Becoming a fitness instructor is the start of a fulfilling career. You’ll use your training to help people with their health goals and make life more fun, but only if you get a certification worth your investment. Compare the best-value fitness instructor certification programs to understand your options. You’ll know which path is best for you and feel confident when starting the program.
How to Choose a Certification Course
Every company provides instructor certification courses differently. Explore each program’s accreditations to start with the most reputable providers. If a company earned National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) approval or has certification from the National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE), you’ll know it provides a quality education.
Cost is another issue facing many future fitness instructors. Instruction requires an upfront fee but may become a minor investment if your career results in years of well-paying classes. Some programs also involve other costs, like additional membership fees for ongoing involvement with the company.
You should also know what you want to teach. Narrow your options by fitness type and specialization. Will you learn better in person or online? Inquiring about career assistance after program completion is also important. Creating a list and forming your answers before entering a certification course makes your selection easier.
Companies Providing Leading Fitness Instructor Certifications
What is the best-value fitness instructor certification program? There are several to choose from. Anyone can start a fitness instructor career by signing up for courses with any of the leading providers. Get the best value for your time and investment from the most trusted programs in the nation.
1. Zumba®
Zumba® is an internationally acclaimed company that provides one of the best-value fitness instructor certification programs. The Zumba® Instructor Licensing Program provides in person, on demand and livestream training. They are also open to anyone, including people without college degrees or fitness instructor experience.
While earning your Zumba® Instructor License, consider how you want to spend your time. You could become a dance fitness instructor or a fitness professional, helping participants get active in other ways. Finish the Zumba® Basic 1 Training and become a Licensed Zumba® Instructor to start making money doing what you love. Demand for Zumba classes is high, so your potential monthly earnings begin after completing your training — no formal exam is necessary.
Key Features:
- Uncapped income potential: Zumba® Instructors are in charge of what they earn, including their hours, location and forms of payment.
- International travel opportunities: Zumba® Basic 1 Instructor Training occurs over two days in Sri Lanka, India and Nepal.
- Advanced training options: The Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN) provides advanced training for licensed trainers, plus marketing tools to expand your per-class rosters.
| Zumba® | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Intro training Training for audiences of all ages Specialty and skill development training Aquatic training | $425 | Indefinite teaching license Monthly choreography and music Global support community Private instructor apps |
2. Athletics and Fitness Association of America
Exercise enthusiasts often receive training with the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). The course includes a comprehensive textbook with everything a person could want to know about personal training techniques. People have been earning AFAA certifications for over 40 years due to the budget-friendly pricing compared to other leading organizations. AFAA representatives also teach a wide availability of certification types that fitness instructors can use at various gyms or studios.
Key Features:
- Multisubject training: Participants can study numerous exercise types to maximize their fitness instructor education.
- Downloadable materials: Videos, practice tests and study guides are available for download to prepare future fitness instructors for the AFAA final exam.
- Two-year certification: While an AFAA certification does expire, graduates do not have to renew their training for two years.
| Athletics and Fitness Association of America | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Group fitness Personal trainer Nutrition coach Kickboxing Practical modality | $300 | Choreography lessons Exercise adaptation tips Business skills Continuing education classes |
3. National Academy of Sports Medicine
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has one of the more popular certification programs for future fitness instructors. The coursework teaches people how to craft exercise routines for each client’s physical abilities. The techniques apply to personal trainer clients and group fitness classes because NASM graduates can help anyone adjust their workouts in real time.
The organization’s long history also makes NASM certifications stand out on resumes. People who want to work in gyms and fitness studios or start freelance trainer careers can all benefit from NASM courses. The materials cover topics like exercise science, performance training, injury prevention and more.
Key Features:
- Multipurpose training: NASM students learn sales skills and behavioral techniques to assist people with all physical abilities in fitness settings.
- High pass rate: The final exam has a higher pass rate than other programs, making it less likely that participants will have to retake the course.
- Tiered opportunities: NASM training comes with three tiered options, including various study resources and course subjects, depending on each person’s professional interests.
| National Academy of Sports Medicine | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Fitness and wellness Personal trainer Nutrition coach Sports nutrition coach | Starting at $997 | Job Guarantee Program CPR certification Access to world-class fitness experts |
4. Balanced Body
Anyone who wants to teach Pilates can sign up for training with Balanced Body. The courses include anything an instructor would need to know before scheduling their first class. Study expansive topics covering the anatomy of the human body to understand how each move impacts people following along. Graduates rave about the high-quality study materials, accessible online resources and friendly instructors who are equally passionate about Pilates.
Key Features:
- International travel potential: Take some courses online and attend others in places like Japan or South Korea.
- Additional career education: Balanced Body students can also take courses about physical therapy techniques and specialized exercises to refine their skills.
- Interactive education: Many courses require observed practice sessions so students personally learn each movement without any guesswork.
| Balanced Body | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Anatomy Barre Mat Bodhi | Starting at $575 | Numerous educational paths Discounted Pilates equipment Ongoing access to instructional materials Virtual conferences Streamed workouts |
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5. American Council on Exercise
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is a branch of NASM. Fitness enthusiasts seeking behavioral coaching can turn to ACE for extensive support. The organization uses the Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model to merge the ACE behavioral techniques with workout strategies for people of all abilities. Graduates leave with moldable frameworks for assessing new clients, even within group exercise classes.
Finding the best-value fitness instructor certification program is challenging but not impossible. ACE’s client-centered lessons have roots in biomechanics, exercise physiology and motivational interviewing. The high standards produce some of the best fitness instructors who get jobs in numerous professional settings.
Key Features:
- Specializations available: ACE graduates can continue studying niche topics like wellness coaching, medical exercise specialties and personal training.
- Self-paced academic setting: The online study materials work with each participant’s schedule rather than requiring in-person scheduled classes.
- Career support: ACE’s extensive professional network is accessible to fitness employers seeking new graduates who want jobs.
| American Council on Exercise | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Behavioral change Nutrition Active aging Virtual coach Size-inclusive | Starting at $449 | One free retake per student Access to the ACE professional community Widespread ACE name recognition on resumes |
6. SoulCycle
Jump on a bike as a SoulCycle instructor. The popular indoor cycling classes need energetic people ready to become fitness leaders. SoulCycle allows curious candidates to audition twice a year. If accepted, participants take two to four hours of classes each day for five to seven weeks. The brand has national locations and employment perks for anyone who finishes the training program and wants to help SoulCycle participants reach their fitness goals.
Key Features:
- Experienced team members: Every new SoulCycle instructor must have at least two years of group training experience, so new graduates will always be around people who can help.
- Industry-leading pay: SoulCycle instructors make competitive hourly wages.
- International locations: After passing the classes, instructors can work for any SoulCycle location in the U.S., Canada or the U.K.
| SoulCycle | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Cycling Motivation Leadership | Training is free but requires five to seven weeks of your time | Paid time off 401k with company match Health benefits Cell phone stipend |
7. CrossFit
The CrossFit brand is instantly recognizable for anyone who has been inside a gym. The trainers and classes range from beginner-friendly to hardcore, which appeals to many people hoping to become certified fitness instructors. After signing up for the Certified CrossFit Trainer (CCFT) credential courses, participants study for a 160-question exam.
Each multiple-choice question covers topics like educating participants, screening, lifestyle education and professional responsibilities in the gym. Videos, digital textbooks and virtual coaching are available before the in-person exam. Hands-on coaching experience is necessary to proceed with the CCFT course.
Key Features:
- Multi-language availability: CrossFit training courses are available in English, Italian, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese.
- Continuing education: After completing the foundational CCFT exam, instructors can continue learning more challenging topics to niche down or expand their skill set.
- Extensive certification: CrossFit trainers only need to recertify every three years by completing 36 hours of continuing education, reaching 150 coaching hours in the time frame and paying the recertification fee.
| CrossFit | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| CrossFit kids Tiered trainer courses Crossfit Coach classes | $600 | Access to ongoing learning experts Potential employment at any CrossFit location Opportunity to open a CrossFit business |
8. Aquatic Exercise Association
People who love the gym specifically for the pool classes could get certified with the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). The AEA is a top-tier instructional organization for anyone leading aquatic workouts. Lessons include practical guidance, theoretical challenges and safety procedures so everyone gets the most out of each lesson. The AEA Aquatic Fitness Professional Certification is among the best-value fitness instructor certification programs and opens doors for people maintaining a career in the pool.
Key Features:
- Multiple-choice exam: The final exam has 100 multiple-choice questions that require at least eight to 12 weeks of studying.
- Online teaching available: Instructors are accessible online and provide a virtual version of the multiple-choice exam for those who prefer it.
- Brand recognition: Employers respect AEA certifications as a leading professional opportunity, so having it on a resume can make getting a job easier.
| Aquatic Exercise Association | ||
| Types of Training Available | Instructor Training Cost | Instructor Perks |
| Foundations of fitness and exercise Physical laws as applied to the aquatic environment Shallow-water exercise Deep-water exercise Safety, Scope of Practice and Legal courses | $175 | CPR/AED training course Exam-only option available for retakes In-person and online continuing education classes |
Tips to Prepare for Certification Exams
After choosing the best-value fitness instructor certification program for your goals, you may need to prepare for a written exam. Tests ensure that participants are ready to lead classes and become brand representatives. Study course materials with tools like flashcards or note-taking apps.
Remember to take microbreaks, which maintain your well-being during intense tasks. This can also develop your time management skills since instructors need to delegate their class time between exercises and short breaks. Practicing during course study sessions builds that time management muscle before fitness classes begin.
Potential Areas for Professional Growth
The most promising brands providing fitness instructor certifications also offer paths forward. People who love teaching classes can proceed with continuing education opportunities like advanced training or additional certifications. The opportunities deepen their careers while helping them stay updated with industry standards.
Some companies also have national or international branches. Internal hiring processes streamline where fitness instructors can take their careers. Placement and relocation flexibility could narrow your certification program choices.
Mistakes to Avoid When Getting a Certification
Finding a certification program that fits your budget is crucial, but you may not want to jump at the most economical option. It may lack growth opportunities or accreditations. You might also learn less because the classes don’t cover as much.
Waiting can also be a mistake. The fitness instructor and trainer field will grow by 14% through 2033, so job opportunities are opening quickly. Others may sign up for certification courses faster, causing you to wait longer for the next available class.
Interested candidates should also note that people sometimes assume every fitness instructor needs a college education. Many certification programs do not require bachelor’s degrees. Comparing the requirements for each training course will highlight the best paths forward based on your current educational history.
Find the Best-Value Fitness Instructor Certification Program
Becoming a fitness instructor is a rewarding career for many people. Once you complete a comprehensive certification program, you can spend your professional life helping others, staying active and learning alongside experts. Your initial investment could result in seemingly endless benefits if you choose the course that suits your interests.
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