Certification Question

[tnwalker01]

Hey,
I think my question got lost in all of the posts we are doing, I wanted to ask it again. Can anyone share their experience or advice with me in regards to becoming a fitness instructor? Our area sorely needs someone, I feel pumped with all I've learned so far and up to the challenge to teach others, but in a safe manner. I am the Nurse at our local Health Dept. and would love to help others in my community learn how to get fit. We are a very small rural County and located about 20 miles from any type of gym. Chattanooga would be our closest big city and it's 50+ miles from us. I was thinking of going through ACE for my certification. I want to be able to teach a variety of exercises like wt training and floor/step aerobics. So for all of the instructors on here, could you help point me in the right direction?
Thank you

Melissa

Give life your all!

 

[maxwells]

Hi Melissa --

My first certification (about 6 years ago) was through AFAA (Group Exercise Instructor). I had already been teaching at a small gym and had exercised to videos for a couple of years before getting certified. I can't say how AFAA compares to ACE since I have not received any ACE certifications. When I was researching a few months ago -- ACE seemed to be a bit pricey and the certifications weren't offered very often (even here in Dallas). For me, the AFAA certification was perfect because I really knew all the information but just needed an "official" certification. The certification consisted of a written test (based on their text book) and a practical exam (where you are asked to demonstrate certain exercises for certain bodyparts). It was terribly simple. It was a 2-day thing where Day 1 consisted of a review (essentially covering everything on the exam) and Day 2 had more review and then the actual exam(s).

The things they didn't teach (and that is SO important) are things like phrasing, putting combos together, etc. It is terribly frustrating to see an instructor who just doesn't "get it" when it comes to those things. It takes time to "hear the music" and get things just right. Cathe makes it look so easy! Since I just recently got back into teaching, I am still struggling to get these things to go smoothly! I guess these things just take practice.

AFAA will teach the safety things and the basics of putting together a cardio class (mainly just a hi/lo class -- step is probably an additional "specialty" certification). I'm sure ACE would do the same.

As for the weight training information -- that may require a specialty certification. I don't remember much information about weight training in my AFAA certification. However, if you just want to learn more about proper form and don't necessarily need more than a "Group Exercise Instructor" certification -- I would check out some weight training websites (www.bodybuilding.com is a good one) and/or pay close attention to Cathe's form (and form pointers).

Hope that helps!
Shonie

 

[Aquajock]

Getting certified is only half the battle. ACE is your best bet, IMHO, because there are numerous testing sites and it is fairly easy to keep current with your Continuing Education Credits (CEC's) that you need to renew the cert every two years. Go on the ACE website (www.acefitness.org) to get more information on study materials; I bought the textbook, study guide and practice test, used each of these until they were worn out and passed the test on the first bounce back in 1997.

HOWEVER -

As I said, getting certified is only half of it. You absolutely need some sort of structured training in the modes of exercise you wish to instruct. Any broad-based certification is not going to get you that. There are workshops for step, hi/lo, kickbox, indoor cycling, the whole gamut, and you really need some hands-on training before you try to ply your trade in front of a group. Go onto the IDEA website (www.ideafit.com) to get some ideas of workshops and other instructor training in your area.

HTH -

A-Jock

 

[tnwalker01]

Hey,
Thank you both so very much for replying, I do understand that getting the certification is just the beginning. Even in nursing, we must practice our skills before we become comfortable and proficient at them, mostly we practiced on either each other or willing Patients, bless their hearts!! I will pursue ACE, I've seen and heard good solid info on them. There were some classes offered by Parkridge Hospital in Chattanooga for continuing education in specialty areas. I believe I'll also get in touch with some of the Gyms in Chattanooga and see what the instructors there do for their ongoing education and most importantly, I will find someone to team up with for support and correction. Thanks for responding!!!!
Melissa
Give life your all!