Course Description
PHCI’s Strength Training for Women Specialist Certification dives deep into the differences and challenges that affect how many women optimize health, strength, and muscle-building. Coaches come away with a better understanding of the obstacles, questions, needs, and goals of women looking to get stronger and fitter.
Course Instructor

Instructor
Ashleigh VanHouten
Course Curriculum
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1
Welcome!
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Welcome, and Why We Created This Course
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Meet Your Faculty and Staff
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Course Overview
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2
Legal and Support
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Disclaimer and Copyright Notice
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Support
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3
Resources
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Introduction
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Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strength Training for Women
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Glossary
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4
Bonus Educational Material
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Introduction
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There Is More to Fitness Than Cardio - Interview with Instructor Ashleigh VanHouten
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How to Become an Effective Women's Strength Training Expert - Interview with Instructor Ashleigh VanHouten
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5
Chapter 1: Introduction and Key Concepts
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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Key Concept 1: Nutrition and Hydration
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Key Concept 2: Training
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Key Concept 3: Recovery
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Key Concept 4: Hormonal Considerations
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Key Concept 5: Physiological Considerations
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Key Concept 6: Fitness Culture
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 1 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 1 Exam
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Practicum: Key Concepts
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6
Chapter 2: Nutrition and Hydration
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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Hydration
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Monitoring (and Coaching) Hydration
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Nutrition
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An Overview of Macros (and Why They Matter)
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Crafting a Client’s Nutritional Goals
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Maximizing Compliance & Success
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Co-Creating Your Client’s Eating Strategy
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How Does Alcohol Fit Into a Nutrition Plan?
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 2 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 2 Exam
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Practicum: Nutrition and Hydration
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Curriculum Supplement - Strength Training and Fasting
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Curriculum Supplement - Does Your Client Need Supplements?
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7
Chapter 3: Training
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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3 Key Factors for Strength Building
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Language Matters: Understanding Terms
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Designing a Training Plan
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Training Plan Template
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Troubleshooting: Signs a Program May Not Be Working (and Why)
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 3 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 3 Exam
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Practicum: Develop a Training Plan
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Curriculum Supplement - Movement Cadence
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8
Chapter 4: Recovery
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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What Is Stress?
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What Is Recovery, and Why Is It Necessary?
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The Ultimate Recovery Tool: Sleep
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What Happens When Recovery Is Not a Priority
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 4 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 4 Exam
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Practicum: Recovery
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Curriculum Supplement: What Is the DUTCH Test and Why Is It Helpful?
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Curriculum Supplement - Breathing for Calm and Focus: A Box-Breath Tutorial
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9
Chapter 5: Physiological and Hormonal Considerations
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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Female Physiological Traits That (May) Impact Strength Training
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Sex Hormones and Their Impact Throughout the Life Cycle
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Pregnancy
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Perimenopause
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Menopause
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 5 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 5 Exam
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Practicum: Physiological and Hormonal Considerations
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Curriculum Supplement - Fat Placement and Body Composition in Females
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10
Chapter 6: Fitness Culture
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Introduction
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Chapter Overview
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Quick Facts
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The Current Landscape of Fitness Culture: An Uphill Battle
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Harmful Features of Fitness Culture
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Eating Disorders and Other Mental Health Issues
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Reframing Fitness: A Lifelong Journey, Not a Means to an End
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Chapter Summary and References
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Coaching Your Clients
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Chapter 6 Curriculum Audio
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Chapter 6 Exam
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Practicum: Fitness Culture
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Curriculum Supplement - An Honest Conversation Around Fitness Culture
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11
FINAL EXAM
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Strength Training for Women Final Exam
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