If you want to become a group fitness instructor, we’re here to tell you that YOU CAN DO IT! Teaching group fitness is so rewarding in so many ways. Not only do you get paid to workout, but you have the opportunity to truly change lives.
The fitness industry can be really intimidating, but PLEASE don’t let that stop you. You don’t have to look like the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition to be a FORCE in the fitness field. Think of all the local men and women in your community who would benefit from having a healthy role model they can relate to. A retired neighbor, your kid’s school teacher, the clerk at the grocery store, the exhausted super-mom down the road – they all need support, and you can provide that to them through group fitness in your area!
Here’s the real kicker…60-85% of people are living a sedentary lifestyle, making it a very serious yet underrepresented health concern worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that sedentary lifestyles, “increase all causes of mortality, double the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, and increase the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression, and anxiety.” People need to get healthy, and you can help them do it.
There are people in every community just waiting for someone to inspire them to move. But, how do you know you’ve got what it takes to be that inspiration? We’ve compiled a short list of essential qualities every great group fitness instructor needs. Take a peek, and make note of the areas where you know you’d thrive, as well as the bits you could use some extra training on:
- Technical knowledge and skills – There’s no denying that a background in fitness, health, or wellness is a great starting point for a potential group fitness instructor. As an instructor, you’ll need to have a good understanding of how the body moves, and how to encourage that movement by demonstrating safe technique and proper cueing. The good news is that this can all be taught! Consider brushing up on your kinesiology prior to becoming a fitness instructor. You could even take a course through AFAA or ACE to help prepare you for your real-life teaching experience.
- Purpose – As a group fitness instructor, you’ve got to be intentional and think BIG in everything you do. Project a big voice, show big, exaggerated movements, and have a big passion for helping others. Be ready to step outside of your comfort zone and make yourself larger than life every time you teach a class!
- Character – Students thrive in a group fitness class where they are vibing with their instructor. Know that not everyone is going to love your style, but many people will! It’s all about finding the right match in the program and participants. Choose to teach a group fitness format that you love so that you come across as authentic and confident while teaching. Allow your true self to shine through, without sacrificing the integrity of the program. Do so by choosing a format with a mission you align with so that everything feels genuine and not forced.
- Experience – The more practice you have, the easier it is to step in front of a crowd and teach with confidence. Experience can only come with time and hard work. That’s why we suggest starting your journey toward becoming a group fitness instructor sooner rather than later. Don’t put it off for another day!
SHiNE Dance Fitness Instructors are trained to lead with the heart. At the end of a SHiNE Instructor training, you’ll be well-informed, motivated, and prepared to teach an intense and inspiring class. Get more info about what it takes to be a SHiNE Instructor or sign up for an upcoming training today!
