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Group Exercise Leader

Group exercise leaders promote exercise as a healthy lifestyle choice. They instruct fitness activities to build muscle strength and endurance, aerobic capacity, flexibility, agility, and balance.

Also Known As

Fitness (Instructor / Leader), Trainer, Weight (Instructor / Trainer)

NOC Codes

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

  • 5254: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

2006 NOC-S

  • F154: Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport

2011 NOC

  • 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC

  • 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2021 NOC

  • 54100: Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2023 OaSIS

  • 54100.01: Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

The duties for group exercise leaders vary with the type of exercise. In general, they determine or develop exercise sessions, classes, or programs that fit participants’ needs and abilities. They use their leadership and communication skills to:

  • Select and demonstrate exercise methods and proper equipment use for various class formats
  • Ensure participants exercise safely
  • Teach proper breathing techniques
  • Lead participants through exercise routines
  • Monitor participants’ progress and adapt programs as needed
  • Provide resources to participants about healthy living and physical activity

Group exercise leaders who instruct classes also plan routines and choose appropriate music for class format and audience. They:

  • Choose relevant and proper movements for each muscle group depending on participants’ abilities and limitations
  • Help participants gauge their levels of exertion to get the greatest benefit from their exercise routines
  • Suggest ways to adapt movements to suit different fitness levels

Group exercise leaders who work for health clubs may need to:

  • Record member information
  • Promote the club through membership sales
  • Teach and demonstrate how to use equipment safely
  • Clean and maintain equipment
  • Advise clients about proper clothing and shoes
  • Lead or assist with workshops and information sessions
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

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.

Group exercise work is physically and mentally demanding. Leaders are constantly moving while coaching and giving instructions out loud. 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 preparing for classes.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

2006 NOC: 5254

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

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

SOCIAL

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

innovative

Interest in co-ordinating information to plan recreational, athletic, fitness and sports programs

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Group exercise leaders need:

  • Physical fitness and coordination
  • Patience, approachability and enthusiasm
  • Organizational skills
  • Creativity
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • The ability to motivate participants
  • The ability to work alone

They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people, and designing 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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC: 5254

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 136 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 26, 2023 and Oct 15, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Plan and carry out recreational, fitness and sports activities
Tasks: Ensure health and safety regulations are followed
Tasks: Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques
Tasks: Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required
Tasks: Assemble supplies, sports and game equipment
Tasks: Lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs
Tasks: Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records and prepare reports
Tasks: Assist clients/guests with special needs
Tasks: Understand principles of group dynamics
Tasks: Leading/instructing groups
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Varies

Most employers prefer to hire group exercise leaders who have a high school diploma. Some require related post-secondary education.

Various Alberta agencies offer training and specialty courses in exercise theory, such as:

  • Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA)
  • Continuing education departments of post-secondary schools
  • YM / YWCAs or other fitness facilities

CPR training also is available from:

  • Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation
  • Canadian Red Cross
  • Continuing education departments of post-secondary schools
  • Lifesaving Society
  • Recreational facilities
  • St. John’s Ambulance

Some employers, such as YM / YWCAs, provide their own in-house training. Many require group exercise leaders to have liability insurance coverage.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

While certification is not required by law, most employers require it.

Certification for group exercise leaders is available through the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) and CanFitPro.

AFLCA certifications include liability insurance. They are provincially and nationally recognized by the National Fitness Leadership Association (NFLA). Group exercise leaders who hold YM / YWCA national certification can challenge AFLCA certification.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Group exercise leaders work for:

  • Community leagues
  • Dance schools
  • Large corporations
  • Municipal recreation centres
  • Post-secondary schools
  • Private health clubs
  • Public leisure centres
  • Resorts and hotels
  • Retirement centres
  • YMCAs and YWCAs

Many group exercise leaders work on a contract basis for a specific class or number of classes. They may work for 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 work for clubs and facilities may move into supervisory and management positions. Others set up their own businesses.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
2021 NOC: 54100
Medium
Demand
14,600
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

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.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

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
2.7%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
293
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Group exercise leaders’ incomes vary greatly. Factors include their experience, the variety 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.

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

2016 NOC: 5254
Average Wage
$20.15
Per Hour
Average Salary
$19,502.00
Per Year
Average Hours
22.1
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
9.5
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5254 Wage Profile

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.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Information, Culture, Recreation
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Accommodation & Food Services
Public Administration

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
61%
61%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
33%
33%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
6%
6%
Vacancy Rate
1%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Physical Education and Recreation
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) and Provincial Fitness Unit website: www.provincialfitnessunit.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. 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.

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