In my opinion (and probably many other contributors here on GXunited), teaching group fitness classes is one the best jobs around! We get to connect with clients on a daily basis, help them reach their fitness goals, learn new choreography, create great playlists, and do something we are passionate about day in and day out. Although it is an extremely fun and rewarding job, it still takes a lot of hard work on the front end to make each class a great experience for our participants. We didn’t just step out of the front row of class one day and slap on the microphone. There are a lot of things to consider and steps to take before becoming a group fitness instructor. The craft can take years to master and there is always room for growth and improvement no matter how long you’ve been teaching. In the video below, I discuss the first steps to becoming a group fitness instructor and the things you should know about the job before you jump in.
Step 1:
Take a wide variety of classes and decide which class formats really speak to you.
Step 2:
Talk to group fitness managers and studio owners in your area to find out what formats they need instructors for and what certifications they require.
Step 3:
Find a mentor to help guide you in your early days of teaching and team teach with you if possible.
Step 4:
Understand the prep work that goes into teaching group fitness classes.
- Obtaining the correct certifications for different formats.
- Developing class plans.
- Learning, creating, and practicing choreography.
- Finding music.
- Maintaining your CPR, continuing education credits, and liability insurance.
- Arriving early to set-up for class.
- Staying late to talk to students.
- Promoting your classes in the community to develop a following.
Step 5:
Get certified! If you need help finding a certification, check out the amazing certification database on GXUnited.
Step 6:
Start teaching as a substitute or be prepared to teach at non-prime time slots.
Step 7:
Be prepared to practice A LOT in the beginning!
If it is truly your passion, the prep work required to teach a great group fitness class is more than worth it! Still interested in becoming an instructor? Great! I encourage you to follow these steps, find a mentor, and check out the amazing resources available to you through GXUnited!
