Start a new exciting career in Senior Fitness by providing specialized training for senior adults ranging from healthy active individuals to those with chronic conditions!

The AFPA Senior Fitness Specialist Certification program will show those who are considering working with, or currently working with older adults, how to design and implement programs that are sensitive to the physical needs of the senior population. Other topics include: exercise physiology and the aging systems, conditions requiring special considerations, land exercise and how to manage a fitness program for older adults.

AFPA Certified Senior Fitness Specialist graduates can start a personal training business of their own from their home, train clients in the client's own home gyms, work at community recreation centers, hospital fitness facilities, universities and local colleges, heath clubs, gyms and YMCAs.

Topics Covered in the Senior Fitness Specialist Certification program:

• Anatomy, Kinesiology & Muscle Physiology Review
• Client Assessment and Screening
• Cardiovascular Health
• Exercise Program Design
• Exercise Programming for Special Populations
• Flexibility Training
• Strength Training: Upper & Lower Body, Core Conditioning
• Injury Prevention and First Aid Procedures
• Research Articles
• Opportunity for Senior Instructors & Personal Trainers
• Post Menopause & Exercise
• Arthritis & Exercise
• Older Adult Fitness Status
• Competitive in Sports
• Exercise, Drugs, Medication
• Emergency Procedures/Fitness Assessment
• Management & Marketing Strategies
• Chair based Programs, Water Exercise
• Legal Procedures & Safety Programming

Minimum Prerequisites for the Senior Fitness Specialist Certification:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent
• Personal Trainer Certificate or Group Fitness Certificate from a Nationally Recognized Organization is strongly recommended.
• Basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology.
• Basic familiarity with resistance/cardiovascular training.
• CPR not required to take examination but will be required by employer or to obtain liability insurance.

Senior Fitness Specialist Certification Program Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 2 Instructor Textbooks, 1 Instructional DVD, CD with stretching programs, rehab exercises for limited range of motion. Contains printable forms for yours' and your client's use.
• Study Suggestions.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful completion and passage your certificate will read "Certified Senior Fitness 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.

Requirements for Senior Fitness 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 80 open ended short answer questions and a case study.
• Complete the visual demonstration of a training program for a senior - one on one or in a group setting. 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.
• 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.