I'm very interested in being an aerobics instructor. And, in the future, expand to teach more than aerobics (i.e. kickboxing, step aerobics).

I've been doing a bit of online research about this. So many different societies, organizations, clubs, etc. are giving courses. The diversity is great, but it is also overwhelming. I don't know which to choose.

Here are some questions that I've thought up:

1. Does it matter what group I choose to be certified? (i.e. Do all fitness facilities employ instructors that have been certified by one particular group?)

2. If my choice does not matter, then do any groups exist which I should avoid (i.e. known scams, lousy courses)?

3. Although "real-life" courses have more of an advantage over internet courses (i.e. more personal student-teacher relationship), are internet courses still good? (I ask just in case I cannot find a course nearby that will fit my schedule, or if I cannot fit into the course's student list.)

Many mahalos for your help! Aloha! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

P.S.

I was also wondering:

1. Do I have to take any prerequisite classes/courses?

2. Is anything (else) required before even trying to certify as an aerobics instructor?

Many mahalos & aloha! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I suppose the main determining factor is _where_ you want to teach at. A gym may have vastly different requirements from a community center or independant classes. And what my gym preferrs may not be the same as one across the country. Your best bet might be to ask a gym that employs instructors and see what kind of credentials they look for. That should at very least get to at a good starting point. There are all kinds of certs out there. Some are respected and some are laugable, but regardless of its actual usefulness, it all depends on what is going to get you employed in the end.

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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins

Mahalo for the reply.

I agree that I should ask a gym staff member for a bit of guidance. But just before I did, I was lucky to find someone who IS an instructor. Just off on a tangent, I asked 1 of my coworkers if they knew anyone that could help me. And the answer was that another of my coworkers was a certified instructor.

So the happy ending is that I've found myself a mentor.

Mahalo again for the help. Aloha! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif