Getting hired to teach water and group fitness classes requires proof of certification from a major certifying body, such as the Cooper Institute, American College of Sports Medicine or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, to name a few. Most certifications require you to take and pass a written and practical exam that you complete in a one-day workshop, which often includes a comprehensive review of materials.
Aerobics Certification
No specific "aerobics" certification exists. Candidates for certification that will allow them to lead group fitness classes must be at least 18 years old. The Primary Group Exercise Cert or Group Fitness Professional Cert offered by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of American and the American Council on Exercise, respectively, are two examples of nationally accredited aerobics certifications. This basic certification is accepted by gyms and other fitness facilities, and allows you to teach a variety of group fitness formats, on land and in water. If you have identified a facility where you would like to teach, check with them to see which certifications they prefer or accept. Certifications may be issued for one, two, or three years and require continuing education credits to stay certified. Expect to pay around $250 as of October 2010 for a certification. Often fitness conventions offer special discount pricing where you can get certified for less than $100.
Water Certification
While many facilities will allow you to teach water fitness classes with only a general group fitness certification, a certification in water fitness will enhance your credentials as a fitness professional. Choose an organization that has a national certification and accreditation. Organizations that offer group fitness certifications, often also offer water fitness certifications under such titles as Water Fitness Professional, or Aquatic Exercise Fundamental Specialty Cert. Organizations such as the Aquatic Exercise Association and the United States Water Fitness Association only offer aquatic training and certs. These certifications cost approximately $250 as of October 2010 and last two years with renewal based on attaining requisite continuing education credits.
Prerequisites
Officially, you will be told that you must have teaching experience and educational background -- such as a college degree -- in a fitness-related field before taking the certification exam. Also, you will be encouraged to purchase the textbook, which could add substantially to the cost of the certification process, and prepare for the test months in advance. On test day, however, the instructor trainer reviews everything that is going to be on the test for the first four to six hours and gives you time to practice and ask questions. You must also have proof of CPR and/or AED training to receive your certificate.
Online And Specialty Certifications
It is possible to receive an aerobics or water certification online, as long as you take the practical test at a designated facility. Study materials include DVD's to learn the moves as well as a study text. Specialty certifications are available for many group fitness formats, such as kettle bells and kickboxing. Stick to getting your specialty or online certification with established national certifying organizations with accreditation with the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Even if your facility is not familiar with the organization issuing the certification, they can verify that this organization meets or exceeds industry standards for certifying fitness professionals.
Considerations
Lawrence Biscontini, MA, a leading fitness expert and presenter talks about the changes the group fitness industry is experiencing and cites the rise of pre-choreographed group fitness certs in his article written for American Fitness July/August 2010 edition, "The Only Constant is Change: How Group Fitness is Evolving." Les Mills and Zumba are two popular formats that certify instructors to teach their specific formats, and supplies instructors with music and pre-choreographed. This can make it easier for new instructors to enter the field and provide them with support and backup from their peers.
Additional Tips
Getting certified is only the first step in becoming a proficient instructor of aerobics and water formats. Experience will be your best teacher and provide you with knowledge you can't learn in a course. Attend other certified fitness instructors' classes to pick up techniques that will enhance your own classes. If you are older, don't let your age or a physical disability stop you from entering this field. Certifying organizations do not discriminate and will accommodate you on testing day if you let them know you have special needs.
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