Youth Fitness Trainer Certification
According to the National Center For Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980. Obesity in children is the result of factors such as genetics, environmental influences, physical inactivity and diets high in sugar and low in nutrients. Youth fitness instructors specialize in working with children to increase their muscular and cardiovascular strength and stamina, as well as promote healthier, more nutritious food choices.
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American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA)
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American Fitness Professionals and Associates offers a Children's Fitness Specialist certification that focuses on health and fitness that can be applied to preschool through secondary school children. This certification course teaches the foundations of fitness, teaching techniques and physical education lessons and is geared toward both one-on-one and group exercises and can be used to open a franchise or work in an existing facility or school. As of May 2010, the cost is $370 for all materials including textbooks, DVDs, reproducible lesson plans, activities and assessment tools. Students have six months (at their own pace and convenience) to complete the course quizzes and pass the final exam. Prospective students must be 18, hold a valid CPR certification, and a personal training or group fitness certification is recommended.
The International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA)
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The International Fitness Professionals Association offers a Youth Fitness Specialist certification designed to teach students how to lead successful one-on-one training sessions. The course prepares students to coach, train and motivate children and young adults by providing an enjoyable but beneficial athletic experience. Course studies include strength training guidelines for children, emotional maturity, and injury prevention. The prerequisite for this certification is that students already hold a basic personal training certification. As of May 2010, this certification course costs $449 and consists of textbooks, a study guide and a proctored examination.
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International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA)
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The International Youth Conditioning Association specializes in youth athletic development and fitness. The IYCA is the premier organization for youth-specific athletic training and conditioning. This five-hour course, presented on DVD, also includes slides, sample training programs and exam review questions as well as immediate access to the certification exam. The cost for a Level 1 Youth Fitness Specialist certification is $247 (as of May 2010). Another certification option through the IYCA is the Youth Speed & Agility Specialist Level 1 certification. This is directed at trainers and coaches who are interested in working with athletes, ages 6 to 18, to increase their sport-specific speed, coordination, balance and agility.
Online Certifications
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Online Youth/Adolescent Fitness Trainer certifications are offered through the American Fitness Training of Athletics (AFTA). This course is designed for those who want to work with children ages 7 to 17. Students must be a minimum of 18 years old (but not in high school) and be physically able to work with clients. The online course materials include youth anatomy and physiology, strength training guidelines, fun activities, assessments, exercises suitable for children, and ways to keep them motivated. The AFTA does not require a valid CPR certification as a prerequisite.
Free Fitness Curriculum For Educators
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The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides a free, downloadable youth fitness exercise curriculum for educators. The goal of the Operation FitKids Curriculum is to provide classroom teachers with tools to attack the childhood obesity epidemic head-on. ACE provides teachers with a curriculum that includes seven lessons aimed at third to fifth grade students to teach them the importance of being active and making healthy food choices.
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References
- Centers for Disease Control: Childhood Obesity
- American Council on Exercise: Youth Fitness Curriculum
- International Youth Conditioning Association
- American Fitness Professionals & Associates: Children's Fitness Specialist Certification
- Internatioanl Fitness Professionals Association: Youth Fitness Instructor Certification
- Photo Credit health and fitness boy image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
