Certified Sports Nutrition Advisor (CSNA)

The CSNA program is distributed internationally by the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) and administered from Markham (Toronto) Ontario. The CHFA is a non-profit federally chartered trade association founded by many of the early pioneers of the natural food movement.

CHFA members include retailers, wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and health & fitness professionals in a variety of industry sub sectors such as dietary supplements, vitamins, herbals, homeopathics, sports nutrition, packaged foods and organic foods.

The CSNA Program consists of two distinct courses Introduction To Sports Nutrition 101 and Advanced Sports Nutrition 201. Completion of Course 101 provides each student with a CHFA CERTIFICATE. Completion of Course 201 completes the entire CSNA program and provides each graduate with a CHFA DIPLOMA and the designation of Certified Sports Nutrition Advisor (CSNA).

The CSNA program was written, designed and produced by Cory Holly, CHFA Ambassador of Sports Nutrition, Health and Fitness. Cory specializes in clinical sports nutrition, product formulation and is recognized as an expert in body composition management, exercise, nutrition, energy metabolism and natural health products (NHPs). Cory is a Masters level world class competitive athlete and has worked in the health and fitness industry since 1975. Cory is a recipient of the 2003 CHFA Sports Nutrition Hall of Fame Award.

Each chapter of the CSNA education program was reviewed by a member of the CSNA Expert Advisory Panel before being professionally edited. Members of this panel were personally selected by Cory to assist in the editing of the course material. The CSNA education program is designed for retailers, suppliers, health professionals, personal trainers and athletic consumers who want to learn more about sports nutrition, health and fitness. Enrollment is recommended for any individual involved in the field of sports nutrition, physical therapy, exercise science, rehabilitation, coaching, fitness and sports medicine.

The CSNA education integrates the philosophy of biological medicine with exercise science and promotes the use of dietary supplements in conjunction with organic whole foods. In addition to enhancing scholastic aptitude and preparing the student for entry into the sports nutrition, health and fitness field, this program serves as both a guide in human life strategy and a manual in personal self-care. The goal is to equip each student with the information and knowledge required to physically condition, care for and nourish their own body.

My primary goal as the author of this course program is three fold. First, I want to educate your intellect, stimulate your senses, motivate you to take action, arouse your creativity and inspire you to pursue excellence.

Second, I want to raise the health and fitness consciousness of retailers, consultants, athletes, coaches, health professionals and consumers. Finally, I want to help elevate Sports Nutrition to its rightful position as a primary category in the field of health care.

This program represents decades of personal experience, continuous research, investigation and study in the science of sports nutrition, exercise physiology and human performance. I want to thank the CHFA for their assistance in making this program a reality. With their distribution and administrative support this program has set a new international standard of education in sports nutrition.

The program begins by enrolling as a student in Course 101. To enroll print out a copy of the registration form. Fill the form out as directed and mail (or fax) it directly to the CHFA office located in Toronto with your payment. The registration form is also available by accessing the CHFA website. You can also phone the CHFA toll free at 1-800-661-4510 and request a copy of the CSNA brochure (which includes a registration form) or you can email your request to admin@chfa.ca.

There are four chapters in Course 101. At the end of each chapter you will find a student self-test assignment, consisting of 20 multiple choice open-book test questions. To answer them correctly, you will have to read the entire course material in the student binder as well as the two supplement books provided. As you read through the course material, you will be instructed to read certain sections or specific pages of these two additional books.

After you finish each chapter of the course, complete the test questions and mail (or fax) your answers to the CHFA for marking. Continue through each chapter in this manner until you have completed all four chapters. At the end of chapter four you will find a list of six essay topics. Choose one and write a 2000 word typewritten dissertation. This is your Final Exam and must be completed before a passing grade and CHFA Certificate is granted. Don't be intimidated if you don't feel confident as a writer. Additional instructions and an outline for writing your paper is provided to help you get started. When you're finished send your notarized dissertation by registered mail to the CHFA for marking.

The CHFA will create a personal file and student number for you and upon successful completion your test question answers will be returned along with your CHFA Certificate. Upon successful completion of Course 101 the student becomes eligible to enroll in Course 201. To receive your final CHFA Diploma and the designation of Certified Sports Nutrition Advisor (CSNA) both Course 101 and 201 must be successfully completed. Good luck!