Overview
Sports Nutrition for Optimal Performance is an online sports nutrition course designed for fitness professionals, personal trainers, health coaches, athletes, and exercise specialists who want to better understand how food, hydration, fuelling, recovery, and supplements influence training outcomes and athletic performance. This practical course explores the foundations of sports nutrition, including energy systems, macronutrients, nutrient timing, hydration strategies, body composition, performance nutrition, and the unique nutritional needs of active clients and athletes.
Ideal for those with a background in fitness, exercise, coaching, or health and wellness, this course helps you build confidence in supporting clients with evidence-informed nutrition guidance that complements training, performance, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Whether you are looking to add sports nutrition knowledge to your existing services, or gain continuing education points as a fitness professional, this flexible online course gives you practical tools, athlete-focused insights, and real-world strategies you can apply with active clients from day one.
Ideal for those with a background in fitness, exercise, coaching, or health and wellness, this course helps you build confidence in supporting clients with evidence-informed nutrition guidance that complements training, performance, recovery, and long-term wellbeing. Whether you are looking to add sports nutrition knowledge to your existing services, or gain continuing education points as a fitness professional, this flexible online course gives you practical tools, athlete-focused insights, and real-world strategies you can apply with active clients from day one.
Details
HOW WILL YOU LEARN ▼
DNHC511: Non-Diet Approach to Coaching
Learning and teaching
Study flexibly with a modern blended approach built for busy health professionals in Australia. Each topic includes a downloadable PDF text, videos, practical tasks and topic quizzes. You’ll also access essential readings, templates, and client‑ready tools—so you can apply evidence‑based nutrition and metabolic health coaching from day one.
Learning and teaching
Study flexibly with a modern blended approach built for busy health professionals in Australia. Each topic includes a downloadable PDF text, videos, practical tasks and topic quizzes. You’ll also access essential readings, templates, and client‑ready tools—so you can apply evidence‑based nutrition and metabolic health coaching from day one.
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Assessment methods
At Well College, assessments are learning tools—not tricks. This unit’s online quizzes are open‑book, untimed, and you may take up to three attempts. On passing, you can instantly download your Certificate plus a Statement of Continuing Education (CPD/CE) Points for your records and employer. |
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Learning at WCG
Classes vary by course and mix formats for meaningful interaction with staff, industry experts, and peers. WCG prioritises active learning over large lectures, with core content provided online through readings, videos, and other on‑demand materials.
Classes vary by course and mix formats for meaningful interaction with staff, industry experts, and peers. WCG prioritises active learning over large lectures, with core content provided online through readings, videos, and other on‑demand materials.
COURSE STRUCTURE >
There are eight modules to complete the unit. Within each topic is a downloadable PDF Text Book.
There is are optional readings including tools and templates referred to in the text Book.
Estimate approximately 20 hours of study.
Continuing Education
Students enrolled in a WCG Diploma, Program or Certificate where this subject is a core elective, will have free ongoing access to the Professional Practice Live Classes.
There is are optional readings including tools and templates referred to in the text Book.
Estimate approximately 20 hours of study.
Continuing Education
Students enrolled in a WCG Diploma, Program or Certificate where this subject is a core elective, will have free ongoing access to the Professional Practice Live Classes.
UNIT CONTENT ▼
This unit is ideal for those wanting to work with the active or athletes, or that wish to have a better understanding of fuelling for performance and the unique requirements of athletes.
Topics covered in this course include unpacking the concept of a 'good diet' in a sports specific frame and understanding the elements important in achieving a diet that has the best chances of meeting an athletes nutritional needs.
Energy, performance fuelling and body composition are explored in detail, including the role of dynamic fuelling, body composition challenges and assessment methodologies (as well as their limitations). You'll also review the importance of weight-neutral language through case studies and evidence-backed research.
Continuing with the theme of energy the subject deep dives into the major biochemical and metabolic pathways involved in energy production and the role of food in meeting energy needs. This arrives at a detailed look at the conversion of fuels under various physical activity and demands and how best to meet this to support performance.
Naturally, there is a detailed review of the sports specific role of carbohydrates, protein and fat, including requirements, pre-competition, event nutrition and post-event requirements and strategies. Fluids and hydrations follow, where you'll explore fluid requirements, hydration fluids, hydration techniques and assessment methods, sodium balance and the role of body temperature.
The last two modules apply the knowledge explored above and bring it together in a practical application to create a detailed picture of event preparation (including making weight), pre-event prep, intra-exercise nutrition, and post-even/recovery sports nutrition via scenarios and case studies. The last module goes on to explore sporting agents such as caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, creatine, peptides (briefly) and protein powders.
Topics covered in this course include unpacking the concept of a 'good diet' in a sports specific frame and understanding the elements important in achieving a diet that has the best chances of meeting an athletes nutritional needs.
Energy, performance fuelling and body composition are explored in detail, including the role of dynamic fuelling, body composition challenges and assessment methodologies (as well as their limitations). You'll also review the importance of weight-neutral language through case studies and evidence-backed research.
Continuing with the theme of energy the subject deep dives into the major biochemical and metabolic pathways involved in energy production and the role of food in meeting energy needs. This arrives at a detailed look at the conversion of fuels under various physical activity and demands and how best to meet this to support performance.
Naturally, there is a detailed review of the sports specific role of carbohydrates, protein and fat, including requirements, pre-competition, event nutrition and post-event requirements and strategies. Fluids and hydrations follow, where you'll explore fluid requirements, hydration fluids, hydration techniques and assessment methods, sodium balance and the role of body temperature.
The last two modules apply the knowledge explored above and bring it together in a practical application to create a detailed picture of event preparation (including making weight), pre-event prep, intra-exercise nutrition, and post-even/recovery sports nutrition via scenarios and case studies. The last module goes on to explore sporting agents such as caffeine, sodium bicarbonate, creatine, peptides (briefly) and protein powders.
LEARNING OUTCOMES ▼
When awarded credit for this unit, a learner will:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the specific nutrition requirements of athletes
- Critically evaluate the principles of a healthy diet
- Evaluate the current theories on sports nutrition
- Review appropriate hydration fluid options and techniques for athletes
- Describe the signs of dehydration
- Explain the energy production systems in the body and reflect the association with fuelling
- Summarise the classes of supplements
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ▼
ESSA - 15 CPDs
AUSactive - 15 CECs
REPS NZ - 9 CPD
ATMS - 20 hrs
AUSactive - 15 CECs
REPS NZ - 9 CPD
ATMS - 20 hrs
Fuel the body, sharpen performance, and unlock full potential, this is where champions start.
Fees
FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS
This unit is $365 AUD
Nothing more to pay.
This unit is $365 AUD
Nothing more to pay.
Testimonial
"Sports nutrition is the cornerstone of peak performance. You can train harder, lift heavier, and push further—but without the right fuel, you're limiting your potential before you even begin. In my career working with elite athletes across the NRL and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand how nutrition can be the difference between good and great, between finishing and winning."
"The best athletes I’ve worked with don’t just eat to train, they eat to recover, to focus, to thrive. Nutrition isn’t just a support tool, it’s a performance enhancer in its own right. It’s what powers your purpose, your resilience, and your ability to show up every single day at 100%. That’s why I’m passionate about this course. It gives anyone, from aspiring athletes to coaches to everyday performers, the tools to understand and apply the same principles that drive elite performance. This isn’t just knowledge; it’s your competitive edge."
Don Singe Coaching
Certified Coaching Professional and Mindset Coach
Well College Global Faculty
"The best athletes I’ve worked with don’t just eat to train, they eat to recover, to focus, to thrive. Nutrition isn’t just a support tool, it’s a performance enhancer in its own right. It’s what powers your purpose, your resilience, and your ability to show up every single day at 100%. That’s why I’m passionate about this course. It gives anyone, from aspiring athletes to coaches to everyday performers, the tools to understand and apply the same principles that drive elite performance. This isn’t just knowledge; it’s your competitive edge."
Don Singe Coaching
Certified Coaching Professional and Mindset Coach
Well College Global Faculty
Pathways from this Unit
Each of the options below include the Sport Nutrition for Optimal Performance unit (DNHC514).
You can start with this unit and credit it into any one of the below options, you can gain multiple qualifications.
Call us today on 02 9400 9759 to get started on your dream career.
You can start with this unit and credit it into any one of the below options, you can gain multiple qualifications.
Call us today on 02 9400 9759 to get started on your dream career.
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LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN NUTRITION & HEALTH COACHING > USE YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES TO SUPPORT OTHERS Our most popular program. Nine units spanning nutrition, psychology, coaching practices, physical and mental health and your choice of electives, this program is extremely flexible, highly supported and ideal for all walks of life. This unit is one of the approved electives. FIND OUT MORE HERE |
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN MEAL PLANNING > GAIN A QUALIFICATION AND INSURANCE TO MEAL PLAN Five-unit program perfect for PTs, writers, bloggers, and those with a love of good eating who are looking to work with clients and their eating habits. Students often choose this unit as their one elective requirement. Registration and insurance to cover you. Holds continuing education points for PTs. FIND OUT MORE HERE |
WOMEN'S HEALTH & WELLNESS COACH CERTIFICATION >
NICHE IN YOUR AREA OF WOMEN'S WELLBEING >
Covering women's hormones, gut health, coaching practice, mental health and trauma awareness and more you'll be skilled in supporting women's wellness. Empower women to navigate their health and wellbeing challenges with confidence.
Add this unit as one of your two elective choices.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
NICHE IN YOUR AREA OF WOMEN'S WELLBEING >
Covering women's hormones, gut health, coaching practice, mental health and trauma awareness and more you'll be skilled in supporting women's wellness. Empower women to navigate their health and wellbeing challenges with confidence.
Add this unit as one of your two elective choices.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Upgrade in 21 Days & Save
Upgrade to Diploma, Program or Certificate and gain exclusive access to free, live mentoring classes both during your studies and beyond. Led by industry professionals, these small-group sessions provide real-world insights and practical skills.
Each month, explore rotating expert-led topics like marketing and business growth, functional testing, coaching strategies, health case studies, mental health, EFT, and more.
You have 21 days to upgrade to the Bundle to gain the extra BONUS elective and save.
Each month, explore rotating expert-led topics like marketing and business growth, functional testing, coaching strategies, health case studies, mental health, EFT, and more.
You have 21 days to upgrade to the Bundle to gain the extra BONUS elective and save.
Human Nutrition Sampler CourseSample around 10% of our Human Nutrition subject. Test the water for a career as a health coach or as a nutritionist so you can make a confident career choice for your future. Or just grab some awesome nourishment knowledge to support your wellness so you can flourish.
Absolutely no credit cards required – just pure, free nutrition knowledge! |
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