The Group Exercise Instructor – Level 1 course provides essential training for individuals who want to create safe, effective, and engaging group fitness classes. Learners are introduced to the group exercise profession while developing practical skills for teaching both in‑person and virtual classes. Emphasis is placed on class design, music selection, leadership, participant motivation, and foundational nutrition guidance to support healthy, enjoyable fitness experiences.
Module 1: Introduction to Group Exercise
Explore the role of the Group Exercise Instructor, including education and credentials, professional expectations, work environments, employment opportunities, and job outlook. Build a foundation in basic exercise physiology and applied kinesiology.
Module 2: Class Design
Learn how to design safe and effective group exercise classes, including participant screening, setting class goals, choreography and exercise selection, space and equipment considerations, music choice, teaching styles, and popular group fitness formats such as dance, conditioning, and specialty classes.
Module 3: Exercise Intensity & Music
Understand how to monitor and modify exercise intensity, assess readiness for physical activity, challenge participants at all fitness levels, and use music and choreography to enhance engagement and class structure.
Module 4: Virtual Instruction & Leadership
Develop skills for leading both in‑person and virtual classes. Topics include live streaming and on‑demand delivery, setup and production, waivers and liability, rehearsal, group dynamics, learning styles, and effective conflict resolution strategies.
Module 5: Motivation & Nutrition Guidelines
Focus on participant motivation, behavior change, and adherence strategies. Learn to create welcoming, inclusive environments while gaining an introduction to nutrition principles, weight management, energy balance, food labels, and sports nutrition.
Module 6: Instructional Skills
Strengthen practical teaching skills, including space evaluation, safety, class setup, cueing, communication, feedback, and creating a positive, goal‑oriented class experience.
Module 7: Professional Responsibilities
Examine legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities, including working with special populations (such as pregnancy, hypertension, arthritis, and musculoskeletal conditions), risk management, professional liability, and the history and benefits of group exercise.
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:
Explain the role and responsibilities of a group exercise instructor
Design safe and inclusive group exercise classes for diverse participants
Set clear class objectives and participant goals
Assess basic strength and fitness levels
Create exercise modifications to support all ability levels
Apply effective class setup, cueing, and music selection techniques
Demonstrate leadership and communication skills in group fitness settings
Understand foundational nutrition guidelines that support active lifestyles
After completing the Group Exercise Instructor Level 1 and Level 2 courses, learners will be prepared to sit for the ACSM national certification exam to earn the Certified Group Exercise Instructor credential.
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.