This course is designed to prepare participants for designing challenging and effective aquatic classes for a variety of individuals. Complete the Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certification program and learn how to design workouts for three different water depths, teach students how to control their own exercise intensity, use many different kinds of equipment, organize routines to create classes that run smoothly, and design routines for people who are just starting to exercise & seasoned water exercise veterans.

Water exercise is a popular choice for many people and an excellent way to create a fitness program that will get people started and keep them exercising for a lifetime!

Topics Covered by the Aquatic Instructor Certification Program:

• Program Development and Leadership
• Leadership Principles for Instructors
• Water Exercise Program Safety
• Healthy Lifestyle and Fitness Principles
• Healthy Lifestyle Principles
• Fitness Principles
• Fundamentals of Water Exercise
• What Research Reveals About Water Exercise
• Physical Laws and Properties of Water
• Fundamental Skills and Exercise Design
• Specificity of Training and Training Guidelines
• Water Fitness Class Design
• Designing a Workout: A "Blueprint" for Success!
• Teaching Responsively
• Progressing Your Programs: Equipment and Advanced Formats
• Responsive Programs for Participants With Individual Challenges
• Functional Training for Healthy Living on Land
• Exercise Considerations for Older Adults
• Guidelines for Working With Special Populations
• Guidelines for Functional Fitness Assessments
• Program Forms
• Additional Workouts
• Poolside Cue Cards

Minimum Prerequisites for the Aquatic Instructor Certification Program:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic understanding of anatomy and resistance/cardiovascular training.
• CPR not required to take examination but may be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

Aquatic Instructor Certification Program Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 2 Instructor Textbooks, 1 Instructional DVD.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful completion and passage your certificate will read "Certified Aquatic Instructor ". AFPA does not distinguish between "home study" versus "in person" certificates as both programs are equally evaluated.
• AFPA Membership packet with wallet size laminated member ID card.
• Toll-Free technical support during and after examination, or email AFPA any time.
• Access to the Members Only section on the web with job listings and career enhancement tools
• Updates on new and exciting programs to advance your career.
• Free monthly email newsletter with updates, event postings and job listings.
• Continuing Education opportunities with courses and AFPA Fitness Education Conferences.
• AFPA offers many fitness specialty and advanced certification programs when you are ready to expand you're your career options in the fitness field.

Requirements for AFPA Aquatic Instructor Certification Program:

• Complete the online order information, mail in application or phone in your order.
• Receive and review all your materials.
• Complete the written certification exam. Written exam includes 100 short answer open ended questions and a case study. Complete a visual demonstration of an Aqua class that you would instruct to a group of individuals. The visual demonstration may be accomplished through photographs, DVD, CD or informal VHS presentation on deck, in the pool, at a pool or at home. Detailed instructions will be included with your certification program.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam. AFPA holds the highest level of standards.
• If you do not pass your certification examination you may retake the exam one time at no added cost.