do you have to be certified as a fitness instructor

Hello Amy,

You will have to visit www.silversneakers to learn about how to become a certified Silver Sneakers Instructor.

Best to you!

Hi Amy. Since Silver Sneakers is a branded/trademarked program, like any other branded program, you will need to have/get the permission of that program in order to offer it by name. Usually, that requires obtaining that program's certification. As Joanne suggests, check directly with the Silver Sneakers program to find out what is needed.

I hope that this helps.

LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
larue.cook@lecfitness.com

Do doctors need licences? What about engineers?

Yes. You'll have to see the requirements though. With no overall licencing body you have plenty of certifications to choose from.

Yes if you plan on calling it by their trademarked name, however, the fitness industry is not regulated and there are no steadfast requirements or licensing
Personally it would behoove you to check into the many certifications available and I suggest ACE and ACSM along with SSneakers requirements

Hi Amy,

even though this industry is still largely unregulated, the word has gotten around that you need to be certified to conduct exercise classes of any stripe. You will also not be able to get professional liability insurance unless you have a certification. You will need this insurance unless you are employed by a senior living community in which case they should carry insurance for all employees.

There are many certifications to choose from, Silver Sneakers being just one of them. I would suggest that you also check out the Senior Fitness Association if you plan to focus on seniors.

I wish you good luck.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com

I have a friend who teaches Silver Sneakers. I could find out what she was required to have, but you might find out faster by checking SS's site.

Kari wrote: "You will also not be able to get professional liability insurance unless you have a certification."

Unfortunately, I've seen uncertified instructors get insurance. Many Zumba instructors get their license (it's a license to use the Zumba brand name, *not* a certification) and go straight into renting halls and studios. No base certification, but they get insurance. I know at least a half-dozen people personally who have gone this path, although it's not my chosen path.

NASM has a new program for senior fitness. That's a good one to look into if you want to work with older adults.