So by now, you’ve read my other post about getting certified to teach group fitness. If not, you can find it here.

You took the group fitness certification and passed. Now it’s time to find a job teaching.

The Resume

Though you don’t need a resume to teach group fitness, it’s helpful. If this is a new career move for you, instead of listing job experience, focus on listing fitness certification(s) and skills. Here is an example of skills that could easily go on any resume.

Put an objective such as, to teach group fitness classes and include the format. List the skills that are most useful from previous jobs. Skills like; organization, time management, data collection, customer service, computer skills and organization fit easily on any resume. Be creative.

Cold Call

Call the gyms in the area and ask for the group fitness coordinator. This is the person with the responsibility to plan the group fitness schedule, hire instructors, order equipment, and keep the group fitness program running smoothly.

Group fitness coordinator is a part time role at some clubs. Ask for their extension and leave your contact information. In the voicemail express your interest in teaching, discuss the format you’re interested in teaching and leave your contact information. It’s a voicemail so make it quick.

If you happen to grab an email, send an email complete with resume. Wait to hear back. Follow up if after a week, you’ve heard nothing. While you’re waiting, get your demo ready.

The Demo

A demo is your opportunity to demonstrate skill at teaching the format you’re certified in.

Most demos last 20 – 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll need to demonstrate an abbreviated version of the warm-up, body of the class and cool down. Bring the music you are mostly likely to play and set it to the length of the demo.

Choose music that fits the format of the class. If it’s a HIIT class, play high energy music. For barre, pick something pop. Demo for a yoga class, keep it slow.

Having the music set to cue the warm up, body and cool down is helpful to stay on track.

Showcasing the ability to begin and end class on time is key. Please read that last sentence again.

If a class runs over, it affects the class behind it and could throw off an entire group fitness schedule for the day. Stay on time. Going over a minute or two is fine. If class over 10 minutes, it is not. Bring a stopwatch or set a timer on your phone to keep track of time during the demo.

Get on the Sub List

If you have limited teaching experience, call the club or place you want to teach at and inquire about getting on the sub list.

Group fitness coordinators always need subs. A sub list is a list of teachers to choose from in case something happens to an instructor last minute and a replacement is needed.

The sub list is a great way to get your foot in the door at a club or fitness studio. Just be prepared to teach on the days and times you say you’re available. If a teacher can’t make it, they have 24 hours or less to find a replacement. That could be you. Stay ready!

Get Teaching Experience

Get teaching experience any way you can. Look to recreation centers, churches, and neighborhood clubhouses for experience.

Teach to two people the same way you would for ten. Arrive on time and bring the energy that people want to stay motivated and give 100 percent. You never know who’s watching.

Teaching wherever you can is a great resume builder. Customer testimonials go a long way when looking for a job and building a following. You’re a rock star. Don’t be afraid to show it.

I hope this post was helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.