What Training Do You Need to Become A Group Exercise Instructor?

Get Trained: How to Become a Fitness Instructor

If you have a passion for fitness and helping others, becoming a group fitness instructor may be for you. But, it can be a little confusing trying to figure out where to start.

Ask yourself what is your favorite class? That would be a good place to start. Find out if that type of class needs a specific type of training. For example, you have to take Zumba training to teach Zumba and you need to take Turbo Kick training to teach Turbo Kick.

After you find out if you need format specific training, you need to figure out where you want to teach. Some clubs require additional training for their instructors. For example, many clubs require what is called a national group exercise certification. This training deals with a lot of safety, anatomy, and fitness topics that are not covered in format specific training. 2 well known organization that do general group exercise certifications are AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, http://www.afaa.com/ ) and ACE (American Council on Exercise, http://www.acefitness.org/ ). There are lots of others. Find out what the facility that you want to train at prefers. Also, many facilities require CPR and AED training so that you can react in case of an emergency.

In addition, if it is allowed, you may want to shadow or be mentored by a seasoned instructor. Work with them one on one fine tuning your queuing, class formatting and maybe even teaching a part of their class to gain confidence.

Every club is different. So, it’s important to know what is required of you so you are prepared to start your fitness journey.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me coachlana@beachbodycoach.com