Older Adult Fitness Leadership (OAFL) - Course Content


 

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Examination Challenges.

Pre-requisite: Basic Fitness Leader

Daily physical activity is necessary for everyone, especially for older adults wishing to maintain independent and active lifestyles. The end results are physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual benefits. The purpose of this 20 hour workshop is to sensitize leaders to special considerations involved in teaching fitness to an aging population.

 Course Content Includes:
  • OAFL Course Outline
  • IFC Certification and Re-certification Requirements
  • Physiology of Aging and Exercise
  • Biological Theories of Aging
  • Benefits of Exercise
  • Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults
  • Introduction to General Exercise Guidelines
  • Understanding and Motivating Older Adults
  • Comparison of Elders
  • Behavioural Change Strategy
  • Communication and Leadership Skills
  • Instructor Responsibilities
  • Psychosocial Considerations
  • Leadership Strategies for Making Exercise Enjoyable
  • Common Health Challenges Faced
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Respiratory Problems
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions including Joint Replacements
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Visual and Auditory Disorders
  • Medications and Exercise
  • Falls Prevention
  • Classifications of Older Adults
  • PAR-Q and PAR Med-x
  • Physical Activity Self Assessment Form
  • Feedback and Evaluation of Programs
  • Exercise Techniques
  • Safety Guidelines
  • Class Design
  • Warm-up, Cardiovascular Conditioning, Muscular Strength and Endurance, Cool down
  • Stretching
  • Use of Music and Cueing
  • Contraindicated Exercises
  • Programming and Leadership
  • Determining Levels of Function
  • Programming Levels of Function
  • Various Other Programming
  • Legal Liability and Insurance
  • Participant Recruitment and Support
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Networking and Support Systems
  • Finding Financial Support

 

The certifications of the IFC are nationally recognized and transferable across Canada.