Advanced Personal Trainer (APT)
NAT Advanced Skills Diploma · 30 Hours
Develop a broader, more evidence-informed approach to strength, conditioning, performance training and client progression.
Designed for qualified personal trainers and fitness professionals, this five-module online diploma brings together resistance training, strength and conditioning for rehabilitation, Olympic lifting, kettlebell training and sports nutrition. Learn from experienced coaches, competitors and educators while studying flexibly at your own pace.
What you will learn
Course content
Examine advanced resistance-training principles and their application to strength development, muscular adaptation and physical performance. Develop a more informed approach to exercise selection, programming and progression.
Presented by Dr. Jason Miller PhDExplore how progressive strength and conditioning can support injury prevention, rehabilitation and a structured return to activity. Consider exercise selection, workload and the demands of the individual.
Presented by Mike McGurn BScLearn the foundations of Olympic lifting and how appropriate lifting progressions can contribute to strength, speed and athletic development. Particular attention is given to technique, coaching and safe application.
Presented by Mike McGurn BScBuild a sound foundation in kettlebell training, including essential movement patterns, exercise technique, coaching points and sensible progression. Learn how kettlebells can be incorporated into wider training programmes.
Presented by Levi MarkwardtDevelop a practical understanding of nutrition for performance, training and recovery. Explore how evidence-informed nutrition principles can help trainers communicate effectively while remaining within their professional scope.
Presented by Steph Hnatiuk BSc RDWhat is included?
This is a professional continuing-education course. It does not qualify learners to diagnose injuries, prescribe medical nutrition therapy, provide treatment without appropriate qualifications or work beyond their legal and professional scope of practice.
Your presenters
Strength and conditioning
Mike McGurn is a respected strength and conditioning coach known for his practical and highly committed approach to performance development. His work has included professional and international rugby, football and university sport.
Mike helped St Helens secure the Challenge Cup, Super League and World Club Championship treble before spending eight years helping to develop the Ireland Rugby Union team’s training systems. His experience also includes work with the All Blacks and Manchester United.
Resistance and movement science
Dr. Jason Miller has been involved in strength and conditioning and barbell sports for more than 25 years as an athlete, strength coach, weightlifting coach, professor and researcher.
Jason is passionate about translating exercise and movement science into practical improvements in performance, rehabilitation and health. He is a founding member of the NAT Sports online teaching faculty.
Kettlebell sport and coaching
Levi Markwardt is a world-class kettlebell sport competitor and a member of Team USA’s World Team through the International Kettlebell Marathon Federation.
His achievements include IKMF Master of Sport World Class recognition in Pentathlon and Half Marathon Half Snatch. Levi also delivers specialist workshops, individual programming and coaching for kettlebell athletes at different levels.
Sports nutrition
Steph Hnatiuk is a Registered Dietitian and fitness coach with more than ten years of experience helping people improve performance, body composition and their relationship with food and exercise.
Her teaching focuses on translating evidence-informed nutrition into clear, sustainable and professionally appropriate guidance for athletes, active clients and the professionals who support them.