Why fitness credentials matter
Are you getting fitness advice from an expert? I mean a true expert, someone who has the credentials and the experience to back up what they’re sharing. Sure, anyone can give fitness advice, but there are people like myself who have gone through trainings, earned advanced degrees and put in countless hours of studying to refine their skills.
I became a licensed Zumba instructor in 2011, and while you may think it’s “just dancing,” there’s a lot that goes into it that you may not realize. In addition to an 8-hour course, I receive access to new music, choreography and trainings to help me stay on top of my game. There’s so much planning and strategy that goes into each class, and my time extends far beyond just the one hour you see.
In 2020, I decided to take my fitness career to the next level by getting my group fitness certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). I studied for months, learning about the fundamentals of teaching fitness and how to make classes accessible and effective for people in all walks of life. It was such a great learning experience, but also reaffirmed many of the fitness techniques and principles I was already sharing. I earn continuing education credits (CEUs) by taking courses so I can stay up to date the latest fitness trends, guidelines and research. It’s important that everything I share with you is evidence-based.
This month, I received a new credential from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I’m now a certified women’s fitness specialist. This program went into great detail about training women specifically through different seasons of life — pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. I learned more about nutrition and how body image and eating disorders can impact the way we view exercise and food. I think having this specialization under my belt only strengthens the Workout with Mom brand!
One huge benefit of working with a fitness pro who has certifications is that they’re specially trained to work with different populations and provide modifications to help keep you safe. I see a lot of crazy exercises on TikTok and Instagram that look cool, but just aren’t safe. So make sure you’re getting your inspiration from people who have the right expertise.
If you’ve been interested in getting a fitness certification but haven’t done it yet, I highly recommend it. Shoot me a message if you want to learn more about the process!
