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Everything You Need To Know About Becoming A Group Workout Instructor

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Group fitness sessions have now become quite popular, with over 40% of regular fitness enthusiasts taking part in group fitness programs now. The American College of Sports Medicine predicted ahead of the coronavirus pandemic that group fitness will be one of the top three fitness industry trends in 2020, and because of a good reason.

Working out offers proven health and fitness advantages, and the effects are predominantly beneficial, such as lower blood pressure, better diabetes management, and better sleep. Working out in a group setting may be especially beneficial. These health-based benefits are leading to an increase in the demand for group fitness classes.

Also, other individuals working out with you have an impact on the exercise attitudes and emotional responses of a person. That is, they have the ability to influence how a person feels about exercising, which is crucial in determining whether or not you exercise at a particular gym or under a specific gym instructor. When you meet people who exercise on a regular basis with you on the same premises, you begin to see exercise as more positive, common, desired, and attainable. Now, let us know more about the kind of workout instructor who leads these fitness sessions and how to become a fitness trainer in a group setup.

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Who is a Group Workout Instructor? 

Group Exercise is an excellent exercise option for those who want to get in shape, have a good time, and meet new people. It's no wonder, then, that this type of workout has grown in popularity in the recent years.

Fitness instructors who teach, manage, lead and inspire people via specially planned fitness programs in a group setup are known as Group Fitness Instructors. Group Fitness Instructors are often the high achievers as they have knowledge about the group set up as well as the individual set up. Not only do they are ahead in planning effective, exercise group sessions for various fitness levels, but they also have an abundance of motivational and leadership techniques that help their class participants reach their fitness goals under the instructor’s guidance.

From aerobics to cycling and beyond, group exercise instructors give safe teaching in a variety of class styles and equipment setups. They are also able to communicate effectively because of their outstanding communication abilities.

A group of woman engaging in strength training

Booming Group Fitness Industry

If you've been doing one-on-one sessions for a while or perhaps already tried your hand at teaching personal fitness classes then you could be ready for a new challenge. There is an abundance of scope in becoming a group fitness instructor, you may reach out to more clients and generate more revenue. 

Here are some of the advantages of taking up the professional stream of a group workout instructor. If you've been thinking to become a fitness instructor for a group of people or you want to teach a group class or have been urged by your acquaintances to do so, here are some research-backed reasons why it could be a good idea.

1. Attract hard-to-win Clients

With group training sessions, you have a higher chance of contacting clients who would not normally sign up for personal training. These are the people who might be a little shy or uneasy working one-on-one with a trainer they've never met before. Becoming a group workout instructor is also an excellent method to reach out to new clients who are interested in training but cannot afford individual sessions.

2. Increase the number of one-on-one clients you have

If you already are a personal trainer, by becoming a group fitness instructor,  you'll be networking with more potential one-on-one clients by reaching out to more individuals with group training sessions and classes. Those who were hesitant to participate in training may discover that they enjoy working with you. They may decide after a series of group sessions that they're ready to take their workouts to the next level and sign up for more concentrated, customized sessions with you. Getting new clients is not just a way to make more money, but it's also extremely rewarding when you make difference in someone’s lifestyle.

3. Make more money in less time with group training sessions

Group sessions are just more cost-effective for you if you become a group workout instructor. They are more cost-effective for your customers as well, and they allow you to generate more money in less time. It's important to strike the appropriate balance between the number of clients each group and the amount each person pays, but once you do, you'll be earning more effectively.

How to become a fitness trainer who conducts group classes?

Trainers and instructors that work with groups of individuals for fitness sessions should be certified. Credible group fitness instructor certification has now become a requirement rather than an option. As group exercise has become increasingly popular, training standards have risen. There are fitness experts that work in both roles. 

It is strongly recommended that you obtain a general trainer certification so that you have a basic understanding of kinesiology, nutrition, general dysfunctions, and program planning. Being certified also allows you to engage with customers and learn how fitness experts handle intake and workout programming.

The next stage is to obtain a certification in group fitness to become a group workout instructor. What is the purpose of obtaining a certification? When hiring or selecting a group instructor to join, most health clubs and conscious clientele would search for qualified fitness trainers only. Hence, it is important to get certified as a group exercise instructor from a governing body.

You should look for a course that is regulated or certified by a governing body for other sorts of courses. This type of fitness certification will be relevant to you if you want to teach indoor cycling, yoga, or Pilates. To get certified this way, look for a facility near you that offers certification, it may be a large gym, a tiny studio, or something in between. Keep in mind that if you're interested in yoga or Pilates, your training is based on a certain amount of hours, which necessitates even more commitment than other kinds of exercise.

Which group fitness Instructor certification should you get?

Depending on what you wish to teach, there are a variety of certifications available.

Before you can teach certain sorts of workouts, you'll need certain qualifications. These credentials are only appropriate for teaching a certain form of exercise and, in some cases, a specific type of company. If you wish to be a CrossFit coach, for example, you'll need a CrossFit Level 1 credential and can only teach at a CrossFit affiliate that is registered.

Many organizations in the United States provide group fitness certification. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is widely regarded as the gold standard in the sector, has accredited several of these. Other training certificates are in the process of being certified or are provided by NCCA-accredited organizations.

An ongoing yoga class with an instructor teaching yoga pose to a student

6 best certifications to become a group workout instructor 

Let’s have a look at the list of group fitness certifications to get a sense of which ones are appropriate and most suited for you.

01. ACE’s Group Fitness Instructor Program

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard in the United States for reviewing fitness and other health qualifications, has accredited the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Program. Leading international standards-setting organizations, notably iCREPs, have also acknowledged it.

The ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor Certification gives you the flexibility to keep your career and your community always moving. From strength training to dance-based workouts to mind-body classes, the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification gives you the versatility to keep your career afresh and up-to-date.

02. ISSA’s Group Fitness Program

Group Exercise is an excellent option for those who want to get in shape, have a good time, and meet new people. It's no wonder that this type of workout has grown in popularity in recent years. Fitness Trainers may now learn how to keep up with the fast-paced structure of a group class and teach up to 12 formats in less than 6 months with ISSA's Certified Group Exercise Instructor course, all for one low fee.

03. ASFA’s Advanced Group Fitness & Bootcamp Certification

The Online Advanced Group Fitness Certification & Bootcamp Certification is a combination of courses from the American Sport and Fitness Association is a great way for fitness professionals to broaden their expertise and specialize by earning an advanced group fitness certification online. With their self-study courses, one can broaden their knowledge and learn about advanced fitness techniques, dynamics, and more from the comfort of your home.

This advanced group fitness certification course gives you a leg up in the fast-paced, ever-changing health and fitness sector. Any fitness instructor certification necessitates study time, and busy fitness professionals want a resource that allows them to study at their own pace. 

04. NETA’s Group Exercise Instructor certification

This NCAA-accredited training program is administered by the National Exercise Trainers Association. Live in-person seminars are available as an add-on to the NETAs certification package.

The NETA puts itself on stressing both practical and theoretical components, which is why workshops are included. Anatomy, physiology, nutrition, choreography, communications, physical activity, and fitness are among the subjects covered in the course.

05. AFFA’s Group Fitness Instructor Certification

The popularity of group fitness courses and programs has risen over time. A group fitness certification will teach you the fundamentals of teaching, allowing you to swiftly and effectively adapt to different workout styles in a group setting.

The NCAA has recognized the AFFA course, which covers a variety of topics. These include topics such as how to plan and conduct a class, as well as the fundamentals of nutrition and weight control. They also cover important business skills that might help you advance in your profession.

06. ACSM’s Group Fitness Certification

The NCAA recognized ‘American College of Sports Medicine ’  as one of the most renowned institutions on the list. Its group exercise training certificate is currently not much recognized. However, you may be assured that this certificate has undergone extensive study and development.

The training covers topics such as endurance and cardiovascular fitness, as well as overall health and strength. Conditioning, flexibility, and body composition are all covered. This course requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

How much is the group fitness instructor’s salary?

The amount of money you can make as a group fitness instructor should not be the determining factor in your decision to become a fitness instructor specializing in group fitness. Its significance, however, cannot be ignored.

According to Zip Recruiter, the average income for a gym instructor or a fitness trainer in 2019 was $41,794 per year in the United States, while the average salary for a personal trainer was $44,074 per year. The salaries of a group exercise instructor range from $31,000 per year to $50,500 per year. Since 2017, the average wage has increased, when the average annual salary for group fitness instructors was $39,210.

Go ahead and earn your certification, if you want to become a group fitness instructor

Now you have the required knowledge of how can you can do so much more by becoming a group fitness instructor. It's time to earn your certification and see what you can come up with. You can become a fitness instructor in either setting, but one must be able enough to assist people to achieve their objectives and help them lead healthier lives.

A griup of people running on track

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