Become a Fitness Instructor
I had many people ask me how I got certified and hired to teach group fitness classes at the gym so I did a series of posts to answer. Be sure to read the comments on each post – my readers had some great tips too!
- Part 1: Choosing a Group Fitness Certification
- Part 2: What to Expect with the AFAA Primary Group Fitness Certification
- Part 3: What to do After You Have Your Certification
- Part 4: Getting Experience, Tips & Thoughts
Let me know if you ever have any questions on the topic. I’m happy to help how I can.
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This helped so much! I’ve always thought about doing this, and finally decided to get the ball rolling, but didn’t even know where to begin, but now thanks to you I do!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Hi teri,
Wow I’m so glad I found your blog. Everything has been so helpful and you are so generous to even share all this info with the world. I have a couple questions.
1. I was looking at the AFAA site and under it was this
“WHO IS IT FOR?
For aspiring group exercise instructors whose training and educational background has prepared them to take the AFAA Primary Group Exercise Certification exams.”
So my questions is, did you have any previous experience whatsoever teaching before you took this? Especially since it mentions training and education that has prepared them for the exams. I have been assisting various group exercise classes for about ten years now, and I have a date to be zumba certified, but I feel that if i want to be more marketable I should also have this group ex certification as well. What are your thoughts?
2. Also, I’m working on graduating from college this december, and I’m looking for employment that for now will be part time, but will not leave me starving and without shelter if you know what I mean. How much can a group ex instructor expect to make roughly, let’s say monthly?
Once again thank you so much, you are a doll! Love your blog!
Hi Desi! I’m so sorry for the delay in responding! Your comment went to spam for some reason and I don’t go through that folder often!
I had very limited experience teaching beforehand, i.e. I had subbed in my high school aerobics class a couple of times! I think you’ll be fine – you have way more experience than anyone else that I took the certification class with!
I can’t say a monthly income because I only taught 1-2 times a week. I know many instructors teach 1-2 times a DAY. I’ve heard of pay rates ranging from $12 – $30 a class, depending on the gym and city.
Hope this helps!