With the sedentary lifestyle that most people lead these days, it has become important that one spares time for exercise. Performing aerobics for a period of 46-60 minutes a day could certainly help in working out the large muscle groups. If you’re really into fitness and wish to make a career out of it, getting certified as an aerobics trainer would help. This write-up will help you in this regard.
The meaning of aerobic is ‘with oxygen’. It is important that while doing aerobic exercises, you are able to converse without running out of breath. If you are actually running out of breath while doing them, it is an indicator that you are working out anaerobically – in reality. Working out anaerobically will tire you out faster and you will be left with sore muscles. Aerobics helps the heart to consume oxygen to the fullest capacity. It is a workout which is usually carried out in the gym and it is important that you are led by a person who has undergone certification.
Different Certifications
There are many certifications available for people who wish to become professional trainers. Some of them are enumerated here.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA): There are, in total, 250,000 instructors, personal trainers, and kick-boxing instructors certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America in more than 73 countries today. The association has been in business since 1983. AFAA has been granted affiliate status by National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) and is also a member of National Organization of Competency Assurance (NOCA). AFAA also provides certification through distance learning.
American Council on Exercise: There is a certification provided by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) for the fitness professionals who are instructors, instructing a group of people. It indicates that the certified instructor has adequate knowledge and skills required to teach a class. These certified trainers bring enthusiasm, passion, and zeal to a class. ACE certified professionals are taught effective communication skills, teaching techniques, and motivational skills. These skills help them to develop and implement group exercise programs which are safe, effective, and at the same time, keep the audience focused on themselves.
National Association for Fitness Certification: National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC) is a complete education with focus on personal experience and, at the same time, establishing and maintaining quality and safety. NAFC is also an affiliate of National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE). This has ensured the credibility of NAFC in the fitness industry. They offer four different kinds of certifications for trainers. They are:
- Personal Trainer
- Group Fitness
- Wellness Consultant
- Health and Wellness
International Fitness Association: International Fitness Association (IFA) provides online certifications in four areas. These are:
- Aerobics Instructor and Personal Trainer (which includes step aerobics and step kick-boxing)
- Sports Nutritionist
- Senior Fitness Instructor
- Aqua Fitness Instructor
IFA has been in business since 1995. Aqua aerobics certification is unique to IFA.
American Fitness Professionals and Associates: The certifications offered by the American Fitness Professionals and Associates include group fitness classes like aerobics, step aerobics, circuit training, and muscle conditioning. The teaching methodology includes illustrations, photos, DVD examples, and written descriptions. These help the trainer to learn proper techniques for warm-up, cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.
An aspiring trainer can choose any of the aforementioned institutions, get certified, and start a glorious career in making others fit and healthy.