Ch. 1 - The Group Fitness Industry Flashcards
NASM and AFAA stand for…
NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
AFAA - Athletics and Fitness Association of America
—Used to be AEROBICS and Fitness Assoc. of Am. - switched to Athletics in 90s
Exam Overview (breakdown, time limit, questions)
Need to get 70%+ to pass
Time limit: 2hrs
Questions: 120 MC
Exam breakdown:
—32% - Fundamentals of exercise science
—28% - Class design and planning
—28% - Class instruction and presentation
—12% - Professionalism
Certifications are valid for 2 years and expire on the date provided on the certificate - required to keep certification current with continued education every 2 years (“recertification”)
Exam must be scheduled and administered through a proctor
AFAA’s originations
AFAA began in 1983 - now are considered the standardized fitness guidelines across the U.S. and globally in 73 countries
—started with a group of fitness instructors
—original name was “Aerobics and fitness association of America” - became “athletics” instead
5 steps instructors must know
Have to CREATE, TEACH, ASSESS, CORRECT, MODIFY for participants
Fitness evolution
1950s: Male-dominated health clubs at the time
1960s / 1970s: aerobics based dance classes emerge - combined dance and aerobics
—called it “aerobic dance” or “jazzercise era”
1990s: other forms such as cycling, aquatic and Pilates emerged and changed fitness industry to “group fitness”
Obesity
Person with a BMI (body mass index - measure of body fat based on height and weight) of 30+ who is 30+ lbs. over recommended weight for their height
—fitness important with rising levels of obesity, type 2 diabetes and chronic illness
—GFI are proponents of preventative health care
As a result of increased diabetes and health illnesses - group fitness now targets ALL ages, levels, genders, etc.
BMI calculated as body mass divided by sq of the body height - expressed in units of kg/m^2
1983 AFAA created
In 1983 created AFAA’s Basic Standards and Guidelines and in 1985 published 1st textbook
—working with exercise physiologists, cardiologists, physical educators, sports medicine experts, physical therapists and fitness professionals
—original trio — endurance (cardio), strength and flexibility
4 changes in group fitness
- Participant focused - coaching and independence - designing workouts with intent of helping participants reach any goal they have
- Emphasis on functional movement - connection btw nervous and musculoskeletal systems - use of growing knowledge of the human body
- Specific formats evolving - new variety - kickboxing, cycling, yoga, dance, etc.
- Movement preparation - comprehensive movement preparation segment that is replacing the traditional generic warm-up - reduce risk of injury
Musculoskeletal system
Combined inter working system of all muscles and bones in the body
—strength of this is directly related to risk of injury
Deconditioned
State of lost physical fitness
—reduced cardio capacity, muscle imbalances, decreased flexibility and lack of core or joint stability
—greater risk of injury
Muscle imbalance
Alteration of muscle length surrounding a joint
—cause of deconditioning
—equivalent muscle length surrounding a joint
Health benefits of exercise list
—increased bone density (so they are not weak or brittle)
—cardiovascular health
—increased metabolism
—decreased body fat
—increased muscle and strength
—decreased risk for many diseases
—increased feelings of wellness and self-esteem
—improved sleep patterns
—improved body composition
—reduced pain
Scope of Practice
—where responsibilities begin and end
—what an instructor can legally and ethically do, including the knowledge, skills, processes, and limitations for which an instructor should be held accountable
AFAA defined responsibilities for instructors:
—prepare safe, evidence-based exercises - science based
—modify as needed - dynamically react to group or individual needs
—provide energy and enthusiasm to create a positive environment
—maintain AED and CPR certifications
—answer questions but AVOID one-on-one counsel — should direct to a personal trainer / professional
—if asked for personal advice - refer to PT
—understand how to safely use equipment
—work independently and with limited individual interaction
DIAGNOSING - individual medical history and symptoms and PRESCRIBING - Cannot do as a GFI
—but GFI can answer all questions about how to correctly perform movement pattern or modify
—avoid personal training, health questions, pain during movement, other
Group fitness methods (3 types)
- PRE-CHOREOGRAPHED - detailed and planned movement
—all components of class are created by a single person, business or organization with a connecting theme, brand or experience
—instructor has less pressure and can focus on other things
—consistent and connected across instructors
—gives shy or new instructors an instant sense of community or confidence
—predictable timeline and consistent delivery
—but can require a lot of time and effort to learn and memorize - PRE-DESIGNED - template that provides overall class direction while allowing instructors to manipulate other variables
—most common
—provides a class template, but freedom to adjust variables
—provides clear direction and objective for each class with less time in the pre-class planning stage
—I stand brand recognition and credibility - marketing tools and resources - FREESTYLE CHOREOGRAPHY - method of choreography based on the instructor’s personal preference, skill set and knowledge
—complete instructor freedom
—can quickly adapt to fit class needs - matches movements to participants
—provides an outlet for creative energy - opp. To learn and try new things
1 and 2 usually have licensing and ongoing fees associated
