“Because my couch is really comfortable. Especially if I have a glass of wine in my hand.”
Love your honesty. B-)
If the workouts are hard, that could be to give each muscle group a day of (relative) rest in between hard workouts.
What he’s finding is that it’s hard on the muscle group du jour. Part of what I’m curious about is that the “rest” is so many days. I think it’s 5, can ask.
I hate exercise because it hurts and for me, it’s just not pleasant. Running is the absolute worse.
With many things you would need both a group exercise certification and a certification in what you want to teach. So for example you would get a group exercise certification and then you would take a course (usually they just last a day or two) in the speciality like spinning, or step aerobics or Barre. Some things take a lot more training like Yoga or Pilates -especially if you want to teach in a studio as opposed to a Y. Some classes like a group strength class or HITT class would probably only require the group exercise certification. If you want to work with seniors -silver sneakers is the way to go.
The trainings are almost always offered on the weekends.
You will also need CPR and sometimes first aid. The best thing to do would be to ask at a gym that you like what they require of their teachers and go from there. Some places only hire teachers with certain trainings.
The major group exercise certifications are ACE (american council on exercise) and AFAA (Aerobic and Fitness Association of America) Most of these host workshops
There are lots of other ones. Ask where you want to get hired before you do a certification that is completely online. Previously those were considered dodgy -but I think they are getting more popular now.
So overall you are thinking a few hundred dollars for the group ex - a couple hundred more for your “speciality” Sometimes you have to travel a few hours to get what you want for training. Often the gym will reimburse you for training and sometimes they won’t. You pay for your own music usually and your own gym clothes. Some people write this stuff off on their taxes.
I have much more training now that what I started with. Most of the other teachers I know like to stay on top of things and often get more training as they go along. We also watch lots of videos and read books etc…
Forgive the hijack everyone
let me know if you have questions
@CaliCash, if you want to have good health when you are our age, you should try out a bunch of stuff to see what you you like and do your best to be active. Bike, walk, play badminton, dance (one of my kids enjoyed swing dance club in college). The other one has been playing some inner tube water polo at college (tried it because her dorm needed another woman to compete, and found it was pretty low key and fun). Try to find something that is fun, not just active. You don’t have to go to the gym or take a class or become a runner to be active.
CaliCash, as the weather gets warmer, make a plan with a friend to walk along Sheridan Road up to the Ba’hai Temple in Wilmette. You can stop and get a bite at Plaza del Lago just last it. It’s a beautiful walk, gets you off campus and is a nice way to get exercise. Apologies to others for a specific digression!
@lookingforward, your friend’s routine sounds like he is trying to structure a body building hypertrophy routine. Serious weight lifters often do split routines with different body parts each day and several exercises of multiple sets each per body part. Exactly how it’s structured depends on whether the goal is body building hypertrophy or power lifting power and strength. Typically a minimum of 72 hours recovery is recommended before the same body part is hit again to allow for muscle repair and recovery. Some body builders like doing each body part 1 day per week but generally most like to hit each body part 2x per week.
@3kids3dogs, @veruca has given you a lot of very good information and practical advice. If I may, let me add a few thoughts. First, in looking for an organization from which to get your primary certification, look for one that is accredited by the National Commission of Certifying Agencies. To be accredited by NCCA, an organization must meet defined standards for content and standards for granting certifications including the administration of an onsite certification exam by an independent testing organization. Not only is this an indicia of the quality of the program but, in addition, the fitness industry as a profession is moving in the direction of having personal trainers and group fitness trainers recognized under state regulations as allied health professionals and those organizations that are accredited by NCCA are in the forefront of this. In addition, look for organizations that require continuing education to maintain your certification. Just like any profession, continuing education is critical to maintaining competence, expanding your knowledge base and staying on top of current research and trends. ACE, which was recommended by veruca, meets these criteria. I particularly like ACE because it provides tremendous support systems to assist a student navigate the required curriculum and master the material. Many organizations just sell written course materials and then leave a student to their own devices. ACE provides a structured curriculum encompassing written manuals, online video instruction and review and practice exams. It provides coaches available by email and online to provide guidance and to answer questions. These resources are invaluable; make no mistake about it, a good certification curriculum will include challenging modules on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise psychology, programming of classes and training, legal issues and business models.
Moreover, getting the certification is just the beginning. Like any profession, hands on experience is crucial to developing the functional competence to run a class. So before, during and after your certification process, go to as many varied group fitness classes as you can. Learn by doing and observing. The more you do that, the easier your transition will be to a functioning professional who is comfortable and confident leading a class.
I think I have always been active, did some sports as a kid and in HS, but not a super athlete, not the basketball kind of sports, more like dance team etc! We certainly sweated, but I don’t remember any endorphines; however, it was fun to do stuff with frineds. But over the years life sometimes got in the way. I can remember even when the kids were in middle school, that I loved to take long walks with my friends, not slow strolls, active walks, up hills etc. Didn’t make me lose any weight, but it felt good. Over the years I have continued with walking, and as long as I have a friend to talk to, I can go forever. I also discovered audiobooks ten years ago and, if I am walking alone, that helps.
I’ve periodically followed the trends, aerobics, pilates, yoga, etc. I feel good about myself when I am done even if sometimes I am bored when I am doing it.
For me, the biggest difference is that I had surgery, learned I had had severe endometriosis, and had most of it removed. I have immensely more energy and enjoy exercise more. Then I got a new puppy who was a bundle of energy, walked him 2-3-4 times a day, by the time he was a year old, I had retrained my brain and now I need that exercise daily, even if I am not feeling great. The other great thing I did was connect with a new dog walking friend who used to run marathons and walks very fast, it pushes me & I love it.
One more thing that works for me, my fibit, I’ve only had it a few years and sometimes I ignore all but the weekly report for months at a time, but it keeps me honest and when I can, I let it motivate me to have more steps. Walking may not make you lose weight, per se, but hey, I am not stuffing my face when walking. And if I walk with my fast friend, I stop eating two hours before the walk.
GREAT story @somemom of a good, realistic journey. Thanks for sharing.
Might interest some http://mylifecheck.heart.org/AssessmentTools2/main_en_US.html
Somemom, two thumbs up!
“Walking may not make you lose weight, per se, but hey, I am not stuffing my face when walking. And if I walk with my fast friend, I stop eating two hours before the walk.”
LOL, so true! Words of wisdom.