If you enjoy exercising to a Latin beat, salsa dance aerobics may be your ideal workout. If you want to teach a particular class, such as Zumba, you'll need certification in that specific program. However, if you just want to add some salsa music to a regular aerobics class, there are national organizations that provide a broader-based group fitness instruction certificate.
CPR and AED
No matter what type of cardio class you want to lead, it's a good idea to get certification first in CPR and in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). You must hold a current CPR and AED certificate in order to qualify for some fitness certificate programs, and they are required for employment and insurance in many cases. You can get training through the Red Cross, and many hospitals, employers and civic organizations offer CPR/AED classes as well.
Zumba
Zumba is a cardio dance workout program that uses salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton rhythms. Zumba Fitness offers training programs through its Zumba Academy. Students are taught steps to go along with the four basic rhythms and learn how to put them together to choreograph a song. Zumba Fitness notes anyone who wants to be a Zumba instructor must take one of its training classes and keep their instructor license current by taking courses or joining the Zumba Instructor Network. A basic license is good for a year.
AFAA
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America bills itself as the world's largest fitness and TeleFitness educator. The AFAA offers a Primary Group Exercise Certificate, as well as certificates for personal training, kickboxing and step aerobics. Consider a workshop in step skills and choreography or midlife fitness for women to enhance your training. You can then take what you've learned and prepare a class taught to the music beat you enjoy.
AFPA
American Fitness Professionals and Associates offers a group fitness instructor certification program that's designed for people who want to teach classes such as aerobics, hi/lo impact and step, as well as muscle conditioning and interval training. Students learn how to structure a class, but also study anatomy, physiology and kinesiology and how to help prevent aerobic injuries. AFPA also offers continuing education courses.
ACE
The American Council on Exercise is another national program that offers certification for group fitness professionals. ACE requires students to hold a current CPR and AED certificate in order to receive its fitness certification. The ACE program combines studies of the human body with instructional techniques and class design. ACE calls itself the largest nonprofit fitness certification organization in the world.
Community Colleges
Some community colleges also offer fitness certificates for people interested in becoming fitness instructors. For example, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers a Fitness Career Studies Certificate that's designed to help students become instructors in health clubs, recreation departments and other fitness facilities. In addition to classes on aerobics instruction, students learn about nutrition, adult health and interpersonal communication. NOVA warns its students they should be in good health and ready to participate in vigorous workouts.
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