NASM-SFS study guide
NASM-SFS · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NASM Senior Fitness Specialization (SFS) is a self-paced online specialization course for fitness professionals who want to coach older adults. NASM describes it as evidence-based training for balance, mobility, strength, bone health, fall prevention, and longevity, aimed at helping clients move better, keep their independence, and stay active. The NASM-SFS study guide has 7 sections and about 1,823 words.
01Senior Fitness Specialist Scope of Practice
The Senior Fitness Specialist scope-of-practice domain tests whether you can separate exercise leadership from medical, rehabilitation, and dietetic practice. Your job is to screen, coach, monitor, and refer-not to diagnose, treat, or clear a client for exercise.
287 words, about 1 min02Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Considerations of Aging
This domain tests how normal aging affects movement capacity and how psychological factors change adherence. You are not treating disease; you are adapting exercise to age-related change.
253 words, about 1 min03Assessment Strategies for the Older Adult
This domain tests safe, reliable measurement: screening first, then baseline function, then reassessment. The exam favors practical field tests and clear referral triggers over maximal lab testing.
290 words, about 1 min04Program Components for the Older Adult
This domain tests whether you can build a complete session, not just a set of exercises. Components include warm-up, flexibility, core, balance, speed/agility/quickness (SAQ), resistance, cardiorespiratory work, and cool-down.
241 words, about 1 min05Program Design
This domain tests progression and individualization using FITT-VP and the OPT model. For older adults, stabilization and strength are the foundation; power work is light and introduced only after control.
242 words, about 1 min06Nutrition Guidelines and Considerations
This domain tests general nutrition education and referral, not medical nutrition therapy. You may discuss protein, hydration, fiber, calcium, and vitamin D; you may not prescribe diets, supplements, or calorie targets.
266 words, about 1 min07Business Development
This domain tests how to build a sustainable senior-fitness service: who you serve, how you reach them, how you deliver value, and how you document outcomes. Define a niche: active agers, post-rehab, retirement communities, caregivers, or balance-focused groups.
244 words, about 1 min