If you are in good physical condition and enjoy participating in group fitness classes, then you may want to consider investing in training to become a certified aerobics teacher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2009 average hourly wage for an aerobics instructor was $14.74, with more than half of all instructors finding employment in some type of recreational sports center. Several organizations in the United States offer aerobics teaching certification.
YMCA
The YMCA offers aerobics instructor certification that is divided up into two separate courses. The first course, titled YMCA Healthy Lifestyle Principles, covers the practical and theoretical information for instructors of any YMCA group fitness class. This class is a prerequisite for all other group fitness instructor training classes. The second course, called Foundations of YMCA Group Exercise, will educate you on the basics of instructing all types of group exercise classes. Participants will also need current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification and will need to complete course manuals. Participants are required to attend class.
American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise offers group fitness instructor certification in the form of a home study course. The course covers topics, such as anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, instructional technique, cueing, class design and injury prevention. You must be of 18 years old and possess CPR and automated external defibrillator certification to take this course. Study support is available in the form of email study guides, and you can take the exam at one of the ACE testing centers.
American College of Sports Medicine
The American College of Sports Medicine has a certified group fitness instructor program as part of its health fitness certifications. According to the course description, those who are certified by the ACSM are able to modify exercises based on group needs and develop various forms of exercise. Study on your own and also attend workshops or webinars. The certification exam is computerized and must be taken at an exam site.
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America
The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America facilitates a group fitness certification program which requires self-study before the program as well as group exercise experience. CPR certification is also a prerequisite. The certification exam includes a written and practical component, and you must attend the one-day review class.
References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
- YMCA: Certification Classes
- American Council on Exercise: Group Fitness Instructor Certification
- American College of Sports Medicine: Get ACSM Certified
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America: Aerobics Primary Group Exercise Cert.
