Want to become a Fitness Instructor

[amanda12485]

I really want to become a fitness instructor, and teach workouts like step and weights. I am having a hard time figuring out how to get into the business. I know you can get certified, but I am looking for something where they train you in routines, like Les Mills but there are not any where I live and you have to be an instructor before you can train with them. Any info on this from anyone would be great. Also, Is this something you could do full time and make a living from??

 

[dr.mel_PT]

I became an instructor right after I graduated college. The way I did it was I started working for a gym chain as a low-level personal trainer. The company paid for my basic certification and I started working on "beginner" clients. Eventually, I became close with a few instructors at the gym and they kind of took me under their wing as mentors; they taught me how to choreograph and lead a class, what tempo music to select, some of them even let me teach a couple segments of their classes so I could get a feel for it. Then I went to get officially certified with NASM and a specialty in kickboxing (the good thing was because I worked for a large gym, my certs were discounted). The more areas I specialized in & the more education I received, the higher my pay. It's probably different between gyms but this is what helped me. Hope this helps!

 

[hriacobacci]

I've been very tempted to get certified as well - likely just for extra money and also for the added knowledge. I'd be curious about what certifications are considered to be more reputable by gym owners.

Heather

 

[jolene_hajj]

I would LOVE to be a fitness instructor...it would be awesome to work out for a living (of course, I'm totally watering down the profession here, but it is a bonus to work out as a job!) and help others get in shape. Let us know how you do!


I do PR now, and it would be awesome to fuse those together - now to do that, I have no idea, but it's in my mind!

 

[KrisS]

Hi Amanda,
I currentely teach pre choreographed workouts from the company Body Training Systems which used to be a part of Les Mills before they split up. Their programs are basically the same and you do not have to be a previous group fitness teacher to get certified with BTS. However you need to find a gym to "sponsor" you to take the certification. Just go on their website www.bodytrainingsystems.com and find a gym near you on the program locator link. From there contact the gym and ask if they need instructors. I also have an AFAA group fitness certification which is very basic. You can find choreography for your classes at www.turnstep.com. Hope this helps.

Kristin

 

[amanda12485]

KrisS
There are not any fitness clubs close to me that teach, bts or les mills. Do you know how I would go about teaching without being certifed with bts? I guess you would have to have quite a few routines made up before you could teach.