With version 1, the exercise science training programs were developed and administered on the NorthStar platform. To enhance autonomy, we sought a solution that would allow trainers and instructors to utilize and administer their programs independently of the NorthStar servers. The best selection, offering the greatest security and most comprehensive features, was Google Cloud Services.
Account Activation
From the moment your account is activated, you will have immediate access to all the resources needed to begin training multiple clients per session, accommodating as many sessions as your schedule allows each day.
Upon account activation, you will receive four Instructor Sheets per license, which are your master programs. They are presented in spreadsheet format. For each client, you will receive four corresponding Client Program Folders.
Upon account activation, you will receive four Instructor Sheets per license, which are your master programs. They are presented in spreadsheet format. For each client, you will receive four corresponding Client Program Folders.
Instructor sheets are independent files, so you will instantly recognize them. They will look like this:
Please note: The samples featured here display the NorthStar icon. However, upon account activation, your personal or business name will replace the NorthStar icon on all programs, reflecting your own branding instead of the NorthStar Services title.
Client Program Folders will have the folder icon. Inside each will be individual Client Session Guides. Client Session Guides look like this:
Dell Laptop
Please note: The samples featured here display the NorthStar icon. However, upon account activation, your personal or business name will replace the NorthStar icon on all programs, reflecting your own branding instead of the NorthStar Services title.
Apple iPad
Apple iPhone
Notice how your client session guides only contain session structures and not the exercise program in its entirety. This omission serves three purposes. First, without the exercises the session guide is essentially useless, therefore your involvement remains a critical element to the service. Second, the client session guides are not embedded with preset exercises, adhering to the terms of the license agreement that prevent editing or modification of client session guides. As such, you have total discretion as to which exercises you prescribe and instruct. Via your Instructor sheets, you may copy and paste our pre-composed programs, you can modify the exercise sequences, you can add/replace with your own exercises or you may use any exercise provided on the NorthStar Exercise Sheet which contains hundreds of exercise. As a trainer, it’s essential that you retain full control over the exercises you choose to teach. Pre-embedding exercises into the program materials would strip away your ability to tailor sessions to the specific needs and preferences of your clients. By leaving the exercise selection to you, we ensure that you can adapt and customize your training approach, making professional decisions that best suit each individual client’s development and goals.
Here is how your clients will see your programs once you have decided on which exercises to use.
Dell Laptop
Please note: The samples featured here display the NorthStar icon. However, upon account activation, your personal or business name will replace the NorthStar icon on all programs, reflecting your own branding instead of the NorthStar Services title.
Apple iPad
Please note: The samples featured here display the NorthStar icon. However, upon account activation, your personal or business name will replace the NorthStar icon on all programs, reflecting your own branding instead of the NorthStar Services title.
Apple iPhone
Please note: The samples featured here display the NorthStar icon. However, upon account activation, your personal or business name will replace the NorthStar icon on all programs, reflecting your own branding instead of the NorthStar Services title.
NorthStar Program Scrutineering Protocol
Your Instructor Sheets feature pre-developed session structures and exercise sequences for each session. The entire 12-week program, including both the session structures and the exercise sequences, is based on formulas developed by NorthStar AI models. Our subject matter experts then initiate the NorthStar Program Scrutineering Protocol before managerial approval.
NorthStar Program Scrutineering Protocol:
Stage 1: Program Integrity SME: This expert is responsible for the initial review of AI-generated programs to ensure that they adhere to foundational training principles and NorthStar's established core methodologies. The Program Integrity SME critically assesses each program's structure, scope, and objectives to ensure they not only meet the high standards of scientific accuracy but also reflect NorthStar's training philosophy and objectives. This foundational review sets the stage for further detailed evaluations by subsequent SMEs in the protocol.
Stage 2: Biomechanics SME: This expert focuses on analyzing the mechanical correctness of the exercises proposed by the AI. They ensure that each movement suggested in the training programs adheres to safe and effective biomechanical principles. This evaluation involves assessing how the exercises align with natural body movements, checking for proper alignment and technique, and confirming that they minimize the risk of injury while maximizing functional and physiological gains. Indeed, the task of the Biomechanics SME might be considered relatively straightforward given that most of the exercises chosen by the AI typically have a long and well-established track record in practical application and effectiveness. These exercises are generally time-tested within the fitness industry and known for their safety and efficacy when performed correctly. Therefore, this SME's role often involves validating that these traditional exercises are integrated into the programs in a manner that upholds NorthStar’s standards for mechanical correctness and safety rather than assessing unfamiliar or experimental movements. This ensures that the training programs not only align with historical data but also adapt seamlessly to modern training requirements.
Stage 3: Physiology SME: This expert's role is critical in ensuring that the AI-generated training programs are physiologically sound. The Physiology SME evaluates each program to confirm that the exercises, sequences, durations, and intensities are appropriately structured to effectively stimulate the desired outcomes, whether that's muscle growth, endurance, strength, or other specific fitness goals. This step ensures that the training protocols align with established exercise science principles, maximizing both safety and effectiveness for end-users.
Stage 4: Progression SME: This expert's role is to ensure that the training programs are designed to scale appropriately in intensity and complexity. They assess how the workout regimens progress over time, ensuring that they provide a gradual and continuous challenge. This structured approach to progression is essential for preventing plateaus and maintaining client engagement. The Progression SME verifies that each step of the program effectively builds upon the previous one, promoting consistent improvement in physical fitness and performance.
Stage 5: Special Populations SME: This expert reviews the training programs to ensure that they are adaptable and suitable for diverse end-user groups, including the elderly, youths, and individuals with specific health conditions. The role involves modifying or suggesting adaptations to the standard programs to meet the unique needs and limitations of these groups. The Special Populations SME evaluates factors such as intensity, exercise selection, and equipment requirements to ensure safety and efficacy. They also ensure that the programs can be adjusted to accommodate varying levels of mobility, strength, and fitness, providing inclusive training solutions that are effective across different demographics.
Stage 6: Equipment SME: This expert's primary role is to examine the equipment requirements of each training program to ensure that they are realistic and accessible, both within typical gym settings and for home workouts. This evaluation helps confirm that the prescribed exercises do not necessitate overly specialized or uncommon equipment that clients may not have easy access to. The Equipment SME assesses the availability and practicality of using specific equipment for the exercises outlined in the programs. They ensure that the majority of equipment required is commonly found in standard gyms or can be easily substituted with items that clients might already possess at home. This scrutiny ensures that NorthStar's training programs are versatile and adaptable, allowing them to be effectively executed in various environments, thereby increasing the programs’ appeal and usability for a broader range of clients.
Stage 7: Technology Integration SME: This expert reviews the compatibility and integration of the training programs with current technology, such as mobile apps, wearable devices, and other fitness-tracking tools. Their role ensures that NorthStar programs can seamlessly connect with technology that clients frequently use to monitor their clients’ health and fitness progress. The Technology Integration SME assesses whether the programs can be easily accessed and tracked through common platforms and devices, enhancing user engagement and motivation through interactive features like progress tracking, personalized feedback, and virtual coaching. They also evaluate the potential for incorporating emerging technologies that could further enhance the training experience.
Stage 8: Nutritional Alignment SME: When applicable, this expert ensures that the training recommendations provided in NorthStar programs are effectively complemented with appropriate nutritional advice. Their role is crucial for aligning diet with the specific workout intensity and fitness goals of each program, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness. The Nutritional Alignment SME evaluates how the nutritional guidelines support the physical demands of the training sessions. They assist NorthStar clients in receiving comprehensive advice on how to fuel their clients' bodies properly to optimize their performance and recovery. They consider factors such as macronutrient ratios, timing of meals relative to workout sessions, and dietary needs specific to different fitness objectives, such as muscle gain, fat loss, or endurance enhancement. This integration of nutrition and exercise not only enhances the effectiveness of the training programs but also supports overall health improvements for clients, making the NorthStar programs more complete and effective.
Stage 9: Client Feedback SME: The Client Feedback SME focuses on analyzing feedback, but in this context, the "client" refers to the trainer using the NorthStar system. These trainers gather feedback from their end clients—gym members or personal training clients—and then submit detailed assessment reports to their designated NorthStar Business Development Specialist (BDS). The BDS collaborates closely with the Client Feedback SME, and together they review the assessment reports to identify trends, areas needing improvement, and opportunities to enhance the training programs. This collaborative effort ensures that feedback is not just collected but actively used to refine and optimize the programs, ensuring they meet the real-world needs of trainers and their clients. This process not only helps in fine-tuning the existing programs but also in developing new strategies and features that increase the effectiveness and appeal of NorthStar training offerings. This continuous loop of feedback and improvement significantly contributes to the overall success and relevance of the NorthStar programs in a competitive fitness market.
Final Approval SME: Stage 10 of the NorthStar Scrutineering Protocol is redefined to focus on synthesizing insights from the entire review process. The role of the Final Approval SME is to assess all reports generated by the preceding SMEs and compile a comprehensive final report for managerial consideration. This step shifts away from individual program approval to a broader evaluation of overall program effectiveness and compliance with NorthStar standards. The Final Approval SME consolidates findings, highlights key observations, and suggests any overarching adjustments needed. This compiled report provides managers with a detailed overview of each program's strengths and areas for potential improvement, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning at the executive level.
NorthStar Program Scrutineering Protocol:
Stage 1: Program Integrity SME: This expert is responsible for the initial review of AI-generated programs to ensure that they adhere to foundational training principles and NorthStar's established core methodologies. The Program Integrity SME critically assesses each program's structure, scope, and objectives to ensure they not only meet the high standards of scientific accuracy but also reflect NorthStar's training philosophy and objectives. This foundational review sets the stage for further detailed evaluations by subsequent SMEs in the protocol.
Stage 2: Biomechanics SME: This expert focuses on analyzing the mechanical correctness of the exercises proposed by the AI. They ensure that each movement suggested in the training programs adheres to safe and effective biomechanical principles. This evaluation involves assessing how the exercises align with natural body movements, checking for proper alignment and technique, and confirming that they minimize the risk of injury while maximizing functional and physiological gains. Indeed, the task of the Biomechanics SME might be considered relatively straightforward given that most of the exercises chosen by the AI typically have a long and well-established track record in practical application and effectiveness. These exercises are generally time-tested within the fitness industry and known for their safety and efficacy when performed correctly. Therefore, this SME's role often involves validating that these traditional exercises are integrated into the programs in a manner that upholds NorthStar’s standards for mechanical correctness and safety rather than assessing unfamiliar or experimental movements. This ensures that the training programs not only align with historical data but also adapt seamlessly to modern training requirements.
Stage 3: Physiology SME: This expert's role is critical in ensuring that the AI-generated training programs are physiologically sound. The Physiology SME evaluates each program to confirm that the exercises, sequences, durations, and intensities are appropriately structured to effectively stimulate the desired outcomes, whether that's muscle growth, endurance, strength, or other specific fitness goals. This step ensures that the training protocols align with established exercise science principles, maximizing both safety and effectiveness for end-users.
Stage 4: Progression SME: This expert's role is to ensure that the training programs are designed to scale appropriately in intensity and complexity. They assess how the workout regimens progress over time, ensuring that they provide a gradual and continuous challenge. This structured approach to progression is essential for preventing plateaus and maintaining client engagement. The Progression SME verifies that each step of the program effectively builds upon the previous one, promoting consistent improvement in physical fitness and performance.
Stage 5: Special Populations SME: This expert reviews the training programs to ensure that they are adaptable and suitable for diverse end-user groups, including the elderly, youths, and individuals with specific health conditions. The role involves modifying or suggesting adaptations to the standard programs to meet the unique needs and limitations of these groups. The Special Populations SME evaluates factors such as intensity, exercise selection, and equipment requirements to ensure safety and efficacy. They also ensure that the programs can be adjusted to accommodate varying levels of mobility, strength, and fitness, providing inclusive training solutions that are effective across different demographics.
Stage 6: Equipment SME: This expert's primary role is to examine the equipment requirements of each training program to ensure that they are realistic and accessible, both within typical gym settings and for home workouts. This evaluation helps confirm that the prescribed exercises do not necessitate overly specialized or uncommon equipment that clients may not have easy access to. The Equipment SME assesses the availability and practicality of using specific equipment for the exercises outlined in the programs. They ensure that the majority of equipment required is commonly found in standard gyms or can be easily substituted with items that clients might already possess at home. This scrutiny ensures that NorthStar's training programs are versatile and adaptable, allowing them to be effectively executed in various environments, thereby increasing the programs’ appeal and usability for a broader range of clients.
Stage 7: Technology Integration SME: This expert reviews the compatibility and integration of the training programs with current technology, such as mobile apps, wearable devices, and other fitness-tracking tools. Their role ensures that NorthStar programs can seamlessly connect with technology that clients frequently use to monitor their clients’ health and fitness progress. The Technology Integration SME assesses whether the programs can be easily accessed and tracked through common platforms and devices, enhancing user engagement and motivation through interactive features like progress tracking, personalized feedback, and virtual coaching. They also evaluate the potential for incorporating emerging technologies that could further enhance the training experience.
Stage 8: Nutritional Alignment SME: When applicable, this expert ensures that the training recommendations provided in NorthStar programs are effectively complemented with appropriate nutritional advice. Their role is crucial for aligning diet with the specific workout intensity and fitness goals of each program, fostering a holistic approach to health and wellness. The Nutritional Alignment SME evaluates how the nutritional guidelines support the physical demands of the training sessions. They assist NorthStar clients in receiving comprehensive advice on how to fuel their clients' bodies properly to optimize their performance and recovery. They consider factors such as macronutrient ratios, timing of meals relative to workout sessions, and dietary needs specific to different fitness objectives, such as muscle gain, fat loss, or endurance enhancement. This integration of nutrition and exercise not only enhances the effectiveness of the training programs but also supports overall health improvements for clients, making the NorthStar programs more complete and effective.
Stage 9: Client Feedback SME: The Client Feedback SME focuses on analyzing feedback, but in this context, the "client" refers to the trainer using the NorthStar system. These trainers gather feedback from their end clients—gym members or personal training clients—and then submit detailed assessment reports to their designated NorthStar Business Development Specialist (BDS). The BDS collaborates closely with the Client Feedback SME, and together they review the assessment reports to identify trends, areas needing improvement, and opportunities to enhance the training programs. This collaborative effort ensures that feedback is not just collected but actively used to refine and optimize the programs, ensuring they meet the real-world needs of trainers and their clients. This process not only helps in fine-tuning the existing programs but also in developing new strategies and features that increase the effectiveness and appeal of NorthStar training offerings. This continuous loop of feedback and improvement significantly contributes to the overall success and relevance of the NorthStar programs in a competitive fitness market.
Final Approval SME: Stage 10 of the NorthStar Scrutineering Protocol is redefined to focus on synthesizing insights from the entire review process. The role of the Final Approval SME is to assess all reports generated by the preceding SMEs and compile a comprehensive final report for managerial consideration. This step shifts away from individual program approval to a broader evaluation of overall program effectiveness and compliance with NorthStar standards. The Final Approval SME consolidates findings, highlights key observations, and suggests any overarching adjustments needed. This compiled report provides managers with a detailed overview of each program's strengths and areas for potential improvement, supporting informed decision-making and strategic planning at the executive level.
Intellectual Property
The session structures are proprietary and encapsulate the core science of our training methods. However, the exercise sequences themselves are not considered proprietary because the exercises were not created by NorthStar.
The exercise sequences within your Instructor Sheets, including rep tempos, are the only components of the program that may be copied, edited, and changed. As a trainer, you have full discretion over these aspects of any program you will be instructing. You can choose to use our original exercise sequences and rep tempos, which allows for the quickest setup and immediate initiation of training for clients. Alternatively, you may choose to substitute one or two exercises and/or adjust the rep tempos to better suit specific client needs, or you could completely modify the exercise sequence and rep tempos to align more closely with a specific execution strategy of your own design.
The proprietary nature of our programs is relevant to understand. Once you receive them, do not expect an option that will enable you to chop them up and change things around. All program components considered to be intellectual property are locked. The only session components that you will have full control over are the exercise sequences and the rep tempos. The main session structure within the program will be fixed and cannot be edited. This ensures that the core framework, designed to meet specific training objectives and standards, remains consistent and effective.
Session Structure (Fixed)
Exercises per Session
Sets per Exercise
Repetitions per Set Max
Duration of Each Repetition
Total Duration per Set (TUT)
Rest between Sets
Total Rests per Exercise
Exercise Time
Active Time for One Exercise
Rest Time for One Exercise
Total Time for One Exercise
Session Time
Active Time for All Exercises
Total Rest Time for All Exercises
Total Session Time
Keep in mind that you have the flexibility to reuse any session you prefer. If there’s a particular session within your twelve-week program that resonates well and another that doesn’t meet your expectations, feel free to replace the less favorable session with one you find more beneficial. You are not obligated to follow the prescribed sequence of sessions. If you choose to use the original program with its exercise sequences and rep tempos, you can easily copy and paste them into the comment section of your client’s program. This feature is designed to simplify the process of transferring these sequences onto your client session guides, avoiding the need for manual entry, which would be more time-consuming and prone to error. This way, you can efficiently prepare and personalize your training sessions.
Let us recap this important point…As the trainer, you have program discretion. You are not obligated to administer our exercise sequence. Although your programs are pre-formulated, only the session structures contain proprietary designs. This is the reason they are not editable. However, the specific exercises and weights in the programs are not proprietary and can be edited, substituted, and adjusted at your discretion. This flexibility enables you to perform your role as a trainer effectively, allowing you to select exercises, weights, and set counts to meet the individual needs of each client.
One final point to note is that exercise weights are not provided in the program. The reason for this is straightforward but important to mention. Only the trainer, who is actively engaged with the client, is in a position to determine the appropriate weights for each exercise. This decision depends on the physical condition of the client and the specific type of equipment being used, whether it's machines, kettlebells, adjustable dumbbells, or other apparatus. This approach ensures that each training session is customized to meet the client's unique strength and fitness levels.
Leaving the weight selection up to the trainer is indeed the most responsible approach to virtual personal training. Weights can vary significantly between different types of equipment and even within the same category of apparatus. Anyone who has weighed different weights with identical markings on a scale can attest that the number printed on a weight plate or dumbbell doesn’t always accurately reflect its actual weight. This variability makes it essential for trainers to use their judgment in selecting the appropriate weights for each client, ensuring both safety and effectiveness in training.
To assist you in customizing exercises, we provide a comprehensive 100-page exercise sheet. This resource is detailed with all the necessary information to make informed decisions about substitutions or modifications to the training programs. Each exercise is thoroughly described:
Exercise Name: Zottman Curl
Intensity Level: Moderate Intensity
Impact Level: Low Impact
Skill Required: Advanced
Equipment Needed: Minimal Equipment (dumbbells)
Purpose or Focus: Strength (biceps, forearm muscles)
Energy System Utilized: Anaerobic
Muscle Group Targeted: Upper Body (Biceps)
Exercise Environment: Indoor
Modality: Weightlifting
Health and Mobility Considerations: Wrist Health
Training Type: Isolation
The exercise sequences within your Instructor Sheets, including rep tempos, are the only components of the program that may be copied, edited, and changed. As a trainer, you have full discretion over these aspects of any program you will be instructing. You can choose to use our original exercise sequences and rep tempos, which allows for the quickest setup and immediate initiation of training for clients. Alternatively, you may choose to substitute one or two exercises and/or adjust the rep tempos to better suit specific client needs, or you could completely modify the exercise sequence and rep tempos to align more closely with a specific execution strategy of your own design.
The proprietary nature of our programs is relevant to understand. Once you receive them, do not expect an option that will enable you to chop them up and change things around. All program components considered to be intellectual property are locked. The only session components that you will have full control over are the exercise sequences and the rep tempos. The main session structure within the program will be fixed and cannot be edited. This ensures that the core framework, designed to meet specific training objectives and standards, remains consistent and effective.
Session Structure (Fixed)
Exercises per Session
Sets per Exercise
Repetitions per Set Max
Duration of Each Repetition
Total Duration per Set (TUT)
Rest between Sets
Total Rests per Exercise
Exercise Time
Active Time for One Exercise
Rest Time for One Exercise
Total Time for One Exercise
Session Time
Active Time for All Exercises
Total Rest Time for All Exercises
Total Session Time
Keep in mind that you have the flexibility to reuse any session you prefer. If there’s a particular session within your twelve-week program that resonates well and another that doesn’t meet your expectations, feel free to replace the less favorable session with one you find more beneficial. You are not obligated to follow the prescribed sequence of sessions. If you choose to use the original program with its exercise sequences and rep tempos, you can easily copy and paste them into the comment section of your client’s program. This feature is designed to simplify the process of transferring these sequences onto your client session guides, avoiding the need for manual entry, which would be more time-consuming and prone to error. This way, you can efficiently prepare and personalize your training sessions.
Let us recap this important point…As the trainer, you have program discretion. You are not obligated to administer our exercise sequence. Although your programs are pre-formulated, only the session structures contain proprietary designs. This is the reason they are not editable. However, the specific exercises and weights in the programs are not proprietary and can be edited, substituted, and adjusted at your discretion. This flexibility enables you to perform your role as a trainer effectively, allowing you to select exercises, weights, and set counts to meet the individual needs of each client.
One final point to note is that exercise weights are not provided in the program. The reason for this is straightforward but important to mention. Only the trainer, who is actively engaged with the client, is in a position to determine the appropriate weights for each exercise. This decision depends on the physical condition of the client and the specific type of equipment being used, whether it's machines, kettlebells, adjustable dumbbells, or other apparatus. This approach ensures that each training session is customized to meet the client's unique strength and fitness levels.
Leaving the weight selection up to the trainer is indeed the most responsible approach to virtual personal training. Weights can vary significantly between different types of equipment and even within the same category of apparatus. Anyone who has weighed different weights with identical markings on a scale can attest that the number printed on a weight plate or dumbbell doesn’t always accurately reflect its actual weight. This variability makes it essential for trainers to use their judgment in selecting the appropriate weights for each client, ensuring both safety and effectiveness in training.
To assist you in customizing exercises, we provide a comprehensive 100-page exercise sheet. This resource is detailed with all the necessary information to make informed decisions about substitutions or modifications to the training programs. Each exercise is thoroughly described:
Exercise Name: Zottman Curl
Intensity Level: Moderate Intensity
Impact Level: Low Impact
Skill Required: Advanced
Equipment Needed: Minimal Equipment (dumbbells)
Purpose or Focus: Strength (biceps, forearm muscles)
Energy System Utilized: Anaerobic
Muscle Group Targeted: Upper Body (Biceps)
Exercise Environment: Indoor
Modality: Weightlifting
Health and Mobility Considerations: Wrist Health
Training Type: Isolation
Program Creation
The NorthStar System is a series of scientifically formulated session guidelines. The exercise totals, sets, rep maximums, rep tempo destinations, time under tension, and rest intervals have all been formulated based on NorthStar’s AI modeling and SME oversight. These guidelines are embedded in each client session guide. They are not subject to editing or modification by anyone, as these are the core of the NorthStar System. However, the exercises, associated weights, and the granularity of rep tempos are left to the trainer’s discretion. These program variabilities are what make each session your own and distinct from all other trainers utilizing the NorthStar System. As the trainer, you may elect to use the complete NorthStar System, which has pre-composed exercises and rep tempos, or you may craft programs that reflect your personal choices in exercises and rep tempos.
The GCS (Google Cloud Services) comment feature acts as a vital interactive tool for trainers to guide their clients more effectively. Trainers will use this feature to provide instructions on exercises, specify weights, set rep tempos, and add any additional instructions, allowing for direct collaboration with clients. The feature clearly indicates who is providing the instructions, ensuring clarity and precision in communication. Additionally, trainers are notified of any questions or feedback from clients, enhancing the responsiveness of the training experience. This two-way communication not only personalizes the sessions but also significantly boosts their effectiveness.
This shift from trainers editing directly on client program guides to using comments represents a substantial improvement. Trainers can now delete an entire instructional lesson, modify exercise sequences, and reuse programs with greater ease. This enhancement streamlines the training process, making it more flexible and user-friendly while maintaining high levels of instructional quality.
The GCS (Google Cloud Services) comment feature acts as a vital interactive tool for trainers to guide their clients more effectively. Trainers will use this feature to provide instructions on exercises, specify weights, set rep tempos, and add any additional instructions, allowing for direct collaboration with clients. The feature clearly indicates who is providing the instructions, ensuring clarity and precision in communication. Additionally, trainers are notified of any questions or feedback from clients, enhancing the responsiveness of the training experience. This two-way communication not only personalizes the sessions but also significantly boosts their effectiveness.
This shift from trainers editing directly on client program guides to using comments represents a substantial improvement. Trainers can now delete an entire instructional lesson, modify exercise sequences, and reuse programs with greater ease. This enhancement streamlines the training process, making it more flexible and user-friendly while maintaining high levels of instructional quality.
