We all are aware of the benefits of exercising but recently various studies have highlighted the ‘additional’ benefit of exercising in groups! Research suggests that social communities – including those online, can provide you motivation and support to do better.

Comes out that Americans love to exercise in groups! Before the coronavirus pandemic, the American College of Sports Medicine had predicted that group fitness would be one of the top three fitness industry trends in 2020. But breakout of COVID led to a country-wide lockdown and things did not play out as anticipated but now when things are finally getting back to normal, once again the Americans are eager to work out in groups, now more than ever!

COVID pandemic made us realize the importance of socialization and not to mention, the excruciating boredom and monotony. People are looking forward to returning to gyms or group fitness classes. The COVID pandemic has been harsh on many and a lot of people desperately searching for emotional and mental support, friends, and community to relieve them of trauma. Hence, many are voluntarily signing for group fitness classes. In this blog post, we'll look at what group fitness is, its benefits, why you should become a group fitness instructor, and where you can get certified.

Skip ahead to :

• What is group fitness?
• Benefits of group workout
• How to Get a group fitness certification

What is group fitness?

The term group fitness encompasses all form of fitness that’s done in a group setting, led by a personal trainer or group instructor. It’s a workout led by a trainer in a group setting. If you’ve ever tried out a Zumba dance class at your local gym or joined in on a quick yoga session, you have been a part of a group exercise class already.

Exercising in groups is extremely popular in America. Nearly 60 million Americans attended group fitness training classes at least once a week in 2019. Furthermore, many boutique studios are established on the group fitness concept, with unique classes and programs that are not available in a larger gym. Some of these workouts, such as barre, indoor cycling, and indoor rowing, may be familiar to you. Many gyms also offer full-time group fitness programs that include strength training, core, cardio, and cycling. The additional benefits of group workouts are hard to ignore.

Benefits of group workout

Whether you're a social butterfly looking to try new things or an introvert searching for encouragement to get in shape, group exercise provides a sense of community, motivation, and opportunity.

01. Accountability

According to one study, those who exercise with others are more inclined to exert themselves more, resulting in faster and better outcomes. There are also fewer chances of skipping out of exercise decrease when you’re held accountable by others. A study by the Society of Behavioural Medicine showed that working with a partner can help you improve performance and double the workout time. A workout buddy can provide reminders and encouragement to exercise, hold you accountable and even help with tangible logistics, like giving you a ride or sending links for teleconferencing class opportunities.

02. Motivation

For most people, it’s difficult to stay consistent with workout routines, but having a certain group there waiting for you provides you with the necessary motivation. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them. And a 2016 study published in the journal Obesity found that overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends — the more time they spend together, the more weight they lose.

03. Lower costs

Let’s accept that personal training is expensive. Many times it’s not viable to hire a personal trainer, instead of struggling through every workout, or risking injury, you can take a group fitness class, which allows you to work with a fitness professional and saves you money! In a large group session, the trainer may not be available at all times, but they are always there to answer questions when you have them. If you can't ask in class, come early or stay late, but be courteous of their time because you aren't paying for a complete training session. If you don't have time before or after class, observe how they correct and assist others throughout the session. Simply watching and listening can teach you a lot.

04. Competitive edge

It's a very human thing to be competitive. In the end, we are all driven by our evolutionary urges to be better than others. And same applies to fitness and group workouts, according to Kansas State University researchers, people who exercised with someone they thought was better than them boosted their workout length and intensity by 200 percent. Competition can encourage you to work harder, increase your endurance, and strengthen your body and heart.

05. It’s more fun

One of the most common reasons for attending a group fitness class is that they are simply enjoyable. Sometimes, it can feel more like a party than a workout when music is playing and everyone else is working alongside you, participating in the hardship and the triumph. According to a study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent. Group exercise participants showed significant improvements in all three quality of life measures –mental, physical, and emotional.

How to Get a group fitness certification

If you are interested in teaching group fitness classes, it’s beneficial to get certified. Certification helps you build credibility and trust among your clients. If you are new to the fitness industry, group fitness certification can be your way into the industry. There are many things you need to be careful of while applying for certification. First, make sure that the certificate you’re applying for is valid in your country. For instance, there are different certification courses for EU and US citizens. You need to be at least 18 years of age and have at least a high school diploma. In America or Europe, if you want to register yourself as a group fitness instructor, you need to hold a CPR/AED certification. You must also have a valid government-issued photo ID with a signature.

Most often it takes around 3-6 months to get certified but it depends on individual skill and capability. Once you've decided that becoming a group fitness instructor is right for you, the first step is choosing a certification program. Here is the list of most recognized and best group fitness certification programs –

01. ACE’s group fitness instructor program

The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Program has been approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard in the United States for examining fitness and other health qualifications. It has also been recognized by leading worldwide standards-setting bodies, including reps. The ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor Certification allows you to keep your profession and community moving forward. The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification allows you the flexibility to keep your career new and up-to-date by covering everything from strength training to dance-based workouts to mind-body programs.

02. ISSA’s group fitness program

The ISSA Certified Group Exercise Instructor course is the most well-rounded program available, educating trainers on how to teach up to 12 formats in less than 6 months at much less price. With ISSA's Certified Group Exercise Instructor training, fitness trainers may learn how to keep up with the fast-paced structure of a group class.

03. ASFA’s advanced group fitness certification

The American Sport and Fitness Association's online Advanced Group Fitness Certification & Bootcamp Certification can be a great way of learning for fitness professionals to enhance their skills and specialize by getting an advanced group fitness certification online. From the comfort of your own home, you may widen your knowledge and learn about advanced fitness techniques, dynamics, and more with their self-study courses.

This advanced group fitness certification course will offer you an advantage in the fast-paced, always-evolving health and fitness industry. Any fitness instructor certification will require study time, and busy fitness professionals would appreciate a resource that allows them to study at their own pace.

04. NETA’s group exercise instructor certification

This NCAA-accredited training program is administered by the National Exercise Trainers Association. Live in-person seminars are available as an add-on to the NETAs certification package.

The NETA puts itself on stressing both practical and theoretical components, which is why workshops are included. Anatomy, physiology, nutrition, choreography, communications, physical activity, and fitness are among the subjects covered in the course.

05. ACSM’s group fitness certification

The NCAA recognized ‘American College of Sports Medicine ’  as one of the most renowned institutions on the list. Its group exercise training certificate is currently not much recognized. However, you may be assured that this certificate has undergone extensive study and development.

The training covers topics such as endurance and cardiovascular fitness, as well as overall health and strength. Conditioning, flexibility, and body composition are all covered. This course requires a high school diploma

06. NASM online group training certification

National Academy of Sports Medicine is a world-renowned certification program known for the quality of its trainers and the scientific rigor of its training program. NASM offers an online Certified Personal as well as Group Training program. NASM is part of Ascend Learning, the leader in providing technology-based education and certification solutions. NASM is also a partner of the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and Premier Global in the United Kingdom. NASM specializations can take your training skills to a whole new level.

Why become a group fitness instructor?

Well, because Americans love to exercise in groups! Group exercises are very popular.

A Nielsen survey of over 3000 participants of group fitness classes around the world highlighted that more than 85% of class members visit their facility twice a week, specifically to engage in group classes. 43% of members visit their facility 4 times per week for this purpose. There is huge potential in the group fitness industry and after the pandemic, the group fitness classes are once again back in trend. Here are a few reasons, why you should seriously consider getting certified as a group fitness trainer!

01. Expand your career

As a group fitness instructor, you'll have the opportunity to meet a lot of new individuals in your classes. This not only allows you to meet a lot of like-minded, fitness-loving people, but it also allows you to form connections, expand your network, build your reputation and earn credibility. If you are good at your craft, in a short period, you can build a name for yourself and your brand. You can also establish yourself as an influencer and earn a good deal of money and fame! Group fitness classes can open new avenues of opportunities for you and expand your career.

02. Good Earning Potential

Personal trainers are compensated based on a variety of factors such as degrees, local cost of living, and certificates. As a personal trainer, it’s often tough to manage time and there is only a limited number of clients you can handle in a day or week. Group fitness classes can help you earn more, save you much time and effort, you can always part-time as a personal trainer irrespective and group exercise instructors make a good living.  According to Zip Recruiter, the average annual income for a fitness instructor in the United States in 2019 is $41,794, hence it’s not a low-paying job but an extremely well-paying one.

03. Channelize your creativity

As an instructor, you’re in charge and you get to plan classes the way you want. Many times people complain about lack of creativity and monotony. They also question the disinterest and low energy of instructors. As the person in charge, you can keep these routines new and interesting for your participants. You can invent new ways, use music, games, and videos to keep your students hinged. You can experiment indoors, go for outdoor workout sessions, and do many more things! In this way, you also get to experience new things and relearn.

04. Make fitness your mission!

If fitness is your passion and you want to change lives, encourage people and be a leader, group fitness is your thing. As a group fitness trainer, you get to motivate people and influence them closely. They look at you as a guide and mentor. You are their cheerleader and their partner, you assist them in transforming their lives. This is a great responsibility as well as an honor. Not only are you improving the minds and bodies of your clients, but you’re also improving your mind and body by helping others.

05. You get paid to workout

Make money while doing something you already enjoy. Is there anything else we can say? A career as a group fitness instructor is fun and enjoyable. You get to do what you love and get paid for it. It not only helps you keep in good health and follow your passion but brings you money. You get to continually learn and grow as a professional in a field you love and expand my knowledge and skills and ultimately enhance my impact as an instructor.

Becoming a group fitness trainer can offer many benefits. From inspiring others to managing stress and motivating them to reach their goals, the job is not only well paying but also allows you to contribute and add positive vibes to the community.

If you run your own fitness centre or are a group fitness instructor, its time for you to switch your business to Bookee app. Bookee is the best fitness management software laced with industry best features and everything your fitness business might need.

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