Educator, Fitness Instructor, Teacher, Trainer, Weight Instructor
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
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 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.
Duties vary depending on the type of exercise involved but, in general, group exercise leaders:
Group exercise leaders who teach classes also:
Group exercise leaders who work for health clubs may have additional responsibilities such as:
Group exercise leaders may work in a variety of surroundings. Clubs may have separate showers and lockers for leaders. Studios may have mirror-lined walls and special flooring designed to reduce injuries such as shin splints. These amenities may not be available in community facilities. Appropriate footwear, equipment and clothing can be expensive but in some settings clean, comfortable, casual clothing is acceptable.
The work is physically and mentally demanding. Group exercise leaders are constantly moving while coaching and giving instructions out loud. They are responsible for the safety of the class and must ensure that all participants are performing exercises correctly to prevent injury.
Early morning, noon hour, evening and weekend work is common. Group exercise leaders spend a considerable amount of their own time preparing for classes.
Group exercise leaders need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods, dealing with people and designing new exercise programs.
Most employers prefer to hire group exercise leaders who have a high school diploma and, although not required by law, certification from the Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA). Some employers require employees to have related post-secondary education as well.
To qualify for AFLCA certification, group exercise leaders must:
Many employers require professional liability insurance coverage for group exercise leaders. Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) accreditations include automatic professional liability insurance and are nationally recognized by the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA).
Exercise Theory training and specialty courses are offered by a variety of agencies throughout the province. They may be offered by:
CPR training also is available from:
To ensure that group exercise leaders keep their skills and knowledge up to date, AFLCA recertification is required. For more information on AFLCA certification and recertification requirements visit their website.
Some employers (for example, YMCAs and YWCAs) provide their own in-house training and certification. Those holding YMCA/YWCA national certification can challenge AFLCA exams.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.
Group exercise leaders are employed by:
Many group exercise leaders are employed on a contract basis for a specific class or number of classes. They may work for several employers at the same time.
Some group exercise leaders teach as a second job to earn extra income or maintain their own fitness. Some group exercise leaders volunteer their services to community groups.
Group exercise leaders employed by clubs may move into supervisory and management positions responsible for organizing classes. Some group exercise leaders set up their own businesses.
Group exercise leaders are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5254: Program leaders and instructors in recreation and sport and fitness. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 11,900 Albertans are employed in the Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 179 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As group exercise leaders form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for group exercise leaders.
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 depending on their experience, the number of classes they teach and the type of employer. Some group exercise leaders are volunteers.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $10.25 | $32.00 | $18.12 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $12.50 | $42.00 | $20.97 | $18.00 |
| Top | $15.50 | $75.00 | $28.60 | $24.85 |
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* 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.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association (AFLCA) and Provincial Fitness Unit website: www.provincialfitnessunit.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 09, 2016. 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.