What Are The Group Training Benefits & Why It’s A Trend

With group training a leading trend in the fitness industry, there is no doubt as to why we would add group exercise to your personal training skills? But incase you were unsure, Jennifer Brown, Australian Institute of Fitness NSW Coach explains.

Hearing the words Zumba, BODYATTACK, BODYPUMP, or yoga, can only bring one conclusion group exercise, BUT these are not the only types of group fitness available to train in. If you are looking to upskill your Personal Training offering, the key things to think of when it come to group fitness is, where can you teach, i.e. your local gym, and what instructors are in demand at this facility. Of course you need to have a passion for the program you choose, this goes without saying, but before you book your training, book in a time to catch up with your Group Fitness Manager as they can always steer you in the right direction.

One on the HUGE advantages to being a group exercise instructor and personal trainer combined, is almost at the end of every class at least one participant will be asking you are you a Personal Trainer?, can you train me? How’s that for free advertising of your personal training business? PLUS, the coaching skills you have as a PT will relay into your group fitness class, which will have members coming back to classes week after week. If that wasn’t enough, teaching group fitness is a great way to squeeze in that workout, while you are working, WIN WIN!

It will also give you a more rounded view of the fitness industry and you will be better able to understand when your clients ask you questions about which group exercise class to go to or how hard they will be working in between your session. Michelle Bridges started off teaching group fitness classes at her school, way before she ever thought about personal training. Did you know that group fitness members typically have the HIGHEST attendance at their gym and also the highest retention of members too.

Deciding which class is best suited for you to instruct will be a personal choice, and it’s recommended that you participate in a variety of them, firstly for research, and then to find which one you enjoy best that’s if you are not currently participating in some already! There is a huge difference between group exercise classes, from yoga to indoor cycling, from BODYPUMP to boxing.

A great way to get practical hours under your belt is to team teach, with you shadowing an instructor, until you feel confident or get your full qualifications.

For those looking to become a group fitness instructor, the Master Trainer Program is the best program for you. By holding a CERT IV in fitness, (not just a CERT III), you will have the skills, and the qualification to teach groups both inside the gym, and outdoors. PLUS holding a CERT IV in fitness makes you more employable and opens doors for one on one training later down the track.

• Bio

AIF

The Australian Institute of Fitness

The Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) is the largest and longest established fitness training organisation in Australia, with dynamic training methods and expert course coaches nationwide - spanning fitness, massage and nutrition. The AIF qualifies more fitness professionals than any other provider in Australia, as well as offering a broad range of continuing education courses (CEC), upskilling resources and partnership programs for existing industry.