Senior Fitness Instructor Certification

Seniors have proved fitness does not have an age limit.

Senior instruction is one of the fastest growing fields in the fitness industry. Witnessing participants over the age of 65 in demanding events like marathons and triathlons, it is apparent that there is no age limit on fitness. For many retirees, they are just now committing to an exercise program because they have the time, their Medicate plan may pay for classes and they are anxious to avoid some of the health problems that strike the older population. That means more instructors are needed.

Paths to Certification

Most instructors first become certified through one of the accepted organizations, such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). They can then pick up classes and workshops focusing on older exercisers to qualify for senior fitness instructor positions. At least two associations, the American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), offer comprehensive senior instruction courses online that lead to certification.

SilverSneakers Program

This is one of the most popular senior fitness programs. A number of Medicare Advantage Plans cover the classes, including SecureHorizons, HealthSpring and Humana. To become a SilverSneakers class instructor, a candidate must be certified in CPR; hold a two- or four-year degree in a health or fitness related field or maintain a nationally-recognized certification (i.e., ACE, AFAA, YMCA); attend a training workshop for the specific SilverSneakers class you are applying to teach; and commit to completing a workshop for SilverSneakers' signature class, Muscular Strength and Range of Movement, within one year (if teaching other SilverSneakers classes).

Duties of a Senior Fitness Instructor

Most importantly, a senior fitness instructor plans and supervises classes for active older adults that may incorporate aerobics, muscular training, stretching and pool exercise. When planning classes, the instructor makes decisions regarding class length, sequencing, use of music, seated exercise methods, modifications necessitated by commonly prescribed drugs, warm ups and cool downs. The instructor must be capable of responding to emergency situations. In addition, the fitness trainer may assist clients in developing a personal exercise plan and provide senior-specific nutrition information.

Contraindicated Techniques

Safety is a major concern in designing senior fitness programs. Some training methods should be avoided, such as those that increase the risk of joint and cartilage injury, stress fractures, falls, undue intracranial and blood pressure elevation, preventable cardiorespiratory distress, excessive soreness and fatigue, as well as emotional discouragement. The instructor's goal should be to improve health, promote personal independence and self-esteem, boost energy levels and motivate participants in the class to stick with an exercise plan.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Census Bureau expects one in five Americans to be over the age of 65 in 2030, so the need for certified senior fitness instructors will be steadily increasing. And, unlike in other industries, those who are seniors themselves are being given chances to enter the field. The senior population is often more receptive of an instructor who is in the same age bracket.

References

• Senior Fitness Instructor Program
• Senior Fitness Certification
• Become a SilverSneakers Instructor