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AFAA® Courses

Grow your expertise, knowledge and value with AFAA certifications, specialties and courses.

Group Fitness

Group Fitness Instructor

CEUs: 15 Interest-Free Payment Plan (installments as low as $16)*
 

Share your love for fitness and be the person others look to for motivation and results. Learn how to craft fun, inspirational classes that people get excited to attend, all with science-backed movements and exercises designed to help participants enjoy getting fit.

Be ready to teach everything from circuit training to high-intensity cardio and cycling, yoga to Pilates, all while building your own close-knit community of fans. Learn more...

 

Group Fitness Instructor Textbook

 

Principles of Group Fitness Instruction is the official textbook to help prepare you for the AFAA GFI certification exam. Learn more...

 
 

More Certifications

Personal Fitness Trainer

CEUs: 15 Interest-Free Payment Plan (4 payments of $124.75)
 

Turn your love for fitness and helping others into a rewarding career. As a certified personal fitness trainer, you don’t just help people workout, you help change behaviors that change lives. If you’re ready to make a difference, AFAA is ready to show you how.

Your AFAA Personal Fitness Trainer certification combines the most current science with over 30 years of experience and leadership in the fitness industry. We’ll cover these key topics to get you prepared. Learn more...

 

Personal Fitness Trainer Textbook

 

Personal Fitness Training: Theory & Practice is the official textbook to prepare for AFAA's Personal Trainer Certification v4 exam. Learn more...

 

G.E.A.R. Indoor Cycling Instructor

CEUs: 12

AFAA’s G.E.A.R. Indoor Cycle Training is an evolved approach to traditional Indoor Cycling that acknowledges the broadened set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that instructors need to be successful in today’s highly competitive indoor cycling market.

Today’s instructors should not only be fluent in the basic science of indoor cycling but must also be prepared to embrace technology and the role it plays in class design and delivery. Additionally, they must understand the artistic elements of music utilization, dynamic coaching, and community building that are essential to success. This certification provides instructors with the best of both; science to be effective, art to be engaging. Learn more.

 

NASM Nutrition Coach

CEUs: 19

 

In this state-of-the-art interactive program, you’ll learn how to put your clients on the healthiest route towards their best selves.

As an NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), you’ll have the relevant knowledge and abilities you’ll need to design and deliver top-quality, individualized nutrition coaching for your clients. You’ll be able to use your nutrition coaching skills to increase success in their health- and fitness-related goals. Learn more.

 
 

Online Continuing Education

CPR/AED Certification Online, Powered by ASTI

CEUs: 2
 

Master the basics of CPR/AED without leaving your house, thanks to the American Safety Training Institute (ASTI) CPR/AED Course.

This CPR Certification provides you with the understanding and know-how to confidently and quickly act in the case of a life-threatening situation. Learn more...

 

 

Group Personal Training Specialization

CEUs: 19
 

Combine your passion for teaching group fitness with personal training. With NASM's Group Personal Training Specialization (NASM-GPTS), you'll learn how to create a group experience that's individualized for each of your clients and their personal goals. Find out how to create effective exercise programs designed for groups, and increase your potential clients and income. Learn more...

 

Beyond Mat Science

CEUs: 7

 

This fusion-based format is a true balance between standing and floor exercises in a variety of positions. It incorporates the use of both yoga and Pilates breathing techniques, while allowing instructors to be creative with the original exercises. This online course offers flowing sequences suitable for all fitness levels that incorporate the three main fitness components: Cardio-respiratory, strength, and flexibility training. Learn more...

 

Cream Rises: Excellence in Education

CEUs: 7
 

How you teach makes the difference in what you’re teaching. This program showcases the effective teaching and educating techniques used by Lawrence Biscontini, by explaining both the “What” and “How” of his teachings in group related programs. Learn more...

 

Finding Your Beat, powered by Yes! Fitness Music

CEUs: 4
 

AFAA in collaboration with YES! Fitness Music, bring you Finding Your Beat. This course is designed to help you hear the beat, cue to the beat, move to the beat, and harness the power of music to lead safe, effective, and motivating classes.Learn more...

 

Golden Hearts: Senior Fitness Training

CEUs: 7
 

Golden Hearts focuses on designing and teaching fitness programs for seniors. In this online course you will learn the physiological changes that occur with aging, the role exercise plays in chronic disease management and safe and effective exercise program design for the healthy active to sedentary senior. Learn more...

 

Group Exercise: The Practical Way

CEUs: 7
 

No matter what format a fitness trainer is teaching, the skills inherent for overall successful group instruction remain the same. This workshop focuses on what it takes to be an effective and safe group exercise instructor. Participants will learn practical techniques for teaching a variety of group exercise classes with confidence. A downloadable 86-page outline is included. Learn more...

 

Group Resistance Training: Circuit Training

CEUs: 4
 

This online program covers program goals, class format and design, and guidelines. In addition, it will highlight various tips to help trainers improve their overall presentation skills. A complete workout is included. Learn more...

 

Group Resistance Training: Exercise Sequencing

CEUs: 4
 

This online program covers exercise sequencing for more creative and metabolically effective workouts. In addition, it will highlight various tips to help trainers improve their overall presentation skills. A complete workout is included. Learn more...

 

Kickboxing: Skills and Drills

CEUs: 7
 

Learn the skills needed to teach safe, effective, and fun kickboxing classes in this online course. These workouts are a combination of boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts movements along with traditional aerobic skills. Learn more...

 

Midlife Fitness for Women

CEUs: 7
 

In this online course, you’ll focus on the physiology of women during and past midlife, including the stages and symptoms associated with menopause, and the long-term effects of estrogen deficiency (e.g., osteoporosis and heart disease). In addition, you will learn programming strategies for this fitness population. Learn more...

 

Practical Modality Instruction

CEUs: 5
 

Learn 175 exercises while taking an in-depth look at 11 of today’s most popular group exercise modalities, covering bodyweight training, foam rolling, stability balls, elastic resistance, sliding discs, medicine balls, suspension training, dumbbells, kettlebells, active resistance and box/step drills. You’ll learn over 175 exercises and cover the important points of exercise technique, effective cueing, common form faults and movement variations. Plus, you’ll get 16 time-saving predesigned workouts and a template to create your own safe and effective programs. Learn more...

 

Practical Pilates

CEUs: 7
 

Based on the original works of the late Joseph H. Pilates, this online program combines the best of both Eastern and Western philosophies and traditions. The 28 practical mat Pilates exercises featured in this course focus on conditioning the body from the inside out. Learn the importance of core stabilization, muscle balance, proper alignment, strength, and flexibility while integrating the concepts of mindfulness, fluidity, and grace. Learn more...

 

Practical Yoga Instructor Training

CEUs: 7

 

Learn how to confidently lead a safe and challenging multi-level yoga class in a variety of settings. This online program combines AFAA’s traditional methods of teaching group exercise with our unique “Sunrise Yoga Format™” approach to yoga. Learn more...

 

Stress Gets Personal

CEUs: 6
 

This program focuses on the sources and symptoms of stress and techniques that can be used to help manage stress. Techniques include stress-less thinking, relaxation, and imagination-meditation-affirmation, proper nutrition, exercise, and biofeedback.

This program is focused on a scope of practice appropriate for fitness professionals. Learn more...

 

Sunrise Yoga

CEUs: 7

 

The Sunrise Yoga online course introduces you to a gentle approach to Yoga that will teach you how to create a progressive series of poses that flow smoothly and accommodate all fitness levels. Poses that increase muscular strength and flexibility, improve balance and coordination, reduce stress and enhance the feeling of well-being while linking mind, body, and breath. Learn more...

 

Sustaining Mobility and Movement (Series)

Human Movement Science (Release #1)

CEUs: 7
 

As a fitness professional, you know that moving efficiently in activities is key to performance and longevity for you and your participants. In this first release of AFAA’s Sustaining Mobility & Movement series, group exercise instructors and personal trainers learn to uncover dysfunctions in the body’s kinetic chain and the associated movement deficiencies that can lead to poor movement patterns and potential injuries. Learn more...

 

Sustaining Mobility and Movement (Series)

Foot, Ankle and Knee (Release #2)

CEUs: 7
 

When it comes to building a foundation for better movement, it helps to focus from the ground up—literally. In the second piece of the Sustaining Mobility and Movement Series, you’ll get an in-depth understanding of the functional anatomy of the foot, ankle and knee and how to correct the imbalances you see in group exercise settings—reducing injury and improving overall mobility. For optimal effectiveness, this course is best when taken after Human Movement Science. Learn more...

 

Yo-Chi

CEUs: 7

 

In Yo-Chi, Lawrence Biscontini sets out to “create a mind-body, cafeteria-style bento box, dim sum sampler” of some of Lawrence’s favorite and most effective standing and floor-based yoga postures with Chinese Ta’i Chi movement patterns for the arms and legs. It’s a fusion program that gives you benefits in both stability or strength and mobility or flexibility as Lawrence combines the two oldest mind body programs that still exist today. So much of yoga depends on being still and finding stability, and so much of T’ai Chi involves slow, controlled never ending mobility, but by doing these disciplines together– either alternating or in combination–can help increase your overall wellness. Furthermore, the fact that these two disciplines have survived for hundreds of years attests to the fact they truly offer something for everyone. Yo-Chi is perfect for teaching both the new-to fitness sedentary couch potato and the experienced elite. Learn more...

 

Yoga and Pilates on the Ball Training

CEUs: 7

 

Expand your knowledge and explore new exercises by adding a large stability ball and a small Pilates ball to your Yoga and Pilates fusion workouts. In this online course, you will learn techniques to increase strength, flexibility and muscle tone with a focus on improving posture, proprioception and functional strength. Learn more...

 

Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease

CEUs: 4
 

Walk With Ease is an evidence-based program that has been proven to help people with arthritis or other related conditions reduce pain, increase balance, strength and walking pace, and improve overall health. As a Walk With Ease Program Leader, you’ll help arthritis pain suffers build confidence in their ability to be physically active, and show them how they can make physical activity part of their everyday lives. You’ll learn the relationship between arthritis, exercise and pain, develop and implement a personal walking plans with realistic goals, and get tips, strategies and resources for maintaining a long-term exercise routine. Participants receive an Arthritis Foundation certification, a leader's manual filled with exercise illustrations, health education information, and a 6-week walking plan. Learn more...

 

Fitness Instruction Essentials

CEUs: 2
 

Learn evidence-based principles of movement science application, and review key tips for maintaining a healthy, fit lifestyle. Review various fitness assessments and programming to help monitor progress. Learn more...

 

Essential Injury Prevention Bundle

CEUs: 16
 

With AFAA’s bundled Injury Prevention Series – Essential Injury Prevention (Parts 1-4), you’ll take group exercise to an individual level by learning to assess your class and see how students move, uncover common imbalances and misalignments, and make adjustments to correct them. The course features four comprehensive sessions: Understanding Injuries, Lower Body, The Spine, and Upper Body. Group formats discussed include Cycle, Resistance/Strength Training, Cardio/HIIT, Boot Camp, Dance, Aqua and Mind-Body. Learn more...

 

Yoga Essentials I

CEUs: 3

 

This program is the starting point for aspiring yoga teachers. Learn more...

 

Yoga Essentials II

CEUs: 4

 

This program follows Yoga Essentials I and prepares you to move forward as an effective and informed yoga instructor. Learn more...

 
 

Yoga

Beyond Mat Science

CEUs: 7

 

This fusion-based format is a true balance between standing and floor exercises in a variety of positions. It incorporates the use of both yoga and Pilates breathing techniques, while allowing instructors to be creative with the original exercises. This online course offers flowing sequences suitable for all fitness levels that incorporate the three main fitness components: Cardio-respiratory, strength, and flexibility training. Learn more...

 

Practical Yoga Instructor Training

CEUs: 7

 

Learn how to confidently lead a safe and challenging multi-level yoga class in a variety of settings. This online program combines AFAA’s traditional methods of teaching group exercise with our unique “Sunrise Yoga Format™” approach to yoga. Learn more...

 

Sunrise Yoga

CEUs: 7

 

The Sunrise Yoga online course introduces you to a gentle approach to Yoga that will teach you how to create a progressive series of poses that flow smoothly and accommodate all fitness levels. Poses that increase muscular strength and flexibility, improve balance and coordination, reduce stress and enhance the feeling of well-being while linking mind, body, and breath. Learn more...

 

Yo-Chi

CEUs: 7

 

In Yo-Chi, Lawrence Biscontini sets out to “create a mind-body, cafeteria-style bento box, dim sum sampler” of some of Lawrence’s favorite and most effective standing and floor-based yoga postures with Chinese Ta’i Chi movement patterns for the arms and legs. It’s a fusion program that gives you benefits in both stability or strength and mobility or flexibility as Lawrence combines the two oldest mind body programs that still exist today. So much of yoga depends on being still and finding stability, and so much of T’ai Chi involves slow, controlled never ending mobility, but by doing these disciplines together– either alternating or in combination–can help increase your overall wellness. Furthermore, the fact that these two disciplines have survived for hundreds of years attests to the fact they truly offer something for everyone. Yo-Chi is perfect for teaching both the new-to fitness sedentary couch potato and the experienced elite. Learn more...

 

Yoga and Pilates on the Ball Training

CEUs: 7

 

Expand your knowledge and explore new exercises by adding a large stability ball and a small Pilates ball to your Yoga and Pilates fusion workouts. In this online course, you will learn techniques to increase strength, flexibility and muscle tone with a focus on improving posture, proprioception and functional strength. Learn more...

 

Yoga Essentials I

CEUs: 3

 

This program is the starting point for aspiring yoga teachers. Learn more...

 

Yoga Essentials II

CEUs: 4

 

This program follows Yoga Essentials I and prepares you to move forward as an effective and informed yoga instructor. Learn more...

 
 

CEU Corner

Muscle Clocks and the Value of Synchronized Training

CEUs: 2
 

As a Certified Personal Trainer, knowing this all-important principle of biology can help inform the exercise programming you prescribe to clients. Learn more...

 

Anatomy of a Research Paper: How to Read Beyond the Abstract

CEUs: 2
 

Yes, exercise science literature can be difficult to parse, but there are plenty of reasons to give it a shot. Here’s how to cut through the jargon and find the facts that matter to you and your clients. Learn more...

 

Stand Up to Childhood Obesity: How Fitness Pros Can Impact The Future

CEUs: 2
 

Learn the science behind the sources of this troubling trend, its sobering effects on children's quality of life, and the steps you can take to help set up youth for lifelong health. Learn more...

 

Emotions in Motion: Exercise as an Anxiety Intervention

CEUs: 2
 

Review the research on what types of exercise can mitigate symptoms of anxiety, so you can better understand this complex relationship and what it means for your clients (and you!). Learn more...

 

Working Through Cancer: Exercise as a Part of Recovery

CEUs: 2
 

An introduction and overview for fitness professionals interested in helping restore quality of life to people in cancer treatment and beyond, with a special focus on breast cancer. Learn more...

 

Hydration: Through the Lens of Fitness and Health

CEUs: 2
 

Being a little low on water is a bigger deal than most people think. Here’s research to prove it, plus a physiology review to explain why even a 2% deficit can affect mental and physical well-being. Learn more...

 

Behavior Change Science: Help Clients Stick With Their Program

CEUs: 2
 

A lot of research has delved deeply into behavior change to show why different interventions work for one person but not another. Selecting the right theoretical base can be a crucial step in developing successful fitness and lifestyle programming. Learn more...

 

Working with Older Adults: Health Challenges That Exercise Can Help

CEUs: 2
 

Taking on clients aged 65 and older can do more than expand your client base. Research shows it provides life-changing rewards—for both clients and fitness professionals. Learn more...

 

Speed, Agility and Quickness for Adult Clients

CEUs: 2
 

How can we ease strains and improve clients’ overall health in the bargain? One answer lies in pre-emptive training in SAQ: Speed, Agility and Quickness. Learn more...

 

Ready to Roll: What Science Says About Self-Myofascial Release

CEUs: 2
 

Research on foam rollers and other self-massage devices has produced some hard evidence to support their use—and revealed some surprising benefits to the body. Tennis balls loosen tight tissue. Foam rollers expand joint range of motion. Massage sticks soothe recovery from high-intensity workouts. Learn more...

 

Training the Brain

CEUs: 2
 

To motivate clients to adhere to fitness plans, use your brainpower - and theirs! Learn about cutting-edge neuroscience research that demonstrates how exercise protects this vital organ across the lifespan. Learn more...

 

Fitness for Two

CEUs: 2
 

How fitness professionals can help keep pregnant women and their babies safe, healthy and fit. Learn more...

 

Metabolic Training: Is Cardio Worth Your Time?

CEUs: 2
 

Research on HIIT versus slow distance workouts. Learn more...

 

Timing is Everything in Nutrition and Exercise

CEUs: 2
 

Careful scheduling of eating and workouts can improve performance and prevent injuries. Learn more...

 

Exercise: Exploring the Science of Recovery

CEUs: 2
 

Which practices work best? Learn more...

 

Osteoporosis

CEUs: 2
 

What You Should Know Learn more...

 

Suspension Training for Older Adults

CEUs: 2
 

Functional Movement and Training That Are Totally Accessible Learn more...

 

5 Essential Exercises for Overhead Throwing Athletes

CEUs: 2
 

Help overhead throwing athletes avoid shoulder issues with these exercises for improved strength and range of motion. Learn more...

 

Feeding The Athlete: Research vs. Food Myths

CEUs: 2
 

Find out the facts behind fueling recommendations to optimize performance and recovery. Learn more...

 

Motivating People for Better Health

CEUs: 2
 

These labels on retail packages, a required outcome of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990, have to meet strict guidelines and regulations set by the U.S. Learn more...

 

Sometimes You Just Have to Unplug

CEUs: 2
 

In today's world, stress is a very real and dangerous situation in the landscape of life. Learn more...

 

The Harmful Effects of Excessive Exercise

CEUs: 2
 

Studies Reveal Links to Heart Damage Learn more...

 

Rhabdomyolysis

CEUs: 2
 

Are trend HIT programs to blame? Learn more...

 

Legal Liability and Risk Management for the Fitness Professional

CEUs: 2
 

When an injury occurs in a fitness facility, it can lead to costly negligence claims and/or lawsuits against fitness professionals and facilities. Learn more...

 

The Sports Surfaces Debate

CEUs: 2
 

I let my feet spend as little time on the ground as possible. From the air, fast down, and from the ground, fast up. Learn more...

 

Pilates-Based Postural Assessment

CEUs: 2
 

Improve spinal mobility and strength through proper posture Learn more...

 

Parkinson's Disease

CEUs: 2
 

It's more frequently seen in patients over the age of 60 and is one of the most common neurological disorders of this age group Learn more...

 

Chronic Inflammation Compromises Health and Well-Being

CEUs: 2
 

Physicians use biomarkers to reduce risk of end-organ damage and degenerative disease. Learn more...

 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

CEUs: 2
 

The knee is the largest joint in the body Learn more...

 

Finding the Right Angle to Remedy Knee Pain

CEUs: 2
 

Many people who suffer from knee pain are regular exercisers who want to train Learn more...

 

Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - Life Coaching

CEUs: 3
 

In Jillian’s Life Coaching course, Jillian shares with you her knowledge and experience for successful lifestyle changes. You’ll not only learn the importance of a healthful diet and regular exercise, but she’ll also share her proven techniques for coaching clients through rough spots with visualization and positive affirmations. Learn more...

 

Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - Making the Cut

CEUs: 3
 

Empower your clients with advanced techniques to enhance and accelerate weight loss, boost metabolism, and build strong, lean muscles. In this course, Jillian gives you her favorite routines and all the details on why they really work. Making The Cut will be one of the most intense and goal-oriented workout plans you've ever implemented. Learn more...

 

Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - Mind-Body Fitness

CEUs: 3
 

If you want to discover and harness the mind-body connection to fitness and health, then this is what you’re looking for. In this course you are going to learn the three main components of Mind-Body-Fitness: well-defined goals, a positive attitude and visualization. Learn more...

 

Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - Need Motivation?

CEUs: 3
 

Boot camp workouts are a great way to give that extra push, intensify workouts and break free from boring regimens. In Need Motivation, Jillian introduces a boot camp style workout routine designed to motivate your clients and help build their self-esteem. Learn more...

 

Jillian Michaels CEU Corner - The Nature of Metabolism

CEUs: 3
 

In The Nature of Metabolism, you’ll explore the amazing process of metabolism, including the key hormones involved in weight loss regulation. Jillian details the effects of these hormones and offers tips to help manage their levels for optimal weight loss. Learn more...