I hear stories everyday about how people want to work in fitness.

The first thing a person needs to realize about fitness is that it’s not a licensed profession. That means that the state or local government doesn’t regulate the profession. As a result of that, organizations created certifications in an attempt to create standards in the profession. These certifications aren’t required by law, however, you will need a personal trainer certification to get a job, to purchase liability insurance, and to protect yourself from being negligent.  Gyms, private studios, or any other reputable fitness facility will not hire a trainer that is not certified. The certification provides proof that the trainer is competent, as they went through some kind of study and passed an exam to earn the certification. Likewise, liability insurance companies will not provide coverage to non-certified personal trainers – AND non-certified trainers open themselves to a bucket of legal issues, especially when they hurt someone and can’t prove that they are a trained professional in the field. That would make them negligent, and they would lose a lawsuit.

So how do you get certified as a personal trainer? That part is pretty easy. There are TONS of fitness certifications out there. However, some are more reputable than others. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is the original fitness organization, and has set all of the standards of fitness as we know it. Their research is what guides the fitness industry, and their program is medically based. For example, they are the ones that found that the human body needs 30 minutes of physical activity everyday to prevent heart disease, and that for fitness or weight loss purposes, a person must do an hour of cardio most if not every day of the week. Consider the ACSM the surgeon general of the fitness industry. They set the standards. They offer several levels of certification, including certified personal trainer. Next in line is the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Like the ACSM personal trainer exam, the ACE test is a tough one. However, ACE is a major standard in the industry and is highly recommended.  Both of these certifications focus on exercise science and the basics of fitness. BUT, don’t let the word “basic” throw you off. The study materials for both of these exams is a lot, and will require a lot of time to get through it. If you can’t attend a workshop or review class for these certifications, you may want to consider speaking to a fitness professional who has a great scientific background about tutoring you. The American Fitness and Aerobic Association (AFAA) is another well-respected basic personal trainer certification that is accepted in every gym. This organization has been around since the 80′s, and had it’s start in the Aerobics movement. Another great fitness organization is the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This organization focuses on sports training and program design, with a lot of their certification dealing with proper weight lifting technique, periodization models, and plyometric concepts. The NSCA offers levels of certifications, the higher ones are what professional strength and conditioning coaches prefer. A newer member to the Fitness certification scene is the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). This program focuses on more of the basics of functional and stability training. This is a very popular certification, and newer trainers have found this to be their program of choice.

When deciding on Personal Trainer Certification programs, it’s important to think about what you will be doing in your business. Each program varies from the other, and can make a difference in what you are planning on doing. For example, if you are planning on working with senior citizens, the NSCA program may not be appropriate while the ACE or ACSM may be very appropriate.

Along with the decision what certification to persue, some other things need to be considered. Firstly, cost.  Cheaper does not equal better, and really neither does the most expensive. Usually, certifications will run around $400 or so. You also will be required to accumulate continuing education credits once you are certified. Personally, I like CEC’s because they allow you to keep growing as a professional, and they allow you to specialize in a specific area of expertise exploring deeper into your favorite subject.

My opinion about choosing a program: The simpler the better. You can always specialize later. The more reputable and recognizable the certification, the better.

Every New Year, I take time to look back at my year. I think about what I’ve accomplished and what I’ve experienced. 2011 was a great a year for me and my family. It’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come in the past 365 days

So in 2011…

• I sold my surfski and got serious about SUP racing. That was a big deal.
• I joined a new Outrigger club – another big deal – and I’m LOVING it. It really renewed my passion for the sport. Before that I was burned out and not really wanting to paddle canoe anymore. Now, I’m in love again.
• I traveled a lot… I went all over Florida like crazy, to Georgia a couple of times, to Key West, to Chattanooga and to New York City for a week. Rob got to go to Rhode Island for the East Coast Surfski Champs. I really enjoyed all of the places I went to.
• It was a big year for me professionally. I became a Pilates Master Trainer through the Pilates Academy International. They chose me because of my knowledge, professional experience, and passion for the Pilates Method. I got to spend a week in NYC with my mentors (two women that I admire very much). With the knowledge they shared with me, I can now teach students how to become Pilates instructors. Quite a big deal.
• I had the opportunity to start working with my friend Pat and her company providing professional worksite wellness seminars as a professional wellness coach. I am excited to see where this goes.
• My little Pilates Studio grew. Pretty cool. I moved into a new space, and now it looks like a real studio.
• I started SUPilates, and started teaching Pilates and Yoga on the SUP. Yay.
• With all of the new things I’ve done this year, I’ve met the most amazing people and have found a bunch of new friends.

My plans for 2012 (I feel if I tell you, then I have to be accountable)…

• I’ll get even more serious about SUP racing. I’ve already started a tough training regiment. Last year, “I was resting on my laurels,” as Rob says. I also got a new faster board, so the Pickle is now in retirement. My new board is a Riviera race board that I’ve named the Space Pickle.
• I’ll get to paddle canoe where it really counts. I’ve been invited to paddle the Na Wahine O Ke Ka (women’s OC6 Molokai crossing). I REALLY want that to work out. I’ve not personally competed in a major OC6 race, though I’ve supported Rob’s team in some. I am excited for the opportunity to compete on a world level like that!!
• I’ll also travel more of the southeast, get to Colorado over the summer, and, of course, Hawaii, in addition to the places I went last year.
• I’ll get my Pilates Studio grooving in business, and my teacher training program flying. I am excited to get it up and running.

So, those are my plans…. and I’m going to stick to them!!!

Maybe we should make this question a monthly meditation. But really, why do you? What is it about paddling that keeps you doing it? What has it brought to your life?

“Paddling” is a loose word, and I define it as simply that. Paddling. It doesn’t matter what I paddle; I just have been doing it for a while. Rob and I bought our first kayak well before we were married. We bought it to keep in shape and spent time together on the water. We never imagined that that pink (um, I mean “raspberry’, as Rob always corrects me) kayak would take us on an adventure that has lasted us over a third of our lives. We have pretty much have paddled everything we could – from sea kayaks to stand up paddleboards and everything in between. We’ve toured, we’ve raced, we’ve guided, and any paddlecraft is great, as long as it floats.

When we get caught in the the hype or in the paddletics of whatever paddlesport we participate in, sometimes it’s good to look back at why we paddle. Sometimes reminiscing on your roots can bring things back into perspective.

I’ve reflected back at what I have learned and experienced in my paddling experiences. As I typed them below, I found it amazing what came up, and how each item effected me emotionally. The memories were great, and I know and understand the lessons that each one has taught me. That’s what life’s about, isn’t it? Experiencing life, and learning from it. Here is some of what paddling has done for me:

I’ve accomplished things I never thought I could. I’ve pushed myself beyond my perceived limits. I’ve looked fear in the face, and smiled at it. I’ve been forced to swim for my life. I’ve put myself in life or death situations, and survived. I’ve seen a man die.

I know the courting rituals of alligators. I know the names and calls of my local sea birds. I love the white pelicans and their big orange feet. I know the fishing seasons, and what bait they eat. I’ve seen a stone crabber crabbing. I’ve seen many endangered species. I’ve been bumped AND humped by a manatee. A shark has tasted me. I’ve been pinched by crabs and stung by jellyfish. I know why the fiddler crab fiddles and why the tarpons run.  I was almost clobbered by a tarpon once, and a large spotted ray almost landed on me. I know what time of day the dolphins swim past Honeymoon Island. I’ve found seashells as big as my head, and have seen beaches covered in white sandollars. I paddled through the worst red tide in history (yuck!). I have brushed ice off of my surfksi then went paddling in it. I have seen dolphins do things what words can’t describe. I have seen sea turtles as big as volkswagons. I know who has lived on my beach far before me; I’ve found their tools in the sand.

I can tell you how the weather is going to change by looking at the clouds in the sky. I can tell you what the tides will do by looking at the moon. I can predict a hurricane season by looking at the location of the sea turtle nests. I can feel the current and find the flow. I can find the rhythm and feel the energy.

I’ve been to the most amazing places, many of which most people don’t know exist. I have seen the real Florida and I’m in love with it. I’ve paddled waves in Hawaii. I’ve swam in the Kaiwi Channel. I’ve scouted and paddled the Colorado River. I’ve paddled around Manhattan and Key West. I’ve even paddled in Tennessee! I paddled down Florida’s West Coast. I’ve paddled crystal clear rivers and alligator-infested lakes. I’ve paddled around a barge while being pelted with flying fish, and I’ve paddled through a lot of piers. I’ve surfed everything I can paddle. I’ve ridden big waves on a north to south downwinder. I know how to enter and exit shore break safely. I’ve only crash landed on the shore once!

I’ve met the most amazing people, and have made my best friends.

I think I have salt water in my veins. I think I’m really a mermaid.

The ocean has taught me about of life. I’ve learned that sometimes I can’t change things, but I can go with the flow. I’ve learned to harness nature’s energy and use it to my advantage. I’ve learned not to get in Mother Nature’s way. I’ve learned to listen when she speaks. I’ve learned to respect, love and celebrate nature and her ocean.

I’ve learned more about myself than I ever want to admit.

I paddle for me. I paddle for clarity. I paddle as meditation. I paddle for the love. I paddle passionately. I don’t paddle for money. I don’t paddle for hype. I don’t paddle for recognition (though it feels good sometimes). I paddle for me.

Today I spent the day with Gary Wise from Destin, FL, and a group of great paddlers in Treasure Island, FL. I took the WPA Class I Certification – and I am very happy that I did. Gary is one heck of a waterman, and I was very excited to tap into his knowledge for a bit today.

I’ve been paddling for a pretty long time. I started paddling sea kayaks and a little white water in 1999, and was on a surfski by 2001. I was introduced to outrigger in 2005, and just celebrated my 1-year SUP anniversary. I’ve been to a lot of classes in sea kayaking, studied hard in surfski, and had serious coaching in OC, but have never really went to a formal class for SUP. Everything that I know, I’ve learned on my own or applied from other modalities. The WPA workshop today closed the gap for me in regards of the things I’ve been missing.

First of all, we spent time learning safety issues. Of course, I know how to read channel markers and steer clear of big boats, but we also spoke about the SUP as a “vessel” debate, as well as the definition of a surf zone. We also learned about rip currents, how to spot them from the beach, and how to use them to your advantage.

Then we discussed coaching concepts and training programs, and headed out to the beach. This was my favorite part!!! We started off with a lesson on water rescues, and what you need to do to save a conscious and unconscious victim. Gary then introduced us to surf-lifesaving style training, where we mixed prone paddling, swimming, and SUP with running in between.  Then we rescued each other with the skills we learned (which was way harder than I thought it would be), then paddled for stroke technique analysis. WHOA what a crazy workout!! I am so excited to do it again!!!

The workshop was definitely worth it, and I highly recommend the WPA workshop for anyone who is interested in instructing SUP. You can learn more at www.worldpaddleassociation.com/instruction

In paddling, we come across many words from many languages. Many of the words that I’ve grown to know come from the Hawaiian language, and many have deeper meanings than just the plain definition itself. One of these words is “‘ohana”. Along with the “spirit of Aloha”, ‘ohana is something that is hard to put in words, but I do find it a lot in the paddling activities that I participate in. Here’s my best attempt to explain my understanding of ‘ohana to you.

Said plainly, ‘ohana means family. The ancient Hawaiians used that term to define their family or household. In a littler deeper sense ‘ohana  ”is a word from the Hawaiian language, referring to a family, extended family or clan. Ohana members commit to staying in loving connection, supporting each other in many ways, aspiring to the best that a family structure can offer.”  That definition starts to make sense in sports like outrigger canoe, where a team must work together to propel the boat forward. However, it goes much further than that (at least to me).

In outrigger canoe, for example, it’s a team sport, and once you join a club, you have an ‘ohana. In other paddlesports, you may join a group of people that you go out and paddlewith with once a week or so. You now have a group who you can call your paddling family. They will paddle with you, party with you, give you rides to practice or races, help you learn how to paddle, help you apply sunscreen, buy you beers and all of that good stuff.  But further into the concept, your ‘ohana is everything that helps make  your paddling experience possible. Your canoes/boards/kayaks are a BIG part of your ‘ohana. So are your paddles or any other gear you need. The beach and the ocean are part of your paddling ‘ohana. Heck, even your vehicle is part of your ‘ohana.  Without any of these things, paddling would be impossible, that is why they are part of your ‘ohana.

SO, since all of these things are now a part of your ‘ohana, it’s important to take care of them. Love your body, your paddlecraft, your paddling friends, your beaches and oceans because they are part of your ‘ohana.

Ah, wise words from Nikki Roy when I was a novice outrigger paddler. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever dream of the reality of that comment until my bikini top busted at a race several years later, and I was faced with paddling topless or quitting the race.

From there on out, I relinquished myself to wearing workout tops and sports bras while paddling – none of which are flattering. As silly as it sounds, I have done some research on bikini tops and “proper support” in order to look cute on the water once again. Maybe the boys don’t get it, but it’s important to a girl to look cute and paddle at the same time.

First of all, let’s get real. Most ladies’ swimsuits are made for fashion only. I see some really cute suits in the Victoria Secret catalog, but I really don’t think they will hold up to my use.  AND, I don’t think that those two little triangles will provide any support whatsoever. Sure, those girls look hot in those suits, but I doubt they would do little more than lie on the beach in them. Sorry boys, an active girl would need something a little better made and a little stronger in order not to just bust right through it. This leaves us back to the drawing board, and back to the ugly canoe outfit and terrible tan lines.

How can we get over this problem…Well first of all, I’ve done my research and found a couple of things really interesting.

A woman’s breasts are composed primarily of adipose (fatty) tissue, mammary glands, connective tissue, and the Cooper’s ligament, which keeps the breast firm and prevents sagging. Because the underlying chest muscles do not support breast tissue, exercising in anything other than a well-fitted sports bra can stretch the Cooper’s ligament, leading to greater sagging (oh no!) and even pain during exercise.  So where does this lead us? To the search for the perfect paddling bikini top.

As you begin your search, it’s really important to find the right top that fits your body correctly. When trying tops on, you can try the “bounce test” to see how supported you are. You also need to take into consideration your shape and size (not only your cup size, but the shape of your body, the width of your ribs and shoulders, etc.). When paddling, it’s really wise to consider something that crosses your back, that avoids simple ties, and that does not have a clasp. The more you can avoid, the less stuff that can break or untie. The simple ties, like a basic triangle or halter top, can cause strain on the neck, and make your have weird posture while paddling (not to mention that this kind of triangle top provides little support for a busty woman). Also be conscious of areas that may rub and cause chaffing. Be aware when purchasing bathing suits, that even though it may be made by a surf brand, it still may not be the best for paddling. And, please remember that you need to be comfortable (both physically and mentally).

So it now seems that you have to think about one more thing when shopping for your suit. Sorry.

Personally, I have found a bathing suit company that I love! They are called Jolyn Swimwear. They have created cute, functional suits for active bodies. They really remind me of the competition suits I used to wear when I was swimming competitively. The bottom even ties, so you won’t lose it when you dive. I have been using my suit for 2 weeks now, and have NO complaints. I have used the suit for SUP paddling, outrigger, swimming, and suntanning, and it’s been working great!  Check them out here!

P.S. Because I was steering an 6-person outrigger that day my bikini broke (and I was the team captain), I had to suck it up and keep paddling, regardless of my suit busting. I figured, I was in Miami, south beach was right next door…. Luckily my teammates helped me out with a make-shift top – that’s some great ‘ohana for you!