USAW Behavior Change Specialist Course
Your Gateway to Mastering Habit Change in Yourself or Those You Serve
What's Included in the Course?#
Join USA Weightlifting's transformative online course to become a Certified Behavior Change Specialist! This course is your gateway to mastering habit change in yourself or those you serve. No more failed attempts at eating more protein or getting in more steps.
Basics of Habits and Human Behavior
When we understand what makes up habitual behavior and how habit formation works, we can make a plan for effective change. Creating goal-directed habits – that is, building a set of habitual behaviors that support our goals – makes doing the things we need to do for success as mindless as tying your shoes. This module introduces you to habits and associated human behavior, setting the stage for the ability to manipulate both!
Phase 1: Increase Awareness of Your Behaviors
Before we can begin to change our behavior to support a goal, we need to know what habits we have that get in our way, what habits we have that are productive, and what behaviors we need to add to our lives to reach our goals. This module introduces you to the first phase in behavior change and habit building. You will learn to develop awareness of your behavior, which often involves monitoring and tracking it in order to determine your needs for change.
Phase 2: Set Behavior Change Goals
Armed with awareness and self-monitoring tools, you can now effectively determine which of your behaviors are supporting and which are getting in the way of your goals. From here you can set targets for behavior change that will facilitate your desired outcomes.
Phase 3: Implement Behavior Change Strategies
Having learned to monitor behavior at three-time points (before, during, and after the behavior), we can also use these time points as targets for altering our behavior. Here we learn what strategies can be applied at each time point.
Phase 4: Solidify and Adapt New Habits
Behavior change (much like strength gains, weight loss, or any learning process) is never a linear process. Tracking behavior, identifying behavior change targets, and building a strategy provide a plan and trajectory but the real work comes afterward. Within Phase 4 there will be the need to adapt the plan according to pain points, navigate around obstacles, and help the person understand that perfect progress is not expected but that consistency will yield results.
Applied Case Studies
Delve into real-life case studies and learn from seasoned behavior change coaches as they guide example clients and athletes towards sustained success
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Comprehensive, Self-Paced Course Modules#
In bite-sized modules, you'll unravel the intricacies of habitual behavior, learning how to harness its power to propel people towards their goals. Discover practical strategies to eliminate unwanted habits and cultivate goal-directed behaviors, setting the stage for unparalleled success.
You’ll be able to:
- Identify and navigate obstacles
- Effectively track and monitor behavior
- Motivate and communicate for lasting success
Why Your Attempts at Creating New Habits Fail#
Coaches often make critical mistakes when attempting to facilitate behavior change, such as:
Lack of Individualization
Failing to tailor interventions to people’s specific needs, preferences, and circumstances.
Overlooking Psychological Factors
Neglecting to address motivation, self-efficacy, and mindset.
Setting Unrealistic Goals
Establishing goals that are overly ambitious or unrealistic, leading to frustration and demotivation when they are not achieved.
Poor Communication
Ineffective communication and lack of clarity in conveying expectations, feedback, and support.
Ignoring Environmental Influences
Disregarding the impact of social support, organizational culture, and external stressors on behavior change efforts.
Why This Course is a Game Changer for Habit Change #
This course equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome these common mistakes and become more successful in facilitating behavior change. This course will address these issues through the following key components:
Individualized Approaches
Providing strategies for tailoring interventions to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual, fostering a more personalized approach to behavior change.
Psychological Frameworks
Introducing psychological theories and practical techniques to enhance motivation, self-efficacy, and mindset, enabling coaches to better understand and address the psychological aspects of behavior change.
Goal-Setting Strategies
Teaching coaches how to set realistic, achievable goals with clients and athletes, promoting sustainable progress and maintaining motivation throughout the change process.
Communication Skills
Offering guidance on effective communication strategies, including active listening, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a supportive coaching environment.
Environmental Considerations
Highlighting the importance of considering environmental influences on behavior change and providing tools to help coaches recognize and address these influences effectively.
By addressing these critical areas, the course empowers coaches with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate successful behavior change and to improve people’s overall well-being and performance.
Testimonials#
Nicole B.
"I instantly connected to the real examples of how to talk about making life changes like working out more or getting more sleep. I’m so much more successful at helping my clients succeed.”
Sarah C.
This course served as a great reminder that clients often enter our facilities highly motivated—whether it's a 'new year, new me' mindset or after a significant life event. As coaches, it's our role not only to help them implement these changes but also to ensure they're sustainable for the long term.
Jeff C.
"I’ve always been interested in habits, maybe because I struggle so much with sticking to good habits. This course taught me why I’ve struggled and helped me finally create good habits after years of frustration. I feel so empowered and I can’t recommend this course enough.”
Jane T.
“A few months ago I took this course and I’ve easily doubled the number of clients who meet their goals, It has been life changing for me and my clients. Thank you!”
Frequently Asked Questions#
How do I register?
Please sign up here.
What is on the course exam and how long do I have to complete it?
The multiple choice exam is untimed and you have 2 attempts to earn a 75% or better. You have 12 months from when you register for the course to complete the exam.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Please reach out to us at education@usaweightlifting.org and we’d be glad to help.
How do I access the course once I sign up?
You will receive information about how to access the course immediately after you sign up. If you have any issues, please contact us at education@usaweightlifting.org
Do you offer course refunds?
In the unlikely event you are not satisfied with your course experience, please contact us at education@usaweightlifting.org so we can meet your needs.
How long do I have access to the course?
You have access to the course materials forever, and that includes any updated or additional materials that are added over time.
Does USAW offer other online courses?
Yes! You can check them out on the Elite Education page.
Earn Continuing Education Credit#
USA Weightlifting is recognized by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as an Approved Continuing Education Provider. USA Weightlifting’s Behavior Change Specialist meets the criteria for 0.4 NASM CEUs. USA Weightlifting's NASM provider number is 12727.
The American College of Sports Medicine’s Continuing Professional Education Committee certifies that USA Weightlifting’s Behavior Change Specialist meets the criteria for 4.0 official ACSM CECs through 12/31/2025. The ACSM Education Provider approved course 617600 reflects the concepts of their respective organizations and does not necessarily represent the positions or policies of ACSM.
