IFA Certification

[Vixi]

One of the aerobics instructors at my gym has been trying to get me to get my certification to teach classes for months. I have also had a lot of encouragement from other instructors and trainers at the gym since my progress and fitness level has advanced so quickly. Not feeling very confidant about it I have been pretty reluctant to even attempt to consider teaching a class. The instructors all have AFAA certs and for whatever reason I went on ahead and got my certification with IFA since it was fairly easy to do so and I figured that they had enough confidence in my abilities. Being genetically predisposed to having a little more muscle helps but I can't seem to be consistant with my diet and am not exactly fat but am fairly "thick". My body fat is probably around 28% which is pretty high but I'm toned and have a large chest and a little bit of a belly. (Wouldn't even THINK of wearing anything that had much lycra/spandex in it!) However, my overall fitness level is good and I have a reasonable strength and cardio base from which to improve.

The standard low impact aerobics class at my gym lasts an hour and about 20 minutes of that is high reps with weights and I comfortably use 5 lbs for that. I don't even feel much of the 10 minute ab work unless I do hands/arms over/
above head. The cardio part is no problem and I often do hi/low (in the low impact class due to knee probs) to get my heart rate up.

What are the feelings about IFA certification? Do instructors look down on it? The gym where I would be teaching is in a small town and they said that they pretty much accept most certifications. Also, since I am not exactly lean nor do I look like what the general population would consider an aerobic instructor's physique, is that any hinderance?

I'm still debating teaching classes and wanted to get some input before deciding if I felt ready to try it. I know that being certified doesn't mean being qualified. I know that I'm physically capable and I've done a ton of reading in the past several years. I guess the main questions lie in what are the perceptions of other instructors (on the IFA cert) and the members of the gym and their interpretation of my qulaification to teach when I'm not exactly svelt.

This is a bit long and thanks for bearing with me and I really do appreciate any input!

 

[peaches]

IMHO, I think you should go for it. Your confidence will improve with each class you teach. I think a lot of people find it inspiring to have an instructor who doesn't look like a supermodel, because they get to witness your transformation first hand. Certification, schmertification. My most potent techniques I have learned from great trainers and teachers in the gyms I have worked out at. Find yourself a mentor. Good Luck!