What is the meaning of health and fitness?

The subject of health and fitness involves actions and decisions that improve the way your body functions. Exercise routines—usually broken down into cardio and strength-building activities—are an important part of the subject. Physical activity can help you manage your weight, improve your mental health, and strengthen muscles. Diet is another pillar of health and fitness. What you eat and drink can affect your short-term and long-term health and even your mood. Rest, including quality of sleep and length of sleep, is another aspect of this subject. Lack of sleep leads to reduced physical and mental abilities.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about health and fitness?

Learning about health and fitness can prepare you for a range of careers, including fitness trainer, massage therapist, physical therapist, and nutritionist. Fitness trainers guide clients through exercise routines. A routine may be a general set of exercises for a large class or specific activities catered to an individual's needs. Physical therapists offer a similar service, but their guidance is specifically for individuals who are recovering from injuries or other conditions. Massage therapists use physical pressure to relieve pain or stress in patients. Nutritionists create dietary plans for clients who want to pursue healthier lifestyles.

How can online courses help me learn about health and fitness?

"Online health and fitness courses help you learn about the ways in which the human body responds to exercise and food. This includes how your brain benefits from good nutrition, physical activity, and rest. You'll also learn how to identify and interpret signals from your body, ranging from pain to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Instructors may present the lessons as video lectures or reading assignments. You can advance through all of the course material at your own pace and from your own home. This level of flexibility is useful for anyone who wants to balance educational pursuits with a busy lifestyle."

What are the benefits of taking an online Health & Fitness course?

Online Health & Fitness courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Health & Fitness skills. Choose from a wide range of Health & Fitness courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Health & Fitness courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Health & Fitness, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Health & Fitness Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Health & Fitness Course Catalog

Status: Preview
University of Colorado Boulder
Science of Exercise
Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physiology, Sports Medicine, Nutrition and Diet, Pharmacology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Immunology, Preventative Care, Respiration, Athletic Training, Endocrinology, Chronic Diseases, Vital Signs, Biochemistry, Public Health, Mental Health
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
National Academy of Sports Medicine
NASM Personal Fitness Trainer
Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Nutrition and Diet, Nutrition Counseling, Smart Goals, Health Assessment, Sports Medicine, Human Musculoskeletal System, Preventative Care, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Nutritional Assessment, Respiration, Physiology, Neurology, Automated External Defibrillator, Rehabilitation, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Coaching, Health And Wellness Coaching
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
259 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
American Council on Exercise
Evidence-Based Nutrition for Coaches and Trainers
Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Nutrition and Diet, Nutrition Counseling, Exercise Science, Health And Wellness Coaching, Behavioral Health, Pharmacology, Coaching, Physiology, Scientific Methods
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
American Council on Exercise
Pathway to Wellness: Mind, Movement & Nutrition
Skills you'll gain: Nutrition Education, Nutrition and Diet, Mental Health, Nutrition Counseling, Mindfulness, Exercise Science, Rehabilitation, Mental Concentration, Community Health, Preventative Care, Health Education, Health Promotion, Health Technology, Injury Prevention, Athletic Training, Stress Management, Clinical Nutrition, Behavioral Health, Personal Development, Behavior Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Lecturio
Molecular and Cell Biology
Skills you'll gain: Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, Biology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Skillshare
Self-Care Essentials: Embrace & Nurture the Real You
Skills you'll gain: Growth Mindedness, Positivity, Self-Awareness, Personal Development, Goal Setting, Resilience, Mindfulness, Empowerment, Persistence, Self-Motivation, Action Oriented, Courage, Visionary, Creative Thinking, Creativity, Digital Design, Overcoming Obstacles, Graphical Tools, Color Theory, Storytelling
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Science of Diet and Exercise
Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Nutrition and Diet, Nutritional Assessment, Sports Medicine, Nutrition Education, Physiology, Kinesiology, Endocrinology, Health And Wellness Coaching, Vital Signs, Stress Management, Biochemistry, Systems Of Measurement, Biology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
241 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
McMaster University
Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.
Skills you'll gain: Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Productivity, Cardiology, Stress Management, Time Management, Adaptability, Human Musculoskeletal System, Nutrition and Diet, Physiology, Mental Health, Goal Setting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
815 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Pennsylvania
Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling Us
Skills you'll gain: Vital Signs, Respiration, Respiratory Care, Pulmonology, Pain Management, Physiology, Health Assessment, Cardiology, Thermal Management, Neurology, Patient Evaluation, Anatomy, Clinical Assessment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Getting Started as a Personal Fitness Trainer
Skills you'll gain: Goal Setting, Smart Goals, Health Assessment, Exercise Science, Preventative Care, Health And Wellness Coaching, Overcoming Obstacles, Public Health, Health Promotion, Motivational Skills, Needs Assessment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
161 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Emory University
Weight Management: Beyond Balancing Calories
Skills you'll gain: Nutrition and Diet, Physiology, Stress Management, Health And Wellness Coaching, Behavioral Health, Biology, Mindfulness, Resilience, Exercise Science
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Florida
The Science of Training Young Athletes
Skills you'll gain: Sports Medicine, Coaching, Athletic Training, Pediatrics, Exercise Science, Physiology, Kinesiology, Child Development, Working With Children, Anatomy, Training Programs, Injury Prevention, Coordination, Nutrition and Diet, Planning
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
976 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months