Fitness plans exist in all different sizes and shapes, just the same as our bodies do. Essentially, that means there are different techniques and practices that can be used to get ahead in your career.
This article will provide you with some tips, techniques, and the relevant certification needed if instructing physical fitness is what is next for you..
Do Your Research and Choose a Study Program
Upon completing your research and deciding on becoming a fitness instructor, the next step will be to choose a study program. Consider a program that has been accredited by the NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies).
The NCCA has accredited the ACE Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, and Medical Exercise Specialist Certification programs. The standard for Group Fitness Instructor Certification is set by the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Study Program. The ACE program provides:
- Latest instructional techniques
- Fundamentals of group fitness
- Leadership techniques
- Coaching skills
You will also be provided with endless support to prepare you for your certification exam.
ACE recommends preparing 3-4 months in advance and your certification exam will take roughly 3 hours to complete.
Register For Your Exam
Each of the study program selections includes the fees for signing up for an ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. You must sign up for your exam within six months after acquiring your study materials. Ensure all requirements required are met before registering for your exam. One of those requirements is the need to have a valid CPR/AED certificate.
You will not be required to purchase exam study materials from ACE. However, when purchasing an exam voucher, please remember that they expire within 6 months. You may book your exam for a date after the 6-month mark but that needs to be done before your voucher expires.
Pass Your Exam and Get Your Dream Job
Upon successful completion of your exam, you will be given the title ACE Group Fitness Instructor. Your official title will reward you with discounts on liability insurance, discounts on gym equipment and more. This will help establish your career more. You will also be rewarded with a small ID card that can easily be placed into your wallet to show proof of your certification.
Finding your dream job involves a number of different considerations. You will first need to decide on the type of environment you want to work in, for example:
- Large or Small gyms
- Yoga studios
- Medical fitness centers
- Other types of fitness businesses
Given that you are now ACE certified, whichever environment you decide on, ACE has a lot of resources to get you up and running.
Define Your Specialty
Regardless of how good you are at your job, you will need to define your specialty. In order to do that, you first need to figure out who your target market is by understanding the type of client that will be suitable for the services you offer. To help you concentrate your knowledge in particular fields, ACE has developed a number of specialist programs such as:
- Weight management
- Behavior modification
- Fitness nutrition
To help you define your specialty, you can also consider what interests you most, your preferred training method, and the needs within the neighborhood.
Everyone is welcome to enroll in a specialist program for educational purposes, but only individuals with certification that is accredited by the NCCA will be regarded as ACE Specialists.
Maintain Your ACE Certification
Every 2 years, ACE certification holders must obtain 20 hours of ongoing education credits. This is to uphold the high standards established by the NCCA. ACE enforces those standards to help ensure certification holders improve their ability to lead people through change safely and effectively.
ACE provides a variety of opportunities to maintain your certification. One of those includes a CEC Power Pass which is a cost-effective subscription plan, to help you meet those renewal requirements and advance your knowledge.
Some FAQs to Help Direct Your Journey
Does This Mean the End of the Personal Trainer?
No. A personal trainer is there for clients that require one on one guidance while they exercise. Personal trainers will have individual clients throughout the day.
What Does It Take to Become a Group Fitness Instructor?
Accredited certifications have now become mandatory. Since group exercises gained in popularity, their standards have too. However, there is no requirement for a specific level of education. You will find some group instructors that have entry-level education, such as a GED, while others will have a Ph.D.
The best option will be to complete a program accredited by NCCA.
Next Steps After Receiving My Group Fitness Certification?
After receiving your certification, you will have the essential skills to instruct group exercise programs. However, you should always strive to advance your abilities and knowledge through practice and independent study.
What Do Group Fitness Instructors Earn?
The location, class size, time of day, and the instructor’s experience are just a few factors that affect how much group exercise fitness instructors earn. Fitness instructors frequently work full-time jobs in addition to instructing classes. For example, some fitness instructors teach one class a day after work, while others host classes throughout the day.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Group Fitness Instructor?
Your type of certification will determine how long it will take. Some certifications are extremely basic and will only take a day, but the knowledge gained is very low. Typically the more advanced the certification, the longer the time involved.
