It is undeniable that there’s never been a better time to start working as a group fitness instructor. With the growing popularity of group exercise classes across Ireland, there are plenty of opportunities available for those who want to start their own business or work at gyms and health clubs.

But before you start your career, there are some things you need to do, including getting your group fitness certification. If you’ve ever wanted to become a certified group fitness instructor in Dublin but are unsure where to start, this guide will help. We’ll take you through the steps of becoming certified, including how to get started and what resources are available.

Steps in Getting Your Group Fitness Certification in Dublin

1)    Check Out the Available Certification Programmes

There are several schools located in Dublin that offer group fitness certifications. These programmes are typically taught by certified instructors with years of industry experience. These courses can be completed in a few weeks or months, depending on how much time you want to dedicate to studying each week.

To work as a group fitness instructor in Ireland, you need an EQF Level 2 or Level 3 certification. This qualification makes you eligible to handle group fitness classes.

Meanwhile, if you want to be a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor, look for an EQF Level 4. You can only work as a personal trainer in Ireland if you have a Level 4 certification.

While most training centres require students to have prior qualifications to enrol in their Level 4 programme, the National Training Centre (NTC), the country’s longest-running health fitness training provider, does not. Their EQF Level 4 Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer course is open to all individuals, including those without qualifications.

What if you have a REPS-approved gym instructor and/or personal training qualification but want to teach group fitness classes? You can enrol in the NTC’s National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music course.

2)    Choose a Course

After checking out your options, it is time to pick a course. Since you would be spending time and money, choosing the right programme is important.

Make sure you do the following to choose the best certification for you:

• Find out if the course is accredited by REPs Ireland or other reputable regulating bodies. The accreditation serves as your guarantee that you will learn everything you need to become an effective group fitness instructor in Dublin.
• Check out the instructors who teach classes at that school. Look into how much experience each instructor has. What kind of training have they had? How long have they been teaching? Is their teaching style compatible with yours?
• Look into the class schedule. How many classes are there in a week, and what’s their duration? Is there a programme that suits your schedule? It is worth mentioning that there are part-time and intensive fitness instructor courses in Dublin. Part-time programmes are perfect for those who have busy schedules since classes are held at least twice a week. With intensive courses, classes are set at least 4 times a week. It is worth mentioning that it can take longer to get your certification if you take a part-time programme.
• Make sure you ask how much the course costs. Also, inquire about available grants as well as payment options.

Ultimately, choose an accredited course taught by industry experts. After all, if you want to be the best, then you have to learn from the best. Furthermore, find a certification programme that fits your schedule to ensure that you can keep up with the demands of the course.

3)    Prepare for the Certification Course

It’s important to start preparing for your group fitness certification course. Before your classes start, create a study plan. This will help you stay on track. Allocate time every day for studying and practising teaching skills as well as reading up on the industry so that nothing surprises you in class.

Go over the course syllabus. This will give you an idea of what to expect from the course. Look at the topics and determine which you might need to spend more time on.

What Should You Expect From a Group Fitness Instructor Course?

Whether you want to work as a fitness instructor or specialise in group fitness, this certificate will give you the knowledge and experience needed to teach others how to stay fit.

The programme will allow you to develop your skills in teaching classes and helping clients achieve their fitness goals. The course will also provide an understanding of how different types of exercise can help people improve their overall health and wellness. You will be able to understand what makes each type of class unique so that you can recommend the right kind of workout for your clients.

You will also learn how to create safe and effective group exercises as well as how to design classes that are appropriate for your client’s fitness level. The course will teach you how to use different types of equipment in your classes so that people can get the most out of their workouts.

What to Do After Getting Your Group Fitness Certification in Dublin

After obtaining your group fitness certification, it’s time to get started on your new career. You may be wondering how to go about it. Well, here are some tips:

You can start looking for jobs. There are plenty of employers that are looking for certified fitness professionals, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a position.

The best way to get hired is by networking with other gym owners and managers. If you have friends who work at gyms, ask them if they know anyone who is hiring or if they have heard of any openings at other gyms. You can also check social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as local newspapers and magazines.

Once you’ve found an opening that interests you, send in an application with your resume and cover letter attached. If you don’t hear back from the company after sending out applications for several weeks (or even months), don’t give up! Consider trying again at another place instead of waiting for something that may never happen.

Find a mentor. A great way to get started is to find a mentor who has been in the field for a while. A good mentor will help guide you through the process of building your career (perhaps, including starting your own business). Plus, they will have connections that can help you find clients.

Gain experience by taking on additional jobs outside your regular schedule—this will allow you to expand your knowledge base further and make yourself more marketable as a group fitness instructor.

Build relationships with other instructors and people in similar positions. Attend conferences together. Network on social media platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn—this will help you feel less alone as a new professional and might even lead to opportunities that would not have been available otherwise.

In conclusion, earning a certification is an integral part of becoming a successful group fitness instructor in Dublin. The certification course will give you the skills and confidence you need to be an effective instructor.

It can be overwhelming to get started, especially if you have no idea what to do. But hopefully, the information above provided just what you need to begin your new journey as a group fitness instructor.

Do you want to teach group exercises in Dublin? Get your group fitness certification at the NTC – Ireland’s leading educator in health fitness. To learn more about our courses, leave us a message here or call us on 01 882 7777.