Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification Review (PS…I Passed!)

I did it! I passed the Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification! If you are unfamiliar with this certification it is an in-depth scientific based course on nutrition and how to successfully coach clients to achieve the results they desire. The course is self study and you can take the test whenever you feel ready.

Twice a year the course opens for enrollment. The cost of the certification isn’t cheap and is an investment at $800. In my opinion it is well worth the money. Several years ago I took NASMs Fitness Nutrition Specialization (FNS), this course is $499, and was disappointed with the content.

If you are debating between the two go with Precision Nutrition. I really dislike writing anything negative about NASM because I do believe they have an awesome CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) program. The PN1 course provides 1.9 out of your 2 CEUs needed if you are certified via NASM. That with your CPR/AED training provide all the CEUs needed to keep your certification current.

From the time I enrolled in the course, September 2013, to passing, July 2015 it took a several solid months of studying before I felt prepared to take the exam. So you may be wondering why did it take me so long to take the test? Initially my plan had been to study and take the exam before Maisie was born. That obviously didn’t happen. I severely underestimated my energy level and had no idea how sick I would be while I was pregnant. After she was born I battled postpartum depression and it wasn’t until recently that I pulled back out the books.

To study I read the book, listened to the lecture, and followed up with the workbook study guide. After I completed everything I spent several hours reviewing the workbook. This was very helpful because the test is open book.

Unit 1 covers all the Nutritional Science information.

• Chapter 1: Cell structure and function
• Chapter 2: Food intake, digestions, and absorption
• Chapter 3: Energy transformation and metabolism
• Chapter 4: Energy balance in the body
• Chapter 5: Aerobic and anaerobic metaboolism
• Chapter 6: Macronutrients
• Chapter 7: Micronutrients
• Chapter 8: Water and fluid balance
• Chapter 9: Special Needs

Unit 2 covers Nutritional Practice.

• Chapter 10: Preparing for your client
• Chapter 11: Collecting preliminary client information
• Chapter 12: Interpreting client information
• Chapter 13: Providing a nutrition plan
• Chapter 14: Nutritional supplementation
• Chapter 15: Setting behavior goals and monitoring
• Chapter 16: Making nutritional adjustments
• Chapter 17: Providing continuing education and support

Unit 1 contains so much information and took me twice as long to study. The time spent was well worth it because I was able to comprehend and understand the concepts as opposed to just reading the words and answering the questions in the workbook. Unit 2 was really enjoyable to read and contains great information on making behavior and lifestyle changes.

The test contains 50 questions from Unit 1 and 50 questions from Unit 2. You are given 2 hours to take the exam and have two attempts to pass. If you try to take the test without reading or doing the workbook thinking you can just use the glossary to look up answers I am not sure how you would pass. I needed the full 2 hours and the test timed out on me with several questions left to answer. I was so excited to pass the test on my first attempt especially with the test timing out.

If you’re reading this as a personal trainer and have yet to further educate yourself with a formal nutrition course I highly recommend Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification. If you’re reading this as an athlete or a client who is working with a personal trainer check to see what qualifications your current coach has in regards to nutrition.  While program design of a training plan is important it is only partially effective unless paired with an intelligent nutrition program.

Here are just a few of the topics I found especially helpful in the course:

• Detect hormal imbalances based on skin fold measurements
• Supplementation guide – which are effective vs. not effective
• Detect overtraining and how to fix it and prevent it from happening
• Providing a nutrition plan
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency symptoms

I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to be able to say that I passed and to know I accomplished this goal that has been hanging over me for so long. I am very excited to put this new knowledge to use and I would love to work with you and help you achieve your goals!

What can you expect from me as your nutrition coach?

• No diets. That’s right, no diets. Diets aren’t the answer. You will have guidance from someone who will help you figure out what to do, when to do it, and be there to support you.
• No fads. The nutrition coaching that I offer is personal and tailored for you.
• No Templates. I will listen to you, pay attention, ask you questions, and be part of your team to ensure you are on track. This is what a great coach does.

How does it work?

• 90 day packages available that include initial consultation and also bi-monthly follows up to monitor your progress.
• Meet me via Skype, Google Chat, FaceTime, or phone to discuss your goals, progress, and questions.
• Receive intake forms before initial consult and take your measurements bi-monthly.
• This is a process. Each week you will be given a healthy habit to incorporate into your life to bring you another step closer to reaching your goal.

If you are interested in learning more about nutrition coaching or in setting up a consultation, please request information below.

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