2025 CPTN Personal Trainer Online Summit Session Information
All Online Sessions
CECs: CPTN-7/14
Session Index
Wellness and Well-Being
S01: Wellness and Well-being - A Fitness Professional's Perspective (L)
Dixie Douville, EdD, MSN, RN
Fitness professionals often overlook their well-being, leading to occupational fatigue, burnout and reduced effectiveness. This seminar investigates the various models of wellness and well-being focused on the balance and interconnectedness of the dimensions that support holistic health and the ability to flourish. Explore the current evidence-based practices and strategies for personal well-being and professional resilience. By attending this seminar, fitness professionals can enhance their well-being, improve their job performance, and provide better service to their clients.
Credit(s): 1.0
S02: Breathing Optimization (WS)
Paul Gagné, Posturologist, Somatherapist, CSCS
Breathing control before, during and after a situation or task that demands a high level of concentration is very important for reaching a high level of performance. The more an individual is in control of their breathing rhythm, the more they will be in control of their performance. The session covers the role of the diaphragm in breathing, exercises to improve mobility and strength of the diaphragm, the role of breathing in the basic acid balance in the blood, the link between the postural system and optimal breathing patterns, specific breathing patterns evaluation to determine the baseline of the individual, exercises to increase breathing control and for better heart coherence, and airflow restriction exercises using different protocols to improve lung capacity.
Credit(s): 1.0
S03: Social Cultural Considerations of Masculine Toxic Masculinity in Male Athletes (L)
Samantha Cronin, LMHC, RYT
This lecture explores the intersection of physical therapy, personal training, and masculinity, addressing the challenges male collegiate athletes face in sports, fitness, and rehabilitation. We’ll examine how societal expectations shape body image, self-worth, and vulnerability, particularly among self-identified cisgender men. Key topics include toxic masculinity, the impact of athleticism on confidence and mental health, and strategies for meaningful conversations with clients. Join us as we navigate the psychological and physical dimensions of masculinity, injury, and recovery to foster healthier, more resilient athletes and individuals.
Credit(s): 1.0
Balance and Movement
S04: Better Posture for Better Movements in Young Athletes (WS)
Paul Gagné, Posturologist, Somatherapist, CSCS
This session covers methods for improving the postural system and how timing will transfer to better movements. We will discuss: (1)The sensory and proprioceptive roles of the foot and the ankles in improving balance, timing and quality of movements. (2) Specific methods to increase foot and ankle proprioception. (3) How certain postural imbalances will interfere with balance timing and the quality of movements. (4) The role of the eye muscles in the postural system. (5) The role of the pelvis in balance timing and the quality of movements. (6) Specific methods on how to improve core awareness and stability. (7) Breathing for performance, specific breathing methods to improve performance.
Credit(s): 1.0
S05: Pilates Ball and Magic Ring for Older Adults (WS)
Susan Lee, PhD, CPTN-CPT
Explore variations of Pilates classic and contemporary exercises with the small ball and magic ring on the mat and in the vertical position. The selected exercises will focus on postural alignments and fall prevention for older adults. Participants will learn effective verbal and non-verbal cues to train clients to feel the results of a stronger core and to achieve their movement goals. This session is ideal for those who work with older adults and want to improve their body awareness, core engagement, postural alignment and functional movements with Pilates and portable tools. It's perfect for in-home and online training sessions.
Credit(s): 1.0
S06: Unsticking the Sacrum (L)
Anna Hammond, DPT, CSCS, CES-PPCES
A pelvis should move freely through various planes of motion, including anterior and posterior pelvic tilt, hip hiking and dropping, and inlet internal and external rotation. In this session, we’ll explore pelvic mobility and its impact on functional movement. We’ll also examine the need for independent movement between the sides of the pelvis and the sacrum and innominate, which allows muscles and joints to function through their full range, improving control and positioning. Attendees will learn how addressing areas of limited mobility can improve balance in muscle engagement, reduce tension, and restore fluidity to movements.
Credit(s): 1.0
S07: Refreshing and Regressing! (WS)
Deanna Lawson-Langford, BA, CPTN-CPT.M, CCF-CMCP, OFC-TFL
This session will help to refresh your portable equipment exercise library for your group fitness classes, small group PT and/or 1-on-1 PT sessions, and includes a gamut of regressions to ensure we are truly meeting people where they are. This session involves using body weight, free weights, various bands and stability equipment.
Credit(s): 1.5
Program Design and Training
S08: Balance, Beyond the Basics (WS)
Deanna Lawson-Langford, BA, CPTN-CPT.M, CCF-CMCP, OFC-TFL
We know how key balance training is for our clients and participants, but sometimes balance training is still an afterthought in our programs and classes. This session provides some thought-provoking ideas around program periodization for balance training and for static, dynamic, anticipatory and reactive balance training.
Credit(s): 1.5
S09: Eccentric Training - Are You Using This Potent Tool to Its Full Potential? (WS)
Karsten Jensen, MSc, CPTN-CPT.M
Athletes and fitness clients of any age need muscular endurance, muscle mass, maximal strength and power, but in different amounts and for different purposes. Eccentric training provides any athlete or client with unique structural and functional benefits. This session reviews the current scientific literature on eccentric training and offers practical guidelines for programming the three primary ways of emphasizing eccentric contraction during exercise. You leave this session inspired and empowered to use one of the most potent workout tactics ever devised.
Credit(s): 1.5
S10: Boxing/Kickboxing Programming for Success (L)
Ross O’Donnell, BA, ISKA Master, CPTN-CPT
You've got your Fitness Boxing or Kickboxing Canada certification; how do you develop the most suitable program for your client's fitness level, skill, specific goals and age? Developing the right program to create a positive, challenging and fun workout for your Personal Training client or small group training impacts success and client retention. This session will prepare you to revitalize your current program into a round-based format replicating training an actual competitive fighter with a predetermined number of timed rounds, rests and combinations tailored to your needs.
Credit(s): 1.0
S11: Cluster Training - Part II (WS)
Karsten Jensen, MSc, CPTN-CPT.M
Cluster Training Part I established that 1: cluster training helps clients achieve better technique throughout a set, thus reducing the risk of injury. 2: Cluster training helps the client lift a heavier load (faster) for more repetitions and thus helps the client of any age increase muscle mass, maximal strength and power. Cluster Training Part II provides the practical details for executing the three primary forms of cluster training based on the client's training status, goal, and exercise type. You will leave this session inspired with directly applicable knowledge for clients of any age and empowered to create practical and engaging sessions.
Credit(s): 1.5
Marketing
S12: The Donut Framework - How to Take an Authentic & Practical Approach to Social Media That Works (L)
Jon Vlahogiannakos, BLA, CPT, PN1, OTA2
The Donut Framework provides a unique but simple approach to using social media as a coach. Regardless of your following, you'll learn a system that teaches you to be authentic and personable, which leads to a connection with potential (and existing) clients like never before. This framework is not dependent on algorithms, trends, or perfect content. It stems from who you are and what you do best, which is what your audience wants.
Credit(s): 1.0
S13: Why You're Getting Objections and How to Prevent Them Before the Pitch
Christa Baker, OTM2
Most coaches struggle with objections because they're trying to fix the problem late in the call. In this session, Christa shows you how to lead enrollment calls to prevent objections from popping up in the first place. You'll learn to ask better questions, create clarity early, and build trust before discussing price. This strategy is about leading strong from the start–so your calls feel natural, your clients feel safe, and your close rate increases. Real sales skills for real coaches who are tired of winging it.
Credit(s): 1.0
Special Populations
S14: GLP-1 Medications: The Good, The Bad and the Important Considerations for Fitness Professionals (L)
Dixie Douville, EdD, MSN, RN
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications, initially developed for managing Type II Diabetes, have recently gained popularity as an effective weight loss aid. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. While they provide significant benefits for individuals with weight-related health issues, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced risks associated with diabetes, they also come with potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other physiologic impacts. Proper training and awareness are crucial for fitness professionals who work with clients prescribed GLP-1 medications.
Credit(s): 1.0
S15: The Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise Toolkit: Supporting People Living With Dementia in Your Practice (L)
Laura Middleton, PhD
Exercise improves the well-being of people living with dementia, yet few programs are designed to be accessible to them. This session introduces the Dementia-Inclusive Choices for Exercise (DICE) toolkit, which aims to increase the exercise services available to people living with dementia. The DICE toolkit was co-created with exercise professionals, health and social care providers, people living with dementia, and researchers. The DICE toolkit includes a website, five free online learning modules, four videos, and high-quality evidence-based resources. Using the toolkit will improve your knowledge of dementia and confidence to support people living with dementia in your practice.
Credit(s): 1.0
S16: Fasting for Women: A Trainer's Guide to Science & Practical Implementation (L)
Shirin Panahi, PhD
Fasting is a widely practiced approach to health and wellness, with various methods such as intermittent fasting, time-restricted eating, and extended fasting. Fasting affects women differently due to hormonal fluctuations, metabolic adaptations, and lifestyle factors. This session will explore evidence-based fasting protocols, examining their effects on women’s physiology, including hormonal regulation and metabolic adaptations. Participants will gain insights into the benefits, risks, and key considerations for safe and effective implementation. This session aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge, strategies, and tools to help personal trainers and fitness professionals guide women on safe and effective fasting strategies that align with their individual needs.
Credit(s): 1.0