Applied Performance Nutrition

Module 2 of the Certificate of Integrative Sports Nutrition and the Level 7 Diploma in Integrative Sport and Exercise Nutrition

Immerse yourself in the world of wholesome nourishment for health based performance

About this module

Performance nutrition has more of a quantitative approach to it than the integrative body systems module, and rightly so: as practitioners we need to ensure our athletes are consuming enough fuel for the demands of their chosen exercise and daily activities. But we also need to bring personalisation into this way of thinking because each athlete’s body does not vibrate equally with the prevailing high-carb dogma, nor does it always resonate with ketogenic alternatives. Additionally, to fully support the busy biochemistry of our active clients, food quality is absolutely essential for micronutrient and phytonutrient provision.

Who's is it for?

Applied Performance Nutrition is the second of our core units in our certification course and can also be studied as a standalone module. It is aimed at nutrition and exercise professionals, and final-year and postgraduate students, ideally within the nutrition and/or exercise fields.

The module is also open to individuals without a degree who can demonstrate a portfolio of sufficient prior knowledge and experience. Practitioner experience is a bonus but not a necessity.

Module content

Applied Performance Nutrition

The applied performance nutrition module consists of eight weeks of pre-recorded lectures, weekly tutorial interaction with your course leader, Ian Craig, the study of educational materials, and interaction with tutors and peers online.

Week 1 - Calories; measurements and myths
Week 2 - Body composition; the real contributors
Week 3 - Macronutrients; fuelling a sporting balance
Week 4 - Micronutrients; nourishing an athletic body
Week 5 - Pre, during and post-exercise nutrition
Week 6 - Hydration and electrolytes in athletes
Week 7 - Overtraining and adrenal fatigue
Week 8 - Dynamic action learning of performance nutrition

Session 1 begins with a detailed discussion of the history of calories, how to calculate and use macros and calories, and how to identify and work with the many errors of assessment.

We also compare the gold-standard laboratory metabolic analyses and professional nutrition software with modern app alternatives.

In the workshop, we review the case of an active client struggling with her body composition despite her consumption of a hypocaloric diet.

Session 2 explores the methods of assessing body composition and looks at the common inconsistencies and errors relating to measurement.

The lecture includes a discussion around physiological imbalances associated with compromised body composition.

In the workshop, we also look at nutrition and lifestyle strategies with our client from session 1.

Session 3 kicks off with a comprehensive review of the most written-about area of sports nutrition: macros.

We then extrapolate the research cited on carbs, fats and proteins into the context of an athlete’s life and sporting goals, and consider the genetic differences of fuel metabolism.

In the workshop, we debate the concept of ‘train-low compete-high’ and view the fuelling strategies of a Masters track cyclist.

Session 4 reviews the micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) essential for athletic performance and optimal physiological function.

We then explore phytonutrition, and consider why it is important to focus on nutritional density and diversity in an athlete’s life.

Our workshop looks at the performance challenges of a female road cyclist, utilising functional testing and a micro-nutrition lens to support her sporting needs.

Session 5 takes us into the very practical consideration of what to feed an athlete before, during and after a hard training or competitive effort.

In addition to ‘what’ to eat or drink, we also consider the ‘when’ within the scientific inquiry of nutrient timing.

A highlight of this session is a detailed discussion of DIY sports and recovery drinks plus gels, that nourish and not deplete energy.

In our workshop we work through the case of an ultramarathon runner preparing for the famous Comrades marathon in South Africa.

Session 6 is presented by Andy Blow, an athlete and coach who has devoted his professional life to understanding fluid dynamics in sporting individuals.

In this session, Andy outlines the historical beliefs behind hydration needs, and combines incorporates modern-day physiological research of individual fluid and salt requirements during sporting activity.

Our workshop examines the cramping challenges of a competitive basketball player during the prolonged pressures of tournament conditions.

Session 7 explores the spectrum of over-reaching and overtraining, alongside the functional medicine perspectives of adrenal and chronic fatigue.

We also consider the theories behind these imbalanced states and the testing and monitoring methods available and explore nutrition, lifestyle and training recuperation strategies.

In the workshop, we discuss a case study of an aspiring English Channel swimmer who has pronounced endocrine dysregulation, suggesting recuperation strategies for her to pursue her amazing goal.

Session 8 brings the knowledge and experience of all course participants into a dynamic workshop discussion of applied performance nutrition.

Unlike the normal tutor-led interactions, everybody shares responsibility for the value of learning from the session, meaning that you get to take away the combined inputs of you and your peers – through a process of ‘action learning’.

Module dates

Applied Performance Nutrition

Now accepting applications for our next running of this module, starting on the 16th of April 2024!

Module start dates for 2024: 11 January, 16 April and 5 September

10% Discount for:

Next module start date:

Days

Hours

16th of April 2024 at 1pm UK time

Exclusive offer

monthly for 3 months

Regular Price – £ 699

Seats are limited

Right of Admission Reserved – T’s & C’s Apply

Short Course

The Certificate

Level 7 Diploma

Individual Speciality Units (CPD/CEU)

Short Course

Natural Sports Cookery

Hypertrophy for Sport and Exercise

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs)

Harnessing Mitochondrial Energy

Ergogenic Aids for the Athlete

Gastrointestinal Health In Athletes

A Mind-body Perspective In Sport

Integrative Sports Nutrition

Case Studies

Applied Performance Nutrition

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