The YMCA, also referred to as the Y, has several nationally recognized fitness certification programs. The Y provides many community resources as part of its focus and commitment to helping people in communities around the globe. Fitness and healthy living have been a part of the Y’s community service since 1869, when the first gyms were built in YMCA buildings. Some YMCA fitness certifications include a series of training seminars, while others are stand-alone courses designed for a specific type of exercise program.
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YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles
The YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles certification is a prerequisite for all other USA Health and Fitness certification programs. The course provides theoretical and practical information for instructors in all YMCA health and fitness programs. Course information includes basic physical fitness and healthy lifestyle principles, effective leadership tools and fitness program safety guidelines. It also covers the Y’s mission philosophy and the national program training and certification system.
Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise
The Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise course covers practical application of cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular exercise information, training in the basics of group exercise instruction, leadership skills, teaching skills and motivation techniques.
YMCA Cardio and Step Aerobics Instructor
The YMCA Cardio and Step Aerobics Instructor course includes training in conducting traditional group exercise step aerobics, high/low, choreography and pattern development. Leadership and instructor training focuses on structuring group aerobics classes and practical sessions.
YMCA Group Cycling Instructor Certification
The YMCA Group Cycling Instructor Certification course provides training in how to develop indoor group cycling classes. The focus is on developing the skills to create a variety of cycle exercise programs.
YMCA Active Older Adult Exercise Leader
The YMCA Active Older Adult, also called AOA, Exercise Leader fitness certification requires a CPR certificate, Healthy Lifestyle Principles certification and Enhance Fitness New Instructor certification. The certification track for the AOA Leader includes the two prerequisite base courses and an additional training course in physical fitness principles for active seniors. This fitness program’s certification is from Project Enhance and the YMCA.
