Aerobics trainers are people who are educated in how to lead individuals in a group fitness class. Since such classes can include many people with varying fitness levels, an aerobics instructor must know how to adjust the intensity of the workout to fit each person’s needs. He or she also must be well-versed in proper workout form and how to set an exercise routine to music.
People who are aerobics trainers generally have the ability to work in many different settings. They can work in private health clubs, gyms, and community centers. Some can work in two or three locations at a time, moving between them to teach. This is also a job that is easily transferable if the instructor moves to a new area.
Many gyms or private fitness clubs offer group fitness classes. These are exercise programs in which a group of people perform the same workout together at the same time. There are many types of group fitness, including step workouts, kickboxing, yoga, and weight training. These classes are usually taught by aerobics trainers who have experience in that particular form of exercise.
A special degree is not usually required to have an aerobics career. A lot of aerobics trainers are people who enjoy working out, have taken many group fitness classes, and want to become trained instructors. This is typically a part-time job for many people.
Some gyms offer classes choreographed by outside fitness organizations that can only be taught by certified instructors. If a person wishes to become an aerobics trainer for these types of classes, he or she will usually have to go through the specific training, pass an audition, and become an approved instructor to teach the class. Having one of these certifications can help a person find more aerobics jobs, because they can teach anywhere these classes are offered.
Some instructors choreograph their own classes. Aerobics instructors should be able to choreograph the pace and movements in time with music, so there is a natural flow to the exercise. This usually means the instructor has to understand beats and know when an exercise should have a four-count, an eight-count or a sixteen-count.
Aerobics trainers should be knowledgeable in both beginner and advanced fitness. Most of the time, classes will have a mixture of beginners and advanced participants. The trainers should be able to design their classes so that any fitness level can attend, by having low-impact options for the beginners and high ones for the advanced students. An aerobics instructor should also know proper form and how to relay that to people to minimize the chance of injury. Many people tend to hold their breath when they workout, so an aerobics instructor may need to remind them to breathe and teach techniques so this becomes second nature.
One of the most important characteristics of aerobics trainers is a love for working out, and the ability to spread that passion to students. An enthusiastic and approachable attitude is also a key quality, so that participants can feel comfortable asking questions and trust the instructor. Also, fitness trainers should be sensitive to different types of personalities because some students want to be pushed and motivated, while others may need more gentle encouragement.
