Expand your expertise with the Mental Well-Being Certification. This course empowers you to incorporate mental health and well-being strategies into your training for a more integrative, self-care approach to client care. Focusing on the four pillars of mental well-being—exercise, nutrition, connection, and mindfulness—you'll gain the expertise to help clients manage stress, improve mood, and build resilience through fitness.

This 20-hour certification is designed for fitness professionals, equipping you with the tools to confidently address mental well-being within your scope of practice. With evidence-based research and practical coaching techniques, you'll learn to support clients' mental health and well-being, foster stronger connections, and create an inclusive, supportive environment. Whether you're expanding your services or deepening client engagement, this course prepares you to meet the rising demand for mental well-being coaching in the fitness industry.

Key Benefits of the Mental Well-Being Certification

Understand Mental and Physical Health Interconnectedness

Learn to recognize and confront biases surrounding mental health, fostering an inclusive environment for clients.

Challenge Biases and Stigmas

Learn to recognize and confront biases surrounding mental health, fostering an inclusive environment for clients.

Master Effective Coaching Practices

Develop coaching techniques to build strong relationships and create a safe space for discussing mental health concerns.

Clarify the Role of Fitness Professionals

Define your role in addressing mental well-being and understand when to refer clients to mental health professionals.

Bridge the Gap Between Fitness and Mental Well-Being

While 78% of people exercise for mental and emotional well-being (source: Mintel) and 94% of personal training clients discuss nutrition, stress, sleep, and injury with their trainers (source: Future), many fitness professionals lack the training to effectively address these areas.

This certification provides fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to coach clients on mental well-being. By addressing holistic needs, these professionals can enhance their credibility, enrich their service offerings, and advance their careers.

How do I complete this course?

To successfully complete the course, participants must read all the articles, watch all videos, and pass the final quiz with a score of 80% or higher. Certification renewal is required every two years.

Upon completion, you will be able to:

  • Understand how physical and mental health are connected.

  • Use coaching techniques to help clients manage stress, sleep, and emotions.

  • Recognize and challenge mental health biases and stigmas.

  • Create a safe, inclusive space for discussing mental well-being.

  • Know when and how to refer clients to mental health professionals.

Approved for the following continuing education hours:

  • 2.0 CECs by American Council on Exercise

Curriculum

  • Understand the goals and purpose of the course in promoting mental wellness in the fitness industry.
  • Learn about scope of practice in the mental wellness continuum and its application to client support.
  • Understand course learning objectives and take your own well-being self-assessment.
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  • Understand the global effects of social, economic, and environmental factors on mental health.
  • Identify common mental health conditions and their impact on well-being.
  • Learn evidence-based, self-managed wellness pathways for improving mental health.
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  • Understand key concepts in exercise psychology and the link between physical activity and mood.
  • Explore how exercise reduces stress by regulating cortisol and improving overall health.
  • Learn strategies for building consistent exercise habits to enhance mental well-being.
  • Examine the benefits of strength training and how it can be adapted for both group and individual fitness settings to support mental and physical health.
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  • Explore the brain-gut connection and its influence on mental health through nutritional psychiatry.
  • Review dietary guidelines and evidence-based models like the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate.
  • Learn when to refer clients to dietitians for specialized nutrition plans related to mental health.
  • Understand food bias and how it affects nutrition decisions and mental well-being.
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  • Understand mindfulness and its role in promoting mental health and reducing stress.
  • Explore techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, and mindful movement for well-being.
  • Learn practical ways to apply mindfulness for personal use and with clients to manage stress and behavior change.
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  • Define social connection and examine the impact of loneliness and isolation on mental health.
  • Understand the role of empathy and its connection to well-being.
  • Explore how social support networks improve mental health and reduce mental illness risks.
  • Learn strategies to build social connections for personal and client mental health support.
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  • Identify biases, stigma, and discrimination affecting individuals with mental health disorders.
  • Explore how mental health intersects with race, gender, and other marginalized identities.
  • Understand the impact of microaggressions like body bias and body dysmorphia on clients and professionals.
  • Learn strategies to promote health equity and create inclusive, supportive environments.
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  • Develop communication skills to build rapport and create a supportive environment.
  • Understand the value of presence, empathy, and being attuned to client needs.
  • Apply evidence-based practices to support behavior change and mental health.
  • Build strong, productive relationships for positive client outcomes.
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  • Understand the fitness professional's role in promoting mental well-being through self-care and hope.
  • Learn ethical requirements, including confidentiality, informed consent, and setting boundaries.
  • Recognize signs of mental health issues and when to refer clients for additional support.
  • Explore referral systems, collaboration with mental health professionals, and crisis management strategies.
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  • Putting it all together to support mental health through movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and social connection.
  • Conclusion on how fitness professionals can positively impact the lives of individuals and their communities.
  • Gain coping skills to improve quality of life for clients and those they influence.
  • Final exam with 80% needed to pass.
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Complete the Mental Well-Being Certification and empower people to improve their mental wellness.