Animal Flow Level 1
Animal Flow
Animal Flow® is an innovative new fitness program that combines quadrupedal and ground based movements with elements from various bodyweight training disciplines to create a fun, challenging, multi-planar workout.
By reconnecting to their bodies through movement training, Animal Flow® enthusiasts gain a better understanding of their bodies while enjoying increased mobility, flexibility, stability, power, endurance, skill and neuromuscular communication.
Whether you’re a personal trainer, a group fitness instructor, a coach, or other fitness professional, Animal Flow’s six components have maximal functional translation to client performance at every level.
Combine the elements for a complete, stand-alone workout, or use select components for dynamic warm-up, conditioning drills, or high intensity interval training; integrate themovements into resistance and strength training using circuits or supersets; or focus on the flows in your skills-based practice.
Animal Flow® is designed to fit into your existing training program and will complement and supplement what you already do, giving you another tool in your training arsenal.
Fitness professionals can teach and use Animal Flow® in a wide range of settings and formats:
- Personal Training
- Small Group Training
- Group Classes
- MMA and Sport Specific Training
- Kids Programs
- Physical Therapy
Animal Flow Level 1
L1 is an intensive two-day workshop (13 hours total) where you’ll learn all 30 Level 1 moves, including regressions, progressions, and variations for all skill levels. You’ll explore how and when to use each movement individually, as well as how to link them together into flows of your own design.
The workshop is open to fitness professionals and non-professionals, as we welcome everyone interested in becoming a better mover.
Fitness professionals are eligible to become Certified AF Instructors, who are allowed to teach AF in personal training, group fitness classes, or other fitness programs.
Becoming certified requires completing the test process after the workshop.
Non-professionals all welcome to take the course for their own benefit, but are not authorized to teach it without first attaining an appropriate fitness credential.
Course Prerequisites
Level 1 Certified
- Workshops are open to fitness professionals and fitness enthusiasts.
- You should be free of injuries that would impact your ability to participate in ground-based movement. If you aren’t sure about performing rotational movements, or putting your weight on your hands, knees, and feet, or other elements of the program, check with your medical professional.
- There is no specific fitness level requirement, but you should be able to maintain holding your own bodyweight while in a quadrupedal position.
- You do NOT need to be a gymnast or have any prior experience with Animal Flow or quadrupedal movement. You may have seen videos online with people performing very advanced flows, but those individuals have been practicing AF for a long time. This workshop is designed to make all attendees feel successful, no matter what their current experience or abilities.
- You should have a good understanding of the language the workshop is taught in. Each individual workshop listing includes information about the language the Master Instructor will teach in, and whether there will be translation into the local language. Because of the technical nature of the program and the emphasis on the language and cueing of the movements, it is necessary that you understand the verbal instructions from the instructor.
- We welcome participants with disabilities and will make every effort to facilitate participation for persons with special accommodation needs.
Certified Level 1 Instructor
- You must complete the live 2-day Level 1 workshop. You would take the same workshop whether you want to become a Certified Instructor or Specialist.
- You must have documentation of your status as a fitness professional. The specific type of credential varies depending on your specific field (personal trainer vs yoga instructor vs team coach, etc.) and the requirements of any governing bodies from your country.
Examples of approved credentials would include:
- A degree in an exercise science, medical, physical education, or related field;
- A certification from an accredited certification body such as NASM, NSCA, ACE, AFAA, ACSM, Fitness Australia, REPs, Canfitpro, and many others. These are only a few examples – there are many more which we accept.
- A certification an accredited yoga teacher training program;
- A certification in another relevant field including dance, martial arts, sports coaching, or others.
If your credentials aren’t current or you aren’t sure if yours qualifies, contact Animal Flow.
While we aim to be flexible in recognizing that different fitness disciplines have different types of credentialing, we do require that you have some sort of other formal fitness training before you can become one of our Instructors. We are not a program where you can become a certified instructor simply by completing the 2-day workshop. If you intend to utilize Animal Flow as part of a fitness education/training program, it should be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, your regular fitness education.
You must complete a written exam, which is a 20-question multiple choice test you’ll take online after the workshop.
You must complete the live practical assessment. This is usually submitted on video 30-90 days after the workshop. This includes two parts: demonstrate that you can correctly perform the Level 1 moves; demonstrate that you can design a 90 second flow and coach somebody else through it. If you cannot submit within 90 days, you can request an extension with your stated reason. In some cities we also offer Live Group Test outs. You will receive detailed feedback on your test submission, and can resubmit if you don’t pass the first time.
Course Outcomes
Certification Benefits
- Certified Instructors (Level 1 and Level 2) are granted a non-exclusive license to utilize the Animal Flow name and logo in their own practice. Each Certification type comes with specific regulations regarding what you can or cannot teach or do with the AF name. You will be provided with detailed guidelines regarding permitted trademark use.
- Certified Instructors can provide their Animal Flow service at any facility, without any additional licenses or fees required from the gym or club.
- You’ll be authorized to use the Animal Flow name and logo in your own marketing, including on business cards, advertisements, and your website. We’ll provide a high-res Animal Flow logo for use on your own materials and website.
- You will be listed in the on-line, searchable directory on the Animal Flow website, including your bio and contact information so that potential clients and/or students can find you. Listing is free for your first year, and can be continued for a nominal fee after that.
- You’ll receive a Certificate confirming your status, which you can display so your clients (and potential clients) know of your achievement and status.
- Your achievement will be announced on the official Animal Flow Facebook page, via a special post customized with your photo and certification title, which you can share and use on your own profile.
- You’ll be granted access to the private Instructors Resource section on the Animal Flow website, where you’ll find all kinds of tips and resources, video tutorials, class formats, and other great information to help you make the most of your practice.
- You’ll be able to purchase high-quality Certified Animal Flow Instructor shirts available in a range of styles and colors.
- You’ll retain your certification status as long as you remain in compliance with the terms of your Instructor Agreement and Code of Conduct. You are not required to renew each year.
- Certified Specialists, as non-fitness professionals, are not allowed to teach the AF program. However, they still gain access to these benefits: Printable certificate; announcement on Facebook; access to Instructor Resources.
Continuing Education Credits/Units (CECs/CEUs)
- ACE - 1.1 CEUs
- NASM - 1.1 CEUs
- AFAA - 11 CEUs
Where & When?
