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Home » IDEA Answers » Which group exercise certification is the best/most respected/most accepted at any gym?
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Question asked by Stephanie Lynch 100 days ago

Which group exercise certification is the best/most respected/most accepted at any gym?

CertificationsGroup ExerciseCareer Accreditation

While living in Peru in the last 2 years, I became certified to teach a style of cardio kickboxing developed there. I am back in the US and would like to teach kickboxing here but have found that I need an additional certification as a group exercise instructor. This is a little frustrating because I have my bachelors in kinesiology, my masters in athletic training, and my doctorate in physical therapy. I work full time as a physical therapist, and I just want to teach once or twice a week because the class is really fun and I want to share it with others. I am willing to get the certification but because of my background and the cost, I want to know which is the BEST cert for group exercise instructors. I want to be able to do this once, learn something, and be able to use it at any gym. Thanks!!

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Answered by Harris Sophocleous 100 days ago
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859 Questions Answered, 5 Questions Asked
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Hi Stephanie,

I would either go for ACE, ACSM or AFAA...they have great group fitness certifications. Also, if you have in mind any places you would like to teach you can ask them which certifications they accept. Below you can read answers from a similar question asked in the past.

http://www.ideafit.com/answers/i-am-going-to-get-the-group-instructor-ce...

I'm sure others would have some more suggestions for you.

Good luck!

Harris
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Answered by Karin Singleton 100 days ago
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Hi Stephanie,

it must be frustrating to be ask to obtain a group exercise certification, given your credentials. I would go with ACSM in your case. It seems to fit the best into your resume, and ACSM has long been regarded as the 'gold standard' even though there are others now which are just as good.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
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Answered by Michael Saiz 99 days ago
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Hello Stephanie,
I think it could be determined by the gym/club one is applying for a PT position.
Some clubs will only accept the PT certification of their choice regardless of any previous or current certification one may have and may require you to take their chosen PT certification before employment.
I agree with Harris...those are three respected of many recognized certifications.

Sincerely,
Michael
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Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 98 days ago
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Hands down, the American Council on Exercise.

With all due respect, ACSM has been certifying group fitness instructors for a very short time. Not nearly as long as ACE.

I am of the opinion, particularly with your background, that you will be better served earning your group fitness certification through ACE.

I wish you the best.
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Answered by Bryant Seton 98 days ago
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With no overarching body to watch PTs or fitness professionals, there is no "best" to go with.

I'd say focus on getting one for you and selling yourself, your experience and how the cert helps.

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Answered by Nancy Korf 98 days ago
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I would personally go with ACSM or ACE.

Although ACSM's current group-ex certification has only been out since 2011, this is not their first experience certifying group exercise instructors. If you look at both textbooks (I own ACSM, ACE, and AFAA's current texts), ACE cites ACSM as a resource, not the other way around.
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Answered by Natalie Smith 97 days ago
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Hello Stephanie Lynch,

Welcome back.

I understand your frustration, given your extensive education and background. I would go with ACE or ACSM; preferably ACE for me. Before that though, I would check with the gyms I would be working in to see what they prefer.
Good luck to you and take care.
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Answered by Jocelyn Martin 96 days ago
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ACE, ACSM or AFAA depending on which you want to choose as the others have listed above the differences between them. But I would first check with the gyms you want to teach at to ensure they accept that certification or if they have a preference. Some even sponser certifications and may have one coming up that you can join. Many gyms hire people who have taken the certification class through them.
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Answered by Cortney Whitebay 89 days ago
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Some gyms will have a list of certifications that they will accept and some gyms will take you if you have any certification even if they have never heard of it. On top of that some gyms will hire you as a personal trainer but require that you have individual class certifications like Les Mills etc which is really specific. I would check with the gyms as to which they like to see or require; you can even inquire as a potential client to see what they say. That could also give you some good insight as to the type of gym they are and whether or not it is a good fit for you.

In general ACSM gets my #1 vote and ACE #2.
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Answered by Julie DeEsch-Kaminski 77 days ago
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ACE gets my vote
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