Certifications
Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS), Canfitpro, 2018: Certifies that I have a solid knowledge of fitness theory as well as the practical competencies to provide safe, effective group fitness classes. Included in this training was a “basic” understanding of healthy nutrition, allowing advice only based on Canada’s Food Guide.
Active Aging Fitness, Canfitpro, 2017: Certifies that I have the knowledge and skills to safely provide physical fitness activities to the older adult population. I understand the impact of aging and know how to work with age-related physical and mental changes. I know that age is not a barrier to the physical and mental benefits that come with an active, healthy lifestyle.
Nutritionist in Weight Management, FTC(UK), 2016: Certifies that my knowledge of nutrition is sufficient for me to offer advice beyond the scope of the FIS and Canada’s Food Guide. The field of nutrition in an unregulated field in BC, and many nutritionists have no formal education in the field. Based on this, I defer all nutrition advice to those registered dieticians who have a university degree in human nutrition and dietetics. I use the knowledge from this program to ensure any general nutrition information I offer on my website or in my blog is based on science from reputable medical sources.
Supplemental Certifications
Balance and Chair Exercises for Seniors, Body Blueprint, 2025: Certifies that I understand how you can get a full-body workout with or without weights/bands in either a seated position or standing with the chair for support. The knowledge gained from this course complements the training I had in the “Golden Chair” training. Undertaking this course was prompted by my own recent diagnosis of early-stage osteoarthritis in my “good” knee. The groundwork has been laid for a future seated dance fitness class.
The Walking Solution, Human Kinetics, 2024: Certifies that I understand the principals of walking correctly, proper walking posture, and am qualified to lead a fitness walking class. The course shows how to take participants from casual strolling to fitness walking ensuring environmental and physical safety. Future considerations could include outdoor fitness walking groups (a good option for the summer when the studio is not available) or indoor/studio walking where we combine the principals of fitness walking with drill team patterns accompanied by an appropriate playlist to facilitate the “workout” concept of the class.
Total Body Beautiful, Human Kinetics, 2023: Certifies that I understand the impact hormones can have on our desire to live actively and what exercise modalities to choose based on age and gender. The course shows how to effectively combine different modalities – Pilates, yoga, and cardio – into either an effective weekly workout program or a single combination workout. This program inspired me to look into developing a combo class of yoga and gentle dance moves.
Ageless Intensity, Human Kinetics, 2022: Certifies that I know how to add strength training to traditional functional training programs. The subtitle for this course is “redefining functional fitness.” Traditionally, functional training included only balance and coordination skills sufficient to perform activities of daily living. This program adds shows interval, mobility, and strength training to balance and coordination skills. As weight training (beyond 3 pounds) is outside the purview of my certification, I used what I learned in this program to make our toning movements controlled as we work against gravity to make our muscles tighter and stronger.
Exercise for Knee & Hip Replacements, Human Kinetics, 2021: Certifies that I have the knowledge to create a safe exercise class for knee and hip replacements. As the recipient of a total knee replacement myself (May 2008), I wanted to ensure my classes were safe for both myself and my participants. One of the important takeaways from this course was that “just because we can, it doesn’t mean we should.” Post joint replacement there are a lot of advisories as what we shouldn’t do; but in the end, we are basically left to “if we can and it doesn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable,” we are okay. While technically true, certain moves can hasten our need for revision surgery as they put our artificial joints through ranges of motion and loads that wear down the metal components, leaving parts weaker (and subject to breakage) and leaving us with microscopic metal shavings in our joints which can lead to metallosis (the build up of metal particles in the soft tissues surrounding a joint).
Stretching Anatomy, Human Kinetics, 2018: Certifies that I have the knowledge to create sport-specific static and dynamic stretching programs. Since each sport uses different muscle groups, it is important to stretch appropriately; i.e. stretching for dance is the not the same as for racket sports which is different again to stretching that is relevant to martial arts. Dance uses many muscles not typically used in day-to-day activities, so stretching the relevant muscle groups is important to maintain pain-free workouts and improved flexibility.
Core (Zumba®), 2017: Certifies that I can integrate core isolation moves into a dance fitness class without participants feeling like they were just doing endless sit ups or crunches. Since the core muscles, or powerhouse, are integral to all movement including the simple act of standing upright, ensuring their strength and flexibility is key to maintaining independence in the community.
Fitness Theory, BCRPA, 2014: Certified that I had a good understanding of the principals of fitness theory and was ready to take the practical component of group fitness certification through BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA). As I moved from the Lower Mainland to the Island before completing the practical portion, I had to switch from BCRPA to Canfitpro as my independent governing body due to a lack of BCRPA training options here. The course content was repeated in the Canfitpro FIS training.
Supplemental Training
Golden Chair, 2019: Seminar in how to adapt standing dance fitness moves to those who have limited mobility or are wheelchair bound. Included training on functional movement for those with diminished mental capacity and dementia.
Bursts, 2019: Seminar on integrating “bursts” of cardio into a dance fitness class to effectively do a 60-minute cardio class in 30 minutes. Most of the moves and frequencies employed are well outside the safe zone for older adults and those with knee/hip replacements. However, the burst concept could be adapted for moderate intensity classes with short bursts periodically throughout the class, ensuring sufficient breaks of moderate-intensity, gentle movement between.
Choreo sessions: Swing, ballet fusion, belly dance; 2019.
Professional Development
These seminars focus on the “business” of fitness, how to use social media, marketing, and being a better instructor (specifically how to cue the next move). Zumba®: Virtual Pro, 2020 (skills for online classes);Take the Lead, 2020; Social Media Foundations, 2020; Cue Like a Pro, 2021; Pro Skills, 2014; Longevity Factor (the value of Zumba Gold®), 2019.
Active Memberships
Canfitpro, since 2018: National organization, one of several independent governing bodies for group fitness instructors and personal trainers in Canada.
Professional Requirements
Entandem (SOCAN/ReSound) music licensing, since 2016: This license allows me to earn an income from music created by others. My dues ensure everyone involved in making the music we dance to is compensated for their work. Not mandated by independent governing bodies or fitness brands.
CPR and AED certification. I have recertified annually since 2016. This is mandated by independent governing bodies and not a requirement of any branded fitness program that I am aware of.
Personal liability insurance, Lloyds of London, since 2016. Because accidents happen, and we should all be protected. Coverage is for in-person classes only in Canada. Not a required but recommended by independent governing bodies and branded fitness programs; however, the insurers require proof of valid licenses and/or certifications to offer coverage.
Past Licenses
I have given up my brand licenses due to increasing costs and an unfriendly US exchange rate. I continue to acquire new fitness certifications annually under my group fitness certification.
Zumba® licenses (i.e. the right to advertise Zumba® and Zumba Gold® classes) were voluntarily surrendered in November 2023. This was based on cost and a perceived change in direction by Zumba®. The license for Strong Nation™ was voluntarily surrendered in 2020, due to a lack of local market.
Zumba Gold® and Zumba®, 2013-2023. Strong Nation™, (Strong by Zumba®), 2016-2020.
Community Service
Zumba® Instructor Network Community Volunteer; 2020, 2021, 2022.
Updated: September 2025
KIWA dance fitness 