Are you in great physical shape? Do you workout 3-5 times a week, or on a consistent basis? Is physical health and well-being an important part of your daily life? Do people call you a health nut, or compliment you on your physique? If you were nodding your head through this, you might have fun earning a living as an exercise instructor! You could work as an employee at a gym, rent your own space and run your class your self, or conduct classes outdoors where the space is free! You have many options and should choose one that will work best for you and your schedule. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

1. What kind of class would you enjoy teaching? Do you consider yourself an expert in any certain type of exercise? Maybe you could talk to some of your family or friends, and they can help you with this part. Perhaps you are fantastic with aerobics, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, kickboxing, etc. Maybe you already have been working on something for a few years, and have become talented in a certain area. Some examples could be dancing, martial arts, etc. Maybe you could create a unique workout class in one of those areas, maybe a self-defense class. There are many options when choosing what type of exercise class you would enjoy teaching.

2. Start creating a resume packed with information about your skills, experiences, any education, etc. You could also include personal information about your own workout routine, and any knowledge you have about health and fitness. You should also include that you are a great leader, and enjoy working with groups of people, as well as teaching. Try thinking of anything that you think will help show off your greatest accomplishments, education, training, and personal experience.

3. Next is the fun part! Create an outline of a class (or more than one) that you would like to conduct. You could do a variety of classes to keep students interested, instead of doing the same thing at every class. If you enjoy it, chances are that others will as well. This is also something you could bring along with you to interviews (if you want to work as an employee) to show them what type of classes you are interested in teaching.

4. If you are limited in the education department, you may want to consider getting certified. You will most likely be more successful of you have some certifications, such as in ACE (http://www.acefitness.org/default.aspx), ACSM(http://www.acsm.org/), AFAA(http://www.afaa.com/), NSCA(http://www.nsca-lift.org/), or other certifications pertaining to group exercise formats. It is also a plus to be certified in CPR and first aid. Check with The Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/) for training in these areas. Gyms will require these types of certifications in order to qualify as an employee. Other usual requirements are fantastic leadership skills, as well as the physical ability to instruct your class.

5. Get started! If you want to go the employee route, start sending out resumes, visiting gyms, and getting interviews. If you are going to go it alone, you will need to advertise your new services so people will know you are available! You can start with business cards, flyers, a website, web announcements, newspaper ads, etc. Just remember the best form of advertising is free: by word-of-mouth! Once students start signing up and love your class, they will begin telling their friends and family. It is amazing how quickly word can spread!

Resources:

http://www.acefitness.org/default.aspx

http://www.nsca-lift.org

http://www.afaa.com

http://www.redcross.org