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American Fitness, March, 2001

A Dream Fulfilled

I chose AFAA because they came highly recommended by the fitness clubs I called upon. Now that I have taken the certification workshop and am a personal trainer, I feel that I truly made the right professional choice. There have been so many gyms in my town that have come and gone because they didn't care whether or not the people worked out correctly. I vowed to change that one day. Now I only hope to live up to my own expectations and make AFAA proud to have given me the opportunity to teach people how exercise can make them feel better about themselves.

Robert Brett Michael Lexington, NC

Mistaken Identity

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I felt inclined to write after the January/February 2000 issue came out, but thought for sure someone else would. Imagine my surprise at seeing a response letter in the July/August 2000 issue from a Texas reader making the same mistake that you did! Just to let you know, the Crocodile Hunter from Animal Planet is STEVE Irwin, not Dave. As long as you're going to sing his praises as an environmentalist, you may as well print his name correctly in future issues. He is a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor (I've worked with him), so I'm sure he would laugh it off and call it a day. However, I thought you might want to know.

Anonymous Los Angeles, CA

Editor's Reply

I knew that, actually ... a mistake on my part. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

Peg Jordan, R.N., M.A. Editor, American Fitness

Slow Down!

I have had the pleasure of being an AFAA certified fitness instructor since 1987. For the past 6 years, I have also been an Examiner in Primary Aerobics. As a professional, I treat "guidelines" very seriously. While working in numerous fitness facilities, I have come across more and more instructors who DO NOT follow guidelines. The men and women who take our classes look at us as their guide to a healthier lifestyle. If instructors do not follow the guidelines, it can put a client at risk.

Hey, instructors! Please take an AFAA step workshop. You are teaching step to music that is way too fast! You shouldn't go faster than 116 to 128 bpm. On many occasions, I have witnessed instructors that teach step to 130 bpm and above.

I have news for you ... clients can't have fun nor enjoy their workouts if they're worried about falling on their faces. How can they maintain good body posture if they can't keep up? Who is supposed to be teaching them? Yes, my friend, it is YOU! We are their teachers, so teach them correctly. Remember ... it's their workout, not yours!

Anna Monico Robles Holtsville, NY

We Want to Hear From You

Send your comments, questions and suggestions via mail, phone, e-mail or fax. All submissions become the property of American Fitness and may be edited for space and/or clarity.

PHONE: Contact our offices toll-free at (800) 225-2322 or (818) 905-0040.

FAX: Readers may submit letters by fax at (818) 990-5468.

E-MAIL: For electronic submissions, contact american_fitness@mail.com

MAIL: Write to Peg Jordan, Editor, American Fitness, 15250 Ventura Blvd., Suite 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

INTERNET: Visit American Fitness online at http://www.afaa.com

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Step Up

American Fitness, March, 2001

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