Becoming a group fitness instructor is ideal for people who are fitness enthusiasts and love to motivate others. Teaching in a group setting can be empowering and a way to socialize and make friends. It is very hard work, however, and there are many considerations to keep in mind when choosing to get certified, such as which agency to become certified through, cost of classes or the exam and making sure you fulfill proper requirements.
Description
Becoming group instructor certified means you can teach classes in a group setting. These classes typically include kickboxing, step, aerobics and a variety of classes that differ at each fitness facility. Specialty classes may require a group instructor certification as a prerequisite, but may also require an additional certification to teach that class, such as BodyPump or Cycling classes. With group exercise instructor training comes knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, kinesiology and injury prevention. Group instructor certification courses also go through cueing techniques, choreography, music selection and class design.
Certifying Agencies
Before you figure out who you want to be certified with, you want an agency that's NCCA accredited. The NCCA is the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and distinguishes between qualified and unqualified agencies. The most popular group instructor certifications are through The American Council on Exercise, or ACE, the National Exercise Trainers Association, or NETA, and The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM. Another popular one that most health clubs will accept is the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, or AFAA.
Prerequisites
Each certifying agency requires different prerequisites with the group instructor certification. Even though some may not require specific prerequisites, they still may suggest having a knowledge and background of health, fitness, anatomy and physiology just to pass the test. All reliable certifications will require you to be 18 or older and have a high school degree and CPR/First Aid certification. According to the Ultimate Bootcamp, ACE requires 100 hours of experience in a health related field. AFAA recommends completing the Practical Skills Workshop. ACSM requires a college degree in a health science related field.
Cost
Cost varies with each agency, but typically will run from $150 to $300 just for the test and some agencies may include a workshop. Study material costs considerably more. NETA runs a workshop that concludes with the test, and is $279, but study materials are not included. ACE is $249 for the computer-based test, and study materials that include anything from practice tests to DVDs can range to $60 to $360. AFAA costs $299 but also includes a workshop that concludes with the exam. ACSM is $279 for just the test. All costs are as of 2010.
Caution
Being group fitness certified is not the same thing as a personal trainer certification, so make sure you are not teaching clients in a one-on-one atmosphere or you could be found liable for any injuries or damages. You must keep your certifications up to date. Most certifying agencies require continuing education units to be turned in yearly to show you are keeping up to date and knowledgeable on latest trends. Music is copyrighted, so whatever music you choose or CDs you may burn make sure you own the original and can prove that you paid for it.
References
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America: Primary Group Exercise Certification (by State).
- American Council on Exercise: Group Fitness Instructor Certification
- Ultimate Bootcamp: Group Fitness Instructor Certification Programs
- American College of Sports Medicine: Certified Group Exercise Instructor
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