Answers (11)
1
You already have what it takes to become a group exercise instructor: the passion to wanting to be one.
Many organizations certify as group fitness instructors, and you should click on the 'Career Guide' right here at IDEA to get a list of them to choose from. I would recommend to pick one that is nationally recognized such as ACE or ACSM. They may be initially more expensive but you can be rather sure that those certifications are recognized wherever you apply to teach classes.
At this point, there are also many specialized certifications and licences, Zumba, spinning and Pilates to name just a few. But for many 'regular' classes, you need a basic group fitness certification first. Some specialties even have it as a pre-requisite.
Most certifications are self-study, and you have to go to an independent testing site for the test.
I am very happy that you are contemplating to join our community and I wish you good luck.
Many organizations certify as group fitness instructors, and you should click on the 'Career Guide' right here at IDEA to get a list of them to choose from. I would recommend to pick one that is nationally recognized such as ACE or ACSM. They may be initially more expensive but you can be rather sure that those certifications are recognized wherever you apply to teach classes.
At this point, there are also many specialized certifications and licences, Zumba, spinning and Pilates to name just a few. But for many 'regular' classes, you need a basic group fitness certification first. Some specialties even have it as a pre-requisite.
Most certifications are self-study, and you have to go to an independent testing site for the test.
I am very happy that you are contemplating to join our community and I wish you good luck.
1
I agree that you should follow your passion, and how wonderful for you!. I received my CPTS from the FITNESS INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL, INC. IN SOUTH FLORIDA. People travel from all over the U.S. AND outside the U.S. to come and take Dr. Anthony Abbott's courses. I would start there, you want to attain the best certification and he and he only prepares you for the next level of NSCA and ACSM.
After finishing all of the classes with exams and practicals, you are prepared to go out and work with anyone! I am now working with COMPLETE FITNESS, personal training as well as Fitness Instuction. If you CAN MOTIVATE PEOPLE, Have compassion, and good people skills, you will be successful. I encourage you to get the best education first though. That gives you your building blocks to go where ever you want! Good luck to you!
Info. on Fitness Institute INTERNATIONAL:
Since its incorporation in 1978 by Dr. Anthony Abbott, Ed.D., Fitness Institute has been committed to empowering individuals and enhancing lives through sound education in health and fitness. To date, the Institute has provided not only wellness education for the general public but also extensive training for thousands of fitness instructors and personal trainers who in turn have have assisted the public in improving their personal health behavior.
Mission Fitness Institute subscribes to a demanding curriculum that is taught by professionals with graduate degrees in exercise physiology, nutritional biochemistry, physical therapy and the practice of medicine. Standards are those outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Philosophical and value-based concepts are presented within the context of our American heritage and Judeo-Christian values.
Awards Every year the Institute hosts an annual awards ceremony during which time outstanding facilities and trainers are recognized for their efforts to professionalize the fitness industry. For example in 2010 the Personal Trainer of the Year award was presented to: "Juliette D. Woodmansee, NSCA-CPT, CPTS For Her Commitment To Excellence In Personal Training And Continued Advancement Of The Profession Through Her Exemplary Service To Clients"
Products The Institute offers six training courses, each of which is sixty hours in length and extends over a ten-week period. Classes meet twice a week for three-hour sessions. Each of the six courses leads to the award of a certificate; and upon successful completion of the Exercise Science Foundations course along with the five "Specialist" courses, the candidate is awarded the Certified Personal Training Specialist (CPTS) credential, which is a registered mark.
Phone (954) 786-1442
Website http://www.fit-cpts.com
After finishing all of the classes with exams and practicals, you are prepared to go out and work with anyone! I am now working with COMPLETE FITNESS, personal training as well as Fitness Instuction. If you CAN MOTIVATE PEOPLE, Have compassion, and good people skills, you will be successful. I encourage you to get the best education first though. That gives you your building blocks to go where ever you want! Good luck to you!
Info. on Fitness Institute INTERNATIONAL:
Since its incorporation in 1978 by Dr. Anthony Abbott, Ed.D., Fitness Institute has been committed to empowering individuals and enhancing lives through sound education in health and fitness. To date, the Institute has provided not only wellness education for the general public but also extensive training for thousands of fitness instructors and personal trainers who in turn have have assisted the public in improving their personal health behavior.
Mission Fitness Institute subscribes to a demanding curriculum that is taught by professionals with graduate degrees in exercise physiology, nutritional biochemistry, physical therapy and the practice of medicine. Standards are those outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA). Philosophical and value-based concepts are presented within the context of our American heritage and Judeo-Christian values.
Awards Every year the Institute hosts an annual awards ceremony during which time outstanding facilities and trainers are recognized for their efforts to professionalize the fitness industry. For example in 2010 the Personal Trainer of the Year award was presented to: "Juliette D. Woodmansee, NSCA-CPT, CPTS For Her Commitment To Excellence In Personal Training And Continued Advancement Of The Profession Through Her Exemplary Service To Clients"
Products The Institute offers six training courses, each of which is sixty hours in length and extends over a ten-week period. Classes meet twice a week for three-hour sessions. Each of the six courses leads to the award of a certificate; and upon successful completion of the Exercise Science Foundations course along with the five "Specialist" courses, the candidate is awarded the Certified Personal Training Specialist (CPTS) credential, which is a registered mark.
Phone (954) 786-1442
Website http://www.fit-cpts.com
0
Passion is a great starting point! Having a background in healthcare is useful as well, especially if you have an idea of anatomy/physiology and how exercise is beneficial to individuals in improving their personal health.
Each certifying organization has its own rules and procedures for becoming an instructor and I highly recommend a nationally-recognized certification, such as AFAA, ACE, ACSM, NASM, NETA, etc. If you are thinking of instructing at a particular location, it may be beneficial to speak with the owner or group fitness director to ensure that your certification would be accepted by that club/gym. Cost is variable between the certifying organizations, anywhere from $99 to $299 is common.
Most certifications require completion of an academic test (true/false, multiple choice, matching terms) as well as a practical portion where you will be required to demonstrate a warm up, exercise and cool down in a group setting.
Additionally, you should make sure you have current CPR and AED training (many group fitness organizations will not give you a certificate unless you have evidence of at least CPR current).
Each certifying organization has its own rules and procedures for becoming an instructor and I highly recommend a nationally-recognized certification, such as AFAA, ACE, ACSM, NASM, NETA, etc. If you are thinking of instructing at a particular location, it may be beneficial to speak with the owner or group fitness director to ensure that your certification would be accepted by that club/gym. Cost is variable between the certifying organizations, anywhere from $99 to $299 is common.
Most certifications require completion of an academic test (true/false, multiple choice, matching terms) as well as a practical portion where you will be required to demonstrate a warm up, exercise and cool down in a group setting.
Additionally, you should make sure you have current CPR and AED training (many group fitness organizations will not give you a certificate unless you have evidence of at least CPR current).
0
I have a health background too, and passion for learning and helping patients really helped me train as a PT and Chronic Disease specialist :) I then set up my own exercise Company- so there are lots of opportunities to explore when you qualify. Always choose a quality PT course thats ACSM and REPS recognised :)
0
Do you want to teach group ex at a gym? Open your own location? At a church or community center?
Figuring out where you would like to teach is a good first step. If you'd like to teach at a gym near you, go in and ask the group fitness manager where they accept certifications from. No point wasting time or money on a certification that wont help you get hired!
Also, get CPR/AED certification. It's a good idea to have it whether you work somewhere it's required or not.
And then the fun part: deciding what to teach! I teach belly dance, world dance fitness, stretch, and have just added Zumba to the mix. But dance is what I'm passionate about. If your thing is more strength training, or step, go that route!
Lastly, learn about business principles, marketing, and liability. Believe it or not, most of our work is done OFF the floor!
Best of luck, Shannon! Keep us posted!
Meg
http://centerofmuse.com
Figuring out where you would like to teach is a good first step. If you'd like to teach at a gym near you, go in and ask the group fitness manager where they accept certifications from. No point wasting time or money on a certification that wont help you get hired!
Also, get CPR/AED certification. It's a good idea to have it whether you work somewhere it's required or not.
And then the fun part: deciding what to teach! I teach belly dance, world dance fitness, stretch, and have just added Zumba to the mix. But dance is what I'm passionate about. If your thing is more strength training, or step, go that route!
Lastly, learn about business principles, marketing, and liability. Believe it or not, most of our work is done OFF the floor!
Best of luck, Shannon! Keep us posted!
Meg
http://centerofmuse.com
0
Shannon,
This is what I did.
I first started taking group fitness classes and learned as much as I could from the different teaching styles of instructors. At the time I started teaching, most fitness studios did not have mirrors I had to teach facing the class and the participants did not worry about what they looked like.
I mention this as it is an important component of teaching group fitness--the ability to teach mirror image. As you participate in group fitness classes look for an instructor who is able to lead and motivate the class without turning his/her back to the class. That is a good indication of an instructor who knows his/her craft.
In addition to participating in group fitness classes, I took a six-month course in London, England through the YMCA. Back in the early 90's it required that I understand the theory as well as a practical. To pass the exam, I had to bring in 15 people and conduct a 15 minute aerobics class (as it was then called) in front of examiners who represented the YMCA and the Royal Society of the Arts.
Now, I am not familiar with a YMCA course that is held here, however, I believe that it is very important that you locate a course where you are required to practice what you know for more than one day. In this way you gain the confidence and ability to lead others.
As an educational partner for the American Council on Exercise, I hold courses in group fitness designed to help individuals prepare for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor exam. In the course, I include a practical section. As mentioned as important as theory is being able to lead and motivate a class is crucial if you are to be successful in this industry.
I hope this gives you some direction and if you have any questions. please feel free to email me.
This is what I did.
I first started taking group fitness classes and learned as much as I could from the different teaching styles of instructors. At the time I started teaching, most fitness studios did not have mirrors I had to teach facing the class and the participants did not worry about what they looked like.
I mention this as it is an important component of teaching group fitness--the ability to teach mirror image. As you participate in group fitness classes look for an instructor who is able to lead and motivate the class without turning his/her back to the class. That is a good indication of an instructor who knows his/her craft.
In addition to participating in group fitness classes, I took a six-month course in London, England through the YMCA. Back in the early 90's it required that I understand the theory as well as a practical. To pass the exam, I had to bring in 15 people and conduct a 15 minute aerobics class (as it was then called) in front of examiners who represented the YMCA and the Royal Society of the Arts.
Now, I am not familiar with a YMCA course that is held here, however, I believe that it is very important that you locate a course where you are required to practice what you know for more than one day. In this way you gain the confidence and ability to lead others.
As an educational partner for the American Council on Exercise, I hold courses in group fitness designed to help individuals prepare for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor exam. In the course, I include a practical section. As mentioned as important as theory is being able to lead and motivate a class is crucial if you are to be successful in this industry.
I hope this gives you some direction and if you have any questions. please feel free to email me.
0
As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, I can attest to the quality of ACE certified classes. The instructors are held to strict standards, and ACE provides their instructors with more than enough material to fill up a full load of college classes, given the time. I think your best bet would be to find a course offered by ACE or through a partner university/college campus if you can find one. You also have the option to buy the materials and study solo. I know that my university offered the course free of charge with the option for college credit. I took the class and "ACEd" the exam =). The instructors do well to prepare you for the exam, and they offer plenty of real world experience for you to consider.
I can't speak to ACE's Group Fitness course because I haven't taken it. I have been considering it for continuing education credit. You can go into an ACE class with marginal interest in fitness and come out ready to learn everything!
To sit for the exam, you'll need current CPR/First Aid/AED certification, which you can get through a course with your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association, etc.
Here's the link to the ACE website: http://www.acefitness.org/
For specific information on the Group Fitness Instructor cert, go here:
http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_gfi.aspx
ACE certainly isn't your only option! However, whatever organization you choose, it might be a good idea to make sure that the certification is nationally accredited.
I can't speak to ACE's Group Fitness course because I haven't taken it. I have been considering it for continuing education credit. You can go into an ACE class with marginal interest in fitness and come out ready to learn everything!
To sit for the exam, you'll need current CPR/First Aid/AED certification, which you can get through a course with your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association, etc.
Here's the link to the ACE website: http://www.acefitness.org/
For specific information on the Group Fitness Instructor cert, go here:
http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certification_gfi.aspx
ACE certainly isn't your only option! However, whatever organization you choose, it might be a good idea to make sure that the certification is nationally accredited.
0
You have passion to start and that is awesome. If there is a class you've been taking that you want to teach, research how that works. That's what I did when I got certified to teach Turbo Kick, Hip Hop Hustle, and PiYo. Essentially, I got certified in a specific format and I was hired by a gym to teach. Although I don't have my Group Instructor certification yet, I am an ACE certified personal trainer and I have other experience as a teacher and coach.
0
Hi Shannon,
I agree with the other responses that ACE or AFAA certification is necessary, however there are steps to take before that. Start reading and studying either the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual or AFAA's Fitness: Theory & Practice. Those books will give you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. Or, if you have a university near you, check with the Rec Sports Department to see if they offer an instructor course. It's really hard to learn movement and cueing to music by reading about it. So, if there isn't a live course near you, find a coach. I do some via the web and phone. If you're interested, you can visit my page here on Fitness Connect and click the link to my website. I'm a Certification Specialist for AFAA, so I'm one who presents their certification!
I agree with the other responses that ACE or AFAA certification is necessary, however there are steps to take before that. Start reading and studying either the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual or AFAA's Fitness: Theory & Practice. Those books will give you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. Or, if you have a university near you, check with the Rec Sports Department to see if they offer an instructor course. It's really hard to learn movement and cueing to music by reading about it. So, if there isn't a live course near you, find a coach. I do some via the web and phone. If you're interested, you can visit my page here on Fitness Connect and click the link to my website. I'm a Certification Specialist for AFAA, so I'm one who presents their certification!
0
Get your certification and check out workshops.
Go to IDEA conferences and conventions.
Fine Tune what you want to teach by following the advice of the other answers above, take as many classes as you can
Passion is a great thing sometimes!
Go to IDEA conferences and conventions.
Fine Tune what you want to teach by following the advice of the other answers above, take as many classes as you can
Passion is a great thing sometimes!
0
There are several elements to pursue. The most important is to check out the different organizations that offer certification. I am certified by American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), but there are several from which to choose. Look for a certification titled "Group Exercise" because that will be considered a primary certification as those go over everything necessary from anatomy to nutrition. ACSM has recently revamped their group exercise certification. There are webinars for the theory to prepare you for the exam, but what is really unique is that there are live workshops that focus on choreography and class building. Understanding the various methods of choreography can take a long time to comprehend and utilize whether you are teaching dance formats, step, or even kickboxing. You will probably also want to find a mentor instructor who won't mind team teaching with you and giving you helpful hints to assist you having a smooth transition from student to instructor. The first step though is to seek out certification. It will earn you respect in this industry as well as give you confidence.
