AFAA, What Were You Thinking!
By: Pam Archer

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I was in San Diego last week for the introduction of AFAA's new Theory & Practice Manual, which includes the updated Basic Exercise Standards & Guidelines along with a host of other cutting edge, fitness information and the debut of the BRAND NEW, Primary Certification complete with a new written test and a re-vamped practical test. 

I was privileged to be a part of a group of top-notch, fitness professionals whom I admire greatly. They are leaders in the industry, knowledgeable and brilliant! (I
wondered what I was doing there!) At any rate, it was an awesome, learning experience for me as well as being a lot of fun. Networking with professionals of this caliber is always a career high-point for me.

AFAA has long been the leader in the fitness industry in the areas of research, program development, fitness education, and career enhancement. With the introduction of the new program format, it is once again on the cutting edge of what's happening in our ever-changing industry.

While the old Primary Certification still has many merits, the new format is radically different and much-improved. I am not yet at liberty to be too specific, but suffice it to say that I am excited about the changes!!!

This new Primary Review format and certification will debut beginning October 1st. I encourage you to consider hosting or at least attending the new review. If you are already AFAA certified, you can audit the day and receive 5 cec's!  If you have been considering becoming AFAA certified, this is the perfect time to do so. It doesn't matter what type of class format that you currently teach, this certification will accommodate your need to learn about how to apply that discipline to a group fitness setting. Program managers, I suggest that you call AFAA today at 800-446-2322 to schedule your workshop. Schedules are made 5 months in advance and fill up quickly. AFAA gives host-site discounts and group discounts. AFAA also provides international programming, so call or log on to:
www.afaa.com and inquire about how you can be a host.  It's FREE!

The new Fitness Theory & Practice manual will be available for purchase on August 1st. It is a must for your personal library and a great reference source for your facility.

As always, AFAA, you were 'thinking' about the need for a change and you came through with flying colors! A special thank you goes out to all of those who contributed, but in particular to Nancy Gillette and Kathy Stevens, whose tireless efforts resulted in a product of which we can all be proud. Laura Gladwin did a beautiful job calling upon expert authors to write the new manual and she did an awesome job editing it. Thank you to Lauri Reimer for your efforts in getting all of us together for the networking. You are appreciated!

Pam is the owner of Archer Fitness Consultants, Inc. in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is Co-Host of the “Jenny’s Fit In 15” TV show on The Health Network. She has produced six exercise videos and starred in seven. Pam travels extensively training and certifying group fitness instructors for The Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and The American Council On Exercise (ACE). Her fitness related articles have been published in American Fitness and IDEA Source magazines as well as numerous newsletters, including her own, Archer Fit Press. You may visit Pam on-line at http://www.archerfitness.com or e-mail her at pam@archerfitness.com

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