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I officially received my AFAA membership card, so here are my final thoughts on the certification process. Prior to my certification day, I was definitely more nervous about the written test. When I got to that portion, I felt well prepared and only missed 4 questions. (You can miss 20 to pass). The practical portions seemed subjective and made me more nervous because I didn't know what to expect. That said, here are my final AFAA tips in the version of a Do's and Don'ts list.
DO
Pack a lunch and plenty of snacks. Keep your energy up by drinking lots of water. Get plenty of sleep the night before and be ready for a long day.
DON'T
Feel pressure to purchase the additional study materials. I think there are plenty of resources online, plus it's easy to pick up if you've previously taken many group fitness classes, taught classes, or have general fitness knowledge. There are plenty of resources online, and the provided study guide provides a clear outline of what topics you need to know to prepare.
DO
Find several AFAA flashcards or study guides resources online. My learning style clicked with some resources more than others. Plus, it was beneficial to see how multiple people presented the information. (Plus, you don't want to study the wrong material.)
Google and look up additional research for any topics you don't get or aren't familiar with. If you do purchase a textbook, look up the topic in the back and read whatever you need to to understand.
DON'T
Underestimate either element of the workshop (written or practical tests). Plan time to prepare. Review the study guide and know that material. Understand how the day will go and what is expected of you.
DO
Find various practice tests and take them as many times as you need to feel comfortable and confident with the information. Here's my recommendation of practice tests.
DON'T
Try to demonstrate elements or exercises that you aren't familiar with or don't like. If you don't like planks, don't show them. If you've never taught a cardio class, stick to a strength element for your individual presentation.
DO
Prepare a couple strength exercises for each of the 10 main muscle groups. O,h and make sure you know what those muscle groups are.
DON'T
Think you are the only one not getting a concept during the workshop. Ask questions. Anytime someone asked something, others also had the same question and the instructors said those questions were common.
DO
Read other people's experiences about the day. This was really helpful as I prepared. I've included a list of my posts about my AFAA experience at the end of this post.
DON'T
Lose confidence in yourself and your teaching abilities. Only 1 person in our group had not taught a class, so chances are that you're already exposed to several elements in the workshop and previously worked with students. You are probably more ready for this day than you think you are.
DO
Prepare an individual presentation for a fitness element you are comfortable with. If you teach kickboxing, pick a favorite move to use and practice teaching a level 1 version, a level 2 version, and a level 3 version. If you teach Zumba, pick a dance step you are comfortable with. If you love squats, squat away. But don't be afraid to think outside the box.
MY AFAA POSTS
AFAA Do's and Don'ts
Thank you so much, you are awesome!
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