Certifications 2026

2026 Fitness Instructor Certifications

The Native American Fitness Council will be presenting the following fitness instructor certifications in the Spring of 2026.

Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification

April 27th – 30th, 2026 – Isleta, New Mexico (Albuquerque Area)

Sponsored by Pueblo of Isleta

Native Youth Fitness Leader Certification – $995.00  (4 Days)

A Trainer Holding a Clipboard and a Trainee Using a Weight Machine in a Gym

Personal Trainer Certification

May 11th-14th, 2026 – Shawnee, Oklahoma

Sponsored by the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Personal Trainer Certification – $995.00  (4 Days)

Onsite Fitness Instructor Certifications

Contact us for information on bringing NAFC fitness instructor certifications to your community.

Agenda

Medical Exercise Instructor Certification

October 16th – 18th, 2023 – Hinckley, MN

Agenda

Day 1

8:00 – 8:15 Registration & Sign In
8:15 – 9:30 The Fitness Professional’s Role Working with the Medical Community
9:30 – 10:00 Exercising with Medical Conditions
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Chronic Disease & Exercise – Hypertension, Heart Diseases
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Chronic Disease & Exercise – Respiratory Diseases
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 3:15 Special Conditions – Pregnancy
3:15 – 4:00 Working with Youth & Elders
4:00 – 4:15 Questions & Answers

Day 2

8:00 – 9:30 Warm-up – Tai Chi Elder Workout
9:30 – 10:00 Relaxation Exercise Lecture – Breathing & Soft Tissue Mobilization
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Relaxation & Balance Exercises Hands On
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Functional Exercise System – Core Hands On
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 4:00 Functional Exercise System – Upper Body Hands On
4:00 – 4:15 Closing

Day 3

8:00 – 9:30 Warm-up – Tai Chi Elder Workout
9:30 – 10:00 Relaxation Exercise Lecture – Breathing & Soft Tissue Mobilization
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 12:00 Relaxation & Balance Exercises Hands On
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:30 Functional Exercise System – Core Hands On
2:30 – 2:45 Break
2:45 – 4:00 Functional Exercise System – Upper Body Hands On
4:00 – 4:15 Closing

(instructors & agenda topics/times subject to change)

Agenda

Exercise & Aging Specialist Certification

October 19th & 20th, 2023 – Hinckley, MN

Agenda

Day 1

8:00 – 8:15 Check In
8:15 – 8:30 Introduction – Exercise & Aging Specialist Certification
8:30 – 9:30 The Importance of Helping our Native Elders
9:30 – 10:00 Physical Effects of Aging on Individuals
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:00 Exercise and Aging
11:00 – 12:00 Resistance, Endurance, Balance & Flexibility Training for Older Adults
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 Effectively Training Adults & Elders
2:00 – 2:45 Introduction to Functional Exercise Training System
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:15 Starting an Elder Exercise Program
4:15 – 4:30 Questions & Answers

Day 2

8:00 – 8:15 Group Introductions
8:15 – 9:15 Martial Arts Inspired Movements for Elders
9:15 – 10:00 Senior Living Community Fitness Program
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:00 Senior Living Community Fitness Program (continued)
11:00 – 12:00 Functional Exercise Training System – Balance & Agility
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 2:45 Functional Exercise Training System – Strength
2:45 – 3:00 Break
3:00 – 4:15 Walking Strong Program
4:15 – 4:30 Program Closing

(instructors & agenda topics/times subject to change)

Travel Information

Midwest Native Fitness Events

October 16th – 20th, 2023 – Hinckley, MN

Training Site

Meshakwad Community Center
1-320-336-0220
38043 Hinckley Road
Hinckley, MN 55037
The Meshakwad Community Center is a short half mile walk from the Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel.

Recommended Hotel

Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel
1-800-472-6321
777 Lady Luck Drive
Hinckley, MN 55037
Mention Group Code NF1015H and ask for the $89.00/nighty rate.

Local Airport

Minneapolis – Saint Paul International Airport (airport code MSP)

Ground Transport

Rental car provides the best option to get from the airport to the Grand Hinckley Inn.

The suggested shuttle transportation from MSP Airport to Hinckley, MN is Groome Transportation. The cost is about $39.00 one way when booked online. www.groometransportation.com/duluth The drop off point in Hinckley, MN is Tobie’s Station which is about 1.7 miles from the casino hotel.

Plan ahead of time to get a taxi, Uber or Lyft from Tobie’s Station to the Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel.

Meals on Your Own

Light snacks and beverages will be provided in the morning. Meals are on your own.

Hands On Learning

NAFC teaches through hands on exercise. The movements are fun and many are non strenuous. Wear appropriate workout clothing (jacket for outdoors) & gym shoes. Plan to participate at your own comfort & safety level as approved by your physician!

Native American Fitness Council Information for Accounts Payable Departments

Type of Payments Accepted

We do not accept Purchase Orders!
Credit Card – Visa or MasterCard
Check or Money Order – Made out to the: Native American Fitness Council

If Needing an Invoice

Email us with the invoice request and complete information you require. Please include Name of Organization, Names of Attendees, Trainings Attending & Total Amount.

Financial Information

Native American Fitness Council
Nonprofit Organization
EIN 84-4187667