Thread: So you want to teach...

I've decided to teach a fitness class...now what? I'm currently researching, but any and all advice is accepted as many of you have already taken the steps. Feel free to add you message on here or drop me a private message.

Any and all advice is wanted (the do's and don'ts included), whether they are good or bad experiences. Don't forget to add all the legalities!

I got my Group Fitness Instructor certification through ACE by training independently with the textbook and materials they offer, but they have classes and online courses, too. Become an ACE-certified personal trainer and maintain your personal training certification with the American Council on Exercise. Also offering, Group Fitness Instructor, Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and Advanced Health and Fitness Spec

Respected GFI certs are also offered by AFAA and ACSM, but I don't know much about those. There are other groups that offer online certification, but respectable health clubs usually want the above Big Three.

You'll also need CPR training (no one will certify you without a current card) First aid training is even better, especially if there's a chance you'll be alone in a building with your students and solely responsible for their welfare (like many Parks & Rec classes in my area).


You won't need your own insurance if you're going to work as an employee of a company, but if you'll be an independent contractor, you'll need liability coverage. It runs just under $200 a year most places.

What type of fitness class are you teaching? Is it at a gym or dance studio? Just wondering because I have some suggestions depending on what your answers are.

I am with Lauren on the cert if you are teaching at a gym (or anywhere really). I am working on getting mine and have already had an offer to teach once I receive it. ACE really opens doors.

It would be easier to offer suggestions if I knew more about you.

Do you currently teach "dance technique" classes and therefore already have a lot of experience with stuff like explaining how to do moves, or is this your first teaching gig, period? What is your dance background like?

How knowledgeable are you about exercise physiology? Have you taken tons of exercise classes and spent loads of time at the gym, so much that you feel you know more than the personal trainers who work there <grin>, or are you completely new to stuff like knowing how to stretch safely?

What do you have in mind for the class you're planning to offer? Do you plan to go for an aerobic workout format, or do you plan to offer something more low-key that gets people moving but isn't very demanding?

Originally Posted by RatedTotalPackage

I've decided to teach a fitness class...now what? I'm currently researching, but any and all advice is accepted as many of you have already taken the steps. Feel free to add you message on here or drop me a private message.

Any and all advice is wanted (the do's and don'ts included), whether they are good or bad experiences. Don't forget to add all the legalities!

There are a few things you will have to look at first to help you decide where you are and where you want to be:

1. How long have I been dancing?
2. How strong is my technique?
3. Am I able to dance at a professional level?
4. Can I explain the movements clearly and safely?
5. Do I have the background knowledge about the cultural and musical aspects of the dance?
6. Which aspects of the dance do I feel qualified to teach?
7. Which aspects of the dance do I *not* feel qualified to teach?
8. What can I offer the students that is not currently available to them?
9. As this is a fitness class - what is my fitness background and knowledge?
10. As this is a fitness class - do I know how to modify the dance movements to be most effective as a fitness tool?

There are probably quite a few more, but those at the things to start with.

You will need insurance if you are a contractor and some employers also require it. You may need a fitness certification. You will probably need a valid CPR certificate.

A few good links to look at when considering teaching:

1. Shira's site
Belly Dancing: From Student to... What?
Dear Shira: Any Hints for Someone New to Teaching?

2. Preparing to Teach by Anthea for the Gilded Serpent

3. Aziza Sa'id's FAQ - Dance Styles

4. Starting to teach

Discussion sites: (in addition to the great threads on bhuz)
Becoming a teacher...? - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
how to make that jump to teaching... - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
What about what makes a bad teacher? - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
What do I have the right to teach? - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
valid teacher qualifications - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
Fairly new but teaching. - Belly Dance Instructors - tribe.net
Begin teaching - The Biz of Belly Dance - tribe.net
First time teachig!!!! any advice!!! - teaching bellydance - tribe.net
Teaching !!!!! - teaching bellydance - tribe.net
Teaching for fitness - teaching bellydance - tribe.net

(I can't remember if you already teach or not, so my previous response is starting from no current belly dance teaching experience) :)

I've taught before as a member of staff, but I want to branch out on my own. I have a sports medicine degree, many certifications, currently reviewing insurance. I'm trying to figure out all the inbetween and legal stuff. Such as renting a place to teach, rental agreements, business checking accounts, marketing, website material, etc.

Aaaaah! of course. I'm on my way out the door, but when I come back I'll look for this thread and see if there's any info left to give!