.jpg)
Getting a job as a fitness instructor is not hard to do if you know what to do. There are many certifications you can get to help you stand out in the crowd. Read on to learn more about the types of certifications you can get, the job outlook for fitness instructors, and the continuing education requirements.
Group fitness certifications
Getting a group fitness certification is a big step toward a successful fitness career. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making the plunge. The most important thing to remember is that you must choose a certification that matches your goals and career goals.
There are several certifying organizations that offer group fitness certifications. These organizations all offer a variety of certification packages, which include study materials, an exam, and a job guarantee. Some organizations even offer internship placements. Some programs offer more content, while others offer more convenience.
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) is a well-regarded and highly reputable organization. Their program is focused on both group fitness and health science. It's also worth noting that the organization is a good fit for experienced fitness coaches.
The Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) is another organization with a focus on group fitness. They offer a course that teaches endurance, flexibility exercises, and strength exercises. The course also discusses nutrition advice and cardiovascular systems.
Another option is to take a self-study course. This program costs $349 and includes a digital textbook, videos, and practice quizzes. You can also take the AFAA's group fitness certification exam at a local test center. This certification is considered to be one of the cheapest for new instructors.
The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) also offers a certification program. This certification includes an interactive group fitness program, a certification exam, and a job guarantee. This certification is designed to help instructors learn the most effective strategies to teach group exercise classes.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is the leading fitness certification organization. This nonprofit organization teaches group fitness design, motivation techniques, and legal responsibilities. The organization is also accredited by the NCAA, which means that your certificate is valid in most countries in the United States and the European Union.
The American Council on Exercise is also known for their Group Fitness Instructor Certification program. This certification teaches you all the basics of group fitness, including effective communication techniques.
CPR and AED certifications
Whether you are a fitness instructor or just want to know more about CPR, there are many places where you can learn. But be sure to check with your employer before taking any courses. Some states, like California, require fitness instructors to have a CPR and AED certification.
CPR is a lifesaving method that helps to preserve the body's life until help arrives. It is performed by giving chest compressions, using artificial breathing, and reassessing the pulse.
Many fitness organizations require instructors to have CPR certification before taking an exam. Having a valid certification is a great way to increase your job prospects. It also reduces the legal hazards associated with hiring a trainer without proper certification.
There are many places where you can get certified, including online courses. You can also choose to enroll in a hybrid course, which is a class that combines both online and in-person instruction. The online option is completely self-paced, so you can study at your own pace.
You can also take courses from the American Heart Association, which is a world leader in CPR care. Their HeartSaver First Aid CPR AED course teaches adults and children how to respond to sudden cardiac arrest. They also offer a self-directed video-based CPR program that takes about 20 minutes to complete.
You can also get your CPR/AED certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. This certification is delivered through the NASM digital learning platform. This option provides easy access to interactive content, and the course content is valid for two years.
Many fitness organizations require instructors to have a CPR and AED certificate before taking an exam. It is a great way to increase your job opportunities, and it also helps to increase your confidence.
The American Heart Association offers an in-person CPR course and an online CPR course. These are both available through the American Safety Training Institute. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion that is valid for two years.
Whether you are a fitness instructor or a health enthusiast, having a CPR and AED certification can increase your job opportunities. Getting certified will also help you to stay current on the latest industry standards.
Continuing education requirements
Continuing education requirements to become a fitness instructor are important, as the industry continues to evolve as more research is conducted on the human body. These requirements help you demonstrate your skills and authority in the fitness industry to employers.
You can find many types of certifications and recertification programs. Some certifications are offered by fitness certification bodies, while others are not. Fitness certification bodies encourage taking their own courses, but you can also find courses offered by other organizations.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a renowned professional organization. It has over 50,000 members and provides opportunities for professional development. It offers workshops, conferences, and online courses. It also provides a robust library of resources for fitness professionals. ACE also provides a Career Center and a Continuing Education Department.
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is another professional organization that offers a variety of certification programs. Its website is an ideal place to market your career as a health and fitness pro. It also offers a free professional website for students.
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) focuses on strength and conditioning training. It also offers twelve specializations, including sports performance, weight loss, and nutrition. The organization also has a career center and an on-demand testing service. The NCSF-CPT exam can be taken online or at local testing centers. It requires a high school diploma and CPR/AED certification.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is a well-respected organization of sports and fitness professionals. It offers resources for over thirty years. It is an elite science-based approach to personal training. It offers a variety of specialty certifications for people working with special populations.
The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NSCA) is another organization that offers training for fitness professionals. It produces regular publications and offers a job board. The certification exam includes fifteen non-scored multiple-choice questions.
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has an elite science-based approach to personal training. They offer twelve specialty certifications, including sports performance, weight loss, nutrition, behavior change, and injury prevention. They also offer an Associate's Degree program in Exercise Science.
Job outlook
Those who have a passion for helping people achieve optimal health and wellness should consider becoming a fitness instructor. The need for this type of work is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in employment for fitness instructors between 2016 and 2026. This is nearly double the national job growth outlook for all occupations.
Fitness instructors may lead fitness classes or personal training sessions. These types of trainers develop workout routines and diet plans for clients. They may also travel to clients' homes or gyms. Those interested in becoming a fitness instructor should consider a college degree in fitness, kinesiology, or a related field.
The fitness industry is growing as more employers recognize the importance of physical health. Some organizations offer incentives for fitness programs, and others open facilities onsite to promote employee wellness. Many employers prefer to hire fitness trainers who are certified.
Group fitness instructors organize classes that involve aerobic exercise, muscle conditioning, strength training, or stretching. These instructors may lead classes using specific exercise equipment, and some may choreograph exercise sequences to music. Many instructors work as part-time or full-time employees.
The need for fitness instructors will continue to increase as a growing population ages. Many employers have begun offering wellness programs, incentives for fitness programs, and paid gym memberships. In addition, faith-based organizations have begun offering wellness programs. A growing population of baby boomers and other elderly populations has led to an obesity epidemic. These fitness professionals have the ability to design workouts for faith-based organizations.
As more people realize the importance of wellness, they will be more willing to work with fitness trainers. This will result in the creation of 65,500 new openings over the next decade.
A degree in exercise fitness, kinesiology, or exercise science qualifies fitness instructors to teach non-branded aerobics classes. These instructors usually bypass specialization certificates, and may qualify for management or teaching positions. Exercise instructors may also lead group fitness classes. These instructors may plan classes, choose the appropriate music, and choreograph exercise sequences.