NSCA Spring Clinic

I have several fitness certifications that I have to obtain continuing education credits in order to keep. I am a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, which basically means I have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to teach athletes how to become better at whatever they do. Although this sounds likes a very specific certification, I use a great deal of what I have learned every time I teach a group fitness class or train a client.

Today, Saturday April 28th, I attended the NSCA GA State Spring Clinic. I am lucky it was held in Valdosta this year. I usually have to travel to these events. This clinic is a gathering of strength and conditioning professionals listening to various presenters on old and new field applications, as well as many hands-on activities to help us learn new ideas and interpretations.

There was a speaker from the University of Michigan, an Olympic judo champion, a private high school strength coach, a female strength coach from the university of florida, as well as a doctor of health and kinesiology sharing information with us.

Most of the speakers presented in a lecture format, but one took us into the weight room to demonstrate some new and innovative exercise equipment. I feel that I am able to learn more easily from hands-on activities. It's often difficult for my mind to remain on one subject while sitting still in a chair.

Although I am not a current practicing strength coach, I still am able to take back information presented to use on my personal training clients and group exercise class participants. Not many of my clients are athletes, but they can still all benefit from strength and conditioning exercises. They will, undoubtedly, be able to increase their performance in daily functional activities as a result of greater health, strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance

Caption Contest Winners

I had some difficult decisions to make! Thanks so much for all your awesome comments. The winners have until the end of the month to use your free classes. If there is a winner who is unable to attend, you may transfer your passes to someone else. Here they are!

"You made me laugh so hard, tears are running down my leg... My LEG!!!"
-Lindsay Howard

"Hey! You in the back, put a lid on it! Or maybe YOU would like to come up here and teach my Zumba class?! Yeah... Thats what I thought."
-Rebecca Rice

"Botox before class was not a good idea."
-Annabel Morris

I also have one honorable mention award winner for the third picture:
"That gator jumped this high out the swamp," by Katherine Hendricks, who wins one free class pass. I couldn't let that comment go unrecognized!

Thanks so much to everyone who participated! Many of your quotes had me rolling in the floor laughing! Remember these passes are for classes at Anytime Fitness or Valdosta Parks and Rec. Stay tuned for more upcoming contests!

Caption Contest

I am currently holding a contest on my Facebook page Zumba® Fitness with Jessica Avera. I have posted three pictures of myself teaching a Zumba® class, and I would like you guys to think of witty captions to go with each. There will be one winner for each picture, and he or she will receive two free class passes to Zumba® at Anytime or Parks and Rec. I will select the winners on Sunday evening, April 8. Be sure to post your captions by 6:00 pm on Sunday. Good luck to all!