I want to become a group fitness instructor

[createchic]

Hi to all fellow health enthusiasts!

I am interested in becoming a group fitness instructor, but have a couple questions.

First off, which one is a more popular choice of certifications…ACE or AFAA?? The gym I am hoping to get a position at in the future told me those are the two they prefer. I was reading as much information as I could about them online, but figure this may be a better solution to find out the differences.

The other question I had was regarding their pay. I totally understand that it is different with all people, but I was wondering the actual layout of how they are paid. For example, if I make $20 an hour and teach three classes a week…do I get a gross weekly check of $60 or do I get paid for extra time, like developing the class or practicing? I was just wondering, because I look at it as a professor at a university. They get paid not only for the classes they teach, but also for the research time and office hours.

Thanks so much to all who were able to help me. Any info is greatly appreciated!

Have a great week,
Erica

[gymgirl]

Hi, Erica and welcome to DF!

It looks like you've taken the first step, you've talked to the gym where you hope to work and they gave you their two choice certifications. I'm not very familiar with group-x certs, so sorry I can't offer more there.

However I used to work at a gym, and I got paid a very small wage in my non-training hours and got paid a higher rate when with a client or handling a new orientation. I've also seen other gyms where instructors and trainers only get paid when they are teaching or working with a client. I think it would be best for you to ask the athletic director or GM at the gym you want to work for. Also many group-x instructors teach at multiple gyms for the added income.

Best of luck!

[riseboi]

Hi,

I used to be the assisant GM/operations manager for a fitness club, and while I can't comment as to the best GF cert., I might be able to help in regards to the pay. At my old gym, we paid by the hour. This did not count the preparation or practice; just for the actual class. So, if you taught 6 classes in the payperiod, you earned your hourly rate times 6.

Hope this helps.