Fitness enthusiasts who see themselves taking on a leadership role might find their start at an upcoming course.
The course is from the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association, and is the first step to certification as a fitness instructor.
It is being brought to the North Country Inn Boardroom by the NWT Recreation and Parks Association in partnership with the Town of Hay River.
Dale Loutit, the recreation programmer with the town, said the course's visit to Hay River is an initiative from the association in order to get leaders certified.
"And then they're confident in leading programs, leading classes in boot camp or step classes or kickboxing or cardio or whatever classes," she said. "Any type of fitness classes."
The exercise theory course deals with such things as anatomy, physiology, movement mechanics, training and conditioning, nutrition, leadership, and health and fitness.
Loutit said the course from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 is about basic theory and is the first component in the certification process.
"So this is going to be all about anatomy and how to move all that stuff, and different names for moving your body," she said. "This is the core of it."
It will be followed by a specialization course in January dealing with both choreography and Aquafit, and once everything is complete a person can become a certified instructor.
Loutit knows of what she speaks because she took the basic theory course last November and a specialization course in February.
"I just submitted my paperwork and am waiting for my certification," she said.
Loutit has nothing but good things to say about the learning experience.
"It's amazing. You learn a lot," she said.
The exercise theory course deals with such things as anatomy, physiology, movement mechanics, training and conditioning, nutrition, leadership, and health and fitness.
Loutit said the biggest thing is that it teaches how people can safely move so they don't hurt themselves.
The course will be instructed by Tammy Buchanan, a former recreation co-ordinator and recreation director with the Town of Hay River who is now living in Cold Lake, Alta.
Sheena Tremblay, the director of active communities for the NWT Recreation and Parks Association in Yellowknife, said last year's exercise theory course in Hay River attracted about eight people.
"There seems to be an interest and a need for it, so we're working with the Town of Hay River and the Alberta Provincial Fitness Unit," she said.
Tremblay noted Buchanan also offered the exercise theory course when she was living in Hay River, and quite a few people participated back then.
