Getting Paid to Workout

For all of you out there who frequent classes at the gym or who workout at all I have some info to pass on. I have been asked before about what it takes to become a group fitness instructor so let me tell you what I know. First I want all of you to know that I am not, I repeat, am NOT an expert on this by any means. I am just giving you what I know and what are the most common ways to become certified.

A few years ago the gym at my university was holding AFAA certifications for primary group exercise. Since I was a student I received a discounted rate which was somewhere around 200 dollars for the initial training. It was about 6-8 hours long on a Saturday. We reviewed technique and safety and then were given a 100 question written exam and a physical exam. During the physical exam we had to present our own choreographed segment of a standard aerobics routine.

Last weekend I attended my initial certification for Body Step which is a program by Les Mills. It was Saturday and Sunday and lasted for 8 hours each day. It was hard core but I made it through with a pass, or an "A". Now I have three months to perfect my technique and learn the routine perfectly so that I can video tape myself teaching a class. After I record myself I will submit the tape to Les Mills corporate and will be assessed and graded with a pass or fail. This training cost 200 dollars and I will be forever certified in Body Step.

Both programs do require additional yearly follow up training. With AFAA you are required to acquire CEU's or continuing education units. They cost about 50-75 dollars for three and I believe you need 20 each year. Make sure to check out the website.

With Les Mills all of the choreography is created for you so every three months you pay 35 dollars to receive a DVD, CD and booklet with all the choreography info.

With AFAA you will be a "freestyle" instructor. You will provide your own music and your own choreographed routines. Also if you want to teach say...kickboxing or cycling or pilates, there are extra certifications you can get.

It is the same with Les Mills. If I wanted to teach Body Combat which is basically kickboxing, I would have to pay for another certification and attend another training.

Now I know this is a ton of information but there are even more choices out there. My sister in law is certified through ACE. She has really liked being certified through this company and I don't know all of the details but it may be a little less rigorous than AFAA if you are interested in freestyle.

As far as pay goes, the going rate seems to be something between 30-40 dollars an hour. I know some gyms even go off commission these days like, the more people in your class the more money you make. (I think that is just bananas but hey, I am new at this...)

I know this is a lot of bla bla bla and there are probably going to be one to two readers max for this post but I think going through all the certification is worth it. That is because I enjoy exercise and I enjoy the group fitness atmosphere. Don't ever let yourself think that you could never do this, I honestly think that 95% of people out there could do it if they really wanted to. It's not about whether you look like a barbie doll up there, it's about you being a motivating, enthusiastic instructor whose joy for fitness shows in her attitude. Good luck to all those interested! I hope some of this rambling has helped. If you have any questions just email me katillac765@gmail.com