Is Your Group Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer Even Certified? Part 1

Are you aware that there is currently NO governing body within Canada that regulates what certifications and qualifications are acceptable for health and fitness professionals? Do you know that your aquafitness instructor may of only completed a 20 hour certification, compared to another instructor who has completed 40 hours of theory, plus practical and theory examinations? Is your instructor somebody who took an online course that does not include a comprehensive theory and / or practical examination?

There are numerous certification companies through Canada, North America and the World. Some of these organizations have been seen as a leader in the industry for many years, if not decades, with others making their way into the fitness industry within the last few years.

It is my intentions to assist you in further understanding the organizations and certification companies that are available for education, as well as the amount of training and examination procedures that are required within these organizations. My experience within the fitness industry has greatly expanded in the last decade and I look forward to sharing what I have learned and seen first hand with you! It is also my intention to continue this article in a non-bias manner to ensure all certification companies are presented in a fair and researched based manner. I will present information for the following:

AquaFitness
Group Fitness
Spinning
Personal Training
Yoga

Please note that certification companies are NOT presented in any particular order of preference or education level, etc.




Group AquaFitness

Canadian AquaFitness Leaders Alliance (CALA)
*Requires candidates to complete 20 hours of Vertical Water Training (includes physics/science of water, components of fitness, anatomy and physiology with application to water training, 20 hours of Group AquaFitness Training, 2 theory exams / assignments + 1 practical examination (30 minutes). Candidates must then participate in at least 8 continuing education hours that are approved by CALA on an annual basis and renew yearly membership.

YMCA
*Requires candidates to complete 20 hours of "Basic Theory" (required for anybody wanting to participate in Personal Training, Group Fitness, AquaFitness courses) + 16 hours Water Fit. Must then complete 8-16 apprenticeship hours. Must complete practical and theory examination. Recertification is every two years. Must show prove of at least 50 hours of instruction, complete 16 credits from workshops, 8 of which must be from YMCA.

WaterArt

*Requires 16 hours of training (8 hours practical, 8 hours theory), theory and practical examination. Recertification requires either 1) 16 hours of home study 2) 16 hours of on site training, or 3) Take another certification through WaterArt.


Take a moment to ask your instructor who they are certified with, how long they have been certified, and when the last time they recertified was. Your exercise is YOUR class...you deserve the best!

Stay tuned for Part 2 on Group Fitness Instructors.....

~A