The AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification course is design to teach those that are looking to instruct group fitness oriented classes - aerobics, hi/lo impact, step, circuit, muscle conditioning, interval and other group exercise modalities.

This course is designed to prepare participants to teach safe and effective group exercise programs through the development of leadership and technical skills. Topics covered are anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, care and prevention of aerobic injures, aerobic class design, structure and workout combinations, body sculpting and resistance training with weights and tubing and leadership skills. This course is designed for group fitness instructors who may teach aerobics, step and muscle conditioning classes.

Group Fitness Instructor Certification Topics include the following:

• Methods for evaluating and improving participants' health and fitness
• Fitness evaluation forms that instructors can copy and distribute to class participants
• Information based on the latest research and major position statements, such as the Surgeon General's Report: Physical Activity and Health and recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
• Helpful hints for changing health-related behaviors
• Injury prevention strategies
• Program organizational strategies
• Tips for dealing with special personal conditions and environmental problems
• Three distinct parts cover the principles of group exercise, guidelines for class segments, and practical teaching skills.
• Illustrations, photos, written descriptions, and DVD examples work together to demonstrate the proper techniques for warm-up, cardiovascular training, strength training, and flexibility training.
• The most popular forms of group exercise classes and key details for a variety of formats, ranging from technique and music selection to step-by-step class routines, are included.
• An instructor evaluation form for directors of group exercise classes.
• Practice drills along with written and practical assignments make the material easy to teach and learn.
• Principles of Group Exercise Instruction & Instructing a Group Exercise Class
• Warm-Up, Cardiorespiratory Training, Muscular Conditioning, Flexibility Training
• High/Low Impact Programs, Step Training, Kickboxing, Stationary Indoor Cycling, Water Exercise
• Other Group Exercise Modalities: Rebounding, NIA, Latin, Funk, Hip-Hop, and Country, Barre and Dance-Based Classes, Sports Conditioning and more!

Added Features of the AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification Program:

• Group Exercise Class Evaluation Form
• Short Health History Form
• Long Health History Form
• Informed Consent Form
• Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
• Muscles and Joint Actions
• Sample Step Routine
• Sample Water Workout Plan

AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification Program Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 2 Textbooks, 2 set DVD's, 1 Training DVD of video clips that provide valuable visual and practical information. It contains examples of fundamental instructional techniques for alignment and counting out the beat; segment demonstrations for warm-up, cardiorespiratory training, muscular conditioning and flexibility training, and cool-down; basic moves, progressions, sample music, and sample routines for five class formats (high/low impact, step training, kickboxing, stationary indoor cycling, and water exercise); and demonstrations of 10 other popular group exercise class modalities.
• Study Suggestions.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful completion and passage your certificate will read "Certified Fitness 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
• Obtaining the AFPA Fitness Instructor Certification qualifies you for Professional Liability Insurance.
• 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.

As an AFPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor working for yourself:

• You can create specific programs for individuals/groups to meet their specific fitness goals!
• Open your own Group Fitness Franchise Business.
• Create your own work schedule.
• Set your own hourly income.
• You make all the business decisions.
• Some AFPA certified instructors have created their own home studio to instruct, or rent out local churches and community centers.
• You can further your credentials by obtaining other AFPA Specialty Certifications and increase your earning potential.

Working for others as an AFPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor:

• You may work at a Fitness Studio or health club and receive a free membership.
• You may receive employee benefits.
• You may work within the community recreation department.
• The facility may have extensive equipment that you can incorporate into your group class.
• You may get bonuses for obtaining new members, selling memberships, and setting up new fitness programs!

Minimum Prerequisites:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic familiarity with group fitness classes.
• CPR not required to take examination but may be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

Requirements for Group Fitness Instructor Certification:

• 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 175 short answer open ended questions and a case study. Complete a visual demonstration of a group fitness class of your choosing - hi/low, step, etc This can be accomplished in your home, private studio or gym.
• The visual demonstration may be accomplished through photographs, DVD, CD or informal VHS presentation. Detailed instructions will be included with your certification program.
• You have up to 3 months to complete your Group Fitness Instructor Certification program.  You may submit your exam once completed anytime prior to the 3 months.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam. AFPA holds the highest level of standards.

Re-testing:

• You must receive a passing grade of 90% or better to receive certification.
• If you do not meet this minimum requirement you will be mailed your exam with the questions you missed indicated in red. You will be given the opportunity to correct your answers one time, within a 60 day time period.
• You will not be issued your certificate until you have fully met this requirement.

How to Order, Shipping & Handling:

• You may place your order online anytime with VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover. AFPA has a secure online system 24 hours a day. You will receive confirm via email once your order has been received. Your order is processed for shipping within 24 business hours.
• You may place your order by phone with a major credit card by calling 1.800.494.7782, M-F 9:00am-5:00pm EST.
• You may mail check or money order, along with completed Order Application to AFPA.
• Standard shipping is USPS Priority Mail. Please allow 3-5 business days for delivery.
• Optional Shipping is 2 Day FED EX or Next Day FED EX for an additional fee.
• All international orders are shipped Economy Fed EX to insure delivery.
• Select your shipping option upon check out.
• All sales are final. No returns. Orders are processed immediately and shipped w/in 24 business hours.