Getting into Group Ex
Hi friends! How are you? Hope you’re having a great day so far <3 It’s Indian Food Wednesday! And you’ll never believe it, but we’re actually celebrating tonight. The Pilot said it’s high time we brought it back.. and I’m not one to argue 😉
Lot’s of food prep has been happening over here 😀
Last night I made a double batch of macaroons– one for last week’s giveaway winner and one for my web designer, because he’s awesome
They’re uncooking away to glory right now.. the house smells AMAZING
Breakfast cooking:
The Pilot’s
(Fresh tamale from the madre’s + 2 eggs)
Mine
(oats + blueberries- repeat of yesterday)
I also got some food ready to take to work:
Smoooothie (almond milk, banana, Sun Warrior, ice, almond butter)
Gluten-free saltines
Veggie soup from Choice
If I’m in the mood, I’ll pick up a salad at work since they have awesome organic veggie salads 🙂
So quite a few of ya have asked about my history with group fitness, and since I’ve only touched on it a few times and have some new readers (hi!), I thought it would be fun to talk about today 😀
(Sorry for the small blurry pic- I’m back row in the middle)
Back in the day, I taught dance classes. I had danced my entire life and started teaching my freshman year in high school, and didn’t stop until I graduated college. The dance studio was my life –my closest friends were also instructors and everyday after school, that’s where you could find me. I taught jazz, tap, hip hop and ballet.. and especially adored my 3-year-old ballerinas and my high school hip hop rockstars. When I stopped teaching dance to move to North Carolina and be with my Pilot love, I felt the huge void in my heart where dance used to be.
In college, I discovered the group fitness world and went crazy for spin, step and Latin Cardio classes. As soon as I got to North Carolina, I spent my extra time –which was a LOT, since I wasn’t working- taking classes at the base gym. I couldn’t believe all of the options that were available –there really is a group fitness soulmate for everyone- and I was hooked on taking classes. I met one of the newer wives, who taught spin classes at the gym, and she convinced me that it would be a fun extra something to do, and one of the rare things that we military wives can do anywhere.
(our first apartment in North Carolina- look how little the Pilot looks! Haha)
As soon as we got to Georgia in the fall, I got my AFAA group fitness certification. I was really intimidated by the certification process but it ended up being NBD. You study the textbook, take an all-day workshop (in which they go over the material you should know), and take a test (a practical and a written exam). After I received my cert –you also have to get CPR certification, which is offered through the Red Cross- I started teaching Step, Zumba and Cycling at the base gym and have been loving it ever since 🙂
Of course there are days where the last thing I want to do is teach. I’m driving to teach and thinking to myself, I really don’t want to teach these people. The second I walk in the door, and students come up to me and the energy is there, that’s all I need. It’s really helped to get me out of funk moods (especially when the Pilot is deployed!) and it’s especially amazing to see results in participants. One of my Zumba students lost over 50 lbs in the two years I taught at the base gym in Georgia, and it was so inspiring to watch her succeed.
Right now I’m teaching at a local health resort and it has already done so much to get me out of my comfort zone. I’m teaching classes that were new to me when I started (Stretch and Relaxation classes, treadmill and weight room classes), and in addition to Zumba, am teaching total-body drill classes and assisting water aerobics. The instructors I work with are truly the best of the best, and they inspire me everyday. It’s been a good thing 🙂
If you’re looking to get into group fitness, here are some tips:
-Call local gyms to see what certifications they accept for instructors (almost all gyms will take ACE and AFAA). Edited to say: for specialty classes (like Zumba, spinning, yoga, Pilates) you will need a specialty cert. I have my Zumba cert through Zumba Fitness (and am a ZIN member, which means my certification will not expire), but in almost all cases you will need a group fitness certification in addition to the specialty cert.
-Get your CPR certification – you will need this no matter what
-Take classes to see what you’d like to teach and also observe what techniques work for some teachers, and what doesn’t work
-Apply and interview! (For interview tips, check out *this post*)
Hope this helps a little 🙂
I’m off to do the work thang, and then Indian Food feasting with that one guy I kind of like 😉
See ya later!
xoxo
Gina
You might also like:
93 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I thought of you the other day – I signed up for a Zumba package on Groupon. First-timer ova hurr 🙂
yeahhh! you’ll love it 🙂
I too danced my whole life and any time I think about it’s absence I get extremely wistful. Even shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” makes me want to run back out and get in a class!
me too! they have open jazz, lyrical, hip hop and ballet classes at one of the studios i teach at..but i’m pretty sure my skillz are lost haha
LOVE so you think you can dance!!
I loved learning more about you in this post Gina! I am also a certified group fitness instructor and Nutrition & Wellness Specialist, and I TOTALLY agree with you when some days the last thing you feel like doing is teaching. For me, I just try to remember that the workout is not about me – it’s about the participants, and a few tracks into the workout, I’m 100% loving it (and hopefully they are too!!) The certification process is somewhat similar in Canada too, in that you have to have your CPR as well. We also have to earn CEC’s (continuing ed credits) throughout the year to maintain each certification. I’m certified through Can Fit Pro, which is our largest certifying body in Canada. It’s only my part time job, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I hope you have a wonderful day! 🙂
so for zumba, you don’t need a separate certification? just a group fitness one…?
you do need a zumba cert. sorry, i forgot to add that in there!
Zumba is actually a license not a cert. That’s my biggest peeve with Zumba, anyone can take that 8 hour workshop and have a license to teach fitness classes with no real anatomy knowledge, no testing (written or practical). It scares me. They really need to change it so that you have to be a fitness professional in order to get your license in Zumba, but they won’t because they won’t be able to haul in as much $$$…
Okay, I’ll get off my soap box bow 😉
now, not bow!
CORRECT zumba is a license not a certification…(i scrolled down to see if anyone mentioned that yet and suzi, you beat me) and they do tell us that in our training. i agree with suzi. it is a little too easy to get the license as some of the people i know who have the license never took a single group fitness class before becoming an instructor, are uncoordinated, can’t stay on the beat, or have loose movements that make it difficult to follow the choreo. on the other hand, i have also taken zumba classes from instructors who DO have their group fitness certifications, who are NOT good instructors either. sadly, most certified group fitness instructors focus on the individuals who are not as talented and give ALL of us zumba instructors a bad name. sadly, most people who attend classes with said sub-par instructors only attend THAT class and then have no idea what a zumba class really should be like.
i couldn’t agree more. thankfully, most gyms require a group cert in addition to a zumba license, but like you said, it doesn’t make them good instructors. it’s like that with every type of class though, which is why it’s so important to seek out another instructor if you take class from one you don’t like.
ohhh interesting! good to know, thanks for the info!
Love this post! And I seriously need indian food in my life, Mike and I were going to get some last week but changed our plans, I just need some roti! I think I will just go and order roti to-go! lol!
I actually am certified to teach group exercise, but always wonder if I could actually get over my fear of being in front of the room leading everyone by myself- ahh!
Maybe one day 🙂
oh my goodness. you can totally do it!
So cool! I just joined a gym and they just started Zumba. I love taking group fitness classes, especially with a great instructor 🙂
So jealous of your Indian Food feast!!
Okay where did you get the gluten free saltines!! I need them 🙂
whole paycheck! glutino brand
Hey Gina! Thanks for this post – it’s really helpful for me. I’m getting certified to teach Zumba next week (!!!) and am studying to become an ACE-certified personal trainer. I debated between doing group cert./PT cert. but ultimately decided to just go for the CPT and take cycling, kettlebells, etc. workshops to earn my CEC’s.
What are your thoughts – do you prefer teaching group exercise classes or 1-on-1 training? Any advice or tips for me?
As someone that hires trainers, I would say you are doing the right thing. I’d much rather have someone have a PT cert since they often go over much more anatomy/physiology than group ex certs (in my opinion, but I haven’t read through all of their materials) which I think is valuable for any fitness instructor. It’s just a good base, you can add on from here pretty easily. I think it’s nice to have a mix of one-on-one clients and group classes. You might find you like one or the other better, or you might find that you like having the balance between the two. I’ve had instructors that didn’t like PT as much since it does require a high-level of energy on the trainers part and in a group setting people feed off of each other.
Thanks, Cat! I really appreciate your feedback. That was my thinking as well – studying for this ACE exam has me studying anatomy and physiology, which I don’t have a background in. It’s tough but I think ultimately it will give me a good foundation of knowledge, and then I can go get more group cert.’s in the future and feel confident about it 🙂
i prefer group fitness -the energy is what really drives me- but really love both. i think it’s a great idea to get a background in both if you can
Thanks, Gina!
This is a great info/inspiration post for group fitness. There is a certain high that I get from working out with a large group of women (sometimes a few men sprinkled in there too.) These classes are some of the best workout motivators. They are also a great way to start or get back into exercising because you don’t have to plan or think about your workout, you just do it. I’m so happy that you’re loving the new health resort. Have a happy Indian Food day!
i love posts like this because it is something i plan on doing with my future. I plan to get all my certifications next year once i finish my current schooling. You inspire me, and help me out so much, more than you know <3 xoxo
I love the new look of the site. First time I’ve clicked over since the change. It’s great!
I love group exercise. I can’t wait to take a Zumba class this week. 🙂
I think it would be so much fun teaching classes — I’d try to channel some Chalene for sure!
group fitness scares me! LOL I don’t do group fitness…i wish i did some days though. it looks like fun and you always make is sound so inspiring to get out there and shake your boot-ay.
This post is like looking in a mirror! Except in this mirror I have a long and luscious mane of dark and beautiful hair. I like it. 🙂
But for real I hear ya, teaching group ex has filled a major void that leaving dance behind created, and it’s great for scratching the dance itch in general. I’m glad I got certified in PT, but if I’m honest, I’m not sure I’ll ever train privately–my heart is in the classroom with a badass playlist. I feel like becoming a trainer was such a great idea for you especially because you can do it anywhere–that is a benefit I enjoy, even though I don’t currently have plans to move–and you know you’ll be fulfilled in a way that can’t happen with an office job. Hi-five. 🙂
you should do a dance “workout of the day” 🙂 that’d be super fun!
Ah you should make more macaroons on Tuesday! 5/31 is National Macaroon Day. 😉
Question for the fitnessista! –
not sure if this has already been asked, i read your blog off my phone so it makes it hard to see! so sorry if youve answered a couple hundy times!
what are the plans for Summer Shape up? Any challenges coming up that will motivate us??? i am excited to see some vids and playlists to tone up before the hot hot months 🙂
thanks!!
june 6!! get ready! 🙂
I totally know how students can brighten your mood! I’m a Jazzercise instructor and I know there are many days when I’m driving to class thinking that it’s the last place I want to be, but as soon as I start class and my students are laughing and looking like they are having a good time, the dread I felt earlier totally goes away! 😀
You guys are too cute together!
And I really want to start taking some group fitness classes. I find that I do my best when I’m in a group / instructed setting. I have trouble motivating myself.
Great tips! My husband’s pursuing a career in the miliary and I’m wanting to get my Zumba certification this year (when a workshop finally shows up locally again), and eventually group exercise certification. I figure, like you said, it’s something I can pick up and do anywhere, like blogging! Good thing I love both Zumba and blogging and would do it with or without pay!
“I’m driving to teach and thinking to myself, I really don’t want to teach these people.”–
I can totally relate to that statement! I do love yoga, I love my own personal practice, but finding the energy to motivate others and teach who aren’t necessarily as “into it” as I am…was and is the hardest part of teaching yoga for me. But you are right…once you step into the room and the ppl are excited, and you feel the group energy, it DOES make it all…just fall into place, even on the “off” days.
I love your tips, and Im glad you relinked the interview post, b/c it goes perfectly with this one.
Thank you for sharing and look at how far you’ve come in say 5 yrs in this whole journey!!! Good for you 🙂
I used to be totally into group exercise in college, but haven’t done much of it since. I’ve always wondered what goes into getting certified…now you have me thinking… 🙂
Fabulous post. I always turn to group fitness classes when I start getting burned out on my personal fitness routines! My favorite class is called Plyoburn – and DANG does it burn!
Lifting weights will always be my first love, though. 🙂
I’m not a new reader, but I still like the group fitness recap 🙂
That picture of you and the Pilot is so cute!
Seeing so many instructors in the blog world has really created a desire to become one myself. Thanks for sharing these tips!
I relate to your post… It is so rewarding helping others. Yesterday I had the best day with my cleints. 🙂 I love what I do and feel lucky every day.
Also, I am taking tango and hip-hop classes just for fun….Watch out world! joking. 🙂
i went to my first zumba class a few weeks ago & it was so fun! i think i’d like teaching that and spinning, and it would be SO much fun to start a running group for kids! 🙂
I was always nervous to try group exercise classes… the fear of being the only person who doesn’t know what’s going on. But I was immediately hooked on spinning once I tried it and definitely wouldn’t push myself as hard without the group setting.
I love group exercise classes! I took them all the time when I was in undergrad, but I don’t belong to a gym right now (hey, real world) and I’m missing them terribly! You’re so lucky you get to teach them everyday 🙂
I like your pictures. You look the same except your hair is lighter and the pilot does look little. I’ve also enjoyed your catus/ mountain pictures.
cactus that is.
this post was very informative and helpful! I would love to get certified one day but definitely had no idea where to start. Gina to the rescue!!! 😀
Thanks so much for this info Gina! I was looking up information just this weekend because of the inspiration I have gotten from reading your blog (and a few others out there). Thanks for your daily energy, willingness to share and encouragement!
thank you so much for reading! <3
This is such good info because I was thinking of getting certified to teach so that when I’m in college I can make some monaaay and get in my workouts!
I totally want to start a BodyRock group class somewhere 😀
What a helpful post! I signed up for a class to get group certified through ACE, but the class fell through due to low attendance :-/
OK so seriously, I think you read my mind on this post!! I was also a dance teacher throughout high school and college, and I know exactly what you mean when you talked about the void in your heart <3. I recently joined a new fitness center which offers a lot of classes but not and dance-fitness inspired ones! I am thinking of gettin certified as well as Zumba certified if they are looking for more teachers.
Comment part duex because I forgot. I wanted to get your honest opinion. I have some weight to lose, but I am still more than fit enough to be teaching, but a part of me is scared that they won’t want to hire me because of my weight. I mean, ideally they would realize (as I have) that there isn’t a specific body type that is ideal, and that healthy comes in all shapes and sizes, but who knows!
teachers come in all shapes and sizes!! i’ve taken amazing classes from so many different types of instructors.
Where did you get your to-go smoothie cup?
tj maxx
That sounds awesome! I’m curious, how do you create the routines for class? Are they ones you’ve done before, or did you learn them in the certification process? And did you take most of the classes as a student (like spinning, zumba, etc) before you started teaching?
i took all of the classes often before i started teaching them, which made creating routines SO much easier
I would love to become a fitness teacher one day. Bookmarking immediately. I just had my first spin class today! and awww pilot looks like a BABY!!!!
so little!
hhh love the pic of the young pilot and you.. You look amazing in that pic! 🙂
thanks girl!
I’m actually looking into ACE certs, but don’t know which one I want to get right away. I really want all of them (group fitness, advanced health and fitness specialist, personal trainer, and lifestyle and weight management consultant), but don’t have the resources to get them all at once. Do you know much about the health and lifestyle certs at all? What exactly could I do with those?
i’m actually not too familiar with those ones, but assume you could use it to counsel clients
Hey Mac – having done the research, I can tell you that you have to have the PT or group fitness cert before you can do the lifestyle and weight management consult programs. I hope that helps narrow it down somewhat – at least you know what to focus on first!
I LOVE group classes! I just wish I had more time to take them. I would be so nervous up there, teaching a class!
Gina- Can you do a post about using a POD for moving? Why you decided to go with the POD, how you loaded it, whether you’re happy with the service? My husband and I are moving states and will need to store our belongings for a few months. We’re trying to figure out our best option!
we love the pod, but having it shipped across the country was very expensive, so is monthly shipping. for a few months, it’s not a big deal but we’ve had ours for almost 9 months.
It must be so rewarding to see people getting healthy, gaining confidence, and having fun in the classes you teach! 🙂
it’s seriously amazing 🙂
Thanks so much for the tips! I would love to become a fitness instructor, but I never knew how to go about it. Plus, I would probably be super nervous to teach a class 😉 I suppose you get used to it.
Also, thanks for providing the link to your web designer. I’m looking to revamp my blog and need someone to help!
I really enjoyed reading about how you got started. I’ve been a dancer ever since I was four and it was the center of my life for so many years. Now that I’m in college and no longer dancing, I miss it SO MUCH. I’ve been thinking about classes to take and considering some sort of career in the teaching field. This post was a big help.
Wait did I miss another Mac a roonie giveaway? must win one day!