Jayme Cilente          

SLM 521

Summer 2006

 

Web Link Bibliography

There are different certifications for the different areas of the health and fitness profession. There are basic certifications that cover the foundations of fitness knowledge. Then, specialty certifications that focus on certain activities, such as indoor cycling, yoga, or water exercise, or on special populations, such as older adults. Most fitness businesses look for a foundation certification.

The following bibliography contains links and descriptions of the major certifications and courses for the health and fitness profession.  This is aimed to help adults who are interested in becoming a health and fitness professional.

 

American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association - AAAI/ISMA offers over twenty different types of certifications.  The certifications are all taught by professionals with a M.S., Ph.D. or M.D., and the programs are developed by Exercise Physiologists and Physicians.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006. http://www.aaai-ismafitness.com

Alberta Fitness Leadership Association - The AFLCA is an agency-based, not-for-profit association that was established in 1984 by the Provincial government as the official fitness leadership certification body and to ensure the highest standard of fitness safety for public.  AFLCA offers seven certification courses.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006. http://www.provincialfitnessunit.ca/aflca.php

American Council on Exercise The American Council on Exercise is the largest nonprofit fitness certification and education provider in the world. Widely recognized as "America's Authority on Fitness," ACE continually sets standards and protects the public against unqualified fitness professionals and unsafe or ineffective fitness products, programs and trends.  ACE offers four different certifications.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.acefitness.org

American College of Sports Medicine  - The ACSM promotes and integrates scientific research, education, and practical applications of sports medicine and exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness, health, and quality of life.  ACSM offers four certification courses.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006. http://www.acsm.org

 

American Red Cross - American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through health and safety education and training.  From first aid, CPR and blood borne pathogens training to swimming and life guarding, HIV/AIDS education and Babysitter's Training, American Red Cross Preparedness programs help people lead safer and healthier lives.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.redcross.org

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - AFAA has issued over 200,000 certifications to fitness professionals from more than 73 countries around the world.  Each year, health clubs and studios host over 2,500 educational workshops across the nation.  AFAA provides a comprehensive written and practical examination accredited by Vital Research.  AFAA offers twenty-four certifications and continuing education courses.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.afaa.com

British Columbia Recreation & Parks Association - BCRPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to building and sustaining active healthy lifestyles and communities in British Columbia.  The BCRPA offers a number of courses and workshops for the fitness professional.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.bcrpa.bc.ca/index.htm

 

The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research - The nonprofit institute provides research and educational programs focusing on exercise physiology, behavior change, health communication, children's health, obesity, nutrition, aging, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity intervention, and health promotion.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.cooperaerobics.com

 

Canadian Personal Trainers Network - The CPTN has firm roots as the former Canadian Personal Trainers Network, first established in 1993. The organization certifies personal trainers across Canada. The personal trainer certification is based on both a comprehensive theory and a competency-based practical examination and is considered one of the best in Canada. Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.cptn.com

 

National Academy of Sports Medicine - NASM has been the global leader in certification, continuing education, solutions and tools for the health, fitness, sports performance and sports medicine professionals.  In addition to its leading fitness certification program, Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), NASM also offers the advanced specializations, the Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and the Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES). The NASM educational continuum includes more than twenty continuing education courses in a range of areas.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.nasm.org

 

National Association for Fitness Certification - NAFC offers comprehensive, convenient, cost-effective distance learning education.  Allows individuals to learn at and test at a time and place that fits into their schedule.  NAFC offers training, certification, and continuing education for the fitness professional.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.body-basics.com

 

National Council for Certified Personal TrainersNCCPT provides a network of fitness professionals’ personal training, personal training certification, nutrition counseling, massage, active release therapy, corporate fitness, fitness consulting and facility design.  The NCCPT is a complex personal training company.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.nccpt.com

 

National Council of Strength & Fitness - The NCSF-CPT credential is the leading certification given to those that have the ability and motivation to master the disciplines of health, exercise and nutritional science. The NCSF education programs develop qualified fitness professionals, sound in both theory and practice.  The NCSF personal trainer educational programs have been reviewed and accepted by both fitness industry leaders as well as numerous allied health licensing boards for continued and advanced education.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.nscf.org

NSCA Certification CommissionCSCS certification is for fitness professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. It provides training in sport-specific testing sessions, design and implements safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provides guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.  http://www.ncca-cc.org

 

 National Exercise Trainers Associations - NETA has certified over 120,000 fitness professionals and is recognized as a leader in the fitness industry.  NETA offers certification and continuing education workshops in Group Exercise, Personal Training, Pilates and Yoga.   Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.netafit.org

  

National Personal Training Institute - NPTI is committed to providing a high standard of education.   It offers unique and comprehensive courses to become a Personal Trainer.  The NPTI curriculum is geared to meet the needs of today's health-minded individuals.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.    http://www.nationalpersonaltraininginstitute.com

 

National Strength Professionals Association - NSPA has educated thousands of health and fitness professionals through its certification courses and workshops. The NSPA courses emphasize professional competency through hands-on practical application, group lectures, and student interaction. Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.nspainc.com

 

World Instructor Training Schools - Of the 11 major certifying bodies, W.I.T.S. is the only 6 week 36 hour program of its kind. W.I.T.S. can teach you the fundamental building blocks for success in the health and fitness industry. The courses are held in many schools districts, clubs and colleges across the country.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.witseducation.com

  

YMCA of USA Programs for the YMCA include strength training, injury rehabilitation, walking, personal fitness, exercise for beginners, yoga, tai chi, healthy back, weight management, and group exercise including aerobics, martial arts exercise, studio cycling, and much more. Many YMCAs offer stop-smoking programs and stress management classes. Hundreds of YMCAs collaborate with hospitals to provide these programs.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.ymca.net/

 

Yogafit - YogaFit is designed to improve the health, performance, and mental acuity of athletes or individuals interested in improving their level of fitness.  Based on the ancient fitness science of hatha yoga, it blends balance, strength, flexibility and power in a fitness format.  YogaFit overcomes the mystery of yoga by delivering a practical, user-friendly style, which is accessible, understandable, and doable by individuals at any level of fitness.  Date retrieved – May 28, 2006.   http://www.yogafit.com/