Help Older Adults Overcome Health Obstacles as a Senior Fitness Specialist
1 in 4 Americans has multiple chronic conditions.
That number jumps to 3 in 4 Americans aged 65 and older.
The AFPA Senior Fitness Specialist CE course provides an enriching education on designing and implementing exercises that significantly improve the health of the senior population.
The Senior Fitness Specialist program covers important topics such as exercise physiology and the aging systems, conditions requiring special considerations, land exercise, and how to develop an optimized fitness program for older adults.
What Can I Do as a Senior Fitness Specialist?
As an AFPA Senior Fitness Specialist, you’ll be able to:
- Identify and modify factors that influence physical activity participation among older adults, including barriers, motivators, regular involvement in physical activity, and behavior modification
- Conduct in-depth health history interviews with senior clients that yield important information in the development of a safe and effective exercise program
- Recognize signs and symptoms associated with medication-related negative interactions during physical activity and refer back to the health professional
- Design exercise programs for preventive health for seniors
- Develop and implement land and water-based exercise programs for older adults
- Create community-based senior fitness programs to maximize your impact on larger groups
What This Course Includes
- All course materials
- 2 digital textbook
- Assignments
- Online final exam
- Bonus materials
- 83 exercises for free weights, machines, bands, and balls
- 30 workouts for increasing size, endurance, and strength
- Sports-specific programs for tennis, golf, cycling, running, and more
- Exercise considerations for medical conditions
A Look Inside The Curriculum
Aging and Physical Activity Answer
Understand the importance of physical activity throughout senior adulthood. Topics include:
- Demographics of older adults
- Benefits of physical activity
- Predictors of successful aging
- Biological theories of aging
- Psychological and sociocultural aspects of physical activity for older adults
Physiological Aspects of Aging Answer
Identify factors that contribute to changes in body composition and function with age and what key changes occur in each part of the body. Topics include:
- Cardiovascular and respiratory function
- Muscle function
- Joint mobility
- Bone mass
- Neurological function
Screening for Older Adults Answer
Learn how to screen for pathology when there are no symptoms of disease using simple measures to identify risk factors for illness. Topics include:
- Screening steps and tools
- Functional fitness framework
- Guidelines for group testing
- Interpreting test results
- Laboratory-based physiological assessment of older adults
Goal Setting and Behavioral Management Answer
Study and practice strategies for building trust and rapport with older adult clients. Topics include:
- Factors influencing older adults’ exercise participation
- Strategies for behavioral change
A New Approach to Designing Exercise Programs for Older Adults Answer
Apply learnings of older adult physiology with functional fitness training to enhance longevity and overall health. Topics include:
- Implications for program design and management
- Optimizing physical function through exercise
- Exercise variables and principles for program design
- Developing the warm-up and cool-down
Age-Associated Changes in Flexibility and Resistance Answer
For a lot of older adults, maintaining mobility can be difficult due to muscles and joints weakening and range of movement deteriorating. Assess the benefits of stretching and resistance training to provide a greater quality of life and healthy aging. Topics include:
- Types of stretching techniques
- Incorporating flexibility training into the exercise program
- Benefits and principles of resistance training
- Training components and variables
Aerobic Endurance Training for Older Adults Answer
How much cardio should seniors do and what’s the best way to get started? Discover this and more in this module. Topics include:
- Benefits, principles, and considerations for aerobic endurance training
- Variables for aerobic endurance training
- Types of aerobic exercises
- Training precautions
- Implications for program design and management
Age-Associated Changes in Balance and Mobility Answer
Falling is a major concern for aging clients. Learn how to prevent deconditioning and improve balance and coordination in older adults. Topics include:
- Balance and mobility exercises
- Manipulating the challenge in a group setting
- Mind-Body exercise training and programs
Program Design, Leadership, and Risk Management Answer
Learn the skills needed to become an effective instructor of physical activity programs for older adults.
- Understanding motor learning principles and skills for teaching
- Learn how to develop a risk management plan and understanding the legal standards
- Implement specific activities designed to enhance skill and function
- Learn how to prevent injury by tailoring exercises to suit fitness levels and medical conditions
130000+ students certified
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“I am beyond THRILLED with my program so far. Easy to go at my own pace, easy to understand the process, and the content that i am learning is fantastic! I feel like I am truly being set up for success!”
— Tara P., Verified Buyer
Let Customers Speak for Us
FAQ
Is This Program Right For Me? Answer
A senior fitness certification may be a great fit if you:
- Are interested in working with older clients and seniors, either in group or one-on-one settings, encouraging them to prioritize physical activity and healthy habits that will enhance their quality of life
- Are looking to change careers and align yourself on a professional path that is deeply satisfying and financially rewarding
- Already work as a fitness or healthcare professional and want to expand your services or hyper-target your audience
- Want to get the best education without constraints on your schedule, lifestyle, or bank account
Are There Payment Plans? Answer
Absolutely!
Pick the loan that fits your budget and make payments over three, six, or 12 months.
Our payment plans offer instant approval and are safe and secure.
Do I Qualify? Answer
To enroll in the Senior Fitness Specialist Certification Program, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a solid understanding of the English language.
Exam Requirements:
- You need a minimum final exam grade of 85% to pass.
A $75.00 retest fee will apply.
After successful completion, you will earn the title of “Certified Senior Fitness Specialist” on your certificate.
