As a fitness professional, expanding your skill set and offering a variety of fitness classes can be an excellent way to attract a diverse clientele and grow your career. Two exciting options to consider are step aerobics and kickbox aerobics. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of adding these classes to your repertoire, tips for getting started, and how you can become certified in these fitness disciplines through ASFA (American Sports and Fitness Association).
Benefits of Step Aerobics
1. Cardiovascular Fitness: Step aerobics is an excellent cardiovascular workout that can help improve heart health, stamina, and endurance. The repetitive stepping movements increase your heart rate, promoting efficient circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles.
2. Lower Body Strength: This fitness discipline primarily targets the lower body, including the legs, glutes, and calves. Over time, participants can expect improved muscle tone and leg strength.
3. Coordination and Balance: Step aerobics routines often involve complex choreography. Engaging in these classes can enhance coordination and balance as participants learn to step up, down, and perform various movements on the step platform.
4. Calorie Burn: Due to its high-intensity nature, step aerobics can help individuals burn a significant number of calories, making it an effective choice for weight management and fat loss.
Benefits of Kickbox Aerobics
1. Full-Body Workout: Kickbox aerobics engages both the upper and lower body, incorporating punches, kicks, and various martial arts-inspired movements. This provides a comprehensive workout that targets multiple muscle groups.
2. Stress Relief: Punching and kicking a heavy bag can be an excellent way to release stress and tension. The combination of physical exertion and focus required for kickboxing can promote mental relaxation.
3. Core Strength: Many kickbox aerobics movements require core engagement to maintain balance and stability. This helps strengthen the abdominal and back muscles.
4. Self-Defense Skills: While kickbox aerobics is primarily a fitness class, participants may also learn some basic self-defense techniques, providing them with practical skills in addition to a great workout.
Getting Started with Step and Kickbox Aerobics
If you're interested in adding step and kickbox aerobics to your fitness instructor offerings, here are some steps to consider:
1. Education and Training: To teach these classes effectively, consider taking specialized training courses. ASFA® offers certifications in both step aerobics and kickbox aerobics. These certifications will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to lead safe and engaging classes.
2. Equipment and Space: Ensure you have the necessary equipment, such as step platforms for step aerobics and kickboxing pads for kickbox aerobics. You'll also need a suitable space with adequate ventilation and room for participants to move safely.
3. Choreography and Routines: Spend time creating choreography and routines for your classes. For step aerobics, plan a series of step patterns and movements. For kickbox aerobics, design combinations of punches, kicks, and defensive moves.
4. Safety Considerations: Safety is paramount in fitness classes. Be prepared to provide modifications for participants with different fitness levels and abilities. Emphasize proper form and technique to reduce the risk of injury.
5. Marketing and Promotion: Promote your new classes through your existing client base, social media, and local advertising. Highlight the unique benefits of step and kickbox aerobics to attract participants.
Becoming Certified with ASFA
ASFA® offers convenient and recognized certifications in both step aerobics and kickbox aerobics. Here's how you can become certified:
1. Choose Your Certification: Visit the ASFA website and select the certification you wish to pursue. You can choose either "Step Aerobics Instructor" or "Kickbox Aerobics Instructor."
2. Study Materials: ASFA provides study materials and resources to help you prepare for the certification exam. These materials cover the essential knowledge and skills required for teaching safe and effective classes.
3. Take the Exam: Once you're ready, you can take the certification exam online. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to assess your understanding of the subject matter.
4. Receive Your Certification: After passing the exam, you will receive your ASFA certification. This recognized credential demonstrates your expertise in step or kickbox aerobics instruction.
Conclusion
Expanding into step and kickbox aerobics can be a rewarding step in your fitness career. These classes offer a fun and effective way for participants to achieve their fitness goals while providing you with new teaching opportunities. By obtaining certifications through ASFA® and following the tips outlined in this article, you can successfully incorporate step and kickbox aerobics into your fitness instructor offerings and help your clients achieve their fitness aspirations.
