FSHP Academy
Personal Training (ACE-aligned) — all lessons

Introduction

Role and scope of practice for personal trainersIntegrated fitness training models (ACE IFT framework)

A Client-Centred Approach

Basics of behaviour changeEffective communication, goal setting and teaching techniquesPreparticipation health screeningNutrition for health and fitness

Assessments, Programming and Progressions

Resting assessments and anthropometric measurementsCardiorespiratory training: physiology, assessments and programmingMuscular training: foundations and benefitsMuscular training: assessmentsIntegrated exercise programming: from evidence to practice

Programme Modifications for Special Considerations

Considerations for clients with obesityConsiderations for clients with chronic diseaseExercise considerations across the lifespanConsiderations for clients with musculoskeletal issues

Professional Responsibilities

Legal guidelines and business considerations

Exercise considerations across the lifespan

Training children and adolescents, pregnant and postpartum clients, and older adults — what changes physiologically and how guidelines adapt.

Intermediate Evidence: Strong evidence 3 min read Reviewed 2026-10-31 Status: draft

Learning objectives

  • Summarise youth resistance training evidence and safety
  • Apply guidelines for exercise during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Adapt programming for older adults, including power and balance
  • Recognise life-stage specific warning signs

Before this lesson

Why this matters

The same principles of overload and specificity apply across life, but physiology, risks and goals shift. Guidelines now encourage activity at every stage rather than exclusion.

Children and adolescents

WHO recommends an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous activity for 5–17-year-olds, including muscle- and bone-strengthening activities on 3 days per week [bull2020]. An international consensus concluded supervised resistance training is safe and effective for youth, improving strength, motor skill, bone health and injury resilience [lloyd2014].

Pregnancy and postpartum

ACOG recommends that people with uncomplicated pregnancies engage in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity, plus strength training, adjusting as pregnancy progresses [acog2020]. Avoid contact sports, activities with high fall risk, scuba diving, and supine positions that cause symptoms later in pregnancy.

Postpartum, resume gradually with pelvic-floor and abdominal rehabilitation. Details: prenatal prescription and postnatal evaluation.

Older adults

NSCA’s position statement recommends progressive resistance training 2–3 times per week, including power training (moving moderate loads quickly) and balance work, to counter sarcopenia and reduce falls [fragala2019]. See geriatric fitness.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

Case study

A family of three trains together: a 12-year-old learns bodyweight and light dumbbell patterns with games; the mother (24 weeks pregnant, cleared) does modified strength and walking; the 66-year-old grandfather does chair-supported power work and balance drills. One session, three age-appropriate plans.

Further learning: video lessons

Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.

Introductory needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Youth resistance training myths

NSCA

You will understand: safety and benefits for children

Why: From the organisation’s youth guidance.
Practical demo needs verification — opens a YouTube search

Exercise in pregnancy

ACOG / pelvic health physiotherapists (search)

You will understand: safe exercise in pregnancy

Why: Clinical guidance.

Knowledge check

Knowledge check · 0/5

1. The 2014 international consensus states youth resistance training…

Answer B. Concerns about growth plates are not supported when training is supervised and appropriate.

2. ACOG recommends that pregnant people without contraindications aim for…

Answer B. Moderate activity is recommended throughout uncomplicated pregnancy.

3. Which is a warning sign to stop exercise in pregnancy?

Answer B. These require medical attention.

4. Power training for older adults is recommended because…

Answer B. NSCA highlights power training for function.

5. A key consideration for children’s exercise is…

Answer B. Long-term development prioritises fundamental movement skills and enjoyment.

Short-answer & application questions

  1. Design a 45-min session for 10–12-year-olds that builds strength and movement skill.
  2. Modify a strength programme for a client in the third trimester.
  3. Explain to an older client why lifting quickly (power) matters.

Key takeaways

  • Supervised resistance training is safe and beneficial for children and adolescents.
  • Most pregnant people without contraindications should aim for at least 150 min/week of moderate activity.
  • Older adults benefit from progressive resistance, power and balance training.
  • Life-stage changes alter recovery, thermoregulation and risk — adjust, don’t exclude.

Connected topics

geriatric fitness

Introduction to geriatric fitness and the specialist’s role

womens health

Prenatal exercise prescription

strength conditioning

Periodisation and long-term athlete development (LTAD)

geriatric fitness

Balance, mobility and fall prevention

References

  1. Lloyd RS, Faigenbaum AD, Stone MH, et al. (2014). Position statement on youth resistance training: the 2014 International Consensus. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(7):498–505. Position stand check pending
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2020). Physical activity and exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period: ACOG Committee Opinion No. 804. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 135(4):e178–e188. Guideline check pending
  3. Fragala MS, Cadore EL, Dorgo S, et al. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(8):2019–2052. Position stand check pending
  4. Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, et al. (2020). World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24):1451–1462. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955 Guideline check pending

Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.