Start With National Certification
Certification from a nationally recognized certifying
organization is the first thing to look for. It's your assurance
that you're working with a group fitness instructor who has the
knowledge to provide you with a safe and effective workout.
Certification is more than a piece of paper. For example, the
American Council on Exercise (ACE), which is the largest
non-profit fitness-certifying organization in the world,
requires group fitness instructors to pass an intensive
three-and-a-half hour, 175-question exam that covers exercise
science and programming knowledge, including anatomy,
kinesiology, health screening, basic nutrition and instructional
methods.
After checking certification, there are a few other things
you should take into consideration when choosing an group
fitness instructor. Here's a guide:
Choose an instructor who accommodates your needs
A group fitness instructor should be able to design moves that
help you get the most out of your workout - whether you're a
beginner, intermediate or an advanced fitness participant. The
class should not fatigue or exhaust you. And you certainly
should not feel pain during or after it.
Look for an instructor who is interested in you
A good instructor will want everyone to feel welcome. Making you
feel welcome means the instructor should try to learn your name,
make eye contact during the session, and most important, put
your workout before his or hers.
Make sure the emphasis is on personal accomplishment
A good group fitness instructor will emphasize personal
accomplishment and won't create a competitive environment. The
class should focus on improving or maintaining your health, not
just on looking better.
Select a good teacher
A good teacher will explain the benefits of each exercise and
demonstrate how to do the exercise.
A good teacher will also demonstrate modifications for
intermediate and advanced movements and explain if you should
avoid an exercise if you have an existing injury. A big part of
being a good instructor is the ability to be a good teacher.
Be sure you're having fun
The right instructor will be dedicated to helping you enjoy the
class, committed to making your workout the best it can be and
will be able to translate his or her enthusiasm into a fun
class. Remember, the only way you will stay with a program of
regular aerobic exercise is if you look forward to attending the
class.
Check the intensity of the exercise and the way the
instructor relates to you
For an effective cardiovascular workout, you must exercise at a
certain intensity during class. The instructor should have you
take your heart rate or teach you how to rate your level of
exertion using the perceived exertion scale. Before you even
begin your workout, the instructor should ask you some general
questions about your fitness level and invite your feedback.
The final decision is yours
Choosing a group fitness instructor and class is a very personal
decision. The class that's right for you may not be right for
another person, and the same applies to an instructor. Take your
time and make the right decisions.
