— Health, Exercise & Research Center

Sport & exercise science, built on evidence.

Earn internationally recognized qualifications.

Receive evidence-based performance services.

Access original research.

Education · Strength · Research

Dubai, UAE

— WHY HERC

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS.

HERC is a Dubai-based Health, Exercise & Research Center that brings education, research and professional practice together through three interconnected pillars: Education, Strength and Research.

We give coaches and fitness professionals access to internationally recognised qualifications shaped by current evidence and real-world experience.

P01 – Education

HERC's Education

Professional education designed to turn scientific knowledge into practical skills.

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P02 – Strength

HERC's Strength

Evidence-based coaching, assessment and performance delivered in real-world settings.

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P03 – Research

HERC's Research

Research that questions, tests and advances the way health and performance are understood.

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ACCREDITATION · PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION · ACADEMIC & RESEARCH CONNECTIONS

NSCA Ofqual Focus Awards EuropeActive CIMSPA REPs UAE Abu Dhabi University American University in the Emirates University of Sharjah University of Birmingham Faculty of Sport Belgrade

— HERC’S EDUCATION / 01

BUILD YOUR CAREER IN
SPORT & FITNESS.

Internationally recognised qualifications and professional courses in strength & conditioning, personal training, sports massage and specialist areas of practice.

Q01

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING

Entry-level through advanced S&C education for coaches working with athletes and teams.

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Q02

SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY

Professional Sports Massage qualifications and specialist education for practitioners.

Explore Sports Massage Therapy

Q03

PERSONAL TRAINING

Level 2 → Level 3 → Advanced Level 4. A clear pathway from entry qualification to advanced practice.

Explore Personal Training

Q04

SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS

Nutrition, Pre & Post Natal training and other specialist professional qualifications.

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STRENGTH & CONDITIONING LEVEL 4

SEPTEMBER 2026

REGISTRATION OPEN

SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY LEVEL 3

SEPTEMBER 2026

REGISTRATION CLOSED

— HERC’S Education / 02

ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS.

Short courses, workshops and specialist certificates for coaches, trainers and healthcare professionals.

4-hour workshop

RAMP Method

6-hour practical program

Speed & Agility Specialist

8-hour certificate

Blood Flow Restriction Training

6-hour course

Fitness Assessment

Lecture

Modern Recovery

Lecture

Resistance Training Program Design

— HERC’S STRENGTH

HERC PERFORMANCE SERVICES.

Evidence-based coaching, performance testing and training solutions designed to help athletes, teams and individuals improve strength, movement and physical performance.

HERC Strength

— HERC’S Research

We don’t just teach the research.
We contribute to it.

Original findings, an active research team, and open projects that feed directly back into what HERC teaches.

Original Research

RESEARCH TEAM

Z. Banicevic

Z. Banicevic

Ph.D.*, M.Sc., B.Sc., CPT, PT.

Head of Research, Exercise Physiology

I. Banicevic

I. Banicevic

Ph.D.*, M.Sc., B.Sc., CPT, PT.

Research Lead, Strength & Conditioning

M. Alimoradi

M. Alimoradi

Ph.D.*, M.Sc., B.Sc.

Research Lead, Rehabilitation Science

— Social Proof

What Our
Students Say.

See what students, coaches and fitness professionals say about their experience with HERC.

Google
Abin Alanchery profile picture
Abin Alanchery
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I just completed the Sports Massage Therapist course at HERC and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. Professors Ivana and Zelko are outstanding educators — knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about what they teach. The course strikes the perfect balance between theory and hands-on practice. I walked away confident in my techniques, assessment skills, and understanding of how to work with athletes in a professional setting. The environment was supportive, professional, and focused on real-world application. If you want to learn sports massage the right way — with proper technique, ethics, and industry insight — this is the place. Huge thanks to HERC and to Professors Ivana and Zelko for their expertise and for making us aware of this training program. I highly recommend it to anyone serious about building a career in sports massage.
Google
Khairiyah Kang profile picture
Khairiyah Kang
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Did a SMT level 3 course with Ivana and Zlejko The instructors are knowledgeable and supportive, making it easy to build confidence in techniques and client assessment. While i wish there was more hands on practice, overall it’s a practical course to attend even for complete beginners like myself
Google
Alieva Aliev profile picture
Alieva Aliev
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I really liked it; the information was presented very clearly and explained with examples. They also provided a lot of necessary material for further work. There was no long, tedious process; the educators gave the information and immediately began applying it in practice. The educators were excellent; they explained things very clearly both in lecture and in practice. Overall, they created a very friendly atmosphere; it was a pleasure to take this course.
Google
isaac afedi tetteh profile picture
isaac afedi tetteh
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I was part of 18th Cohort Sport Massage therapy course held by HERC . Prof Ivana and prof Zeljko was really amazing both online and face to face presentation , their system of approach and the inclusionary of every student during and after is something I really appreciate. The knowledge and confidence impacted , prepares you for job market. I would therefore recommend HERC to anyone thats willing to acquire certificates in personal training, strength and conditioning, nutrition, sport massage therapy etc to look to no where than HERC Institute. Thank you ones again Prof. Ivana and Prof. Zeljko Isaac
Google
J. Endoso profile picture
J. Endoso
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Had an amazing experience, gained a ton of knowledge. 10/10
Google
Petar Vracar profile picture
Petar Vracar
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Course was very educational, both theoretically and practically. Ivana and Željko are also great lecturers. Everything was very concise, effective and straight to the point. It was also engaging and interesting.
Google
sebastian rebollo profile picture
sebastian rebollo
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Google
Hadijja Deborah profile picture
Hadijja Deborah
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I did Level 4 (strength and conditioning) with HERC, I got new knowledge. The practical part , it's hands on. HERC greatly helped improve teaching to my students and my training as well. They are very supportive I highly recommend them.
Google
Joe Trudgee profile picture
Joe Trudgee
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A great 3 day course for me to get ready for my CSCS exam to be a Level 4 accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach. The 3 days were split between morning of lectures/theory and then practical sessions in the afternoon. Both Zeljko and Ivana were very knowledgeable and shared very detailed information on the different topics we cover e and used great real world examples. On the last day they showed us some current fitness testing equipment used by pro athletes (VLAD performance equipment, force plates and dynamometer). I’d highly recommend this course if you are interested in getting your Level 4 S&C qualification in the UAE.
Google
Dimitrije Volarevic profile picture
Dimitrije Volarevic
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I recently completed my Level 2 & 3 Personal Training certification as well as the Level 4 Strength & Conditioning course, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the entire experience. The level of dedication, professionalism, and expertise shown by the lecturers Zeljko and Ivana, was outstanding. Their knowledge goes far beyond the basic curriculum they truly focus on understanding, not just memorizing. Every module was delivered with clarity, practical application, and real industry insight. What I appreciated the most was the balance between theory and hands-on coaching preparation. The practical guidance, detailed feedback, and high standards pushed me to grow not only as a trainer, but as a professional. I highly recommend this course to anyone who genuinely wants to elevate their knowledge, improve their coaching skills, and is ready to put in the work. If you are serious about becoming a competent and confident fitness professional, this is the right place. Thank you for such a valuable learning experience
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4.9
Google score
1,200+
Students taught
30+
Nationalities represented
85
Courses delivered

— your next step

READY TO GET STARTED?

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