AEA’s Arthritis & Aquatic Exercise: The Next Level Courses & Specialty Certificate
Just as there are several different conditions that fall under the umbrella of arthritis, there are varying degrees of severity and limitations experienced by individuals. Some will benefit from a higher intensity exercise program. For this reason, AEA has developed The Next Level of training with two complementary courses that can be combined to earn a Specialty Certificate.
COURSES
Both courses are built on AEA Arthritis Foundation Program Leader Manual and Program Leader Training. Having this baseline knowledge is helpful (and recommended), but not required to complete either course.
Aquatic Training Principles - Self-Paced Online Ed
Based on current research and trends in exercise for people with arthritis, the goal is to recognize when it is prudent to provide higher intensity exercise. This online course and will guide you through five modules to deepen your knowledge. This course includes quick quizzes to assist with understanding content and seven assignments to help you apply the knowledge. The course provides 15 CEC/CEUs that can be used to renew your AEA AFAP/AFEP Training, AEA AFP Certification, and/or ATRI Certification. Please Note: This course cannot be completed in one day. Allow yourself adequate time to learn, explore, and apply your knowledge for a stronger understanding of properly designed aquatic exercise for individuals living with arthritis and related conditions.
Practical Applications - Offered In-Person or Virtually Live (via Zoom®)
Many people have benefited from the AEA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program (AFAP) and land-based exercise program (AFEP) classes, but it is important to recognize when and how to progress and regress exercise options to ensure an appropriate challenge and success for everyone in the program. This workshop covers the following concepts during the interactive classroom segment: Exercise Progression & Regression, Monitoring Intensity, Recovery & Relaxation, and AFAP Programming Considerations. The workshop ends at the pool, transitioning the lecture into hands-on movement skills. The course provides 4 CEC/CEUs that can be used to renew your AEA AFAP/AFEP Training, AEA AFP Certification, and/or ATRI Certification.
SPECIALTY CERTIFICATE
Want to dive deeper and show your commitment to working with indiviuals living with arthritis and related conditions? Earn your AEA Specialty Certificate in Arthritis & Aquatic Exercise: The Next Level.
The Specialty Certificate is an AEA blended education program and can be achieved by completing both courses discussed above. There is no additional cost for the certificate, but you must also have these prerequisites:
AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification (to understand how to design and implement aquatic programming)
AFAP Online Training Course (to understand the foundational principles of exercising with arthritis)