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.

AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification Course Learning Objectives:

• Identify the components of a total physical fitness conditioning program.
• Describe various safety variables and methods for injury avoidance.
• Employ established fitness tests and protocols to screen participants for physical activity readiness.
• Explain various warm up movements, cardio-vascular training, resistance training and flexibility exercises.
• Analyze various small equipment in a group exercise classes (handweights, balls, etc.)
• Demonstrate exercises with proper form and alignment.
• Examine the various types of group fitness class formats.
• Describe and execute the movements and cues for different group fitness classes.
• Explain and execute the variations of intensity of movements and exercise for group fitness classes.
• Construct a 2-min high/low impact routine with at least two 32-coount blocks and proper cueing.
• Create a 2-minute step routine with appropriate content, alignment, technique, and cuing using appropriate music.
• Design a 2-minute kickboxing routine with appropriate content, alignment, technique, and cuing using appropriate music.
• Prepare a 4-minute indoor cycling segment with appropriate content, alignment, technique, and cuing using appropriate music.
• Identify examples using specificity of water training principles.

Group Fitness Instructor Certification Course 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 Course:

• 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 Course 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 course completion and passing the final exam your certificate will read "Certified Group Fitness Instructor".
• 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 Group Fitness Instructor Certification qualifies you for Professional Liability Insurance.
• Updates on new and exciting programs to advance your career.
• Free weekly 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 courses when you are ready to expand your career options in the fitness field.

Minimum Requirements:

• 18 years of age
• Functional knowledge of english and arithmetic
• CPR not required to take examination but may be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

How to complete the AFPA Group Fitness Instructor Certification Course:

• Complete the online order information, mail in application or phone in your order.
• Receive and review all your materials.
• Final certification exam includes 70 multiple choice questions and 6 essays. 
• You have up to 6 months to complete your Group Fitness Instructor Certification course.  You may request additional time if needed.  You may submit your exam once completed anytime prior to the 6 months.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam.

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/or emailed your results.
• You will be the opportunity to correct your answers within a 90 day time period.
• Students that do not achieve this score are able to retake a final exam within 3 months at no added fee.
• Additional attempts are subject to a $50 administrative fee.

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 Enrollment 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.
• Orders are processed immediately and shipped w/in 24 business hours.