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At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Integrate health-related components of fitness into group exercise class segments and individual training sessions.
2. Identify certifications, continuing education, professional memberships, journals and research, and other resources for fitness instructors.
3. Demonstrate pre-participant screening preparticipation health screening.
4. Discuss the cultural influence on body image, creating a healthy atmosphere, and positive role modeling.
5. Demonstrate proper music selection, basic moves and combinations, building choreography, and cueing for various group exercise formats.
6. Demonstrate safety techniques and proper use of weight training and other exercise equipment.
7. Demonstrate exercise modifications for special populations and various fitness levels.
8. Demonstrate effective communication, exercise selection, proper technique and safety individual and group exercise instruction.
9. Describe the legal guidelines, liability issues, responsibilities, and code of ethics involved in fitness instruction.
10. Describe behavior change principles and motivational techniques.
11. Describe the foundations of movement and healthy eating for health and fitness.
12. Identify diverse settings to offer group fitness classes.
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I. Best Practices in Group Exercise and Personal Training
A. Evolution of group exercise and personal training
B. Health-related components of fitness
C. Student-centered versus teacher-centered instruction
D. Professional Certifications
E. Qualities of group fitness instructors and personal trainers
F. Group cohesion research
G. Defining scope of practice
H. Knowledge skills and abilities of American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified professionals
I. Professional responsibility, conduct, and ethics
II. Foundational Concepts
A. Exercise motivation
B. Cultural influences on body image and exercise
C. Fitness instructors as role models
D. Creating a healthy exercise environment
E. Principles of muscle balance
F. Balancing strength and flexibility
G. Range of motion for major joints
H. Progressive functional training continuum
I. Safety issues, alignment, technique
J. Foundations of movement
K. Nutrition for health and fitness
III. Instructing Individuals and Groups
A. Integrating health related components
B. Health history and consent form
C. Injury prevention for mixed-level participants, modifications, special populations
D. Pre-organization, introduction, orientation, and creating a positive atmosphere
E. Communication skills
F. Basics of behavior modification
G. Goal setting
H. Music selection for group exercise
I. Exercise adherence and motivation
J. Intensity monitoring
K. Importance of participant interaction and enjoyment
L. Program considerations for obesity, chronic illness, and other conditions across the lifespan
IV. Guidelines for Group Exercise Class Segments
A. Warm-up
B. Cardiorespiratory Training
C. Muscular conditioning
D. Cool-down
E. Flexibility training
V. Practical Teaching Skills
A. Cardiorepiratory conditioning
1. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Tabata training technique and safety
2. Basic exercises and elements of variation
3. Smooth transitions
4. Building balanced programming
5. Cueing methods
B. Step training
1. Technique and safety
2. Basic moves, combinations, and choreography techniques
3. Training systems
C. Mobility/Flexibility
1. Stretching
2. Self-myofascial release
3. Passive and active stretching
D. Aquatic Exercises
1. Properties of water and Newton's laws of motion
2. Land and water differences
3. Technique and safety
4. Verbal cues and tempo
5. Basic moves and equipment
E. Skill Related Training
1. Balance
2. Speed, agility, and quickness
3. Plyometrics
F. Other group exercise modalities
1. Yoga
2. Pilates
3. Hip Hop
4. Rebounding
5. Boot Camp
6. Zumba
7. Kickboxing
8. Barre
G. Offering group fitness classes in diverse settings
VI. Techniques of Weight Training
A. Contraindications
B. Safety and effectiveness of various exercises
C. Spotting techniques
D. Proper biomechanics and technique using weight machines and free weights
E. Using other equipment
1. Resistance bands
2. TRX
3. Kettlebells
4. Stability balls
5. Foam rollers
6. Medicine balls
7. Balance trainers
VII. Continuing Education Sources
A. National Group Exercise and Personal Trainer Certifications
B. Conferences and workshops
C. Professional memberships
D. Credible websites
E. Choreography and music
F. Current trends
VIII. Liability and Business Management
A. Insurance
B. Personal Training Software for Business Management
C. Sales and marketing
D. Client retention strategies
E. Time management and organizational strategies
F. Accounting
G. Professional responsilbilities and legal guidelines
IX. Applying, Interviewing and/or Auditioning for a Group Exercise or Fitness Instructor
Position
A. Job searches in the fitness industry
B. Types of positions in the fitness industry
C. Salary, pay scale, and advancement
D. Employee versus independent contractor
All topics are covered in the lecture and lab portions of the course