What is PES? How to Prepare for PES Testing

Over the past decade, the health and wellness field has substantially grown. We are seeing boutique fitness studios pop up on every corner, new wellness drinks on grocery store shelves and more people making an effort to improve their own health and wellness. With this growth in the health and wellness field, it is a perfect time to explore areas of education and employment.

One of the most well-respected and most recognized certification bodies is NASM-National Academy of Sports Medicine. At Concordia University Of Chicago we partner with NASM so students can gain knowledge and a certification that will help guide them to succeed with a NASM certification.

The certification that will be detailed below is the NASM-PES, or performance enhancement specialist. The PES certification is quickly becoming a requirement to perform optimum performance training with professional athletes and sports teams. The knowledge in this certification will open graduated doors to a plentiful career as a sports performance professional.

Read below to have a better understanding of what the NASM-PES course contains and how to excel as an online learner!

What is a Performance Enhancement Specialist?

A performance enhancement specialist is a highly trained professional who specializes in designing and implementing sports performance training programs to help athletes improve their overall athletic performance. They work with athletes to identify areas for improvement and develop customized training plans to enhance their speed, strength, agility and endurance.

Definition and Role of a Performance Enhancement Specialist

A performance enhancement specialist is a certified professional who has expertise in sports performance training, exercise science and sports medicine. Their primary role is to help athletes achieve their full potential by providing personalized coaching, guidance and support. They work with athletes to identify their strengths and weaknesses, set goals and develop training plans that address their specific needs. By leveraging their deep understanding of performance enhancement, these specialists can create programs that optimize athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Importance of Athletic Performance in Sports

Athletic performance is a critical aspect of sports, and it plays a significant role in determining an athlete’s success. A performance enhancement specialist helps athletes improve their athletic performance by designing training programs that focus on key concepts such as speed, strength, agility and endurance. By enhancing their athletic performance, athletes can gain a competitive edge, reduce their risk of injury and achieve their goals. The role of a performance enhancement specialist is vital in ensuring that athletes can perform at their best, whether they are competing at a professional level or simply striving to improve their personal bests.

What is the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization?

If you are wondering “What is NASM-PES?”, then you have come to the right place. NASM-PES stands for the National Academy of Sports Medicine – Performance Enhancement Specialist certification. This certification is designed for fitness professionals who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level by specializing in athletic performance enhancement.

NASM-PES is a comprehensive course that covers a wide range of topics related to strength and conditioning. This course focuses on improving athletes’ power, strength, and stabilization, which are all essential factors for success in sports. It is also designed to equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to create cutting-edge strength and conditioning programs for their clients.

The NASM-PES certification covers a range of topics, including physiology, kinesiology, and nutrition. Students will learn about the physiological adaptations that occur during exercise and how to optimize these adaptations for performance enhancement. They will also gain an understanding of the biomechanics of movement and how to design programs that improve movement efficiency and reduce the risk of injury.

Additionally, NASM-PES certification covers nutrition and how it can be used to enhance performance. Students will learn about macronutrients and micronutrients, the role of hydration in performance, and how to create individualized nutrition plans for clients.

To support learners in effectively preparing for their certification exams, the NASM-PES course provides a range of study materials, including course texts, online exams practice tests and various videos.

To become a NASM-PES certified professional, students must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills. This certification is recognized and respected throughout the fitness industry and is a valuable addition to any fitness professional’s credentials.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports performance or enhancing your existing fitness knowledge, NASM-PES is an excellent option to consider to become a performance enhancement specialist (PES).

Benefits of Becoming a Performance Enhancement Specialist

Becoming a performance enhancement specialist can be a rewarding and challenging career path for fitness professionals who are passionate about sports performance training. Some of the benefits of becoming a performance enhancement specialist include:

1. Career Advancement: Holding a NASM-PES certification can open doors to higher-paying and more prestigious positions within the fitness and sports industries. It demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to professional development.
2. Specialized Knowledge: The NASM-PES certification provides in-depth knowledge of sports performance training, allowing fitness professionals to design more effective and targeted training programs for their clients.
3. Diverse Opportunities: Performance enhancement specialists can work in various settings, including professional sports teams, collegiate athletics, private training facilities and rehabilitation centers. This diversity allows for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
4. Client Impact: By helping athletes achieve their performance goals, performance enhancement specialists can make a significant impact on their clients’ lives. This can be incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally.
5. Professional Recognition: The NASM-PES certification is recognized and respected throughout the fitness industry, providing a competitive edge in the job market and enhancing professional credibility.

Becoming a performance enhancement specialist offers numerous benefits, from career advancement and specialized knowledge to diverse opportunities and professional recognition. It is an excellent path for fitness professionals who are dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential.

Course Details

The course has 16 modules which students have 1 year to complete. The final exam is a 90-minute online exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. NASM offers a pay-in-full option or a monthly option which makes this integrated sports performance program quite affordable. The pay-per-month option ranges from $32-$45 monthly. The pay-in-full option ranges from $349-$499.

Different course packages offer various extras including bonus material, a programming toolkit and hard copy of the textbook.

Although there are no prerequisites, it is highly recommended to have one of the following:

• CPT certification
• CUC MS Sports Performance Training
• Certified Sports Nutrition Coach
• Certified Massage Therapist
• NCCA, NBFE or DETC Accredited Health/Fitness Certification
• 4-Year College Degree
• REPs Level 3 or higher (int’l)

By completing one of the above certifications or degrees, the student will enter the NASM-PES with anatomy and physiology knowledge and an understanding of the human body functions. Also, holding one of the above certifications and degrees will help build the graduate’s resume for better-paying and ranking employment.

Topics Covered in the NASM-PES

As stated above, this certification has 16 modules that will give students advanced knowledge on how to train athletes to improve their performance, including lifting skills, agility, speed and so much more. Graduates will be able to guide athletes to peak performance and to be top contenders in their sport. The 16 modules are split into 4 sections:

Section 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Sport

In this section students will have 2 chapters that cover integrated sports performance training and how anatomy and physiology are related.

Section 2: Sport Performance Testing, Integrated Training, and Programming

Section 2 covers nine different modules. After these modules are completed, students will have knowledge and understanding of core training principles, speed, agility, resistance training principles and much more.

Section 3: Olympic Lifting and Injury Prevention

Section 3 will cover what Olympic-style lifting is and how it relates to increasing performance. Students will also have an understanding of how to prevent injury in physical activity.

Section 4: Sports Nutrition and Psychology

After completion of these three modules in section 4, the students will have an understanding of their scope of practice with sports nutrition and be able to explain performance psychology.

Student Testimonials

Below are testimonials from real students who completed the NASM-PES.

“The NASM PES course was challenging and the videos and self-help were extremely helpful. The quizzes helped me retain the knowledge through the chapters and gave me the confidence I needed to pass my final exam. GREAT JOB”

“This course is great for anyone to gain an edge with personal training or looking to help anyone with their sports performance. Everything in the course is easy to follow and the information is applicable to everyday life.”

“I found the material to be informative and very detailed. The reading and studying were very organized and the guides were very helpful. I think that this is a great plan for someone to get better trained and certified for a career in performance training.”

“In my opinion, the Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM-PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES) are an absolute must for anyone new to Personal Training. After completing the NASM-CPT course, I felt that I had a good base, but after completing these two courses, as well as the Certified Nutrition Consultant (NASM-CNC) course, my confidence definitely increased. Within 3-weeks of being on the job in my first personal training position, I have already utilized what I have learned from all of these courses.”

Who Should Take the NASM-PES?

An amazing part of holding a NASM-PES certification is that it will open various doors to graduates as NASM is a well-known and highly respected certification. Below are just a few routes of employment.

Personal Trainers

Almost any client can be viewed as an athlete, which is why personal trainers are a perfect fit for this certification. This certification will open personal trainers’ doors to work in more athletic settings.

Athletic Trainers

By holding the NASM-PES, athletic trainers will have an in-depth knowledge of how to guide their athletes to peak performance.

Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Four-year Strength and Conditioning graduates would benefit from this certification as they would have a more in-depth understanding of how to train and coach to get outstanding results from their athletes.

Physical Therapist

The NASM-PES is the perfect certification to hold for physical therapists. Many patients who seek physical therapy are athletes. Having this specific certification will open doors for physical therapists to more sports-centered rehabilitation.

How to Succeed in Online Learning

While earning a degree or certification online is convenient and flexible it may cause distractions from getting your work and learning done. Typically we are used to a learning environment in a classroom at a school. Instead, we can create our own learning environment in the comfort of our homes. Below I will outline a handful of tips on how to successfully learn online to earn any kind of degree or certification.

Use the Materials Given

NASM does an incredible job setting students up for success by providing comprehensive study materials. There is a digital textbook included in the course so students can follow along and read the course material. Lecture videos are accessible as well for more visual learners. After each module, there is a quiz to test what has been learned. Lastly, there are 2 practice exams you can take before you take the final exam. There are various ways to enhance your learning and to check to make sure you are understanding the material.

Set Working Hours

Just like having a typical 9-5 job, your studying and learning should resemble this structure. Setting working hours allows you to study at your own pace, helping you structure your day so you can ensure you are completing what you need to to have a successful outcome of your certification.

If you have a full-time job while completing your certification, you’ll have to work around those hours. To not overwhelm an already busy schedule, try to choose a handful of hours around your set work schedule to dedicate to your studies.

Take Breaks

Set yourself up for success by taking breaks throughout your day. If you are reading a textbook, mentally tell yourself that you’ll read until ‘x’ page and then take a break. Get outside for a walk, move your body, or simply step away from your workspace. Our brains need break time in order to increase productivity.

Have a Designated Work Space

In the past handful of years it seems that many of us have converted spare bedrooms into home offices which is a perfect space to designate your studies to be. Having a designated workspace will help you stay organized and on task.

If your space doesn’t allow for a full home office, a desk in a corner of a room will be just fine as well. If there will be family members at home while you are studying, an option to close off your workspace can help limit distractions.

Limit Distractions

Our lives are full of distractions with our cell phones. We constantly are getting phone calls, text messages, emails, notifications and the list goes on and on. To study and learn successfully, challenge yourself to keep your phone away from you so you can focus on the task at hand. Keep your phone in a different room, in a drawer or simply on the other side of your desk.

Get to Know Yourself

Are you more productive in the morning or evening? Do you function better with a workout before your studies or after? Do you like using your computer for notes or pen and paper?

These are all questions that will help get to know yourself better. By knowing yourself better you will be able to study and learn better.

Be Active In Your Learning

In a typical in-person setting with a teacher and classmates, there are many face-to-face interactions that you may not get in your online learning. Teachers aren’t able to ask a question to the class and choose a student whose hand is raised for an answer. Being active in your own online learning will ensure that you are understanding your studies. A great way to do this is active note-taking. Active note-taking is taking what you’ve learned and putting it into your own words, not verbatim what the textbook or professor is saying.

Make a Plan

Making a plan is going to set your studies up for success. Before you dive into the course material, take a look at what will be covered. Set yourself a weekly and monthly goal. At the end of each week and month, you can check in on your progress to make sure you are completing the deadlines that you’ve set for yourself.

Where to Start

Concordia University of Chicago’s MS in Applied Exercise Science, Sports Performance Training was designed for working adults with asynchronous classes so you can learn anywhere, anytime. This specific concentration was built for trainers and other sports professionals who work with athletes of all levels. This course will give students a leg up in their studies for the NASM-PES.

With the deadline quickly approaching on March 8, 2023, now is the time! This certification has no prerequisites, voted #2 for affordability and #1 Master’s in Exercise Science in the US.

Now is your time to create a rewarding career as a NASM performance enhancement specialist who focuses on guiding athletes and clients to peak performance.

Visit the CUC website or the university campus at 7400 Augusta Street River Forest, Illinois [60305-1499] for all enrollment information. You can also call at (708) 771-8300.