Thread: Suggest an exercise certification for an aspiring instructor

Someday, I would like to teach bellydance to others. Through the instruction I have already received and will continue to receive from various bellydance professionals, I feel that I'll eventually be well-prepared on the dance side of things.

However, I would like to learn more in general about how to exercise safely and prevent injury, as well as any other health and safety issues that would come up as an instructor. Are there any personal trainer or exercise instructor certifications that you think would be helpful in learning about this stuff?

I asked the same thing and most everyone here recommended the ACE Group Fitness Instructor program. Some also suggested the AFAA or NETA group fitness programs.

The ACE material covers a LOT. Including how to teach cued choreography (like step aerobics). I found that helpful.

Also, check this out:

http://thebellydancetrainer.com/

The modules have some EXCELLENT information in them for dance teachers. It's not style-specific, and already assumes you know the movements that make up whatever style you want to teach. The focus is entirely on how to teach, and how to describe movement and music.

There are a lot of different group fitness and personal trainer certifications out there. I would suggest making a list of all of the ones that seem useful and then do a compare/contrast to see which one gives the information that you most want to have. Here are a few links to get you started:

· ACE: http://www.acefitness.org/
· AFAA: http://www.afaa.com/
· AFPA: http://www.afpafitness.com/store/ind...ain_page=index
· ASFA: http://www.americansportandfitness.com/
· NAFC: http://www.nafctrainer.com/offerings...-certification
· NESTA: http://www.nestacertified.com/group-...nstructor.html
· NETA: http://www.ndeita.com/