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Fitness Instructor / Leader, Weight Trainer / Instructor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
The duties for group exercise leaders vary with the type of exercise such as indoor cycling, yoga, aquatic, or strength and conditioning. They also work with a variety of demographics such as children and youth, older adult, special needs, or recreational athletes. They establish inclusive, positive environments in their classes. In general, group exercise leaders determine and develop exercise sessions, classes, or programs that fit participants’ needs and abilities. A growing trend in group exercise is to livestream classes for participants online. They use their leadership and communication skills to:
Group exercise leaders also plan routines and choose appropriate music for class format and participants. They:
Group exercise leaders who work for health clubs may need to:
Group exercise leaders work in various settings. Some clubs and facilities have separate showers and lockers for leaders. Fitness studios may have mirror-lined walls so people can watch their own movements. They may have special flooring to reduce injuries. These amenities may not be available in community facilities. Group exercise leaders may also work outside, for example in athletic training fields, parks, trails, or other natural areas.
Some employers have specific clothing requirements. Others provide uniforms such as a company shirt. Appropriate footwear, equipment, and clothing can be expensive. In some locations, any clean, comfortable, casual clothing is accepted. Appropriate fitness wear for any environment is important for group exercise leaders. This might include studio trainers, running shoes, or weightlifting shoes.
Group exercise work is physically and mentally demanding. Leaders are constantly moving while coaching and giving verbal and non-verbal instructions. They are responsible for class safety (ensuring participants perform exercises correctly to prevent injury).
Early morning, noon hour, evening, and weekend work is common. Group exercise leaders spend much of their own time planning and preparing their classes.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in manipulating and assembling supplies and sports and game equipment; and in monitoring recreational and sports activities to ensure safety and provide emergency and first aid assistance when required
Interest in instructing groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities; in leading groups and individuals in recreational and leisure programs, and in attending clients with special needs by conducting therapeutic recreational and athletic activities
Interest in co-ordinating information to plan recreational, athletic, fitness and sports programs
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Group exercise leaders need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and adapting new exercise programs accompanied by music.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 14, 2024 and May 29, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities | 90 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed | 88 |
| Tasks: Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required | 83 |
| Tasks: Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques | 83 |
| Tasks: Assemble supplies, sports and game equipment | 64 |
| Tasks: Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs | 63 |
| Experience: Experience an asset | 59 |
| Tasks: Leading/instructing individuals | 57 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 56 |
| Tasks: Leading/instructing groups | 55 |
Most employers prefer to hire group exercise leaders who have a high school diploma and an industry relevant certification. Some require related post-secondary education and CPR.
Various Alberta agencies offer training and specialty courses in exercise theory, such as:
CPR training also is available from:
Some employers, such as YM / YWCAs, provide their own in-house training. Most require group exercise leaders to have liability insurance coverage.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
While fitness leadership is not regulated in Alberta or Canada, employers and fitness agencies require certification and liability insurance.
Certification and liability insurance for group exercise leaders is available through Fitness Alberta.
Fitness Alberta certifications are provincially and nationally recognized by Fitness Leadership Canada (FLC). Group exercise leaders who hold YM / YWCA national certification or related post-secondary education can challenge Fitness Alberta certification.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Group exercise leaders work for:
Group exercise leaders may work as entrepreneurs, running their own business, or as contractors or employees. Many contracted group exercise leaders offer a specific class or number of classes. They may contract their services to several employers at the same time.
Others lead exercise groups as a second job to earn extra income or maintain their own fitness. Some group exercise leaders volunteer for community groups.
Group exercise leaders who are self-employed may need to:
Group exercise leaders who work for clubs and facilities may move into supervisory and management positions. Others become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
2016 NOC: 5254
85.2% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Group exercise leaders’ incomes vary greatly. Factors include their experience, the variety and quality of certification specialities they hold, the number of classes they teach, and the type of employer they work for. Some group exercise leaders are volunteers.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.00 | $17.69 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $15.20 | $35.00 | $20.15 | $18.39 |
| Top | $16.80 | $38.93 | $24.19 | $22.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $19,502 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $16,959 |
| Educational Services | $23,826 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $29,349 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $21,925 |
| Public Administration | $31,738 |
Fitness Alberta website: www.fitnessalberta.com
Fitness Leadership Canada website: fitnessleadershipcanada.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2025. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
