Fitness Instructing

Overview

Programs in fitness instructing prepare people to lead group fitness classes such as aerobics, cardio kickboxing, and body sculpting.

Fitness instructing programs include topics such as:

Choreography
Anatomy and exercise
Weight training
First aid and CPR
Personnel management
Marketing

Schools

Many career schools and certifying organizations offer courses and training in fitness instructing. The length of time required to complete a certification can range from a week to up to three months.

Many community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in fitness instructing. Some fitness instructors get a degree in health and physical education. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in fitness instructing or health and physical education. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

A few universities offer graduate degrees in health and fitness programs. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Most schools and associations require you be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent before enrolling.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Anatomy and Physiology
Food and Nutrition
Public Speaking

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Choreography
Class Design
CPR
First Aid
Injury Prevention
Proper Breathing
Review of anatomy and physiology
Use of Music
Warm-up and Cool-Down

Things to Know

In general, you must be certified for each type of course you wish to teach.

Fees and tuition vary by the certifying organization and by the type of fitness class you wish to teach. Some classes, such as yoga or Pilates require more study than others, and may be more expensive to complete.