Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kinetic Kristen* on June 18, 2009 at 7:14pm

I'm still considering the certification but I'm balking at the cost of the ones listed above. I may not do the certification for a while but I'm definitely going to get in touch with a local hoop teacher to see if she wants/needs assistance as she teaches in several different towns in our major metro area.

How should I approach this idea to her? I took one 6-week beginner's course from her in January, after I had been hooping for 4 months and then I started taking SaFire's classes (Seeding, Budding, Blooming and Breaks). I know I can do it but how should/could I convince her I can do it?

Permalink Reply by Hoola Monster* on July 1, 2009 at 7:03am

Hey Kristen - I think you should definitely approach the local hoop teacher about serving as a teaching assistant for her classes - especially since you've already taken a class series with her. (most of my assitants are former students). I'm not sure which certification she has (I went through the HoopGirl program) - but I can tell you from my own experiences, that I typically have a teaching assistant help me out during my classes (especially now that some of my classes have more than 10 students in them). The assistant teacher really helps, especially when the class is made up of hoopers with different skill levels. Oftentimes, I will work with the more advanced students during the one-on-one instruction portion of the class, and she'll take the beginners.

If your friend is HoopGirl certified, then she's probably familiar with how to teach with an assistant. My assistants typically help me get set up prior to class (headset mic, music, checking students in, etc.) - and then they assist with one-on-one instruction during class and also help to demonstrate moves and group activities. At the end of class, my teaching assistant typically passes out handouts (the moves learned that night) and helps me to pack up. It's very helpful, and I bet your friend would be receptive to the idea. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Kinetic Kristen* on July 1, 2009 at 9:46pm

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to go talk to her tomorrow to see what she thinks, especially since the Franklin classes are getting bigger and bigger from what Tiffany told me on here.

Permalink Reply by The CircularPhile on July 8, 2009 at 9:45pm

I would suggest getting your group fitness certification through ACE (American Council on Exercise) or AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) if you are in the USA. It is especially helpful if you want to teach through a fitness center or membership gym. Once you have group fitness cert. you can teach any kind of group fitness class. I also plan to take hoop dance certification as well, hopefully through Sandra. :)

Permalink Reply by Siren of the Circle* on January 6, 2010 at 2:09pm

Can anyone recommend one over the other ACE or AFAA? And why? AFAA is cheaper - whole program with materials, book & test for about $350 vs. $250 for ACE's test alone, plus anywhere from $139-$500+ for study materials :0

Permalink Reply by Shannon "HoopLove" on August 24, 2011 at 2:31am

It depends on what hoop program you might want.  HoopGirl is AFAA approved only whereas BodyHoops is AFAA and ACE approved.  ACE is also very popular in fitness studios.

Permalink Reply by Hoola Monster* on March 14, 2012 at 11:06am

Hi Friends!  I just wanted to let you know that my teacher training program, Hoola-Fit (www.hoola-fit.com), has received approval from the American Council on Exercise!  Participants earn 1.6 continuing education credits :) We're setting up the training tour now, so if you are interested in becoming a Hoola-Fit certified and/or licensed instructor, please message me at hoolafitness@gmail.com.

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