for individual and group clientsย
- Scalable tools that account for time, space, equipment, and skill levelย
- Immediate real-world application with tools like the Belt System and Five Fsย
- 6 months of online, self-paced course access
- Open-note, multiple-choice final exam
- A certificate of specialty upon completionย
- No renewal or ongoing feesย
Who This Course Is Built For
This certificate course is designed for coaches who want to think critically, program efficiently, and lead with purpose. Whether you’re building programs for individuals, teams, or an entire staff of trainers, the tools youโll gain here are built to adapt. If youโre serious about taking your coaching to the next level, youโre in the right place.
Certified personal trainers ready to move beyond generic programming modelsย
Gym owners and fitness leaders seeking scalable systems for their teamsย ย
Strength & conditioning coaches who want adaptable tools when developing a strength exercise programย ย
Any fitness professional looking to enhance client outcomes with smarter systemsย ย
Get Real Coaching Systems and Tools You Can Apply Immediately
Learn and get everything you need to program with confidence. This course gives you a complete toolbox, from mobility prep to strength training progressions, that aligns with the principles of safety, adaptability, and progression.ย Build more efficient and effective sessions using a simple programming formula, as well as practical templates, checklists, and scalable strategies that deliver real results.
Inside the course, youโll find:ย
- Scalable solutions for both one-on-one and large group trainingย
- The Program Builder and Five Fs system to streamline workout creationย
- Programming algorithms and templates that adjust to time, space, equipment, and abilityย
- The Belt System, a progressive model for exercise selection, regression, and progressionย
- The 2-4-4 warm-up and group training models that optimize performance and save timeย
- Core training frameworks and mobility protocols for safer, more balanced sessionsย
A Look Inside the Course Curriculum
ย
Module 1: Systems, Checklists, and Templates Answer
Module 1 Introduction
Lesson 1: The Program and Workout Builder
- Philosophy and Approach
- The Ten Program Elements Checklist
- Stress and Adaptation
- The Workout Builder and the Five Fs
Lesson 2: The Programming Algorithm and Workout Templates
- Introduction to the Programming Algorithm
- The Program Templates
- The Programming Algorithm and Base Program Template
- The Workout Template Format
- The Base Template and Programming Limitations
- Is the Trainee Advanced?
- Evaluation and Adjusting for Safety
- Weak Links, Focus Points, and Adjusting for Accommodation
- Limited Exercise Skill: Adjusting for Ability
- Limited Time: Adjusting for Efficiency
- Limited Equipment: Adjusting for Adaptability
- Conditioning Integration and Adjusting for Specificity
- Readiness: Adjusting for Tolerance
- No Limitations: Adjusting for Variety
- Movement Snacks
- Sample Weekly Training Template
Module 2: The Belt System for Exercise Selection, Progression, and Regression Answer
Module 2 Introduction
Lesson 1: The Belt System
- Overview of the Belt System
- Standards and Minimums
Lesson 2: Programming
- Programming Guidelines
- The Three Cs of Progression
Lesson 3: Patterns and Drillsย
- Squat Drills
- Hinge Drills
- Lunge Drills
- Vertical Push Drills
- Horizontal Push Drills
- Vertical Pull Drills
- Horizontal Pull Drills
- Rotation Drills
- Carry Drills
- Tips To Remember
Module 3: The 2-4-4 Warmup System for Optimal Mobility Answer
Module 3 Introduction
Lesson 1: The 2-4-4 Warm-Up System
Lesson 2: Mobility Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
- Warm-Ups for Agile Ankles
- Warm-Ups for Hip Mobility
- Core and Shoulder Activation
- Dynamic Warm-Up Combos
- Guided Warm-Up Series
- Cooling Down the Right Way
Module 4: The Principles of Core Training Answer
Module 4 Introduction
Lesson 1: Core Considerations
Lesson 2: Anatomical and Functional Principles
Lesson 3: Programming Core Training
Lesson 4: Core Drill Progressionsย
Module 5: Group Training Mastery – How to Scale Programming For Groups Answer
Module 5 Introduction
Lesson 1: Group Training Mastery
- Introduction to Group Training Mastery
- Designing the Optimal Session Format
- Creating a System for Growth and Success
- The 3 x 6 System for Programming Groups
- Optimizing Space and Class Size
- Class Structure Blueprint
- The 2-4-4 Warm-Up Systemย
- Utilizing RIR and RPE for Programming
- Example Group Session
- Strength Day Templates
- Metabolic Conditioning Templates
- Monthly 3 x 6 Coaching Templates
Module 6: Next Steps and Final Exam Answer
Next Steps
Meet Your Instructors
Eric D’Agati
Eric DโAgati has spent the past 25+ years in the fitness industry as a coach, trainer, and instructor. His list of training clients includes an Olympic Gold Medalist, All-Americans, National and World Series Champions, and Pro Bowl athletes. Eric is also the co-founder of โPrinciples of Program Design,โ a workshop series on the art and science of designing training programs. In addition, Eric also hosts โThe Principles of Performance Podcast.โ
Mike Perry
Mike Perry is a trailblazer in the fitness industry, influencing the lives of his clients and other coaches. Heโs the founder of Skill of Strength, a training facility in Chelmsford, MA. With 20 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach, heโs honed his expertise guiding clients of all ages and abilitiesโnovices to elite athletes who play for organizations including MLS, NFL, MLB, UFC, PLL, and more.
What Students Say About This Course
โThis course is an awesome opportunity to learn pretty much everything you need to know about programming.โ
– BJ B.ย
โThey give you a ton of information that makes you better than 95% of the folks in this industry.โ
โ Keith S.ย
โTheyโve distilled all of their knowledge into an algorithm that you can put to use, and if youโre not approaching your training that way, then youโre just guessing.โ
โ Steve C.ย
โItโs probably one of the most beneficial courses out there right now.โ
โ Jason B.ย
โThe tools that they give you in order to put things together in an intelligent way for just about any person or population is fantastic. I highly recommend it.โ
โ Patrick P.ย
โEric and Mike EXCEL at real world application. They are going to take that theory and put it into practice.โ
โ Brett J.ย
Accreditation and Continuing Education
The Principles of Exercise Programming Certificate is approved by theย National Academy of Sports Medicineย (NASM) for a total of 1.9 NASM CEUs.
The Principles of Exercise Programming Certificate is approved by theย Athletics and Fitness Association of Americaย (AFAA) for a total of 1.9 AFAA CEUs.
The Principles of Exercise Programming Certificate is approved by AFPA (American Fitness Professionals & Associates) for a total of 8 AFPA CECs.
FAQ
What are the qualifications to enroll in the Principles of Exercise Programming certificate course? Answer
To enroll in this certificate of specialty, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a solid understanding of the English language.
How long does it take to complete this course? Answer
Principles of Exercise Programming is designed as a self-directed, self-study course structured to be completed in six months or less. Should you find yourself in need of more time, we offer the option to request a six-month extension for a fee of $75. This extension allows you to continue your studies without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, ensuring that you have the necessary time to grasp the concepts.
How soon can I begin this course? Answer
We have open enrollment for our Principles of Exercise Programming certificate of specialty, so you may enroll whenever you are ready. Shortly after completing your purchase, we will grant you access to the learning portal where you can begin your course right away.
Are textbooks included in my enrollment fee? Answer
This course is 100% online with no textbooks required.
What happens once I enroll in this course? Answer
Shortly after you place your order, you will receive access to our online learning platform. This user-friendly platform serves as your hub for accessing all course materials, lectures, resources, and assessments.
What is the final exam like? Answer
To earn your Principles of Exercise Programming certificate of specialty, youโll need to pass a 60-question, open-note final exam. The exam is multiple choice and delivered entirely online. A score of 80% or higher is required to successfully complete the course.
Will I earn a certification once I complete this course? Answer
You will earn a certificate of specialty once you complete this course. This specialization does not need to be renewed and is designed to complement a Personal Trainer Certificationย or similar certification.
Can I earn continuing education credits for completing this course? Answer
A newly acquired AFPA certificate of specialty has a value of 8 continuing education credits (CECs) that count toward the renewal requirements of an existing AFPA certification. To qualify for CECs, you must successfully complete this certificate of specialty program.
The Principles of Exercise Programming Certificate is also approved by the National Academy of Sports Medicineย (NASM) and theย Athletics and Fitness Association of Americaย (AFAA) for a total of 1.9 NASM CEUs.
Are payment plans available for this course? Answer
Yes, AFPA also offers flexible payment plans to support your goals and fit your budget.
Take Your Coaching to the Next Level
Program with confidence using adaptable tools backed by decades of coaching.
