Functional Training is a system of athletic development that focuses on training the body the way it will be used in competition, making it the most efficient and effective form of training today.

The AFPA Functional Training Specialist Certification program is designed to teach the Functional Training protocols to improve total athleticism, enhances performance, and reduces injuries through exercise progressions that will spur development potential for specific movement patterns commonly use in sport.

The AFPA Functional Training Specialist Certification course is a valuable additional credential for all Certified Personal Trainers, Fitness Instructors and those that work with athletes and sports enthusiasts. Expand your services and programs to include functional exercises for beginner, intermediate and advanced clients, and increase your earning potential at the same time!

What you will learn:

You will learn how to administer tests to determine where to start, the progressions focus on training for the torso, the upper body, and the lower body. You will learn detailed programs that incorporate the exercises and methods for these progressions. Provided will be 13 sample exercise progressions (six for the upper body, three for the torso, and four for the lower body). Each progression has 17-23 exercises, arranged according to difficulty.

You will also learn why it is important to have a sense of purpose for exercise selection and how functional exercises cross over to enhance the activities of daily living. A progressive functional continuum is presented and reviewed. The AFPA Functional Training Specialist Certification course is applicable for group instructors and personal trainers. Includes sample exercise progressions for upper body, lower body and the core body.

Topics Covered in the Functional Training Specialist Certification Program:

• Assessing Your Functional Fitness
• Adding Functionality to Your Program
• Designing Your Program
• Linear and Lateral Warm-Up
• Integrated Training Progressions
• Upper Body Strength and Balance Progressions
• Lower-Body Strength and Balance Progressions
• Hip Extensions and Healthy Hamstrings
• Targeted Torso Training and Rotational Strength
• Balanced Upper-Body Strength and Stability
• Plyometric Training for Power and Injury Prevention
• Olympic Lifting for Quickness and Power
• Performance Enhancement Programs

Functional Training Specialist Certification Program Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 2 Instructional Certification Textbooks, 2 Instructional DVD's, certification exam.
• Study Suggestions.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful completion and passage your certificate will read "Certified Functional Training Specialist". 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.

Minimum Prerequisites:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Basic familiarity of the human anatomy and physiology.
• CPR not required to take examination but may be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

Requirements for AFPA Functional Training Specialist 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 90 short answer open ended questions and 4 case studies.
• Complete the practical demonstration of a conditioning program of your choice. The practical demonstration may be accomplished through photographs, DVD, CD or informal VHS presentation. 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.