Best Group Fitness Certification: Top 4 GFIs for 2023
Are you passionate about fitness and eager to inspire others to achieve their health goals? If so, then becoming a certified group fitness instructor might be the perfect career path for you.
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Group fitness has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, as more people recognize the benefits of working out in a supportive and energetic environment. As a group fitness instructor, you have the opportunity to lead, motivate, and transform the lives of individuals who come together to sweat, burn calories, and have fun.
However, to embark on this fulfilling journey and establish yourself as a reputable group fitness instructor, it’s essential to acquire the right knowledge and credentials. This is where group fitness certifications come into play. A certification not only validates your expertise but also equips you with the necessary skills and techniques to create safe, effective, and engaging workouts for diverse groups of individuals.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the world of group fitness certifications and highlight the best ones available. Whether you’re just starting your fitness career or looking to enhance your existing qualifications, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and help you make an informed decision about which certification is the best fit for you.
So, if you’re ready to take the first step towards an exhilarating career in group fitness instruction or seeking to advance your current standing, join us as we explore the best group fitness certifications and help you uncover the right path to achieving your professional goals.
Group Fitness Certifications we Analyzed:
We will look closer at pricing, expected study time, CEU requirements and the primary focus of education.
Here’s a quick glimpse:
| Certification | Pricing | Expected Study Time | CEU Requirements | Primary Focus of Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $285-$465 | Self-paced, exam within 6 months | 20 hours every 2 years | Comprehensive fitness education with an emphasis on exercise science and practical application. | |
| $299-$858 | 180 days, but many students take 6-8 weeks | 15 hours every 2 years | Blending exercise science with choreography and music to deliver dynamic group fitness classes. | |
| $640 | Self-paced | 20 hours every 2 years | Holistic approach covering exercise science, program design, coaching techniques, and business skills. | |
| $399 | Self-paced | Is a CEU in itself | Scientifically-based training methods with a focus on corrective exercise, functional movement, and injury prevention. |
Why Trust My Opinions?
As a certified personal trainer with years of experience in the fitness industry, I have dedicated myself to staying abreast of the latest trends, research, and developments in the field of group fitness.
My passion for health and wellness, combined with my commitment to continuous learning, has led me to obtain multiple certifications and immerse myself in various group fitness formats. Throughout my career, I have trained and worked alongside numerous group fitness instructors, gaining firsthand knowledge of their expertise and the certifications they hold.
By sharing my insights and recommendations on the best group fitness certifications, I aim to provide you with well-informed and trustworthy guidance that can empower you to make the right choices for your professional journey. Rest assured that my recommendations are rooted in a deep understanding of the industry, a commitment to excellence, and a genuine desire to support aspiring instructors like you in achieving success in the world of group fitness.
Bonus Tip: > Certified personal trainers are able to instruct group fitness classes but group fitness trainers are generally ineligible to train one-on-one in most corporate settings.
Here are the factors we looked at to determine the best group fitness certification course:
- Price: considers cheapest study materials and exam.
- Expected Study Time: considers the time you have to take the exam from the time you register and purchase study materials.
- CEU Requirements: refers to the amount of continuing education units that are a requirement to maintain a certification.
considers the educational foundation of the course and what students can expect to learn.
Best Group Fitness Instructor Certifications
PRICE
$285-$465
Expected Study Time
3-6 months
CEU Requirement
20 hours every 2 years
Primary Focus oOf Education
Comprehensive fitness education with an emphasis on exercise science and practical application.
Pros
- Highly recognized and respected.
- Comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on safety and proper form.
- Offers continuing education opportunities.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to some other certifications.
- Focuses more on traditional group exercise formats.
- Limited hands-on experience in training.
Writers Note
I strongly believe that the ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification is an excellent choice for fitness professionals seeking to expand their expertise in group exercise instruction. The ACE certification carries significant recognition and respect within the industry, opening doors to numerous employment opportunities and enhancing credibility with potential clients. The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers essential aspects such as anatomy, physiology, program design, and class management, equipping instructors with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe and effective workouts.
With an emphasis on safety and proper form, ACE ensures that instructors prioritize the well-being of participants, reducing the risk of injuries. Additionally, ACE offers a range of continuing education opportunities to keep instructors up to date with the latest trends and research, allowing for continuous growth and professional development. Overall, the ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification stands as a solid investment in one’s career, providing a strong foundation and the tools necessary for success in the dynamic and rewarding field of group exercise instruction.
PRICE
Expected Study Time
CEU Requirement
Primary Focus oOf Education
Pros
- Established reputation in the fitness industry.
- Well-rounded curriculum with a practical focus.
- Offers continuing education options.
Cons
- Limited specialization options compared to some other certifications.
- May have a broader approach, potentially lacking in-depth instruction for specific formats.
- Some reviews suggest the content may not always reflect the latest industry trends.
Writers Note
I wholeheartedly recommend the AFAA Group Fitness Instructor certification as an excellent choice for fitness professionals looking to excel in group exercise instruction. With its established reputation in the industry, the AFAA certification carries significant weight and recognition, making it a valuable credential for employment opportunities and client trust. The comprehensive curriculum of the program covers essential topics such as exercise science, anatomy, teaching methodologies, and program design, providing instructors with a well-rounded knowledge base.
One standout aspect of the AFAA certification is its practical focus, emphasizing hands-on application and effective teaching techniques, enabling instructors to deliver engaging and impactful group fitness classes.
Additionally, AFAA offers continuing education options, allowing instructors to expand their skill set and stay up to date with industry advancements. While there may be some limitations in terms of specialization options or specific formats, the AFAA Group Fitness Instructor certification serves as a solid foundation for any fitness professional seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of group exercise instruction.
PRICE
$640
Expected Study Time
CEU Requirement
Primary Focus oOf Education
Pros
- Flexible online study options.
- Comprehensive curriculum covering exercise science, program design, and teaching methodologies.
- Ongoing support through resources and a dedicated student success team.
Cons
- Potentially less recognized compared to some other certifications.
- Limited specialization options.
- Practical experience may vary depending on access to fitness facilities or mentorship.
Writers Note
I confidently recommend the ISSA Group Fitness Instructor certification as an excellent choice for fitness professionals seeking to become skilled and knowledgeable in leading group exercise classes.
One of the standout advantages of the ISSA certification is its flexible study options, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace through online coursework. The comprehensive curriculum covers all the essential aspects of group fitness instruction, from exercise science and program design to teaching methodologies and practical application.
ISSA also provides ongoing support to students, ensuring they have access to valuable resources, forums, and a dedicated student success team. While ISSA may be less recognized compared to some other certifications, its focus on delivering a well-rounded education and the flexibility it offers make it a solid foundation for aspiring group fitness instructors.
PRICE
Expected Study Time
CEU Requirement
Primary Focus oOf Education
Pros
- Strong foundation in exercise programming.
- Evidence-based approach with a focus on coaching and communication.
- Recognition and credibility in the fitness industry.
- Lower cost compared to some other certifications.
Cons
- Focus primarily on individual training.
- Limited specialization options for specific group fitness formats.
Writers Note
The NASM Group Fitness Instructor certification as an excellent choice for fitness professionals seeking to excel in the realm of group exercise instruction. The NASM certification provides a strong foundation in exercise programming, equipping instructors with the knowledge and skills to design safe and effective workouts for various group fitness formats.
What sets NASM apart is its evidence-based approach, ensuring that instructors stay up to date with the latest research-backed information and strategies. Additionally, NASM places a significant emphasis on coaching techniques and effective communication skills, enabling instructors to motivate and engage participants during group fitness classes.
With its recognition and credibility in the fitness industry, the NASM certification opens doors to numerous job opportunities and enhances one’s professional standing.
Primary Focus of Education In More Detail
ACE:
- Understanding human movement
- Intelligent selection and sequencing of exercises
- Providing inclusive classes
- Communication strategies and behavioral change
- Class participant safety and legal considerations
- Creating memorable movement experiences
- Fundamentals of exercise science
- Class design and planning
- Class instruction and presentation
- Notable topics: professional and legal responsibilities; nutrition
- Fundamentals of virtual coaching
- Skills for teaching 12 different exercise formats (including HIIT, Bootcamp, Kickboxing, Step, Stretch, Muscle Conditioning, and more)
- Safety and injury prevention
- The science behind group exercise and how it works
- How to design and instruct a group exercise class for every level
- Coaching skills specifically designed for groups
- Program creation rooted in exercise science
- Business skills to excel as a group trainer
- Motivation skills to engage participants
Group Fitness Instructor Takeaway
There are many factors that can influence how much you can make as a group fitness instructor. Brand new, entry-level instructors with just a handful of classes should not expect to make as much as seasoned instructors who are teaching classes of 10+ students, two or more times per day.
However, the limits to your salary as a group fitness instructor may be entirely up to you as the online group training world allows you to monetize your business while you sleep. If you create courses on-demand, you can potentially have an unlimited amount of students compared to the instructor that is subject to how many hours there are in a day.
Accreditation
Accreditation for group fitness certifications is an important factor because it speaks to the professionalism and quality of a course. Accreditation is performed by reputable third-party organizations that review courses to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.
Group fitness certifications that wish to become accredited must submit their courses and final exams to third-party credentialing companies for review along with a hefty credentialing fee. These are the baseline in which certifications meet fitness standards and promote competency for entry-level employment.
ACE, AFAA, and ISSA all have NCCA-accreditation while NASM’s course does not. However, NASM, perhaps the biggest name in personal training certifications, offers their course as a continuing education specialization and assumes aspiring group fitness instructors to be existing certified personal trainers. Remember, certified personal trainers can already train group fitness classes with their existing cert so this specialization makes sense for their brand.
NCCA Accredited Group Fitness Certifications:- ACE
- AFAA
- ISSA
Group Fitness Instructor Takeaway
Choosing the Best Group Fitness Certification for You
No one can tell you what the best group fitness certification is. At the end of the day, the choice is subjective and depends on how you weigh the above factors. For example, if learning about 12 group fitness exercise training format sounds awesome to you, then ISSA may be an ideal choice. On the other hand, you may find that the price point of ACE and the curriculum better resonates with your wallet.
Another very important factor not mentioned above is the career path you are choosing. If you know that there is a specific gym you want to work with, you’d want to check with them to see which group fitness certifications they require for employees.
The point is you need to be honest with yourself and look at all the variables for choosing a course and weigh them to determine the best option for you.
I hope that this post has helped you make the decision to choose the best group fitness certification that much easier. If you have any questions, or would like to see anything else added to this list, please leave a comment below.
Best Group Fitness Certification FAQs
Before sitting for a group fitness instructor exam, you’ll likely need to meet the following:
- Be 18 years old or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a current CPR/AED certification
- Possess a government-issued photo ID
From there, you’ll need to choose a certification body, schedule your exam and begin studying, pass your exam, then get a job as a group fitness trainer. Learn more about
how to become a group fitness instructor here.
Eddie Lester
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