What you will learn in Hacking Exercise For Health – The surprising new science of fitness Course
- Science-backed exercise principles for optimal health
- Metabolic optimization through targeted workouts
- Time-efficient training strategies
- Progress tracking and injury prevention
- Personalized exercise programming
- Latest research on fitness and longevity
Program Overview
Exercise Science Fundamentals
⏱️ 2 weeks
- Covers muscle physiology, energy systems, and cardiorespiratory fitness metrics.
- Includes heart rate zone training and biomechanics analysis.
Metabolic Optimization
⏱️2 weeks
- Examines HIIT vs steady-state cardio, insulin sensitivity improvements, and post-workout calorie burn.
- Features case studies on metabolic conditioning.
Practical Application
⏱️ 2 weeks
- Teaches program design for strength/endurance, proper exercise form, and recovery protocols.
- Includes periodization and progression techniques.
Health Optimization
⏱️ 2 weeks
- Focuses on exercise for longevity, stress management, and disease prevention.
- Covers wearable tech and data-driven fitness tracking.
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Job Outlook
- Career impact: Valuable for trainers (15% industry growth)
- Salary potential: 45K−90K for certified specialists
- Professional value: Enhances coaching and wellness roles
- Certification benefit: Complements ACE/NASM credentials
Specification: Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.
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FAQs
- You’ll explore the two key dimensions of fitness—cardiorespiratory health and musculoskeletal strength—and why both matter for long-term health.
- Learn how interval training (HIIT) can boost your VO₂max efficiently—and why shorter, intense workouts work so well.
- Understand how strength training, even with lighter weights, promotes muscle health and how to do it effectively—no gym required.
- Discover how to combine cardio and strength workouts into smart, time-saving routines tailored to your goals.
- Gain insights into exercise’s broader benefits, including mental health and cognitive performance, plus strategies to create your own sustainable workouts.
- The course unfolds over four weekly modules: (1) The Basics of Fitness, (2) Cardiorespiratory Fitness, (3) Musculoskeletal Fitness, and (4) Combining Cardio & Strength.
- It’s rated as beginner-level and accessible to anyone, regardless of prior experience.
- Expect around 23 hours of video content in total, which can be completed at your own pace.
- Another estimate suggests a two-week schedule with about 10 hours per week—but it’s flexible to suit your rhythm.
- The course includes quizzes, assignments, and interactive learning elements to reinforce your understanding.
- It’s led by Dr. Martin Gibala, a pioneer of HIIT research, and Dr. Stuart Phillips, an expert in muscle physiology and nutrition—both from McMaster University.
- Dr. Gibala’s work revolutionized how we view short, intense cardio training, and Dr. Phillips champions smart strength training for all ages.
- The course is offered on Coursera, powered by a trusted academic institution.
- Highly rated—about 4.7 out of 5—and very popular, with tens of thousands enrolled and strong learner feedback.
- Learners appreciate its practical, research-backed, and engaging teaching style.
- No previous fitness or academic background is needed. The content is clear, welcoming, and perfect for beginners.
- The explanations make technical concepts—like VO₂max or muscle fiber types—easy to grasp.
- Work at your own pace—no pressure to complete it all in a set span of time.
- Interactive elements and real-world examples make scientific ideas feel actionable and motivating.
- Ideal for anyone curious about fitness—whether you’re just getting started or looking to optimize your routine.
- Yes—a shareable certificate of completion is available, which you can add to LinkedIn or your resume.
- You can audit the course for free for basic access, or pay for the full Certificate experience if you choose.
- Flexible deadlines mean you can reset them as needed to match your schedule.
- Skills taught—like efficient workout design and interval training—are widely applicable for wellness, fitness professionals, or self-led improvement.
- It’s also a great add-on for anyone pursuing careers like personal training, wellness coaching, or physical rehabilitation.

Hacking Exercise For Health. The surprising new science of fitness.