"AFPA has taken me to places that I never thought that I could go as a fitness professional. Since I have been AFPA certified I have been featured in Fit Yoga magazine and through my training with AFPA I learned so much about the works of the body that I was able to combine my love of yoga with my love of sewing and developed a program for people who sew called Sewing Yoga. It is to be featured in Sew News magazine in January 2007. I'm gearing up right now to start presenting Sewing Yoga on a national level after the first of the year. So whether you are looking to go to work at your local fitness center or if you are pursuing a career as a national presenter AFPA is where it is at." - Kat Robinson

The AFPA Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification (Level I) program is designed to instruct beginner and intermediate students. The program emphasizes safe, effective, and inspiring teaching methods that prepare you to be a confident and competent Certified Yoga Fitness Instructor. You will learn excellent teaching skills, how to plan a class, how to create confidence in your students and how and when to provide posture corrections. This program offers instruction on how to live the yogic lifestyle enhancing personal health and centeredness through yoga. The Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification program is designed to educate participants about various yoga techniques and how to incorporate them into an individual and group setting. This course will enable you to formulate your own personal teaching style.

Career Options for AFPA Certified Yoga Fitness Instructors:

• Teach Yoga style classes at your local health facility or community center
• Teach at private Yoga Studios, wellness centers or hotel facilities
• Teach stress reduction and wellness programs in public and private venues
• Work as a consultant with other health care practitioners and wellness educators
• Open your own private yoga instruction/wellness center
• Teach Yoga and present workshops at universities, community colleges and other schools
• Create your own Yoga and Wellness business as a consultant or entrepreneur (some recent graduates have utilized their training to open their own original businesses, see above testimonial).

Topics Covered in the Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification (Level I) Program:

• Yogic theory and philosophy.
• Anatomy and Physiology as they relate to yoga practice.
• Various Meditation methods; mindfulness, walking meditation, use of a mantra.
• Breathing Techniques.
• Body Alignment.
• Balancing Stress & Mental Awareness.
• Class format and how to incorporate and use these various modalities of yoga.
• How to teach a variety of basic beginning yoga classes.
• Warm Ups and Limber Ups.
• Yoga Posturing, Asanas and Variations.
• Yoga Based Movements for Yoga Strength, Flexibility & Enhanced Mental Focus.
• Yoga for Common Problems.
• Progressive Yoga Routines for: Morning Yoga, Energizing Yoga, Lunchtime yoga, Bedtime Yoga, Yoga for Women.
• Menopause, Yoga for Maternity, Yoga for Children, Yoga for Seniors, Detox Yoga, Yoga for Sports.
• Over 100 yoga positions, 300 step by step color photographs, illustrated with a flowing sequence of quick reference figures.

Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification (Level I) Includes:

• No travel is necessary.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 1Instructional Certification Textbook, 2 Instructional DVD's, 1 audio instructional CD; 1all music CD for practice; flash cards; yoga belt for deep stretching; 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 Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification (Level I)". 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 understanding of anatomy, physiology, yogic philosophy and asanas.
• CPR not required to take examination but will be required by employer and to obtain liability insurance.

  Requirements for AFPA Yoga Fitness Instructor Certification (Level I):

• Complete the online order information, mail in application or phone in your order.
• Receive and review all your materials.
• Complete the AFPA Yoga Fitness Level I certification exam. The written exam includes 125 identification & short answer questions.
• Complete the Class Participation Log Sheet - you are required to participate in 10 Yoga style classes.
• 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.