Posts Tagged ‘continuing education’
Monday, December 5th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
SFA’s innovative Brain Fitness for Older Adults educational program is now available on-line! And, to help us introduce our new online learning center, this $249.00 course is being offered at a special introductory price.
Until January 2, 2012:
- Non-members: $199.00
- SFA Members: $179.00
As many Experience! readers know, on-line testing for SFA’s certificate of completion programs is already available. Now complete on-line editions of our award winning courses are becoming available. SFA’s online courses include all of the valuable information and instructional resources contained in our “hard copy” programs, and they are accepted for continuing education credit by many fitness organizations. For example, the American Council on Exercise awards Brain Fitness for Older Adults 20 hours continuing education credit (2.0 CECs).
Please click here to check-out our "Learning Center." While you’re there, you can even try our "Dowel Exercise" course for free. "Dowel Exercise" is a brief sample on-line educational program that’s very similar in format to our in-depth educational programs.
So, whether you’re an internet veteran that already knows about the speed and convenience of on-line education or you’re newcomer looking to learn more, don’t miss this opportunity to try our sample Dowell Exercise course and, if desired, enroll in Brain Fitness for Older Adults at a special introductory price.
Note: Special introductory pricing only applies to the on-line edition of Brain Fitness for Older Adults.
Tags: cognition, continuing education, resource
Posted in Cognitive Fitness, Fitness Education | No Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
Senior health-fitness professionals, be sure and make note of the following announcement from the American Society on Aging (ASA):
What – 2012 ASA Aging in America Conference;
When — March 28-April 1, 2012;
Where — Washington, D.C.
Following is ASA’s description of this upcoming national event:
“Aging in America, the 2012 annual conference of the American Society on Aging, is the largest multidisciplinary aging conference in the country. It is recognized as the leading platform for sharing knowledge, perspectives, best practices and replicable models that help participants enhance their skills and be more effective in their work with older adults. There’s no better professional development opportunity for the people and organizations whose missions support quality of life and care for elders.”
For more information, click here.
Tags: American Society on Aging, continuing education, resource
Posted in Aging, Fitness Education | No Comments »
Friday, September 30th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
The Experience! editorial staffers, fresh off a delightful summer sabbatical, are returning to American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) headquarters and gearing up for a new monthly series of informative newsletters. To mark summer’s end, we’re offering special savings on all of our award-winning professional education programs. But don’t delay; these savings will only be available through Monday, Oct. 10, 2011.
Plus, there’s extra savings for early-birds. If you place your order by Tuesday, October 4, SFA will even pay the shipping (U.S. and Canada only).
Please call SFA at (888)689-6791 to order by phone or click here to order online.
Tags: American Senior Fitness Association, continuing education, industry news, senior fitness education
Posted in Fitness Education, General | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
The American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) is marking the end of this academic year with A-plus savings on SFA’s award-winning educational programs. You can earn a respected senior-specific fitness credential as well as two years’ worth of continuing education credit – fully meeting the CE requirements to renew many major fitness certifications – by taking just one complete SFA professional education course. And with SFA’s convenient distance-learning plan, you can do so in the comfort of your own home and according to your own personal schedule. No gasoline costs, no airport hassles, no pricey hotels, no hurry! Please visit www.SeniorFitness.net for more information or to order your SFA educational program.
Tags: continuing education, exercise, resource
Posted in Fitness Education, General | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
Attention senior fitness professionals: You may wish to share the following brain fitness pointer with your older adult physical activity participants – and put it to work for yourself, as well.
Writing for the May 13-15, 2011, edition of USA Weekend, Cara Hedgepeth recently described the book The Winner’s Brain by Jeff Brown, Mark Fenske and Liz Neporent. Its authors maintain that qualities such as motivation are more important than IQ when it comes to achieving success in life.
Just one useful idea presented in The Winner’s Brain involves using a technique called “bookending” in order to help oneself prioritize goals and finish the most important task at hand.
When a number of things are on one’s mind, it can be difficult to focus on the job that needs to be wrapped up first. To utilize bookending, one should mentally employ cue words (such as “now”) to represent the needed bookend. Describing the conscious process, Hedgepeth writes: “Put everything but one task on the other side of that bookend so you can work on accomplishing that one goal. Once you’ve completed that task, lift the bookend and move on to the next.”
For additional ways to help your older adult health-fitness clients maximize their cognitive function, enroll in SFA’s popular professional education program “Brain Fitness for Older Adults.”
Tags: cognition, continuing education, exercise, memory
Posted in Cognitive Fitness, Fitness Education, General | No Comments »
Monday, May 23rd, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
Whoever actually originated the following quotation, he or she was right on the money:
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
– Author unknown, commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin
Tags: continuing education, wisdom
Posted in Fitness Education, General, Healthy Living | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
The American Senior Fitness Association (SFA) hopes the first quarter of 2011 has gotten this new year off to a great start for all our members and readers! We’re celebrating Spring with tremendous savings on SFA’s award-winning professional education programs. Applauded by the National Council on Aging, SFA distance-learning continuing education courses are convenient, practical, and comprehensive.
So if you’d like to add a senior-specific fitness credential to your resume, to earn continuing education credits accepted by most fitness organizations or both, be sure to order by Monday, April 4, 2011, and take advantage of these discounts.
Plus, here’s some extra good news for you early birds! Order your program by Monday, March 28, and SFA will pay the shipping.
So don’t delay. Click here to order online or call SFA at 888-689-6791 to take advantage of this special opportunity.
Tags: advanced qualification, certificate, continuing education
Posted in General | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
During the first quarter of 2011, SFA has begun a number of exciting initiatives including the preparatory stages of two new professional education courses. 
As these events unfold, look for detailed announcements in Experience! Below are just a few highlights from 2010:
SFA president Janie Clark continued to champion older adult quality of life in her role as an effective advocate for optimal senior fitness programming. She served on the National AFib Support Team, which was sponsored by the pharmaceutical corporation sanofi-aventis to promote a better understanding of atrial fibrillation among laypersons, medical personnel, and health-fitness professionals. She appeared on Retirement Living Television and wrote for EP Lab Digest, the news and clinical update publication for electrophysiology professionals. She also gave interviews for articles in Club Industry magazine, the Chicago Tribune, American Fitness magazine (published by AFAA, the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), and numerous other media outlets.
SFA launched a popular newsletter and website series "Who’s Who in Senior Fitness" which profiles individuals who’ve made key contributions to the field. Upcoming issues of Experience! will feature Kay Van Norman, Jim Evans, and more.
The Association signed on to exciting new corporate partnership and distributorship agreements.
SFA members achieved numerous worthwhile accomplishments, many of which were documented in Experience! You can access past issues by visiting SFA’s website.
SFA’s latest professional education program, Brain Fitness for Older Adults, continued to earn stellar expert reviews, such as the following statement by neuroscientist Dr. Ryan McKim, PsyD: "Drawing on recent neuroscientific research, SFA has designed a thoughtful and progressive training program for senior fitness professionals interested in integrating cognitive fitness into their existing physical activity programs. Recent advances in neuroscience are drawing long overdue attention to the importance of cognitive health. SFA has designed an impressive and well-researched training program for senior fitness professionals."
Educational participants gained vital knowledge and expertise from their SFA courses. Below are some commentaries from students who completed their work during the past few months.
Tags: cognition, continuing education, exercise, memory, resource
Posted in Research, Wellness | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
Recent comments on the Brain Fitness for Older Adults professional education program:
"I could not put the materials back down because it was so fascinating. I loved the video. Very informative." Margaret, Tennessee
"I liked the suggested plans for brain fitness projects, and covering just enough historical and physiological content. Good mix of reading and video content. Very good program." Lori, Virginia
"I liked the variety of material — practical and theoretical. The references were excellent, and the additional resources were helpful." Suzanne, Oklahoma
"Material presented well. Amount of material is a bit overwhelming." Mary, Pennsylvania
"I liked the simplicity of materials and instruction sheet suggestions to complete class." Leslie, California
"Very easy to understand — even technical terms made sense." Betty, Illinois
"Extremely educational, comprehensive, and practical! Thank you so much for making this unique course available!! It will be invaluable for helping my clients maintain and improve their quality of life!" Hope, Florida
Recent comments on the Long Term Care Fitness Leader professional education program:
"As an activity coordinator in LTC facilities for the past 12 years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed studying for this course — Part One and Two! Plan to take more courses from SFA. Will share much of what I’ve learned with the staff at my ALF workplace. Very informative!" Elise, Florida
"Great information. Very useful material that can actually be applied to real life situations. Truly enjoyed this applicable material. I was refreshed by the material and I also learned a few new techniques and ideas. Material is very helpful whether as a beginner or a refreshment course. Very good!" Jose, New Mexico
"What I liked most about the course — Everything!! I enjoyed all the materials and videos. I liked the way these were organized and boxed in sets for future reference. I liked the wide range of topics covered. I especially enjoyed the in-depth coverage on arthritis, as well as the overview of commonly prescribed medications and their effects on exercise." Mary, Illinois
"I liked the conversational, practical writing style. Helpful information." Cathy, Maryland
"All great! I liked the information flow and the in-depth info. Great info." Debra, Ohio
"I loved all the terrific activity ideas that my frail elderly fitness participants can take part in both safely and successfully. These workouts and activties are fun, beneficial, and easy to conduct. They have my participants smiling, laughing, moving, and engaging with each other. Thanks a million, SFA!!! " Sharie, Florida
Tags: continuing education, exercise, physical activities, resource
Posted in Exercise, Fitness Education, Functional Fitness, General | No Comments »
Thursday, March 24th, 2011 by American Senior Fitness Association View This Issue of Experience!
Recent comments on the Senior Fitness Instructor professional education program:
"I am glad I chose your organization for this course! Great materials! Lots of great information that I can use for reference over and over again! I liked the materials included. I like that you
had everything to work with. The manual is very good and useful as a reference." Pauline, Washington
"I enjoyed having my eyes opened to some very important matters concerning critical areas for seniors." Randall, Texas
"Terms I have encountered in my [organization name omitted] exam materials, which weren’t fully explained, were clarified much better with SFA materials. And I like that the course is specifically dealing with seniors and not the whole population." Joan, California
"I liked the exercises displayed with each section. It will be helpful in class planning." Cindy, Missouri
"I wish more [organization name omitted] credit courses (by other companies) were as well laid out and knowledgeable in their subjects. I have been [organization name omitted] certified for 15 years and this is one of the best correspondence courses! Extremely well organized and, most importantly, the questions and content are useful for this subject area." Rachel, Washington
"Thank you for this wonderful program. Though it has taken me a while to complete, it was well worth it. I found both courses (Part One and Two) to be informative and thorough. I look forward to helping others and being a positive role model for the American Senior Fitness Association. Great material! Very informative relative to senior safety during exercise. Enjoyed all aspects… I enjoyed the study of specific exercises and programs for senior adults — also, information regarding nutrition. I would also like to mention the professionalism of the staff at SFA, particularly Grant. He is always kind, polite and able to answer my questions. Thank you!" Sydney, Michigan
"I love this course! I like your open book approach. I learned so much. Once I opened the book I could not put it down. I love the exercise plans as well as the motivation chapter. Thanks! I liked all the information about risk factors and senior nutrition. I learned a lot. Thanks for this opportunity to become a senior fitness instructor. Although persons aged 65 and older comprise only about 12 percent of the U.S. population, I see my future as a senior fitness instructor wide open." Graziella, New Hampshire
"This is one of the best manuals for older adults that I have found in my studies! Many thanks to Janie Clark! The content of the course is excellent and most useful. It was especially helpful having the exercises pictured along with the ‘instructor-to-client’ information and the ‘teaching tips and ideas.’" Mary, Florida
"Great review and reinforcement of what I’ve been teaching for years!! I am an RN and have been a group fitness instructor for over 25 years! Thanks for all." Rebecca, North Carolina
"Interesting, very informative, very practical and can use right away. The variety offered for different types of health situations and training for many types of clients who want to exercise and get in shape is appreciated." Laurie, Massachusetts
"Great program. Will add to my current training schedule for older clients. Enjoyed the reading material. Nicely written, easy to follow." Kathryn, California
"The information content was interesting and easy to understand. The staff is excellent and very accessible." Linda, Nevada
"I liked the content. Good course!" Jane, New York
"I gained a better understanding of the benefits of exercise for the older adult population." Sylvia, Tennessee
"I liked the organization of material. Great course!" Sophia, Massachusetts
"I liked the simplicity." Adam, Minnesota
"The detail on the exercise routines — excellent! And the pictures were very helpful. I appreciate the workbooks for future reference. Very comprehensive." Beth, California
"Instantly useable information. Extremely in-depth. Very informative." Melissa, Ohio
"Very thorough and organized by subject areas." Juliana, Colorado
"Well organized, easy to understand, no trick questions on test [happy face symbol]." Kathryn, Massachusetts
"I could go at my own pace. I could fill out the exam as I studied. Thanks!!" Laura, North Carolina
"Easy to follow." Elaine, Florida
"Very thorough and organized presentation." Juliana, Colorado
"Wonderful programming ideas, clearly presented. Lots of creative ideas for teaching seniors. DVDs were very enjoyable." Mary, Illinois
"Great course. I liked the organization of the information." Nikki, South Carolina
"Challenging. I liked the fitness tips I could use right away." Carma, Washington
"Very comprehensive. Thoroughly addresses all the aspects of instructing senior fitness classes." Denise, Colorado
"I liked the DVDs that show
"I liked the overall education principles of senior fitness. I learned about training and teaching older adults and the health risks to consider." Tracy, Texas
"Keep up the great work! It was very complete!" Robert, Hawaii
"I liked the variety of topics and the depth they were covered, including info on medications. I liked all of the background information about older adults." Jennifer, California
"I appreciated the practical tips on setting up classes." Kelly, Nebraska
"Appreciated that it was so clear and concise. Made the material more enjoyable to read." Margaret, California
"Format, presentation — good." Grace, Illinois
"Great reference material." Leslie, Georgia
"Very easy to follow. Great study material." Megan, Washington
"Well thought out. Very thorough!" Eric, Washington
Recent comments on the Senior Personal Trainer professional education program:
"I liked the progression of content. Challenging and exciting even though I have a BS in physical education. The program is age-specific which is why I enrolled. I am energized and looking forward to taking more of your courses. Very courteous staff. Material well presented in a clear, concise manner and with systematic logical order." Barbara, New Hampshire
"I will recommend this course to others. Useful information." Nancy, New York
"I am looking forward to applying all study materials to my new career in senior personal training and to my own personal fitness program as a ‘senior’ myself! Thank you! I like all of the detailed information from start to finish. Very thorough and applicable to trainer and clients! I found value in the explanation of the seven fitness assessment tests, training goals, and implementation of functional fitness training. Thank you for the valuable work you do to assist trainers and clients to achieve healthy lifestyles as seniors!" Cathy, Louisiana
"It was very informative. I was able to apply it immediately." Mike, Oregon
"I liked all the great hands-on ideas, as well as the client handout sheets and functional fitness emphasis. The materials were well organized." Mary Ann, Illinois
"The course not only covered subject matter regarding the actual job of senior personal trainer, but also marketing and acquiring clients. I liked the anatomical details and explanations." Phillip, Arizona
"I personally enjoyed the ‘Contemporary Reading’ manual. I learned quite a bit about the most important psychological dynamics involved with the aging adult. I hope to put much of this into practice. I thought all the material was very well organized. The language and text were most understandable and applicable." Rebecca, New York
"The ‘Special Population Imperatives’ section was very educational and helpful. The information was easy to understand and was organized well." Daniel, Colorado
"The glossary of terms was very helpful. I learned a lot. Great, updated, current, well organized information." Ann, North Carolina
"The subject matter was interesting. I liked the information about fibromyalgia and the high blood pressure basics. I would like the design of the certificate to show more about the content completed." Elizabeth, Virginia
"I liked all of the handouts, forms on wellness, and questionnaires; the related lifestyles information; the goal-specific sections; and the examples of exercises and sample training forms." Renee, Nevada
"Important, practical, concise information that is immediately useful. Presented in an effective, retainable format. I liked the use of specific client and training examples. Great resource. Overall, good to excellent." Kimberly, Oregon
"I liked that the learning pace was my choice! I also found the information easy to follow but, at the same time, I learned a lot." Caitlin, Pennsylvania
"Terrific course! Though I have over 30 years experience as a personal trainer, the information gleaned from your course materials has further increased my confidence and comfort level for working with seniors in a one on one setting. Thank you again for this wonderful program! It will truly be an asset in my quest to be one of the most reputable senior fitness businesses in the state of Michigan. I learned so much with these tools!" Sydney, Michigan
"I liked the exercise promotion and suggestions for increasing the use of lower body exercise." Tim, California
"I felt it was all very informative. I especially liked the part on how to market yourself to older populations and all of the sample questions and handouts." Pamela, California
"Interesting, meaningful. I liked the range and depth of info." Debra, Ohio
"The knowledge of the material was excellent! It is very well written and easy to understand." Patricia, Iowa
"I liked the value of the information as it pertains to older adults, and that it focused specifically on older adults." Rick, Idaho
"Clear, concise. Info easy to follow." Juliana, Colorado
"Very easy to follow and well written." Whitney, New York
"The content was easy to read and gave me ideas I had forgotten about." Tracy, Texas
"Excellent course." Susan, Texas
"I especially liked Part III of ‘Contemporary Readings in Senior Personal Training,’ specifically ‘Exercise Psychology and the Aging Adult.’ Also especially liked chapter two of ‘Physiology and Health Promotion for Senior Fitness Professionals,’ specifically ‘Practical Exercise Science: Key Facts and Definitions.’" Carlo, Texas
Tags: continuing education, exercise, resistance training, strength training
Posted in Exercise, Fitness Education, General | No Comments »
