Spring marks a time for new beginnings, and new life.  Just like a baby chick hatching from its egg, we come out of the cold of winter ready for some fresh new perspective.  This year, why not give life to a new fitness instructor certification?  You’ll cement your sweat with a fitness credential that will forever remind you of exactly what you achieved over Spring Break 2012.  You don’t need to be looking for a new career to get certified; you may want to go deeper in your sport or perfect your form.  Whether you’re looking to add to your resume or just improve your one two punch, these certification trainings are more accessible than ever.  Fitness instructor training classes can be done over a period of time or in one day.  Take a residential fitness training and make a vacation out of it, or complete an at home study.  The new you is going to be better than ever!

Zumba®

Zumba® is a fun, high-energy dance fusion of merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton.  If you love cardio dance type fitness with an international flair, ball step into a Zumba® Basic 1 training to get the foundations to put together steps to a song, creating a fun Zumba® class.  Certification classes are typically held as a one-day workshop, and the cost is $210 - $285. “Ditch the work out and join the party” http://www.zumba.com/trainings/overview.

Indoor Cycling

Indoor cycling and spin classes are filling gyms and studios, bringing a new level of energy with fast paced music, disco balls, visual media, and more.  A classic indoor cycling certification program will educate fitness enthusiasts on proper technique and the science behind riding indoors, in order to give a new knowledge of how to enjoy the sport to its fullest, while preventing and avoiding injury.  At the end of the certification, instructors will be able to design a class of their own, infusing their own style and creativity!  Try www.spinning.com or www.schwinneducation.com for program details.

Pilates

Pilates has long been practiced for rehabilitating patients.  However, today, many fitness gurus practice Pilates for strengthening their core, improving balance, and learning to breathe to relieve stress.  In today’s fitness world, there are classes available in both “classical” and “contemporary” Pilates, and the most commonly offered are “mat pilates” or “reformer pilates”.

Classical certification on Pilates equipment can require a large time and money investment, making it a better choice for the student looking for a career as a fitness instructor.  Classical pilates will use the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Chair, Barrels, and Magic Circle. With so many choices of equipment, the instructor has more creative freedom when training their clients and the routine will never be boring! Most programs will require a year of taking classes, including private lessons.  Stott Pilates is based in Canada, but the certification is offered around the globe, http://www.stottpilates.com/education/overview. The instructor-training program could be up to 900 hours, with an investment starting around $3,000.

Mat pilates instructor training courses could be as short as a weekend workshop, and range between $100 - $300. Peak Pilates offers 3 levels of mat certification, allowing you to decide how much time you are willing to dedicate to your spring certification http://www.peakpilates.com/peak-pilates-education/peak-pilates-mat-certifications.asp. If you have a love of Pilates, and want to learn more about the history of Joseph Pilates, this option could be for you.  You’ll learn what to look for in the body to maintain good form, and the connection between the muscles that make up the core.  At best, you’ll perfect your own form as you learn more about the theory behind each movement.

Turbo Kick®

Put on your best hip- hop tunes like, Ke$ha or Jay-Z , and hit the floor for this mash up of kickboxing meets dance.  Men and women love the high energy, street dance vibe of Turbo Kick.  You’ll feel strong and full of power as you jump, punch and move to the beats of great music.  Become a certified instructor in a full day workshop and learn all the choreography to practice on your own or to effectively teach others. At home training is also available.  Cost ranges from $189 - $229. More information is available online, http://www.turbokick.com/index.php?content=presenter_search

Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training

If you are interested in getting deeper into a yoga practice or sharing your knowledge with others, a yoga teacher-training program can be a very rewarding experience.  Look for programs that are recognized by Yoga Alliance at the RYT-200 level to be registered as an internationally recognized instructor.  Because these programs are 200 hours, you will be doing a lot of yoga over a period of time.  Certification programs are available around the world in places like Santa Barbara, Costa Rica and India, just to name a few.  If you aren’t up for traveling, many studios offer teacher-training courses in various yoga styles.  Find a style you’re interested in learning more about, then decide if you want to make an excursion of it or stay local, and check http://www.yogaalliance.org/content/becoming-teacher to find a program that works for you. 

Make this year’s spring a memorable one.  Go big and get certified!  It’ll be a fun achievement to mark Spring 2012.  Best of all, you can practice your favorite workout, knowing you’re the pro!

Written By Katrina Goldberg, Rockit Body Pilates

RockIt Body Fitness Experts