The best value group fitness instructor courses online are suitable for those who are trying to promote health and wellness in a group setting. Learn about the top online education providers and how you can have a good learning experience.
The Rise Of Group Fitness
Many people seek and practice healthy lifestyles, exploring what setups and plans work for them. For 42% of people worldwide, exercising in groups is preferable to doing it alone. This can be a key opportunity for people seeking to build a career in the fitness industry.
That said, group fitness can be quite a unique dynamic to deal with, as you’re educating multiple people and fostering a sense of community all at once. It requires a great deal of knowledge and coaching skills to be at the forefront of such an operation.
Best 10 Fitness Instructor Courses To Explore
There are numerous options when it comes to starting your career as a group training mentor. Learn about the best-value group fitness instructor courses online below. Current pricing and course details may change in the future.
1. Zumba
| Key feature | Sets up inclusive workouts and dance-related content |
| Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| Reviews | “A lot of useful information, very detailed and precise presentation. Explained in simple and understandable language, even for those whose native language is not English. Excellent communication between the instructor and the students.” |
Zumba is a pioneer in mixing up fun and fitness, with training provided in over 180 countries to 15 million people. While it’s known for its dance workout sessions, it also includes instructor training programs geared toward spreading the joy of physical activity.
Introductory training will teach you about the Zumba formula, basic rhythms and more. There are programs specifically designed to teach you how to lead a session for kids ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 11. You can also check out low-impact workouts and moves more suited for active older adults.
2. NASM
| Key feature | Allows you to choose a discounted bundle of courses |
| Pricing | Plans start at $21 a month |
| Reviews | “I am so happy I went with NASM to get my personal training certificate. They are well known in the industry and I feel like the education I received was top notch. I loved all the online support that helped me study and pass my test. The learning modules were easy to understand and I especially enjoyed being able to go at my own pace.” |
NASM, also known as the National Academy of Sports Medicine, aims for fitness professionals everywhere to change their clients’ lives through evidence-based fitness and wellness practices. Payment plans are flexible and 0% interest with no fees, making it one of the best-value group fitness instructor courses online.
What’s even more helpful is that the online programs are self-paced and designed to match numerous learning styles. Depending on how frequently you work on the courses, you’d be ready to launch your career in about six to eight weeks.
3. Fitness Mentors
| Key feature | Dives into the business aspect of being a trainer |
| Pricing | $800 for an all-in package |
| Reviews | “I was teaching group fitness classes at the gym until COVID hit and ruined my income. I found the Fitness Mentors V-GFI course and I quickly was able to bring most of my in-person students over to virtual training. The course even taught me how to drive online leads, allowing me to double my income very quickly.” |
Fitness Mentors has a tight-knit community that promotes an excellent learning experience. It offers a variety of study tools that have helped people attain knowledge and certifications simultaneously. The Virtual Group Fitness Instructor course is especially helpful for learning about human movement, anatomy, and physiology.
The courses also help you set up your business. For instance, you can access workout templates, an exercise library, a habit tracker, and a nutrition tracker, which you can use for clients. Bonus learning videos are also available.
4. ACE Fitness
| Key feature | Offers comprehensive study materials |
| Pricing | Basic plan starts at $224.50 |
| Reviews | “I received my PT certification here. I bought a hard copy of the book, the workbook and access to ACE Answers. The best part was the study group. The practice tests were also helpful. I did receive some CE classes for free through my ACE membership, and I feel that I learned a lot about the industry.” |
ACE Fitness is a nonprofit organization led by the American Council on Exercise that promotes the importance of health and movement. It offers numerous accessible NCCA-accredited certifications and scientifically rooted education, resulting in over 90,000 certified professionals.
Its group fitness certification comes in a variety of study programs, from Basic to Plus to Advantage, which collectively have a 96% satisfaction rate. Explore video demonstrations, learning activities, recorded webinars and so much more.
5. NETA
| Key feature | Offers personal certification for your commitment |
| Pricing | Self-study at $399 |
| Reviews | “All of the classes, live or remote, involve extensive, well-written material, clinics, and ample time for discussion… and the content is presented in a dynamic way. |
NETA, or National Exercise Trainers Association, ensures aspiring trainers can attain a fulfilling learning experience without the hassle or cost of travel. Certification from this organization is attractive to potential employers and valid for two years.
The Group Exercise program is available for self-study for maximum convenience and minimum stress. However, you can also upgrade to more premium packages that would include live review workshops and extra study materials.
6. ISSA
| Key feature | Provides flexible payment plans |
| Pricing | Starts at $89 per month |
| Reviews | “The course is packed with information. It was well laid out, and easy to follow. Super helpful having a small quiz after each module to ensure the information was understood. It eases the pressure knowing you can retake your quiz and exam. The addition of having the video of Jason Karp is a huge bonus. An opportunity to learn directly from him at your own pace!” |
ISSA, also known as the International Sports Sciences Association, is an organization that collaborates and serves people to promote healthy living. It was founded in 1988 by a group of renowned fitness experts.
There are numerous certification tracks to explore—the Certified Personal Trainer Only is the most basic one, including the course and exam. ISSA also provides a job guarantee, as it’s partnered with over 10,000 gyms.
7. ACSM
| Key feature | Lets you create your personal study plan |
| Pricing | $310 for ACSM Member Candidates taking the exam |
| Reviews | “Study material is mostly all self-guided and self-paced. Good price and the test was difficult. I barely passed and got my results immediately. Everything that was in the test can be found in the book.” |
ACSM, or American College of Sports Medicine, aims to champion innovation, collaboration and movement within the landscape of health care. It offers a comprehensive course catalog, from athlete care and clinical medicine to chronic health conditions and more.
The Group Exercise Instructor course is an elite program available for those with an adult CPR/AED Certification. Apply and download the exam content online with ease. You can also customize your study plan with the various materials and options available.
8. AFAA
| Key feature | Offers easy-to-understand infographics and information |
| Pricing | $21 a month for self-study, or $299 for a one-time payment |
| Reviews | “The AFAA GFI course was a great experience. After teaching a pre-choreographed class for several years, I wanted to learn more about the group fitness industry and the science behind it. The GFI course delivered just that, in an easy, informative way.” |
AFAA, also known as the Athletics and Fitness Association of America, motivates people to become their best selves. For 40 years, it has paved the way for over 350,000 group and personal trainers in 73 countries.
The Certified Group Fitness Instructor course is available 100% online, using a state-of-the-art learning platform that is easy to navigate. The curriculum tackles various topics such as professionalism, fundamentals of exercise science and more.
9. Les Mills
| Key feature | New content every three months |
| Pricing | Custom pricing based on the workout |
| Reviews | “My favorite thing about being an instructor is the community it creates. Not just with other instructors, but also your participants: they want to show up to your class because of that community. It’s more than just working out, it’s a group of people encouraging and motivating each other. Being able to lead is the most fantastic feeling in the whole world.” |
Les Mills has a team of over 100,000 fitness instructors and partners with 20,000 clubs worldwide. It specializes in promoting group fitness and building a community through evidence-based exercise programs.
You can take a master group training course, which introduces you to industry-leading resources. New music and moves are released every month, so you can refresh your workouts for your clientele in the long run.
10. IFTA Fitness
| Key feature | Provides over 100 hours of content available on demand |
| Pricing | $249, one-time payment |
| Reviews | “I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the Group Fitness Certification. It was tons better than my original certification I received in person with AFAA. Gay really knows her stuff and I will be looking forward to getting some continuing education with her. Thank you so much for bringing this certification to our facility. “ |
IFTA Fitness is part of the International Fitness Trainers Association, which focuses on certifying and educating up-and-coming health and wellness instructors. There’s also continuing education and renewal that can help even established trainers improve.
The Group Fitness Instructor Certification is a comprehensive course offering foundational knowledge and skills regarding movement safety and handling course participants confidently. Over 30,000 fitness professionals in more than 25 countries have been trained and certified.
What To Look For In Fitness Instructor Courses
Many factors can help narrow down the best value group fitness instructor courses online. Here’s what you should be looking for from your ideal program providers.
| Accreditation | A group fitness instructor course should be offered by a vetted provider with accreditation and recognition. This will ensure that you’re getting quality education that meets industry standards. |
| Industry Recognition | The ideal course provider would be widely recognized in the industry as a pioneer of health and wellness. Its mission and vision should also align with your own. |
| Information quality | Aspiring trainers should seek accurate and up-to-date information while enjoying the convenience of online courses. Ensure you enroll somewhere that prioritizes quality content. |
| Community and support | Most programs are designed for self-studying. However, you still want to lean on a community of trainers and get assistance from people who are more knowledgeable when necessary. |
| Value for money | Are you meeting all your needs with the money you’re investing in the group fitness instructor course? You want to learn as much as you can for an affordable or reasonable price. |
Maximizing Your Online Learning Experience
Learning through online courses can be convenient and provide plenty of knowledge. However, some people may struggle with the experience since it’s relatively different from the typical classroom setup. Maximize your experience by getting active through participation and exploration.
- Share your own knowledge: Take pride in what you know and share it with other people online. For example, if you have nutrition knowledge to support the health and wellness side of a group’s fitness journey, share it.
- Interact in online communities: Some of the best value group fitness instructor courses online will have communities where you can talk with one another. Make those connections and learn from other people’s experiences and takeaways.
- Leverage online resources: Your chosen group fitness instructor course will already come with a variety of web-based materials. Absorb as much of that knowledge as possible and be willing to learn more outside of that through what’s on the web.
- Stay motivated: Most of the courses are self-paced, but it helps to create a structured routine to commit to. Listen to your body and mind and take breaks when needed. You can also give yourself pep talks to stay prepared.
Check Out And Try The Best Value Group Fitness Instructor Courses Online
Explore the best value group fitness instructor courses online and see what works for you, your budget and bandwidth for learning. With the right choice, you can get closer to your dream of mentoring groups, building connections and promoting healthy living.
