What group exercise classes are trending? Zumba? Insanity? What will become more popular soon? What should I learn/teach?
Hi David,
Some of the classes that will work for you will depend on your demographics. Zumba, TRX, bootcamp, HIIT classes, Insanity, spinning, and yoga are all going strong where I live. Mixed classes such as cardio intervals and strength training are also popular and fun. You could also look into teaching a ViPR class–which is strength training blended with functional movement patterns using a weighted tube. There are many classes to choose from, so it can be overwhelming.
You may want to check out what local gyms and community centers in your area are offering. In terms of what you teach, it should also be something that you have a desire or passion to teach!
Good luck to you!
Christine
Hi David,
When it comes to deciding what type of class you need to get certified at or teach don’t focus on present trends. Trends always change. You need to find out what is it that you like to teach and then your choices become more clear. And most important, you need to be able to train a clients in a way that is most appropriate for them so they can reach their goals.
Just because someone says, “this method or trend is the most popular” it doesn’t mean that it will stay that way. Christine is correct when she said “In terms of what you teach, it should also be something that you have a desire or passion to teach”.
The best thing to do, is to keep educating yourself as much as you can and maybe specialize in one or two different philosophies. Good luck to you!
Best,
Harris
Hi David,
ACSM just released their worldwide trend survey which may help guide you. (http://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2013/11000/Now_Trend…)
The three top trends according to the ACSM survey are: 1) High intensity interval training, 2) Bodyweight training and 3) Increased fitness trainer professionalism. There appears to be a high incidence of injury in high intensity interval training, which makes me wonder if it’s going to maintain its top position. A very fast rise with a serious shortcoming is something that has all the makings of a fad, in my opinion.
It’s interesting that the third top trend is about professionalism; clients are demanding that their trainers have the highest possible levels of training. This is a trend that I’ve been watching for some time. There’s been a definite need for professional certification of trainers, along with an expansion of the many different courses and degrees that confer the appropriate skills.
Although, Zumba is not on that list, I concur with Christine. You should definitely conduct your own local survey to see what is trending near you and of course teach what you are passionate about!
I hope this helps, and wish you the best in your search!
Best in Health,
Lawrence
Gym Insight
http://www.gyminsight.com/
Hi David,
in the interest of full disclosure: I am biased because I am a MELT instructor myself, and my classes are full to the brim. All those wonderful high intensity and Zumba classes are creating some fit bodies but there are a few left behind with injuries because their bodies were not ready for it. MELT classes with their focus on restoring balance and function are a great counterweight. With baby boomers entering clubs at a high rate, this is a great alternative to offer, and if also lends itself to one-on-one and small group training which is a further source of income.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
I think Harris is spot on about considering what you want to teach rather than just trends.
Here are a few general things to think about: A general group exercise certification costs money to get, and to maintain. Everything you add on top of it also costs to get and to maintain. I can remember taking things decades ago that were ‘going to be the next big thing’ and have really just disappeared. Before you pay a lot of money for a certification in something you want to know that you will get back the cost of the training. How much does the cert. cost to get, how much to renew, how much to pay for CECs. What is the average pay rate to teach this class in your market? Do you own your own business? If so poll your students“. would they be interested in your adding these classes. How many other businesses are there in your area and how many offer this type of class? If there are lots of places offering it and you work at studios you may have more opportunity for work. If you own your own it may be harder to bring new people in to your places. On the other hand if there are few you need to figure out whether that is because no one has exploited this niche, or because not many people are interested in it.
Generally students love to try new stuff. For many students whether they stay with it has as much to do with the skills and professionalism of the instructor as with the format (from what I have seen), that does not mean a strength trainer is going to start doing chair yoga, but a person after a strength workout will often follow a teacher with great teaching skills who helps them feel the burn whether they call the class one name or another.
That said with some things (like zumba) there can be a strong following for the format.
I am just saying before you spend a ton on training remember how many people did step aerobics 20 years ago. And ask yourself what happened to the money people spent on workshops to learn jump a ropics or slide aerobics.
And as a yoga teacher I would say: even if yoga is popular in your area, and Yes, you can earn a good per class fee, it is probably not the best add on training to get. The training is expensive, and to really work in a yoga studio you are likely to be asked to have a 200 hour certification at a minimum. Senior teachers tend to have many years of intensive training.