Thinking about studying a group exercise instructor course? If so, there’s a lot to consider from finding the right course, entry requirements, what fitness education you will gain and once qualified, how you can put your newly acquired skills firmly into practice.
We’ve chatted to Laura Bendall who recently qualified to teach group exercise classes to find out more about her choices and career plans.
‘I have always had a passion for exercise and sport ever since my school days. But as I grew older my focus shifted and I ended up working in an office and starting a family. I then started working out in a gym about two years ago and my passion for fitness was reignited. Last year I decided that teaching fitness was something I wanted to be my career and so began the start of my journey and the process of looking into group exercise courses and qualifications.’– Laura Bendall
‘I decided on the group exercise instructor course as being a mum of three I felt this would be the qualification that best suits my circumstances. I could either look to run my own local exercise classes myself or work in a gym teaching group training. This means I can plan my class timetable around my family life and I could be in control of how many classes I teach a week and where and when.
I really wanted to become qualified so that I could help people along with their fitness journey in a fun and friendly way. There is no better feeling than helping people physically as well as mentally through exercise and seeing all the gains they make week on week. Classes also offer the perfect way to build up rapport with everyone that attends and over time you become a small local community. Class is also where friendships are made, and from here members encourage and motivate each other helping maintain their commitment to stay fit and healthy.’
‘For me personally there is no greater sense of achievement than seeing people change both physically and mentally. Exercise makes us feel good and also helps with people suffering with depression. A career in the fitness industry is rewarding and you get to meet a variety of really great people. Your clients support you, just as much as you support them and they really want me to do well.
It is the greatest feeling helping people get to their goals and seeing them enjoy their exercise class time. Just imagine the feeling when someone who couldn’t do a full push, now can after your help, encouragement and coaching. Now imagine someone who wants to lose weight before their wedding and you help get them to their goal. And that’s just for starters! The list is endless of real people achieving real results and how much satisfaction group training gives you.’
‘I researched a lot on the internet beforehand and made some initial enquiries. The training provider that appealed to me the most was the Academy of Fitness Professionals. When I enquired about information they got back to me and they were so friendly and professional. From sorting out my booking and payment, being sent all the relevant course material and information and the amazing support of my tutor who was always on hand to help. The service has been second to none but also the value for money with the certifications offered which I found extremely reasonable.
I was interested in an exercise instructor course that I could study online from home but with the assurance of help and support whenever I needed it. As a busy mum of three life can get really hectic. So what mattered was being able to fit my course around my everyday life. There is no pressure to get it in by a certain deadline and at the end you definitely feel ready and prepared to start work.
The amount of congratulations I had when I passed my course even down to the letter included with my certificate is outstanding and so personal, which is why I will continue to support AOFP as a company. I have even signed up to my next course with them and will continue my fitness education through them.’
I would love to run more local exercise classes and potentially within the next couple of years go down the online training route. Online fitness classes are a growing trend and will fit really well into both my lifestyle and customer groups.
My mission is to be the best I can be at what I do, running a range of engaging classes, but one thing I do know is that the fitness industry is firmly where I want to be.
The great thing about working in exercise and fitness is that with certain qualifications you can fast track onto other courses. Once you have gained a level 2 for example, as a group exercise instructor, you only need to complete the two specialist modules for other level 2 courses. This is a great way of growing your fitness business by offering extra services that appeal to different types of clients.
For those wanting to consider working in group exercise, the AOFP Exercise to Music Course is a great start point. Recognised by CIMSPA and REPs and with full awarding body endorsement through the NCFE it ticks all the right boxes to equip you with the skills, aptitude and confidence to develop your very own local group exercise business.
