Fitness Leader 35

Developed through collaboration between the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) and Edmonton Public Schools, Fitness Leader 35 is a 5-credit high school course, requiring 125 unique hours of time tabled instruction.

This course gives students interested in pursuing fitness and health as a career, the opportunity to learn and experience the role of a fitness leader. Students will have the opportunity to obtain AFLCA certification upon completion.

Topics of Instruction

Fitness Leader 35 covers topics relating to fitness theory such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, training and conditioning, leadership basics, and nutrition, as well as specialized practical areas such as group exercise, resistance training, aquatic exercise or fitness for the older adult.

• Group Exercise covers topics specific to leading group exercise classes. Included are: a fitness theory review, exercise analysis, class components, music, movement and cueing, trends and equipment, leadership, and special populations.

• Resistance Training covers topics such as leading, shaping, toning, circuit, introductory weight training programs, monitoring fitness centre, and/or weight room orientation. Topics covered include: techniques and precautions, exercise analysis, design, anatomy program design, specialty background, safety considerations, training methods, nutrition and drugs and resistance training with women, older adults and youth.

• Aquatic Exercise covers topics specific to leading classes in water. Topics covered include: use of equipment, pool organization, principles of water, effects on body movement, safety in the water environment, use of music, and special populations.

• Fitness for the Older Adult covers topics specific to leading fitness classes for the aging population. This course provides an overview of the changes which occur in the body as it ages and the considerations required when planning and leading fitness classes for older adults. Topics covered include: nutrition, physiology of aging, sociology of aging, common disorders, and risk management.

The teacher will have the option to cover at least two of the specialty areas depending on the interests of the class.

Teacher Training Course

Teachers with the appropriate background will need to attend a two day AFLCA Teacher Training course. The next course is tentatively scheduled for January 2008 in Calgary, AB.

Teacher Qualifications:
– background in physical education (BPE/BKin), BEd with Physical Activity course work)
– AFLCA certification or completion of the AFLCA courses would be an asset
– knowledge of fitness leadership or fitness classes would be beneficial