Am I to old to teach exercise?
I am 47 years young and just now getting into exercising I have my zumba certification, and studying for the NCCPT Group Exercise certification. I am a little afraid of taking the test thinking I may not pass however I study and read on a daily basis. It is a struggle because I am also working on my Master in education. Another instructor suggested I wait til I graduate then study my group exercise certification. I find myself paying for all type of exercise courses, I have taken the lifttime academy course, some AFAA courses and now the nccpt. Does it seem as if I am all over the place, i feel that if i take these courses it will help me with the test. I just started at 47 years old and I am wonders if i should proceed, I teach praise dance and desire to learm more about corrective exercise, I have also taught a few zumba classes. I have my own studio to teach zumba but have not did it because I want a certification bad. Any suggestion please advise?
On age:I do not think that anyone is too old to teach exercise! As long as you have clients that are willing to listen to you and respect you then there is usually a mutual understanding that they are coming to you for something that they could not otherwise do on their own. I have trained under someone who was 58 years old and it was never an issue with him or his clients.
Training in general:Depending on your perspective as long as you look the part and practice what you preach then people will follow your advice. The biggest thing probably is to get results and experience. If you are teaching and you do not have social proof or some clients that are getting results then all of the marketing in the world cannot make up for an unsuccessful program.
Certifications: Try not to get caught up in all of the certifications, having a lot of them is not the point. The reason you obtain a cert should be to increase your knowledge in that area if it is something you see yourself liking or needing for your business. You should definitely get a credible cert to start like ACE or NASM but after that adding certifications is not nearly as important as obtaining the knowledge
Hi Albertine,
Age is just a number! You have passion, and you are educating yourself within that passion. Take that passion for fitness and knowledge and pass it along to others! You are absolutely not too old. I turn 46 in May, and I plan to keep teaching (have been teaching since 1990) and training for as long as I am able to do this. Many people will actually appreciate your age both with regard to knowledge and life experiences. You may be able to relate to a more mature population, and it is needed, so keep studying!
As for your studying, if the time is right for you then go for it. I would definitely continue and get a group exercise cert on top of your Zumba–just as you are planning.
Best of luck to you and keep us posted!
Christine
Also, here is a wonderful and inspirational video of a woman, Ernestine Sheperd. She is 77, a bodybuilder, and an instructor. So empowering!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/ernestine-shepherd-bodybuilder_…
We are the same age.
You’re not to old IF it’s a passion for you. It may take you a little longer to study for your certification because you have a lot going on in your life, but there’s no reason that age should stop you.
Let me be brutally honest. Our industry can be very judgmental about age, appearance, and weight. You have your own studio so you might never experience this, but it’s out there.
With respect to Zumba, there were 3 pilot tests of a mentoring program during 2013 and 2014. There will hopefully be an official program later this year, so you could link up with a mentor in your area or a distance mentor and get help getting started. In the meantime, as you have time, take other instructors’ classes. Also, watch your ZIN materials, not just for the choreography but for how the ZES’ cue.
Hi Albertine,
let me start off by saying that I am 60. I got into the fitness industry when I was 40.
Whether or not you can do both work for your Master’s degree in Education AND work on your group exercise certification is ultimately for you to determine. But don’t get yourself all twisted about that. A group exercise certification is not rocket science, and while it requires some studying, you should be able to pass it.
As far as being all over the place: you need to decide where you wand to be next and pursue that goal. Sometimes reality trumps the best laid out plans. Follow the path that you are drawn to but be open to alternatives. Your age, rather than being an obstacle, can be an asset. Just think: if you were in women in her fifties, would you look for a trainer who is 25 or 47?
I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com