17 Best NASM Specializations

Fitness professionals wishing to advance their careers need to stay on top of the rapidly evolving fitness training space. The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a recognized market leader, offering the opportunity to specialize in very specific fitness niches. In this article, we highlight the top 17 NASM specializations that are designed to provide fitness professionals with cutting-edge know-how, abilities, and methods in specialized fields of training and fitness.

The best 17 NASM specializations are listed below.

1. Behavior Change Specialization

2. Certified Sports Nutrition Coach

3. Certified Wellness Coach

4. Corrective Exercise Specialization

5. Golf Fitness Specialization

6. Group Personal Training Specialization

7. Home Gym Design Specialization

8. MMA Conditioning Specialization

9. Nutrition Certification

10. Performance Enhancement Specialization

11. Physique and Bodybuilding Coach

12. Senior Fitness Specialization

13. Stretching and Flexibility Coach

14. Virtual Coaching Specialization

15. Weight Loss Specialization

16. Women’s Fitness Specialization

17. Youth Exercise Specialization

1. Behavior Change Specialization

The NASM Behaviour Change Specialization is created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities they need to successfully help their customers modify their behavior. This specialty focuses on helping clients establish and uphold healthy habits for long-term success by helping them understand the psychological components of exercise, motivation, and overcoming obstacles.

Depending on the student’s schedule and speed, the NASM Behaviour Change Specialization course can be completed in 10 to 12 weeks.

The NASM Behaviour Change Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

After finishing the NASM Behavior Change Specialization, fitness professionals have a wide range of work options. They can serve as health educators, wellness coaches, or behavior change specialists. Professionals with this specialty can assist clients in establishing reasonable objectives, overcoming challenges, and establishing long-term healthy habits. Additionally, they can work in private coaching firms, gyms, and corporate wellness initiatives, where they can use behavior modification strategies to assist both individuals and groups in making positive changes in their life.

2. Certified Sports Nutrition Coach

The NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Specialization is created to equip fitness professionals with the expertise they need to properly advise clients on how to optimize their diets for athletic performance. This specialization aims to understand the fundamentals of sports nutrition, nutrient timing, supplements, and methods for refueling and hydrating athletes.

The NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Specialization course usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the student’s schedule and pace.

The NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $899. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $637.

After completing the NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach Specialization, fitness professionals can serve as wellness coaches focusing on athletic performance, nutrition consultants, or as coaches for sports nutrition. Professionals with this specialty can help athletes optimize their diets, enhance their performances, and reach their fitness objectives. They can work with athletic teams, fitness facilities, and sports performance facilities or as independent consultants offering specialized nutrition advice to athletes of all levels.

3. Certified Wellness Coach

The NASM Certified Wellness Coach Specialization gives fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities to assist people in implementing healthy lifestyle choices that will improve their general well-being. Understanding the fundamentals of wellness coaching, behavior modification, stress reduction, and methods for enhancing one’s physical, emotional, and mental health are the main goals of this specialization.

The NASM Certified Wellness Coach Specialization course can be finished in around six months, depending on the student’s schedule and speed.

The NASM Certified Wellness Coach Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $6499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $2549.

After finishing the NASM Certified Wellness Coach Specialization, graduates may work as health educators, lifestyle coaches, or wellness coaches. Professionals with this specialty can help customers develop and meet wellness objectives, put stress management strategies into practice, and advance general well-being. 

4. Corrective Exercise Specialization

By taking the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization, fitness professionals can analyze and correct muscular imbalances, movement dysfunctions, and postural aberrations in clients. The main goals of this specialization are understanding human movement principles, corrective exercise methods, and creating customized programs to increase movement effectiveness and lower the risk of injury.

Depending on the student’s schedule and rate of completion, the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization course usually lasts 12 to 16 weeks.

The NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $1199. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $892.

After finishing the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization, fitness professionals are able to serve as rehabilitation trainers, injury prevention instructors, or specialists in corrective exercise. Professionals with this specialty can evaluate movement patterns, create customized remedial training regimens, and assist clients in overcoming muscular imbalances or movement dysfunctions. They can work as corrective exercise specialists on their own or in physical therapy clinics, gyms, and sports performance facilities.

5. Golf Fitness Specialization

The NASM Golf Fitness Specialization is a focused program created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities to work with golfers and improve their performance on the golf course. This specialty focuses on helping golfers increase their mobility, strength, and power by analyzing the biomechanics of the golf swing, designing workout routines specifically for the sport, and preventing injuries.

The NASM Golf Fitness Specialization course usually lasts 8 to 10 weeks depending on the student’s schedule and pace.

The NASM Golf Fitness Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $199. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $142.

After completing the NASM Golf Fitness Specialization, fitness professionals are able to serve as performance coaches for golfers, strength and conditioning instructors for golfers, or golf fitness specialists. With this expertise, specialists may evaluate a golfer’s physical capabilities, create individualized workout programs to enhance their swing mechanics, boost power and endurance, and prevent golf-related ailments. In addition to working on their own with different golfers or golf teams, they can find employment in golf schools, country clubs, fitness facilities, and other places.

6. Group Personal Training Specialization

The NASM Group, Personal Trainer Specialization, is a thorough course of study created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities to successfully lead and oversee group exercise programs. The main topics of this specialization are understanding group dynamics, exercise programming for groups, coaching methods, and producing an enjoyable and motivating group training experience.

Depending on the student’s schedule and speed, the NASM Group Personal Trainer Specialization course can be finished in as little as 8 to 10 weeks.

The NASM Group Personal Trainer Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

Fitness professionals who have completed the NASM Group Personal Trainer Specialization course are able to serve as coordinators of group fitness programs, fitness instructors, or group personal trainers. Professionals with this specialization can design and administer safe and efficient group training programs and foster a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. They can work at gyms, fitness centers, and corporate wellness programs or open up their own group training company.

7. Home Gym Design Specialization

The NASM Group Home Gym Design Specialization was created to give fitness professionals the information and abilities they need to plan and construct efficient home gym settings for group training sessions. The main objectives of this specialization are understanding the fundamentals of home gym design, choosing the right equipment, making the most of available space, and developing secure and practical training environments for in-home group exercise.

The NASM Group Home Gym Design Specialization course might take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Group Home Gym Design Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $299. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $249.

Fitness professionals have a variety of employment options after finishing the NASM Group Home Gym Design Specialization. They can operate as remote personal trainers specializing in home exercises, remote group fitness instructors, or consultants designing home gyms. Professionals with this specialization can offer advice and knowledge to people or organizations wishing to set up efficient home gyms, run virtual group training sessions, and provide remote fitness coaching services. They can work independently as home gym design experts with fitness platforms or online training platforms.

8. MMA Conditioning Specialization

Fitness experts can train mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters and improve their performance in the ring or cage by completing the NASM MMA Conditioning Specialization. This specialization’s main topics are understanding MMA’s particular needs, energy system training, power and strength development, sport-specific conditioning, and injury prevention techniques for MMA players.

The NASM MMA Conditioning Specialization course can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM MMA Conditioning Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $299. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $249.

After earning the NASM MMA Conditioning Specialization, fitness professionals are able to serve as strength and conditioning coaches for MMA teams, combat athlete performance trainers, or MMA conditioning coaches. Professionals with this specialization may create and put into practice training plans that concentrate on enhancing the distinct physical traits necessary for MMA, such as endurance, explosive power, agility, and flexibility. They may work independently with certain MMA fighters or teams in MMA training facilities or combat sports academies.

9. Nutrition Certification

The NASM Nutrition Specialization is designed to give fitness professionals the information and abilities to successfully advise clients on how to best utilize their diet for overall health and fitness objectives. The main topics of this specialization are understanding nutrition principles, macronutrients, micronutrients, meal planning, dietary strategies, and behavior change techniques.

The NASM Nutrition Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Nutrition Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $899. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $637.

After earning the NASM Nutrition Specialization, fitness professionals are able to serve as dietitians, wellness coaches, nutritionists, or health educators. Professionals with this specialty can give clients individualized nutrition advice, create meal plans that are unique to them, teach clients about good eating habits, and support client behavior change for long-term dietary success. They might work as nutrition advisors on their own or for fitness centers, wellness clinics, or corporate wellness programs.

10. Performance Enhancement Specialization

The NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization is designed to give fitness professionals the information and abilities they need to improve their customers’ athletic performance. The main objectives of this specialization are understanding the fundamentals of performance improvement, sport-specific training, the growth of speed and agility, the development of strength and power, and tactics for athlete injury prevention.

The NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $699. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $509.

After finishing the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization, fitness professionals are able to serve as athletic trainers, strength and conditioning instructors, or performance enhancement specialists. Professionals with this specialty may create and implement training plans to enhance athletic performance, increase speed, agility, and power, and lower the risk of sports-related injuries. They can operate individually with individual athletes or sports teams or find employment with professional sports teams, collegiate athletic programs, or sports performance facilities.

11. Physique and Bodybuilding Coach

The NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach Specialization is a specialized course of study created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities to work with clients who are interested in bodybuilding, competition preparation, and physique development. The main goals of this specialization are understanding the fundamentals of body composition, resistance training methods, nutritional approaches, posing, and stage presence, as well as the particular requirements of physique and bodybuilding athletes.

The NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach Specialization course can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $899. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $637.

After finishing the NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach Specialization, graduates can operate as personal trainers specializing in body changes, competition prep coaching, or physique and bodybuilding coaching. Professionals with this specialization can create and implement individualized training plans, offer advice on diet and supplements, and assist clients in getting ready for physique competitions or reaching their aesthetic objectives. They can work as personal trainers for individuals wanting assistance with bodybuilding and physique development, or they can find employment at fitness facilities and bodybuilding gyms.

12. Senior Fitness Specialization

The NASM Senior Fitness Specialization is intended to give fitness professionals the knowledge and talents they need to work with senior citizens and promote their health, fitness, and functional abilities. This specialty focuses on creating safe and effective exercise programs for seniors, fall prevention techniques, and improving the overall quality of life for older people. It also addresses the specific physiological and psychological aspects of aging.

The NASM Senior Fitness Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Senior Fitness Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

Fitness professionals who complete the NASM Senior Fitness Specialization are able to work as trainers for older individuals, senior wellness coaches, or senior fitness professionals. With this expertise, specialists may create exercise plans that concentrate on enhancing elders’ strength, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. They can work independently by providing specialized training services to senior citizens or find employment in senior living communities, fitness centers, and rehabilitation institutions.

13. Stretching and Flexibility Coach

The NASM Stretching and Flexibility Coaching Specialization is a thorough program created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities they need to successfully include flexibility training and stretching into their customers’ fitness regimens. This specialization’s main areas of attention are understanding the foundations of stretching, different stretching techniques, assessing flexibility, and creating secure and efficient flexibility programs for individuals.

The NASM Stretching and Flexibility Coaching Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Stretching and Flexibility Coaching Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

After earning the NASM Stretching and Flexibility Specialization, fitness professionals are able to work as mobility coaches. These trainers specialize in improving customers’ flexibility and mobility or are specialists in stretching and flexibility. With this expertise, professionals may evaluate their customers’ flexibility requirements, create tailored stretching regimens, and assist them in increasing their range of motion, reducing injury risk, and enhancing performance. They can operate individually as mobility specialists in physical therapy clinics, athletic performance facilities, and fitness centers.

14. Virtual Coaching Specialization

The NASM Virtual Coaching Specialization was created to give fitness professionals the information and abilities they need to deliver quality coaching and training in a virtual or remote environment. The main topics of this specialization are understanding virtual coaching platforms, remote training technologies, client engagement techniques, program design for online sessions, and creating profitable virtual coaching enterprises.

The NASM Virtual Coaching Specialization course might take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Virtual Coaching Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

Fitness professionals who complete the NASM Virtual Coaching Specialization are able to work as remote fitness coaches, online personal trainers, or virtual coaches. Professionals with this specialization can provide individualized coaching and training services to clients worldwide through virtual platforms. They can work for online fitness platforms or virtual training organizations or start their own virtual coaching company to work with customers remotely while offering individualized exercises, accountability, and support.

15. Weight Loss Specialization

The NASM Weight Loss Specialization is designed to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities they need to effectively assist clients in reaching their weight loss objectives. The main topics covered are the concepts of weight reduction, nutrition for weight management, behavior modification techniques, exercise programming for weight loss, and developing a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

The NASM Weight Loss Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Weight Loss Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $899. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $637.

After finishing the NASM Weight Loss Specialization, graduates are able to work as wellness coaches who specialize in weight control, nutrition coaches, or weight reduction specialists. With this expertise, professionals may advise clients on diet, create personalized exercise programs, and support clients in creating healthy habits for long-term weight loss. They can independently operate as weight loss coaches in corporate wellness programs, weight loss clinics, and fitness facilities.

16. Women’s Fitness Specialization

The NASM Women’s Fitness Specialization is a specialized course of study created to give fitness professionals the knowledge and abilities they need to precisely address the requirements and objectives of women in their quest for fitness. Understanding the physiological variations in women, hormonal concerns, women’s fitness training methods, pre-and post-natal exercise recommendations, and tactics for boosting women’s health and wellness are the main topics of this specialization.

The NASM Women’s Fitness Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Women’s Fitness Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $499. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $339.

After finishing the NASM Women’s Fitness Specialization, fitness professionals have a wide range of job options, including working as pre-and post-natal fitness coaches, women’s health and wellness specialists, or general trainers. Professionals with this specialty can create exercise plans that consider women’s unique objectives, concerns, and requirements, such as strength training, weight control, hormone balancing, and pregnancy fitness. They can work for fitness centers, women’s health clinics, and wellness centers or provide ladies with individualized training services.

17. Youth Exercise Specialization

The NASM Youth Exercise Specialization was created to give fitness professionals the information and abilities they need to work successfully with kids and teenagers in the area of exercise and physical fitness. A lifelong love of physical activity is encouraged by focusing on age-appropriate exercise programming, safety precautions, motor skill development, and a knowledge of young people’s distinct physiological and psychological issues.

The NASM Youth Exercise Specialization course might take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks to complete, depending on the student’s schedule and rate of progress.

The NASM Youth Exercise Specialization course is listed on the NASM website at a cost of $199. However, it is frequently discounted as low as $149.

Fitness professionals have a wide range of work options after finishing the NASM Youth Exercise Specialization, including working as youth fitness experts, physical education instructors, or youth sports performance trainers. With this specialization, professionals may encourage physical literacy, build exercise habits in young people, and plan and administer exercise programs that are specifically suited to their requirements as children and adolescents. They may find employment at educational institutions, youth sports organizations, community centers, or on their own by providing services for young people’s fitness.

What is NASM?

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a pioneering fitness and personal training company. Founded in 1987, NASM provides evidence-based training and certifications for fitness professionals. The main objective of NASM is to give people the information and abilities they need to succeed in the fitness business and assist clients in reaching their fitness and health objectives.

The educational offerings of NASM span a wide range of subjects, including exercise science, human movement, corrective exercise, nutrition, behavior modification, and specialized training methods. The company is renowned for its emphasis on evidence-based practices, developing training approaches using the most recent research and scientific ideas. For both aspiring and seasoned fitness professionals looking to further their professions and positively affect the health and well-being of their clients, NASM is a respected authority because of its dedication to providing high-quality education and fostering professionalism.

Is it required to take NASM certification before teaching martial arts?

No, NASM certification is not necessary to teach martial arts. The primary areas of interest for NASM certifications include exercise science and fitness coaching, though they do offer an MMA Conditioning Specialization course.

People who want to advance their expertise in subjects like strength and conditioning, flexibility, and injury prevention to complement their instruction in martial arts may find it advantageous to obtain a certification from NASM.

Prerequisites and credentials for teaching martial arts may change depending on the particular martial art style and the organization or regulating body in charge of it. To become a certified instructor in many martial arts disciplines, a person must advance through their own certification or rank system. Technical proficiency, instructional strategies, and philosophical knowledge are the main areas of concentration for these certifications, which are often particular to the martial art type being taught.

Are all fitness trainers certified by NASM?

No, not all personal trainers are required to obtain NASM certification. Fitness trainers might opt to obtain certification from many credible certification organizations depending on their individual preferences, professional objectives, and areas of interest. 

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), among others, are some of the other well-known certification organizations in the fitness sector. The curriculum, tests, and certification standards are all unique to each certifying organization. 

Fitness instructors can select a company that fits their professional goals, the kinds of clientele they want to work with, and the particular training methods they prefer. Although NASM is a reputable and well-liked certification body, it is not the only source of fitness certificates.

Is taking a specialization in NASM a good investment?

Yes, taking a NASM specialization is a good investment for fitness professionals. NASM is renowned for its evidence-based methodology and extensive training programs. In the cutthroat fitness sector, specializations offer the chance to increase knowledge, develop specialized abilities, and set oneself apart.

Professionals can increase their credibility, showcase their competence in particular fields, and draw in a wider clientele by pursuing a NASM specialization. Specializations can also result in greater job prospects and professional progression in specialized domains, including working with certain populations, corrective exercise, sports performance, or nutrition.

What is the difference between the NASM specialization and the American Council of Exercise?

Although both the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise are renowned certifying bodies in the fitness sector, their methods and priorities differ.

Programs for Certification: The NASM offers a variety of certifications, such as the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), and more specialized certificates in disciplines, including sports performance and corrective exercise. Among the credentials offered by ACE are those for personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and health coaches.

Focus and Methodology: NASM prioritizes scientific ideas and evidence-based practice, using research to create training techniques. ACE adopts a more all-encompassing strategy, emphasizing a comprehensive fitness education, real-world application, and behavior change strategies.

Specializations: NASM offers a variety of specialized courses to assist professionals in becoming knowledgeable in specialized areas of fitness, such as nutrition, corrective exercise, and youth exercise. ACE also offers specialty programs in areas such as behavior modification, functional training, and weight control.

Recognition and Market Presence: The fitness industry accepts both ACE and NASM certificates, albeit the amount of acceptance may fluctuate depending on the locale or the nature of the position held. While ACE is known for its emphasis on general fitness and group exercise, NASM is frequently recognized for its emphasis on corrective exercise and performance training.

Ultimately, the decision between NASM and ACE may come down to personal preferences, professional objectives, and the particular focus a person wants for their fitness education and certification.