Group Fitness classes are some of the most popular at any gym. They allow instructors to reach more people at once and provide a motivational and fun environment for clients. The courses are enjoyed by both extroverts and introverts due to their numerous benefits. Group exercise is also more financially accessible to the average person. By getting involved in Group Fitness as an instructor, you can find a great community of loyal clients.
What is Group Fitness?
The term “group fitness” refers to any exercise done in a group environment under the supervision of a personal trainer or group instructor. If you have ever taken a Zumba dancing class or a yoga session at your local gym, you have participated in a group workout class.
In the United States, group exercise is quite popular. In 2019, about 60 million Americans participated in at least one fitness training class per week. Furthermore, many boutique studios are built on group exercise, offering lessons and programs not found in a more traditional gym. You may be familiar with some of these routines, such as barre, indoor cycling, and indoor rowing. Many clubs also provide full-time group fitness programs that include strength training, core conditioning, and cardio. So, why is group training so popular?
Benefits of Group Fitness
The advantages of group training are challenging to overlook. Group exercise provides a sense of community and motivation. It can also be more fun and engaging than an at-home workout. Group training is effective whether you are a social butterfly looking to try new things or an introvert looking for an incentive to get in shape.
1. Accountability of Group Fitness
One study found that those who work out with others are more likely to push themselves harder, resulting in faster and better results. When you are held accountable by others, you lower your likelihood of skipping out on exercise. Working with a partner can help you boost performance and double your workout time, according to a study published by the Society of Behavioral Medicine. A gym partner may give you motivation and reminders to exercise, keep you accountable, and provide you with other opportunities for success. For example, you may carpool to class together. Further, a partner gives you the confidence to take the next step in your fitness journey.
As a trainer, you can set up a classroom that encourages a stronger sense of community. When people make friends or find gym partners, they are more likely to stay on track and return. As such, you might yourself with repeat clients who come back for more classes. Better yet, you are providing your students with an opportunity to stay on track in their health journey and make friends doing it. Your job is vital to bringing people together in a safe and fun environment.
2. Lots of Motivation
Most people find it challenging to stick to training programs. However, knowing that there is a group waiting for you provides you with an extra drive. According to a study published in the Journal of Social Sciences, participants mimic the exercise behaviors of individuals around them. In addition, according to a 2016 study published in the journal Obesity, overweight individuals who work out with their friends lose more weight than when exercising alone. Thus, working as a group instructor means that you have a better opportunity to help your clients meet their goals.
3. Lower Costs of Group Fitness
Let us face it: personal training is costly. When hiring a personal trainer is not an option, people often enroll in a group fitness class to save money. Truly, you will not be able to have as much one-on-one time with each client. However, you will be able to create an environment that fits their needs. Your clients will also learn by example and watch how you correct and assist others during the lesson.
4. Competitive Edge
Humans are born with the ability to compete. In the end, our evolutionary drives to be better than others drive us all. According to Kansas State University researchers, people who exercised with someone they thought was better than them increased the length and intensity by 200 percent. Competition can motivate you to work more, improve your endurance, and build your body and heart. As an instructor, you can build on this to engage your more competitive clients. For example, you may put together a light-hearted competition or challenge. Just make sure you keep the focus on having fun and getting healthy. Otherwise, you might scare more casual clients away.
5. Group Fitness is More Enjoyable
One of the biggest reasons for joining a group exercise class is fun. When music is playing, and everyone is working with you, it can feel more like a party than a workout. According to research published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, working out in a group reduces stress by 26%. All three quality of life metrics, mental, physical, and emotional, showed significant benefits in group fitness exercise participants. Thus, as the instructor, you know that your clients are not just getting the benefit of a healthier body, but also a healthier mind.
Getting Certified in Group Fitness
There are multiple advantages to getting a Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) Certification from any lending institution. For example, one of the benefits of having a GFI Certification is that it helps you stand out from the crowd. There are many groups of exercise courses already out there and more open every day. If you want to teach Group Fitness, you will need an extra advantage to bring people into your class. Certification gives you credibility and shows that you put an effort into learning more about your career. Further, gyms will be more willing to hire someone with prior knowledge or experience with fitness.
Interested in getting your certification? The all-inclusive Group Fitness Certificate Program at Lakewood University provides superior fitness knowledge backed by empirical data and trained instructors. This program is intended to help students prepare for exams. Graduates are also entitled to sit for the national certification exam after completing the program.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of any group fitness instructor is to elevate their community and encourage wellness. The GFI Certification takes an instructor’s talents and pushes them to the next level, resulting in participants’ terrific overall fitness experience. An instructor who earns a GFI Certification puts them one step closer to being the perfect hire.
