ACE Group Fitness

Instructor Manual

A Guide for Fitness Professionals

Third Edition

American Council on Exercise

Editors
Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM
Daniel J. Green
Sabrena Merrill, M.S.

Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 2011904383

ISBN 978-1-890720-37-7
Copyright 2011 American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Printed in the United States of America
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any
form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including
xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in any information retrieval system, is forbidden
without the written permission of the American Council on Exercise.
ABCD
Distributed by:
American Council on Exercise
4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 576-6500
FAX: (858) 576-6564
www.acefitness.org
Project Editor: Daniel J. Green
Technical Editors: Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM, & Sabrena Merrill, M.S.
Cover Design & Art Direction: Karen McGuire
Production: Nancy Garcia
Photography: Dennis Dal Covey
Index: Kathi Unger
Chapter Models: Opal Bruce, Angel Chelik, Chris Gagliardi, Jessica Matthews, Giselle Pineda
Acknowledgments: Thanks to the entire American Council on Exercise staff for their support and
guidance through the process of creating this manual.
NOTICE
The fitness industry is ever-changing. As new research and clinical experience broaden our knowledge, changes in programming and
standards are required. The authors and the publisher of this work have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their efforts
to provide information that is complete and generally in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in
view of the possibility of human error or changes in industry standards, neither the authors nor the publisher nor any other party
who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this work warrants that the information contained herein is in every
respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from the use of such
information. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources.

P11-013

Table of Contents
Reviewers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Studying for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

Chapter 1: Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor? Sabrena Merrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Chapter 2: P
 rinciples of Pre-class Preparation and Participant
Monitoring and Evaluation Sabrena Merrill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 3: Group Exercise Program Design Caroline Kennedy-Armbruster & Kelly Jo Baute. . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 4: Teaching a Group Exercise Class Lawrence Biscontini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Chapter 5: P
 rinciples of Adherence
and Motivation Deborah Rohm Young, Abby C. King, & Tracie Rogers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Chapter 6: Exercise and Special Populations James H. Rimmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Chapter 7: Exercise and Pregnancy Lenita Anthony & Camilla Callaway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Chapter 8: T
 he Prevention and Management
of Common Injuries Scott Cheatham & Christine Cunningham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Chapter 9: Emergency Procedures Julia Valentour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Chapter 10: The Business of Group Fitness Shannon Fable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Chapter 11: Legal and Professional Responsibilities David K. Stotlar & Mark S. Nagel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

Appendix A: ACE Code of Ethics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319

Appendix B: Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam Content Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Appendix C: Effects of Medications on Heart-rate Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Appendix D: Group Fitness Specialties Sabrena Merrill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Appendix E: ACE Position Statement on Nutritional Supplements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

v
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Reviewers
Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.D., is a professor of exercise and sport studies at Smith College,
Northampton, Mass., where she teaches courses in stress management, nutrition, and
health. She is also the director of the Smith Fitness Program for Faculty and Staff. Dr. Brehm
writes extensively for fitness professionals and has received widespread recognition for the
regular columns she wrote as a contributing editor for Fitness Management magazine. She
is the co-author of Applied Sports Medicine for Coaches, and author of several other books,
including Successful Fitness Motivation Strategies.
Kristin Fischer, M.S., is a continuing education provider and educator for ACE, as well
as a Master Trainer for BOSU and Gliding. She is the president of KristinFischerFitness,
serving as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and health educator. Fischer is an
ACE subject matter expert and an exam development committee member. An ACE-certified
group fitness instructor and personal trainer, Fischer has a masters of science degree in
kinesiology from the University of Illinois and holds several specialty certifications.
Chris Freytag holds three ACE certifications and serves as Chairman of the Board of
Directors for ACE. She received her bachelors degree in journalism from the University of
Wisconsin, Madison, and currently works as a practicing fitness professional as well as a
health and fitness expert to many fitness, TV, and print-related companies. She has authored
four books and created dozens of fitness workouts available on DVD and digital download.
Freytag also writes for ACE Certified News and other fitness-industry publications.
Stephanie Harris, M.D., is a neurologist practicing in Eugene, Ore. She has been a group
fitness instructor since 1992 and is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Physical
Education and Recreation at the University of Oregon. Dr. Harris has participated on the
ACE group fitness instructor role delineation and exam development committees and was
awarded the ACE Group Fitness Instructor of the Year Award in 2004.
Fred Hoffman, M.ED., is the director of international services for the Club & Spa Synergy
Group. He holds a masters degree in health education and is certified by ACSM and ACE. A
consultant and master trainer for companies such as Batuka, Reebok, TRX, and BOSU,
Hoffman has presented at conventions and trained instructors in nearly 50 countries on six
continents. He is the recipient of the 2007 IDEA Fitness Instructor of the Year Award.

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ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Reviewers
Karen B. Merrill, M.S., ATC, LMT, is a nationally certified athletic trainer, personal trainer, and massage therapist. She is the chairman of the board for Hoola Cancer Exercise
Wellness Program, a charitable non-profit corporation, and the president of Body Resolve,
Inc., a multifaceted fitness and wellness organization.
Jack Raglin, Ph.D., FACSM, is a professor and director of graduate studies in the department
of kinesiology at Indiana University. He is a Fellow in the American Psychological Association,
the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Academy of Kinesiology.
Kimberly Spreen is the director of group fitness for Life Time Fitness and director of
yoga for LifePower Yoga. She is a member of the IDEA Program Director Committee, one of
Exercise TVs Star Trainers, as well as star of several exercise videos and co-creator/co-producer of EMPOWER! Fitness Events. Known for her passion, enthusiasm, and humor, Spreen
travels the world as a presenter, motivational speaker, and continuing education provider.
Anne Irwin Tillinghast, M.A., C.S.C.S., ACSM-HFS, directs the fitness programs at Johns
Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., where she serves as the assistant director of athletics
and recreation. She is a subject matter expert and faculty member for the American Council
on Exercise, a member of the exam development committee, and certified as a group fitness
instructor and personal trainer through ACE. Tillinghast holds a bachelors degree in biological
anthropology from SUNY Geneseo, and a masters degree in dance from UCLA.
Nancey Trevanian Tsai, M.D., is assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Medical
University of South Carolina and serves on ACEs Board of Directors. She has been an ACEcertified personal trainer since 1996 and works with high-performance athletes as well as
special populations.
Andi Wardinsky, M.S., is the group fitness manager for PRO Sports Club, a private health
club with three locations based out of Bellevue, Wash. She has a bachelors degree in sport
science as well as a masters degree in physical education from the University of Idaho, and
holds numerous fitness certifications. Wardinsky, an ACE-certified group fitness instructor
and personal trainer, educates fitness professionals about the business of the fitness industry through local establishments, conferences, colleges, and universities. She is also an ACE
exam development committee member.

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ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Foreword

n the more than 25 years that the American Council on Exercise has been championing
education and professionalism in the fitness industry, much has changed about the industry and, more specifically, group exercise instruction. What began as a means of improving
health through the use of traditional dance and aerobic movements now includes classes ranging from such traditional fare as step training and kickboxing to boot-camp and sport-specific
classes, not to mention the countless fusions and emerging modalities. Through it all, dance
movementsand all the fun and benefits they yieldhave remained a constant.
Another constant in this ever-changing field is the American Council on Exercises core
mission of enriching quality of life through safe and effective physical activity. ACE has
established its vision for the future of the fitness industry and overall outlook for Americas
focus on healthy living. This vision involves inspiring, motivating, and encouraging people to
make physical activity an integral part of their everyday lives. Group fitness instructors (GFIs)
are in a perfect position to take action in support of the organizations goal to combat the
obesity epidemic. Specifically, ACE is advocating greater collaboration with community leaders to develop and enhance exercise programs, encouraging neighbors to get more involved
with each other and their communities, and rallying with other industry partners to create
greater public access to fitness resources and federal funding to help support fitness initiatives on a local level all across the country.
In addition to teaching the basics of exercise programming and class leadership, this manual takes a more holistic approach to group fitness instruction, enabling GFIs to take advantage of the fact that they interact with so many fitness facility members each and every day.
Knowing how the human body functions is not enough; modern fitness professionals must
know how to motivate individuals by incorporating aspects of behavioral psychology into
their classes, lead groups of exercisers by using teaching techniques suitable for multiple
learning styles simultaneously, and modify workouts based on the specific needs of individuals ranging from pregnant women to older adults with osteoporosis.
Clearly, group exercise instruction is far more complex than it once was, but the goal of
contemporary Body Pump routines is the same as it was during those early Jazzercise
classesto positively influence people to have an enriching relationship with physical activity and develop a lifelong fitness habit. The overall goal of combating obesity may seem
daunting, but GFIs can work toward that ideal one participant at a time.
Scott Goudeseune
President & CEO
American Council on Exercise

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ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Introduction

he American Council on Exercise is proud to introduce the Third Edition of its ACE
Group Fitness Instructor Manual. This textbook, which was written by 16 industry
experts specializing in everything from health behavior psychology to business and
law, will help group fitness instructors (GFIs) design safe and effective exercise classes for a
variety of populations performing any of a number of types of exercise.
As with all ACE manuals, this new manual offers the most current, complete picture of the
instructional techniques and professional responsibilities group fitness instructors need to
teach safe and effective exercise. Designed to serve as a study aid for the Group Fitness
Instructor Certification Exam, it is also a comprehensive resource for both new and veteran
instructors. It is important to note that this manual assumes an understanding of the material
presented in ACEs Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals.
The manual begins by defining the ACE-certified GFI, including the scope of practice and
possible avenues of career development. Chapter 1: Who Is the ACE-certified Group
Fitness Instructor? also covers the unique place that GFIs hold in the allied healthcare continuum and the recognition that the ACE certification has received from the fitness, health,
and education communities, as well as the Department of Labor.
Chapter 2: Principles of Pre-class Preparation and Participant Monitoring and
Evaluation represents a new approach to these topics. The author has narrowed the focus
of this content to feature only those assessment and monitoring techniques that are truly
practical in a group setting and are commonplace in the industry. Adhering to the concepts
presented in this chapter will help limit potential areas of liability and allow the GFI to provide
outstanding and safe exercise experiences for all participants.
The next two chapters discuss the topics of programming and leading group exercise classes. Chapter 3: Group Exercise Program Design divides a class into its various segments
warm-up, cardiorespiratory, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibilityand presents
guidelines and practical tips for each. Chapter 4: Teaching a Group Exercise Class will help
GFIs meet their participants individual needs through effective program implementation and
teaching techniques and strategies. Cueing and musicality are also discussed.
Programming a balanced class and teaching it well certainly has a positive impact on participant adherence, but Chapter 5: Principles of Adherence and Motivation takes things
further by defining the traits of an ideal GFI and offering specific strategies that will build
adherence. Behavioral change theories are also presented that will arm GFIs with userfriendly tips to help participants make lifelong behavior modifications.
The next two chapters address the challenge of teaching classes with participants with special needs. Chapter 6: Exercise and Special Populations covers everything from asthma to
arthritis, and diabetes to multiple sclerosis. Guidelines and teaching tips are offered for special
populations, as well as for older adults and youth. The complexities of pregnancys impact
xiii
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Introduction
on health and a womans ability to safely exercise warrant extended coverage. Chapter 7:
Exercise and Pregnancy discusses the physiological adaptations that occur during pregnancy as well as the risks associated with certain movements and postures. Very specific
programming recommendations are offered as well.
Chapter 8: The Prevention and Management of Common Injuries teaches GFIs how to
manage both pre-existing injuries and those that occur during the course of an exercise class.
While diagnosis and treatment is outside the scope of practice for most fitness professionals,
GFIs will often lead classes with individuals who are recovering from injury, and therefore must
be able to modify movements accordingly. Chapter 9: Emergency Procedures covers medical emergencies and injuries that a GFI may encounter during a career in the fitness industry,
from asthma attacks and hypoglycemia to seizures and head injuries.
Chapter 10: The Business of Group Fitness is an all-new topic in this edition. By introducing the group fitness trifectaeducation, teamwork, and class valuethis chapter enables
GFIs to define and enhance their value and overall standing in a fitness facility by teaching
them how facility management measures the value of their employees. In addition, improving
teamwork among the group fitness staff will enhance the experience of facility members.
Chapter 11: Legal and Professional Responsibilities explains basic legal concepts that
concern GFIs and shows how these concepts can be applied to reduce injuries to program
participants. It is important to remember that taking proper action can reduce the likelihood
that a lawsuit will be filed, and can mitigate potential damages.
Finally, the appendices present ACEs Code of Ethics, the Group Fitness Instructor
Certification Exam Content Outline, and the ACE Position Statement on Nutritional
Supplements. In addition, the appendices include an introduction to some of the group fitness specialty areas available in the ever-changing fitness industrytraditional aerobics,
step training, kickboxing fitness, group indoor cycling, aquatic exercise, fitness yoga, Pilates,
stability ball training, group strength training, and fitness boot camp and sports conditioning.
Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., FACSM
Chief Science Officer
Daniel J. Green
Project Editor
Sabrena Merrill, M.S.
Exercise Scientist

xiv
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Studying for the

ACE Group Fitness
Instructor Exam

CE has put together a comprehensive package of study tools that should serve as
your core materials while preparing for the ACE Certification Exam. Using the following study tips will optimize your chances of success.

Begin by studying ACEs Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals.

This book covers the foundational knowledge that you will need to take full advantage of the
information presented in the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual, Third Edition. The authors
of the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual wrote with the assumption that readers had
already mastered the content presented in the Essentials book. For example, the exercise
analyses presented in Chapter 4: Teaching a Group Exercise Class assume an understanding of human anatomy and the physiology of training, both of which are presented in the
Essentials book. If at any point in your reading you come across a topic that you are not entirely confident with, revisit the Essentials book to sharpen your understanding.
Each chapter of ACEs Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals includes
a Study Guide that will help you identify areas that require additional study time and more
focused attention. In addition, multiple-choice questions are included that mirror the style
and types of questions that are included on the ACE certification exams.
Review the Exam Content Outline, which is presented in Appendix B of this book.
This document was created by active members of the fitness industry and is the basis from
which the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam is written. Using this document to target your
studies and identify areas of weakness will be a powerful study tool.
Use the Master the Manual to focus your studies as you work your way through the
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual. The Master the Manual uses the same format as
the Study Guides in the Essentials book, with the addition of chapter summaries that point
out key topics, and will be an invaluable tool as you prepare for the ACE Exam.
Other ACE study materials include the following:
Flashcards: ACEs flashcards focus on foundational anatomy and physiology topics and
feature detailed illustrations that will help strengthen your understanding of these essential topics.
Companion DVD for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual: This DVD, which is entitled Essentials of Group Fitness Instruction and features well-respected group fitness
expert and international presenter Lawrence Biscontini, presents many of the critical elements covered in the manual in a user-friendly, practical format. This will be a valuable
tool throughout your career in the fitness industry.
xvii
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Studying for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam

Glossary and Index: Keep an eye out for boldface terms as you read. Each of these
important terms is included in the books glossary as a quick reference whenever a new
concept is introduced. If you need more in-depth information on the topic, check the
indexes of both the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual and the Essentials book.
www.acefitness.org: The ACE website offers everything from calculators using equations
commonly utilized in the fitness setting to online continuing education courseswhich
means that it will remain a valuable resource for tools and information throughout your
fitness career.
Online Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam Study Assistance: Sign up at
www.acefitness.org/getcertified/studyassistanceprogram-gfi.aspx to take advantage of
ACEs free Study Coach Program, which offers a study timeline and weekly email reminders
and tips that will guide you in your studies, as well as an ongoing Exam Preparation blog.
ACE Resource Center: ACEs Resource Center specialists are available to answer
your questions as you prepare for the exam. The Resource Center can be reached at
(800) 825-3636, ext. 796.

xviii
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

IN
THIS
CHAPTER

The Allied Healthcare

Continuum
The ACE Group Fitness
Instructor Certification
Defining Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice for ACEcertified Group Fitness
Instructors
Knowledge, Skills, and
Abilities of the ACE-certified
Group Fitness Instructor
Professional Responsibilities
and Ethics

Accreditation of Allied
Healthcare Credentials
Through the NCCA
Recognition From the
Fitness and Health Industry
Recognition From the
Education Community
Recognition From the
Department of Labor
Career Development
Continuing Education
Additional Fitness
Certifications
New Areas of Expertise
Within Allied Healthcare
Summary

Sabrena Merrill, M.S., has been actively involved in the fitness industry
since 1987, successfully operating her own personal-training business and
teaching group exercise classes. Merrill is a former full-time faculty member
in the Kinesiology and Physical Education Department at California State
University, Long Beach. She has a bachelors degree in exercise science
as well as a masters degree in physical education/biomechanics from
the University of Kansas. Merrill, an ACE-certified Personal Trainer and
Group Fitness Instructor, is an author, educator, and fitness consultant who
remains very active within the industry.

CHAPTER

ONE
Who Is the ACE-certified
Group Fitness Instructor?
By Sabrena Merrill

ince the 1980s, group fitness programs have been a standard

amenity offered at most commercial fitness facilities. While the
equipment, choreography, and modalities of group exercise continue to change and evolve, the attraction of these programs has

remained constant, as new and veteran exercisers alike seek refreshing and
motivating approaches to physical activity. As group fitness programs have
evolved, so too has the group fitness instructor. Once a pastime for exercise
enthusiasts, group fitness instruction has become an important profession that
provides elements of social interaction and fun to large numbers of participants who might not otherwise become engaged in physical activity.

Chapter

One

Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?

Often a group fitness instructor (GFI)
migrates into teaching because of his or her
passion for exercise and for helping oth-

ing. Additional benefits occur with more

physical activity.
Both aerobic (endurance) and muscle-

ers. To be successful, a GFI must have the

strengthening (resistance) physical activ-

desire and ability to educate and motivate

ity are beneficial.

participants. Clearly, GFIs have to possess

Health benefits occur for children and

characteristics of extroversion and leader-

adolescents, young and middle-aged

ship as well as the knowledge to safely and

adults, older adults, and those in every

effectively teach and modify exercise for a

studied racial and ethnic group.

variety of participants.
Decades ago, when the traditional form
of group fitness (called dance exercise or
aerobics) became popular, the cultural
value placed on the benefits of regular exercise was just beginning to take hold in the
United States. Due to ongoing research on
the health advantages of engaging in consistent physical activity, there have been
several published recommendations on the
topic. After a comprehensive review of the
research linking physical activity to health,
the U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services released the 2008 Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans, the first comprehensive guidelines on physical activity to
be issued by the U.S. government. These
guidelines list the following major research
findings regarding physical activity and its
associated health benefits:
Regular physical activity reduces the risk
of many adverse health outcomes.
Some physical activity is better than
none.
For most health outcomes, additional

The health benefits of physical activity

occur for people with disabilities.
The benefits of physical activity far
outweigh the possibility of adverse
outcomes.
An increased public awareness of regular exercise as a component of a healthy
lifestyle, as well as the proliferation of a
savvier, more educated fitness consumer,
has led to the need for competent exercise
leaders. The ACE-certified GFI provides
safe and effective group fitness leadership
to participants ranging in age from youth
to older adults, and ranging in health and
fitness status from overweight and sedentary to athletic.
A GFI has various employment scenarios
from which to choose. Most GFIs opt to teach
classes on a part-time basis. Typically, a GFI
leads by showing the participants how to perform the exercises, which exacts a physical
toll on the instructor. Thus, teaching numerous classes each day is probably not the
most healthful practice. Instead of exposing
the body to daily hours of exercise instruction, many GFIs choose to teach one or two

benefits occur as the amount of physical

classes several days per week. Since fitness

activity increases through higher inten-

facilities often schedule group fitness classes

sity, greater frequency, and/or longer

during times when a majority of the general

duration.

population is off work (such as early morn-

Most health benefits occur with at least

ings, lunch time, and evenings), teaching part-

150 minutes a week of moderate-inten-

time classes is a viable option for GFIs who

sity physical activity, such as brisk walk-

also have other, non-fitness related occupa-

2
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Chapter

Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?

tions. It is also becoming more commonplace
for clubs to offer more robust schedules during the day to accommodate stay-at-home
moms and those who work at home and have
flexibility in their schedules. In this respect,
GFIs who have other occupations and do not
work traditional daytime hours also have an
opportunity to teach part-time.

One

Full-time GFIs are uncommon. The reasons

for this have to do with the physicality of the
profession and the unique aspects of managing a group fitness program schedule. First,
the volume of exercise required for an instructor to teach full-time (e.g., more than four to
five classes per day, every day) is extremely
taxing on the body. Second, a group fitness
program would essentially be devastated if an

The prospect of becoming a profes-

instructor who taught full-time became injured

sional group fitness instructor can be

or requested time off. Individuals who claim

very appealing, especially to those

group fitness to be their full-time occupation

who are eager to help others become

healthier and achieve their fitness
goals. Leading groups of people with
safe and effective exercise instruction
requires knowledge of exercise science along with the ability to effectively
demonstrate and communicate how to
perform specific movements. In addition, a GFI must also have a sincere
desire to help each individual in class,
regardless of the participants fitness
level, skills, or abilities. A GFI must
always be cognizant of the various levels of the participants and take special
care to avoid excluding anyone from
the group activities.
It is not uncommon for a first-time
attendee to join a class and have no
idea of the intensity level or complexity of the exercise format. In these
situations, a GFI must take measures
to treat the new person fairly, demonstrate ample modifications, and
make him or her feel successful about
completing the class while effectively
challenging the other class participants.
Successful GFIs are leaders who genuinely act to teach and motivate their
class participants instead of simply performing in front of a captive audience.

typically manage a group fitness department in a commercial facility. It is common

for group fitness coordinators to share in the
responsibility of substitute teaching classes
that need to be covered, as well as teach their
own classes, while simultaneously managing
the group fitness program.
Many GFIs who want to make a full-time
commitment to helping people create health
and wellness through exercise have successfully combined the roles of the group
fitness instructor and personal trainer. This
increasingly popular career path is emerging
as fitness professionals perform both oneon-one fitness training and group instruction.
This scenario has numerous benefits in that it
allows fitness instructors to develop relationships with more potential clients/participants,
is an effective cross-promotion tactic whereby group fitness participants can be informed
by their instructor about personal training and
personal-training clients can be educated
about the benefits of group fitness by their
trainer, and provides the fitness professional
with an option for full-time employment that
offers variety and a good income. Lastly, the
combination of group fitness instruction and
personal training allows the fitness professional to devote eight or more hours a day to
working in an exercise environment without
3
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Chapter

One

Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?

experiencing the potential for overtraining that
often comes with teaching too many group
fitness classes in succession.

The Future of Group Fitness

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of Labor

The Allied Healthcare

Continuum

he allied healthcare continuum is composed of health professionals who are

credentialed through certifications,

Statistics (2010), refers to the professionals in the fit-

registrations, and/or licensure and provide

ness industry as Fitness Workers, with Group Exercise

services to identify, prevent, and treat dis-

Instructors classified as a primary profession within the

eases and disorders (Figure 1-1). Physicians

industry. The DOL defines the nature of the job of group

are at the top of the allied healthcare pyramid,

exercise instructors as working to conduct group exer-

evaluating patients to diagnose ailments and

cise sessions that usually include aerobic exercise,

implement treatment plans that can include

stretching, and muscle conditioning. Cardiovascular con-

medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or other

ditioning classes often are set to music. Instructors select

actions. Physicians are assisted in their efforts

the music and choreograph a corresponding exercise

by nurses, physicians assistants, and a num-

sequence. The DOL goes on to state that group exer-

ber of other credentialed technicians. When

cise instructors are responsible for ensuring that their

ailments or treatment plans fall outside their

classes are motivating, safe, and challenging, yet not too

areas of expertise, physicians refer patients

difficult for the participants.

to specialists for specific medical evaluations,

Expected Growth in Fitness Worker Jobs

physical or occupational therapy, psychologi-

According to the DOL, employment of fitness workers

is projected to increase by 29% between 2008 and 2018.
This expected increase is much faster than the average for

cal counseling, dietary planning, and/or exercise programming.

Physicians and nurses teach patients the

all occupations, and is attributed to a number of factors,

importance of implementing their treatment

including the following:

plans. Physical therapists and occupational

Increasing numbers of baby boomers who want to stay

healthy, physically fit, and independent
Reduction in the number of physical-education programs in schools

therapists lead patients through therapeutic

exercise and teach them to perform additional
exercises at home to facilitate rehabilitation.
Athletic trainers teach athletes exercises to

Growing concerns about childhood obesity

prevent injury and take them through thera-

Increasing club memberships among young adults

peutic exercises following injury. Registered

concerned about physical fitness

An aging population seeking relief from arthritis and

dietitians teach clients proper nutrition

through recipes, meal plans, food-preparation

other ailments through individualized exercise, yoga,

methods, and implementation of specialized

and Pilates

diets. While these professionals might also

A need to replace workers who leave fitness occupations each year

give patients or clients guidelines for general

exercise (e.g., try to walk up to 30 minutes

Group Fitness Instructor Qualifications

per day, most days of the week), few of

See Recognition From the Department of Labor on

them actually teach clients how to exercise

page 15 for the DOLs statement regarding the importance

effectively. This is where fitness professionals,

of obtaining a quality group fitness instructor certification.

including GFIs, hold a unique position in the

allied healthcare continuum.

4
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual

Chapter

Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?

One
Figure 1-1
Specialty areas within
allied healthcare

Mental
Health
Psychiatrist
Psychologist
Nutritional
Support

Social worker
Support groups

Registered
dietitian
Clinical
weight-loss
program

Rehabilitation
Professionals
Physical therapist
Occupational therapist
Cardiac rehabilitation
professional
Pulmonary rehabilitation
professional
Athletic trainer

Alternative
Healthcare (Licensed)
Chiropractor
Acupuncturist

Gatekeeper
Physician/nurse practitioner
Primary care physician
M.D. specialist
Advanced registered nurse
practitioner

Massage therapist

Trainers/
Instructors
Athletic trainer
Advanced fitness professionals (AHFS, LWMC)
Personal trainers
Group fitness instructors
(e.g., cycling, step training,
yoga, Pilates, and aquatic
exercise)

Note: AHFS = Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist; LWMC = Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach

The majority of GFIs will work with apparent-

exceed the level of competency required to

ly healthy participants, helping them improve

work as a professional group fitness instructor

fitness and health. In all cases, it is crucial

with minimum supervision. In the credentialing

for the fitness professional to stay within the

world, this threshold of professional compe-

boundaries of his or her education, certifica-

tence is referred to as the minimum com-

tion, and legal scope of practice.

petency required for a person to work in the

The ACE Group Fitness

Instructor Certification

profession. The primary purpose of a certifica-

he decision to pursue certification as

a group fitness instructor is an important step in being recognized as a

tion is always to protect the public from harm

by assessing if the professional meets established levels of competence in the knowledge,
skills, and abilities necessary to perform the
job in a safe and effective manner. For the

competent professional. The ACE Group

professional, a certification can separate him

Fitness Instructor Certification Program was

or her from others who have not proven them-

developed to assess candidate competency

selves to be at the same level of competence.

in planning and leading group exercise ses-

Fitness professionals who earn the ACE

sions to enhance the general well-being and

Group Fitness Instructor Certification are

exercise skills of participants. Candidates who

competent to work as professional group fit-

achieve a passing score on the ACE Group

ness instructors performing exercise leader-

Fitness Instructor Certification Exam meet or

ship for healthy individuals in group settings.

5
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual