How to become a group fitness instructor

Is becoming a group fitness instructor right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do group fitness instructors do?

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How to become a Group Fitness Instructor

Becoming a group fitness instructor involves a combination of education, certification, practical experience, and ongoing professional development. Here is a guide to help you pursue a career as a group fitness instructor:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent: Begin with a high school diploma or GED as the foundational educational requirement.
  • Personal Fitness: Develop a strong personal fitness foundation by engaging in regular physical activity and exploring various fitness styles and workouts.
  • Choose a Reputable Certification Program: Select a certification organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or a similar reputable accrediting body. Some well-known certifications include ACE (American Council on Exercise), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), and AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America).
  • CPR and First Aid Certification: Obtain CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid certifications from a reputable organization. Many certification programs require these certifications for instructor eligibility.
  • Practice Teaching: Gain practical experience by teaching practice classes to friends, family, or colleagues. This helps you refine your teaching skills and gain confidence. Volunteer to assist experienced group fitness instructors in their classes. This provides valuable hands-on experience and allows you to observe different teaching styles.
  • Networking and Observing Classes: Regularly attend various group fitness classes to observe different teaching techniques, class formats, and instructor styles. Network with other fitness professionals, attend fitness events, and join professional organizations to stay connected with the fitness community.
  • Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest fitness trends, new exercises, and teaching methodologies through continuing education courses and workshops.
  • Specialize: Consider obtaining additional certifications in specialized fitness areas such as yoga, Pilates, cycling, or dance fitness to broaden your expertise and appeal to a wider range of clients.
  • Private Instruction: Consider offering private or small group fitness classes to expand your experience and reach a broader clientele.
  • Renew Certification: Stay updated with your certification renewals. Most certifications require continuing education credits to maintain your credentials.

Certifications
There are several reputable certifications available for aspiring group fitness instructors in the United States. These certifications are recognized by the fitness industry and demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in leading group fitness classes. Here are some well-known certifications for group fitness instructors:

  • ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification (ACE-GFI), by American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE offers a comprehensive certification program that covers exercise science, class design, instruction, and leadership skills necessary for group fitness instruction.
  • AFAA Group Fitness Instructor Certification, by Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA): AFAA provides a widely recognized certification program focusing on practical teaching skills, exercise science, and class design for various group fitness formats.
  • NASM Certified Group Fitness Instructor (NASM-CGFI), by National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM's program emphasizes exercise science principles, behavior change strategies, and effective communication techniques for leading engaging and results-oriented group fitness classes.
  • ACSM Group Exercise Instructor Certification, by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): ACSM's certification program covers exercise physiology, anatomy, exercise technique, and class design, preparing instructors to create safe and effective group fitness experiences.
  • Les Mills Certified Instructor, by Les Mills International: Les Mills offers specialized certifications for various fitness programs, including BODYCOMBAT, BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, and more. Instructors can get certified in specific Les Mills programs to teach these classes.
  • Zumba Basic 1 Instructor Training, by Zumba Fitness: Zumba offers certification for instructors interested in teaching Zumba classes. The training covers dance routines, music selection, and coaching techniques specific to Zumba fitness.
  • Schwinn Indoor Cycling Certification, by Schwinn Cycling: This certification program focuses on indoor cycling instruction, teaching instructors how to lead effective and engaging cycling classes using Schwinn bikes.
  • YogaFit Instructor Certification, by YogaFit: YogaFit offers various levels of yoga instructor certifications, providing comprehensive training in yoga philosophy, postures, breathing techniques, and class sequencing.
  • POUND Pro Certification, from POUND Fitness: POUND Pro Certification trains instructors to teach POUND classes, a full-body cardio jam session inspired by the energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums.