HOW TO BECOME A GROUP FITNESS INSTRUCTOR:

So you’re interested in joining the thousands of fitness enthusiasts who have decided to use their talents to become a Group Fitness Instructor. Our requirements at Defined Fitness include:

· Group Fitness Certification

· CPR Certification

· Experience

Group Fitness Certifications can be acquired through several different organizations. We recognize AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), ACE (American Council on Exercise) and FiTour to name just a few. More information can be located on their web site. 

CPR certification can be acquired through the local Red Cross (505) 265-8514 ext. 23 or American Heart Association (505) 268-3711.

Experience comes from having previously taught Group Fitness classes at another gym or facility. The extent of your experience is dependent on the type of activity and your level of expertise as an instructor.

If you’re interested in learning to teach classes it takes many hours of participation in other instructor’s classes. It also takes getting to a point where you feel comfortable leading short portions of a class from one of your favorite instructors. This is great to get a feel for being at the front of the class; leading, cueing, talking and thinking about what exercise/combination is coming next. It also gives you the opportunity to get constructive feedback from the regular instructor on what areas need to be improved upon. Little by little as you feel comfortable doing small segments you can extend those segments to comprise entire sections of the workout. Practicing at home with music or with friends is also recommended.

Once you feel that you are ready to teach and you have current aerobic and CPR certifications, contact myself for an interview. The interview will include both a face to face interview along with a practical interview in which you will teach portions of a class in front of me. If everything goes well, you may be on your way to becoming a Group Fitness Instructor. Remember, practicing in front of people is important. Keep a positive attitude, smile and have fun!!!

I look forward to meeting with you and if you have additional questions feel free to contact me at pattie@defined.com .

Pattie Poindexter
Group Fitness Director

CERTIFICATIONS/WORKSHOPS/LABS:

The following is a listing of certifications and/or workshops coming to Defined Fitness at one of our four locations:

For more information on how to register for a fitour workshop or certification please go to www.fitour.com or call 1-800-348-6873.

To register for an AFAA workshop or certification go to www.afaa.com or call 1-800-225-2322