AboutDaphne E Brown MS CPRP Expertise I will answer questions concerning exercise, nutrition, health and diseases related to obesity or sedentary lifestyle. I can also answer questions about being an aerobics/group exercise leader or questions about getting certified with AFAA.
Experience Receiving my Masters of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology, I have been Fitness Director on board Royal Caribbean luxury cruise ships, I have given training seminars for aspiring group exercise leaders; I am certified and I work for Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). I was Senior Exercise Physiologist and lecturer at the Internationally renowned Pritikin Longevity Center and Spa at Turnberry Island Resort in Miami, Florida for almost 10 years and I was also the Fitness Assessment Coordinator at the exclusive Fisher Island Spa Internazionale on exclusive Fisher Island in Miami Beach (famous residents of the island include Oprah Winfrey, Andre Agassi, and Sharon Gless). I've competed in AAU and NAC Aerobics competitions. Currently, I am the Adminstrative Manager for a Municipal Parks and Recreation Department and own a Fitness/Lifestyle planning business. I have been in the Fitness industry for over seventeen years and here on AllExperts since 1999.
Question Over the past year I have really thrown myself into group exercise. I have been inspired by one of my instructors in getting fit and pushing myself. I am thinking about getting certified to teach but I'm just not sure how to go about it. I am interested in AFAA and I was wondering what if you know what those workshops entail? Many people I have talked to suggest studying on your own etc. I am fine with that but what I really need is to learn and focus on form and procedure. Is this something that will be taught to me through these workshops? What should I do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks you,
Jesselynn
Answer Hi Jesselyn! Congratulations on your interest of AFAA certification. Your best bet is to focus on your study guide. The test is written and practical. Make sure you fill out your study guide before you go. If you are going to a one-day Primary Cert, the Cert specialist usually takes time to go over what is going to be on the written test, and he/she points out what you should know from your study guide. If you filled it out, then the information has already stuck with you and it's easier to remember once you take the test. If you feel like you need some help, go to a PRIMARY study session, usually offered separately the day before the PRIMARY test.
For the practical part of the test, AFAA has eased up a bit on your demonstration of skills, but you really need to focus on SAFETY (read you text book) when you teach classes. When you have to demonstrate teaching to the class, keep it simple, speak clearly and GIVE CORRECT SAFETY and MODIFICATION CUES, include body alignment and the muscle group(s) you are strengthening. Don't be too fancy, you increase your likelihood that you will say something wrong. Make sure you yourself are executing what you are saying--make sure you practice at home looking in the mirror--I am an examiner and I see so many instructors teach pretty good but have horrible form and posture.
If you feel that your current skills are great, then you probably will do fine with the practical. Again, ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN THE STUDY GUIDE USING THE TEXT BOOK. It's information that you probably have been using and have learned over the years. That is your best bet.
Hope this helps. Best wishes and congratulations in advance, because I know you will do just fine and join the AFAA ranks, because there are also lots of part time opportunities within AFAA once you are certified. Take Care!!! Daphne
