Fitness is an elusive state. What is here today may very well be gone

tomorrow without continual hard work, determination and discipline

For many (particularly those who are instructors) this way of life is the only

way of life. Because instructors are fit, they are role models in an age of

health awareness. In sharing with others their enthusiasm, sense of well-

being, and love for fitness, they are often regarded as fitness "experts."

But is an exercise instructor prepared for the more encompassing task of

fitness education? Has he or she the knowledge and tools to do a good and

safe job? Or, have the guidelines for instruction been as elusive to

instructors as fitness itself is to most of the population? Up until now, th?

aerobic exercising professional has not had a hands-on workbook to advise

and guide her/his daily quest for the best injury-free exercise program.

Using the combined talents and expertise of the advisors, AFAA has written

the first complete set of these long overdue guidelines.

In Aerobics: Theory and Practice, thirty accomplished fitness

researchers and practitioners elucidate upon AFAA s "Basic Exercise

Standards and Guidelines." Bringing their unique expertise to this

anthology, the authors created a practical and valuable composite. A project

of this ambition required the cooperative effort of both authors and

reviewers. Among the reviewers, special recognition is extended to Neil

Sol, Ph.D., for his diligence in coordinating these efforts. He and the

editor, Phyllis G. Cooper, R.N., spent countless hours that only come from

a professional s deep commitment to excellence.

The emphasis of this book is on the exercise considerations for adult,

able-bodied participants. Special needs of persons with disabilities, pre-and

post-partum women, children and seniors, could not be adequately covered