About Our Apprenticeship Training Program

ATP is the practical component of our Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT) program. The ATP gives participants hands-on experience in planning and teaching a group fitness class.

Each program runs for eight weeks, and each participant is required to attend a minimum of six sessions in order to successfully complete the program. All participants will be evaluated in weeks seven and eight in preparation for leading their own fitness classes.

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Health Directions’ Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT) or a Primary Group Fitness Training Program.
2. Hold a current certification in Group Fitness, Yoga, Pilates, or Personal Training if not completing number 1.

Programs

The following programs are offered following our Group Fitness Instructor Training weekends, based on demand.

These courses count for the amount of Continuing Education Credit listed next to each program name. Courses taken for initial completion of the Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT) program do not count for CECs toward your Health Directions GFIT renewal. However, you may return and take a different ATP for renewal credit.

Low Impact

Learn to choreograph and teach a safe and effective low-impact aerobics class. Course includes lessons on choreography, musicality, and class components. Also learn to incorporate resistance-training exercises using balls, bands, and dumbbells, into your classes.

• Please call (803) 791-2772 for future dates.

Step

Learn Step Reebok movement patterns and terminology as you practice choreographing a safe step class. Participants learn to offer a variety of options to engage class members at any level. You also learn to incorporate resistance-training exercises, using balls, bands, and dumbbells, into your classes.

• Please call (803) 791-2772 for future dates.

Sculpt Apprenticeship Training Program (ATP)

Learn how to teach a dynamic, effective resistance-training class using a variety of props (dumbbells, barbells, balls, bands and tubes). Participants will learn principles of strength training and how to design classes using different modalities (changing resistance, speed or stability).

• Please call (803) 791-2772 for future dates.

Yoga

16 HD

Review the 16 basic postures of yoga as you explore the history and meaning of Hatha yoga. Learn how to plan and teach a class that flows from pose to pose, using the breath as a guide. Practice using props to help participants ease into yoga poses. Taught by Health Directions Master Instructor Bill Blask and his team.

• Where: Health Directions Irmo
• When: May 21 - 22, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pilates

12 HD

Review and practice the foundation exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. Learn how to plan a class that flows from one exercise to the next in a smooth progression. Review breath work and postural alignment. Learn how to assist class members in modifying exercises. Taught by Health Directions Master Instructors Vicki Beatty and Mandy Glowacki.