Top 10 Free Online Fitness & Nutrition Courses With Certificates

If you're looking to learn more about fitness and nutrition for your career or personal life, you're in luck. There are many online courses available for free or at a low cost.

You can earn a nutrition certification online for free through universities and learning platforms that offer accessible courses with optional certificates of completion. Below, we discuss some of these options and provide details on cost, program length, and more.

Are There Free Online Fitness & Nutrition Courses?

Yes, there are many online nutrition courses and fitness programs available at no cost. Universities, nonprofits, and online learning platforms provide these resources to make health education widely accessible.

Do Free Online Fitness & Nutrition Courses Include Certificates?

Some free programs offer certificates of completion, while others may require a small fee for an official credential. These certificates can be useful for professional development or personal achievement.

What Will I Learn in a Free Fitness & Nutrition Certification Online?

You will study topics such as healthy eating, exercise planning, weight management, and the science behind nutrition. These online nutrition classes combine practical strategies with evidence-based information to help improve overall wellness.

Top Free Online Fitness & Nutrition Courses and Certificates

Are you looking for online nutrition certification programs? Keep reading to learn about some of the top options.

1. Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition � edX

The nutrition and health course from Wageningen University & Research teaches how macronutrients affect human health and contribute to overnutrition. Professor Sander Kersten explores the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body and explains digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

Students also examine societal and environmental factors that influence dietary patterns and weight management. Designed for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in nutrition, the program provides evidence-based strategies to promote healthier eating habits.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: Nine weeks
• Certificate included: Yes

2. Nutrition and Wellbeing � FutureLearn

The Nutrition and Wellbeing course offered by the University of Aberdeen on FutureLearn is a four-week, 100% online program. It is designed to enhance students' understanding of human nutrition and its impact on health.

Throughout the course, students will explore the scientific foundations of nutrition science, current dietary concepts, and the factors influencing food choices. The curriculum explores the relationship between diet and disease prevention, focusing on how nutrition can reduce the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and cancer.

• Cost: Free with subscription
• Program length: Four weeks
• Certificate included: Yes

3. Human Nutrition � Alison

The Human Nutrition course on Alison is a free, self-paced online offering at the beginner level that teaches essential principles of healthy eating. It guides learners through the recommended dietary intakes for carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and minerals while highlighting how a balanced diet boosts daily energy and overall well-being.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: 15 hours
• Certificate included: Yes

4. Foundations of Exercise and Nutrition � Coursera

The American Council on Exercise's Foundations of Exercise and Nutrition course provides a solid introduction to key principles in exercise science and basic nutrition. This course is the right fit for aspiring health professionals or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of health-related topics.

Learners explore energy systems, exercise anatomy, and foundational nutrition guidelines, including how to interpret nutrition labels. The course also includes guidance on designing safe and effective exercise programs.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: 11 hours
• Certificate included: Yes

5. Clinical Nutrition � HealthCert Education

HealthCert offers a free online course that introduces the basics of clinical nutrition. The program explains how diet can affect conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. It also explores topics such as food intolerances, gut health, and healthy infant feeding. The course is self-paced, flexible, and provides practical knowledge for improving patient care.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: Varies
• Certificate included: Yes

6. Introduction to Nutrition: Certificate Program � Study.com

This self-paced course teaches you the basics of nutrition, including macronutrients, micronutrients, digestion, metabolism, weight management, and the anatomy of the gastrointestinal system. Learners complete short video lessons followed by quizzes to reinforce their understanding and demonstrate proficiency.

Students earn a certificate in just a few weeks, which can be used to showcase knowledge or fulfill continuing education requirements. The course is beginner-friendly and flexible, making it a practical starting point for anyone interested in nutrition.

• Cost: Free with subscription
• Program length: Varies
• Certificate included: Yes

7. Basics of Nutrition � Udemy

This free, on-demand tutorial teaches the fundamentals of nutrition, including how to create a healthier lifestyle with balanced meals and mindful eating. You'll learn to read and understand food labels, manage portion sizes, and apply practical tips for preventing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. No prior nutrition knowledge is required.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: Varies
• Certificate included: Yes

8. Nutrition for Optimal Health � Gaples Institute

The Gaples Institute is a nonprofit that offers this award-winning free nutrition program. It's delivered in short modules, each under 30 minutes.

The curriculum teaches essential nutrition principles such as how protein, calcium, and sodium support health, and how a balanced diet can quickly improve longevity and wellness. Students earn certificates of completion after finishing lessons.

• Cost: Free
• Program length: Varies
• Certificate included: Yes

9. Science of Exercise � University of Colorado-Boulder

University of Colorado-Boulder offers a beginner-level course through the online learning platform, Coursera. It explores how exercise affects the body, including metabolism, muscle function, and overall health.

It covers topics such as energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, the role of nutrition in training, and factors contributing to muscle soreness and fatigue.

• Cost: Free with subscription
• Program length: One week
• Certificate included: Yes

10. 6-Week Plan For Healthy Eating � Harvard University

This healthy eating is an introductory, self-paced online program created by Harvard experts to help learners develop a healthy diet through practical, science-backed steps. The course includes downloadable tools like food diaries, worksheets, shopping lists, and recipes that make healthy eating more approachable and manageable.

Participants learn how to simplify complex nutrition information, set realistic dietary goals, and incorporate exercise strategies into their routine.

• Cost: $30
• Program length: Two weeks
• Certificate included: Yes

How We Select Free Fitness & Nutritionist Certification Online Courses

We selected the low-cost and free online nutrition courses on this list based on several criteria. Our considerations included:

• Program cost: We chose free or low-cost courses to ensure affordability.
• Program value: We selected programs that offer high-quality nutrition education and are backed by reputable organizations.
• Certification options: We selected programs that offer a certificate after completion so that you can display this credential.

FAQs About Free Fitness & Nutrition Programs Online

Learn more about free fitness and nutrition certificate courses online by reading the information below. We discuss value, costs, and more.

Can You Become a Certified Nutritionist Online?

Yes, many accredited programs allow you to take nutrition courses online for free, combining video lectures, interactive assignments, and exams. These programs often prepare students for recognized industry certifications or continuing education credits.

Are Nutrition Certificates Worth It?

Nutrition certificates can enhance your knowledge, improve credibility, and help you pursue careers in health, wellness, or coaching. Their value depends on the program's accreditation, depth of content, and industry recognition.

How Much Does a Nutritionist Certificate Cost?

Costs vary widely, ranging from free short courses to programs that charge several hundred or even a few thousand dollars. Pricing usually reflects program length, accreditation, and whether a formal certificate is issued.

Where Can I Find Free Online Nutrition Certification Programs?

Free programs are offered by organizations like HealthCert, Alison, and Gaples Institute. These courses provide foundational nutrition knowledge and are suitable for beginners.

What Is the Best Certification for Nutritionists?

According to the American Nutrition Association, the Certified Nutrition Specialist� credential is the best certification available for nutritionists. To earn this certificate, you'll need to take the exam and pay the required fees.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

If you're interested in online certificate programs, browse the options here on Learn.org. Reach out to providers for the most up-to-date information on costs.