Physical fitness is such a great part of health care today that it is largely responsible for preventing and helping to cure many health concerns. Diabetics, those with high cholesterol, heart problems, obesity, and arthritis are just a few of the diseases for which doctors recommend physical fitness as a treatment option, along with medications and good diet. Aerobics instructors are in high demand, therefore, to teach people with health concerns how to recognize not only their vulnerability to disease, but also their potential to beat it.
Aerobics instructors may enjoy a career both useful and fun, in addition to one which has great potential for growth. Indeed, demand for aerobics instructors is expected to blossom, with as much as 27% growth predicted by 2016. More companies are introducing fitness facilities into their offices, in addition to the proliferation of gyms and fitness facilities, so opportunities for aerobics instructors will continue to rise.
Aerobics Instructor Job Responsibilities
In working with management, the aerobics instructor will ascertain from clientele health interviews which client needs gentle aerobics exercise in confluence with health concerns and which require only general aerobics classes. Working with the clientele will determine which classes the aerobics instructor conducts, be it water aerobics, yoga, Pilates, cardiac fitness, weight training, or clinical cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.
In day to day routines, the aerobics instructor will:
Plan according to direction from fitness director
Make sure class needs are met through routines and organization
Works with clientele to make sure they are performing exercises correctly and safely
Provide educational classes to clientele
Make sure classes meet appropriate standards
Inspires clientele to meet their fitness goals
Aerobics Instructor Training and Education Requirements
Ordinarily fitness companies seek aerobics instructors with at least a bachelor’s degreed in physical fitness. Such an aerobics instructor will have had training in nutrition, physiology, musculoskeletal anatomy, injury prevention, sports management, and first aid. While not every employer seeks a candidate with a degree, it would be a good idea to at least have a certification from one of the following: American Council on Exercise (ACE), American Fitness Professionals and Associates (AFPA) or American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Still other aerobics instructors have apprenticed, so to speak, with a licensed fitness instructor and may obtain the position with that credential.
Aerobics Instructor Salary and Wages
It would be misleading to discuss salary offerings because most fitness companies operate on an hourly wage basis. Aerobics instructors working for an established gym or other fitness company could make, on average, between $9.00 and $34.00 per hour, commensurate with training and experience. Add to that base figure overtime, bonuses, and commissions and the candidate could possibly make between $20,000 and $72,000. The median average salary nation-wide for an aerobics instructor, however, is $27,000. Salaries can vary due to company, location, industry, and experience.
Aerobics Instructor Certifications
Certification from an accredited body is desired by many employers in areas of study such as nutrition, group exercising, sport medicine and injuries, kickboxing, step aerobics and cardio certification. Employers prefer to hire the aerobics instructor candidate with certifications not listed here, in addition to experiencing continuing education.
Aerobics Instructors may become certified through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) may also be obtained. Certifications are not normally sought in the instance of working in community centers and like locations.
Aerobic Instructor Professional Associations
Professional associations offer candidate opportunities to deepen their knowledge of different facets of their profession, such as sport aerobics, water aerobics, yoga and cardiopulmonary aerobics, to name a few. The aerobics instructor candidate may be allied with any one, but not limited to, such professional associations as:
Federation International Sport Aerobics Fitness. An international entity dedicated to training aerobics and fitness instructors on a global level.
American Fitness Professional Association. An association which keeps the aerobics instructor enlightened as to the scientific and medical aspects of aerobics.
American Senior Fitness Association. An educational program for aerobics instructors who wish to learn more about health and wellness for senior citizens.
Natural Fitness Trainers Association. A program offering the aerobics instructor knowledge of natural fitness methods, nutrition, and programs from beginning to advanced, with opportunities to design or modify fitness routines.
Cooper Institute. A learning facility through which the aerobics instructor will have gained knowledge of the science and research behind fitness and wellness.
