If studying was hard, waiting for the result is harder

One week ago tomorrow I took the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) workshop and tests to become certified as a group fitness instructor. My eventual goal is to become an instructor of Kangoo Jumps beginners. Before the AFAA workshop, I had already gotten the required CPR/AED certification and taken the Kangoo Jumps instructor workshop. Once certified by AFAA, I still need to submit a video of me actually teaching a segment of Kangoo Jumps.

Being honest with myself, I think I did OK on the AFAA multiple-choice test, but I'm not as sure about the practical skills demo part of the test. I noted a couple of areas I could have done better, and I am not going into details in case the evaluators missed them. If I don't pass both portions on the first try, I can re-take the portion I could improve on for a smaller fee than retaking the entire workshop. At this point all I can do is wait to get the results. Waiting is much harder for me than studying was, because I am restless and want to move to the next step.

As for the actual testing, I can't tell you much about the paper test, except that the test we took was easier than the practice test I purchased for studying. I think part of that is due to Pauline, our workshop instructor, who put us at ease and reinforced the most pertinent parts of the 41 chapter textbook, Fitness: Theory and Practice. (Thank you, Pauline!)

One surprise for me was how much time we spent in actual movement, broken up into smaller portions. I knew about the group warm-up, group cardiorespiratory segment, and group cool-down, but I did not realize we would have a chance to practice all that ahead of time. I knew about the 1-2 minute solo presentation we each had to do, teaching the rest of the group a strength exercise or cardio pattern, in three levels of intensity, but I did not expect to rehearse that in small groups or with a partner. While I am absolutely sure the rehearsal time improved my performance, I definitely felt sore the next day, and the next. My energy level took a couple days to return too, probably due to a combination of different workouts than usual and the sudden lifting of the pre-test stress.

My friends and acquaintances were incredibly supportive before, during and after the AFAA workshop. They commented on Facebook, texted me, came up to me during fitness classes or at the school where I work, and all wished me luck and said they were glad I was doing this (and not them!). Most of them will not see this blog, but I thank them here anyway. I may not be a child, but it takes a village to raise me too!

There will be great rejoicing if I pass this on the first try, so I can move on to the Kangoo Jumps video milestone. If I don't pass, there will be very minor partying and a re-test scheduled. Sooner or later, I look forward to inviting all who live close enough to come try Kangoo Jumps with me.

Latissimus Dorsi? Isn't that a star in a galaxy far, far away?

Yipes! I guess I have been so busy studying I forgot to keep track here of how all my preparation for the AFAA workshop and test are going. Let me give you a brief update.

It took almost a month to get through the Fitness: Theory & Practice textbook, a few chapters at a time. It's heavy and large, so I also read the AFAA Exercise Standards & Guidelines Reference Manual in between, because it's smaller, lighter, and easier to carry around and read a bit here and there. I kept taking my Kangoo Jumps classes, added the occasional toning class (resistance bands and more), and even made it to the local recreation center to lift weights a couple times.

Now I am down to the last week before the workshop and test. I am working my way through the Primary Group Exercise Certification (v4) Study Guide, going back to look up any answers I can't remember in enough detail, and writing the answers. Writing it helps me to remember the details because writing by hand is a physical activity (kinesthetic), I see what I am writing (visual) and I usually hear my own voice in my head as I write (auditory). After I make it to the end of the Study Guide, I will have notes to review if I have time. That feels like enough preparation for the multiple choice portion of the certification test.

As for the practical demonstration part of the test, that's where the intense studying this week will be. There is a section that requires about 15 minutes of demonstrating proper form, alignment, and execution of both strength and flexibility exercises, grouped by the specific muscle area on which they work. Listed in the study guide, those separate categories are these.

• pectorals
• trapezius, rhomboids, and/or latissimus dorsi
• deltoids
• biceps and/or triceps
• hip abductors and/or adductors
• gluteus maximus
• quadriceps and/or tibialis anterior
• hamstrings and/or gastrocnemius/soleus
• rectus abdominis and/or obliques
• erector spinae

So, I have to be able to remember—and execute—the right exercise for the right muscle group, for about a minute and a half per muscle group. On top of that, I then have to teach the group some exercise or "pattern" of my choice for 1-2 minutes, using either no music or music they provide that I probably have never heard. (Seriously, can I just slip on my Kangoo Jumps boots and jump a pattern for them all to learn? From what other certified people tell me, no, I can't.) If you actually know me, you know I love to rise to a challenge, so I can hardly wait to see how I manage this section.

I have to get to work now, so we won't be able to get into the details of "what shall I wear" and similar peripheral parts of the preparation.  (Oh, they do require clothes that show whether you are using proper form and alignment, so my typical baggy t-shirts are out. Sigh.)

Thanks for the encouragement I'm getting in both virtual and physical reality. I appreciate it!