To become a Certified DNS Strength Coach (DNS-SC), one must attend each of the core DNS Strength Training courses (DNS-ST1, DNS-ST2, & DNS ST-3). After the DNS-ST2 course attendees must pass a test.  The test following DNS-ST2 is an on-line, multiple choice test that can be completed at home. This test is open book. Attendees will have 1 year after the course to pass the examination. The student gets a maximum of three attempts to pass the test. Students are recommended to retake the course and then to take the online test again in case of failing to pass the test on the three attempts. As soon as submitting the test the student receives results by email. Passing the online test is a prerequisite before taking the final practical test, and being certified as a DNS Strength Coach. The final test will be a practical test performed at the end of DNS-ST3. This test will involve the individual performing DNS exercises, tests, and applying them to traditional strength training movements. They will need to demonstrate competence in DNS and be able to accurately identify movement dysfunction and properly prescribe corrective exercises. To take this exam, attendees must have started taking DNS courses at least 1 year before and they must have passed both written tests. Any official DNS course will start the mandatory 1 year clock before one is eligible to take the certification examination.

To ensure that potential Certified DNS Strength Coaches are ready for the practical examination, we advise that they take 5 courses before they test (e.g. Exercise 1, DNS Movement Flow, or a 1 day movement skills course on the squat).  This is not a requirement, but a strong suggestion.

Certified DNS Strength Coaches will go on the DNS webpage and can use the letters DNS-SC after their name. To maintain the certification, one will have to attend a DNS course every 3 years. These courses do not have to be in the strength training track.

DNS is a comprehensive explanation of movement and function. Its principles, exercises, and assessments are highly effective in the clinical setting. DNS, however, has powerful application in the sports/performance and strength training professions. The DNS strength training track is designed to help coaches, athletes, and medial professionals effectively apply DNS to the strength training profession. These courses are for anyone who uses strength training in their profession, be it a coach, an athlete, or a rehab professional.

The DNS Strength Training track is broken up into 3 primary courses with accessory courses offered as well. The 3 primary courses (DNS-ST1, DNS-ST2, and DNS-ST3) will expose attendees to DNS - its principles (functional joint centration, sagittal stability, developmental kinesiology, etc.), assessments, and exercises based in developmental kinesiology. It will also then apply these to traditional strength training, which will be accomplished via lecture, demonstration, and workshop to ensure that all attendees who complete the full track will be able to effectively apply DNS to strength training.  

Whether you are a coach wanting to gain a better understanding of movement or a clinician who integrates strength training into the rehabilitation process, these courses are designed for you.

DNS Strength Training 1

1

3 Day course (Includes DNS Exercise 1)

Overview of DNS-Strength Training 1:

DNS-ST1 is an introductory course designed for both strength training and medical professionals with the singular focus of equipping attendees with the skills to effectively apply the powerful concepts of DNS to traditional strength training movements such as pressing, pulling, hinging and squatting. In this course, all of the exercises are bilateral and symmetrical (e.g. double arm kettlebell swing vs. single arm swing). It is an entry-level course; as such, no prior DNS experience is required to attend. This course is perfect for anyone who consistently uses these movements in their personal and professional lives.  

Strength Training Movements Covered:

• Hinging: Barbell/Kettlebell deadlift, Kettlebell swing , Barbell Romanian Deadlift
• Squatting: Goblet Squat, Barbell Front Squat
• Pressing: Bench Press, Barbell press, push-ups
• Pulling: Barbell Row, Pull-ups, Chin-ups.  

Courser Requirements/Pre-requisites: None.

This is an entry level course for DNS. No prior DNS experience is required. Note, this course is targeted for strength training and medical professionals who are familiar with traditional strength training movements such as squats, deadlifts, shoulder pressing, etc. This is not a course for those who lack proficiency with these movements and who are seeking to learn how to perform them properly.

Who is eligible to take this course? Everyone.

This course is NOT restricted to medical professionals.

Objectives:

• Introduce fundamental DNS concepts such as functional joint centration & ontogenesis.
• Cover the anatomy and mechanics of trunk stabilization.
• Cover multiple DNS tests for trunk stability.
• Cover physiological and pathological postures.
• Workshop DNS exercises based in developmental kinesiology from newborn to 6 months.
• Apply DNS concepts to common bilateral, sagittal plane, strength training movements such as pushing, pulling, hinging and squatting.

Goals:

• Attendees will be able to apply DNS concepts to common bilateral, sagittal plane, strength training movements such as pushing, pulling, hinging and squatting.
• Attendees will be able to perform basic DNS tests to properly identify instability in their patients/athletes
• Attendees will be able to properly assess and correct respiration
• Attendees will be able to cue and teach proper respiration.

DNS Strength Training 2

2

3 Day course (Includes DNS Exercise 2)

Overview of DNS-Strength Training 2:

DNS-ST2 builds on the concepts covered in DNS ST1. In this course, we will review content from DNS-ST1. We will also move out of the sagittal plane into triplanar, unilateral movements. In this course, we will cover developmental kinesiology exercisers from 5 months and beyond (e.g. oblique sit, tripod, 1/2 kneeling, overhanging). We will also cover unilateral strength training movements such as single arm dumb bell row, single arm kettlebell swing, lunging, strep-ups and single dumbbell push-press.  

Strength Training Movements Covered:

• Hinging: Single Arm Dumbbell/Kettlebell Deadlift, Single Arm Kettlebell Swing
• Squatting: Reverse Lunge, Step-up, Oblique Squat
• Pressing: Single Arm Dumbbell press, Single Arm Dumbbell bench, Single Arm Cable Press
• Pulling: Single Arm Dumbbell Row (supported and unsupported), Single Arm Cable Row  

Courser Requirements/Pre-requisites:

All attendees must have previously taken DNS Strength Training 1. Because the content is so vastly different from traditional DNS courses, no other DNS course will substitute as a DNS ST1.

Who is eligible to take this course? Everyone who took DNS ST1 course.

This course is NOT restricted to medical professionals.

Objectives:

• Review fundamental DNS concepts such as functional joint centration & ontogenesis.
• Review the anatomy and mechanics of trunk stabilization.
• Cover more complex DNS tests for trunk stability
• Workshop DNS exercises based in developmental kinesiology from newborn to 18 months.
• Apply DNS concepts to common unilateral strength training movements such as pushing, pulling, hinging and squatting.

Goals:

• Attendees will be able to apply DNS concepts to common tri-planar, unilateral, strength training movements such as pushing, pulling, hinging and squatting.
• Attendees will be able to perform more advanced DNS tests to properly identify instability in their patients/athletes.
• Attendees will be able to properly assess and correct respiration.
• Attendees will be able to cue and teach proper respiration.

DNS Strength Training 3

3

3 Day course - does NOT count as DNS Exercise 3.