The Group Exercise program provides essential training for individuals interested in designing and leading effective, engaging group fitness classes. Through a combination of foundational theory and practical application, learners develop the skills needed to deliver safe, motivating, and inclusive group exercise experiences in both in‑person and virtual settings. The course introduces the group exercise profession while building competencies in class design, leadership, participant motivation, and foundational nutrition guidelines.
Module 1: Foundations of Group Exercise
Introduces the role and responsibilities of a group exercise instructor, including professional expectations, work environments, basic exercise physiology, kinesiology, and public health perspectives on physical activity and fitness.
Module 2: Class Design and Format
Covers participant screening, goal‑oriented class planning, choreography and exercise selection, equipment use, music integration, teaching styles, and popular group exercise formats such as dance fitness, combined conditioning, and specialty classes.
Module 3: Exercise Intensity and Music Integration
Focuses on monitoring and modifying exercise intensity, assessing participant readiness, designing inclusive classes for all fitness levels, and effectively using music and choreography to enhance performance and engagement.
Module 4: Virtual Instruction and Leadership
Explores live streaming and on‑demand class delivery, production setup, liability considerations, preparation and rehearsal, group dynamics, learning styles, and safe strategies for resolving participant and staff conflicts.
Module 5: Motivation, Communication, and Nutrition
Builds skills in participant motivation, behavior change theory, adherence strategies, hospitality, and creating welcoming environments. Introduces foundational nutrition principles, weight management, sports nutrition, and evaluating credible nutrition resources.
Module 6: Instructional Techniques and Safety
Emphasizes class setup, space evaluation, safety protocols, cueing, communication, feedback strategies, and creating professional, structured, and engaging group exercise experiences.
Module 7: Professional Responsibilities and Risk Management
Addresses special populations and conditions, legal and ethical responsibilities, professional liability, risk management strategies, and the history and benefits of group exercise.
Module 8: Clinical Exercise Concepts
Introduces clinical exercise testing, interpretation, cardiovascular and metabolic responses, assessment methods, and understanding exercise capacity and limitations in diverse populations.
Module 9: Exercise Prescription Across Populations
Covers principles of exercise prescription for healthy individuals and those with special considerations, including youth, older adults, pregnancy, environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors affecting physical activity.
Module 10: Exercise and Chronic Conditions
Provides guidance on exercise considerations for cardiac, pulmonary, metabolic, neurological, and other chronic conditions, emphasizing safe adaptation, risk awareness, and inclusion.
Module 11: Behavioral Strategies and Adherence
Integrates behavior‑change theories, strategies for overcoming barriers, promoting long‑term exercise adoption, and supporting physical activity across diverse populations.
Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:
Explain the role and responsibilities of a group exercise professional
Design safe and effective group exercise classes for diverse populations
Create structured class formats, including warm‑ups, conditioning, and cool‑downs
Select and integrate music appropriately to enhance participant engagement
Lead both in‑person and virtual group fitness classes with confidence
Establish participant goals and assess readiness for exercise
Apply principles of leadership, communication, and motivation to improve adherence
Understand basic nutrition guidelines that support healthy, active lifestyles
Demonstrate knowledge aligned with ACSM knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in fitness and preventative programming
After completing the Group Exercise Instructor Level 1 and Level 2 courses, students will be prepared to sit for the ACSM national certification exam to earn the Certified Group Exercise Instructor credential.
Please note: Certification exam fees are not included with course tuition.
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.