ace_guide group fitness instructor
TRANSCRIPT
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 978-1-890720-37-7Copyright © 2011 American Council on Exercise® (ACE®)
Printed in the United States of AmericaAll 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.
A B C D
Distributed by:American Council on Exercise4851 Paramount DriveSan Diego, CA 92123(858) 576-6500FAX: (858) 576-6564www.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.
NOTICEThe 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
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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: Principles 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: Principles 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: The 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
Table of Contents
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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 master’s 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 bachelor’s 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 master’s 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 .
viiiACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
Reviewers
Karen B. Merrill, M.S., ATC, LMT, is a nationally certified athletic trainer, personal train-
er, and massage therapist . She is the chairman of the board for Ho’ola 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 TV’s Star Trainers, as well as star of several exercise videos and co-creator/co-pro-
ducer 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 bachelor’s degree in biological
anthropology from SUNY Geneseo, and a master’s 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 ACE’s Board of Directors . She has been an ACE-
certified 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 bachelor’s degree in sport
science as well as a master’s 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 indus-
try through local establishments, conferences, colleges, and universities . She is also an ACE
exam development committee member .
Foreword
In 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 indus-
try 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 rang-
ing 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
movements—and all the fun and benefits they yield—have remained a constant .
Another constant in this ever-changing field is the American Council on Exercise’s 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 America’s
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 organization’s goal to combat the
obesity epidemic . Specifically, ACE is advocating greater collaboration with community lead-
ers 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 initia-
tives on a local level all across the country .
In addition to teaching the basics of exercise programming and class leadership, this man-
ual takes a more holistic approach to group fitness instruction, enabling GFIs to take advan-
tage 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 individu-
als 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™
classes—to positively influence people to have an enriching relationship with physical activ-
ity 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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Introduction
The 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 ACE’s 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 con-
tinuum 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 class-
es . Chapter 3: Group Exercise Program Design divides a class into its various segments—
warm-up, cardiorespiratory, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility—and 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 par-
ticipant 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 user-
friendly tips to help participants make lifelong behavior modifications .
The next two chapters address the challenge of teaching classes with participants with spe-
cial 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 pregnancy’s impact
xivACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
on health and a woman’s ability to safely exercise warrant extended coverage . Chapter 7:
Exercise and Pregnancy discusses the physiological adaptations that occur during preg-
nancy 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 medi-
cal 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 introduc-
ing the “group fitness trifecta”—education, teamwork, and class value—this 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 ACE’s 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 fit-
ness specialty areas available in the ever-changing fitness industry—traditional 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
Introduction
Studying for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam
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ACE 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 follow-
ing study tips will optimize your chances of success .
Begin by studying ACE’s 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 understand-
ing 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 entire-
ly confident with, revisit the Essentials book to sharpen your understanding .
Each chapter of ACE’s 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:ACE’s flashcards focus on foundational anatomy and physiology topics and
feature detailed illustrations that will help strengthen your understanding of these essen-
tial topics .
•CompanionDVDfortheACEGroupFitnessInstructorManual:This DVD, which is enti-
tled Essentials of Group Fitness Instruction and features well-respected group fitness
expert and international presenter Lawrence Biscontini, presents many of the critical ele-
ments covered in the manual in a user-friendly, practical format . This will be a valuable
tool throughout your career in the fitness industry .
Studying for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam
xviiiACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
•GlossaryandIndex:Keep an eye out for boldface terms as you read . Each of these
important terms is included in the book’s 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 courses—which
means that it will remain a valuable resource for tools and information throughout your
fitness career .
•OnlineGroupFitnessInstructorCertificationExamStudyAssistance:Sign up at
www .acefitness .org/getcertified/studyassistanceprogram-gfi .aspx to take advantage of
ACE’s 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 .
•ACEResourceCenter:ACE’s 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 .
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 bachelor’s degree in exercise science
as well as a master’s 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.
The Allied Healthcare Continuum
The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification
Defining “Scope of Practice”Scope of Practice for ACE-certified Group Fitness InstructorsKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities of the ACE-certified Group Fitness InstructorProfessional Responsibilities and Ethics
Accreditation of Allied Healthcare Credentials Through the NCCA
Recognition From the Fitness and Health IndustryRecognition From the Education CommunityRecognition From the Department of Labor
Career DevelopmentContinuing EducationAdditional Fitness CertificationsNew Areas of Expertise Within Allied Healthcare
Summary
INTHIS
CHAPTER
Since 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 con-
tinue 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 partici-
pants who might not otherwise become engaged in physical activity.
Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?
CHAPTER
ONE
By Sabrena Merrill
Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?
2ACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
CHAPTER
ONE
Often a group fitness instructor (GFI)
migrates into teaching because of his or her
passion for exercise and for helping oth-
ers. To be successful, a GFI must have the
desire and ability to educate and motivate
participants. Clearly, GFIs have to possess
characteristics of extroversion and leader-
ship as well as the knowledge to safely and
effectively teach and modify exercise for a
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 exer-
cise was just beginning to take hold in the
United States. Due to ongoing research on
the health advantages of engaging in con-
sistent 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 compre-
hensive 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:
•Regularphysicalactivityreducestherisk
of many adverse health outcomes.
•Somephysicalactivityisbetterthan
none.
•Formosthealthoutcomes,additional
benefits occur as the amount of physical
activity increases through higher inten-
sity, greater frequency, and/or longer
duration.
•Mosthealthbenefitsoccurwithatleast
150 minutes a week of moderate-inten-
sity physical activity, such as brisk walk-
ing. Additional benefits occur with more
physical activity.
•Bothaerobic (endurance) and muscle-
strengthening (resistance) physical activ-
ity are beneficial.
•Healthbenefitsoccurforchildrenand
adolescents, young and middle-aged
adults, older adults, and those in every
studied racial and ethnic group.
•Thehealthbenefitsofphysicalactivity
occur for people with disabilities.
•Thebenefitsofphysicalactivityfar
outweigh the possibility of adverse
outcomes.
An increased public awareness of regu-
lar 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 seden-
tary 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 per-
form the exercises, which exacts a physical
toll on the instructor. Thus, teaching numer-
ous classes each day is probably not the
most healthful practice. Instead of exposing
the body to daily hours of exercise instruc-
tion, many GFIs choose to teach one or two
classes several days per week. Since fitness
facilities often schedule group fitness classes
during times when a majority of the general
population is off work (such as early morn-
ings, lunch time, and evenings), teaching part-
time classes is a viable option for GFIs who
also have other, non-fitness related occupa-
ACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?
3
CHAPTER
ONE
tions. It is also becoming more commonplace
for clubs to offer more robust schedules dur-
ing 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.
Full-time GFIs are uncommon. The reasons
for this have to do with the physicality of the
profession and the unique aspects of manag-
ing a group fitness program schedule. First,
the volume of exercise required for an instruc-
tor 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
instructor who taught full-time became injured
or requested time off. Individuals who claim
group fitness to be their full-time occupation
typically manage a group fitness depart-
ment 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 suc-
cessfully combined the roles of the group
fitness instructor and personal trainer. This
increasingly popular career path is emerging
as fitness professionals perform both one-
on-one fitness training and group instruction.
This scenario has numerous benefits in that it
allows fitness instructors to develop relation-
ships with more potential clients/participants,
is an effective cross-promotion tactic where-
by 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 profes-
sional to devote eight or more hours a day to
working in an exercise environment without
The prospect of becoming a profes-
sional group fitness instructor can be
very appealing, especially to those
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 sci-
ence along with the ability to effectively
demonstrate and communicate how to
perform specific movements. In addi-
tion, a GFI must also have a sincere
desire to help each individual in class,
regardless of the participant’s fitness
level, skills, or abilities. A GFI must
always be cognizant of the various lev-
els 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 complex-
ity of the exercise format. In these
situations, a GFI must take measures
to treat the new person fairly, dem-
onstrate 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 genu-
inely act to teach and motivate their
class participants instead of simply per-
forming in front of a captive audience.
Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?
4ACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
CHAPTER
ONE
The Allied Healthcare Continuum
The allied healthcare continuum is com-
posed of health professionals who are
credentialed through certifications,
registrations, and/or licensure and provide
services to identify, prevent, and treat dis-
eases and disorders (Figure 1-1). Physicians
are at the top of the allied healthcare pyramid,
evaluating patients to diagnose ailments and
implement treatment plans that can include
medication, surgery, rehabilitation, or other
actions. Physicians are assisted in their efforts
by nurses, physician’s assistants, and a num-
ber of other credentialed technicians. When
ailments or treatment plans fall outside their
areas of expertise, physicians refer patients
to specialists for specific medical evaluations,
physical or occupational therapy, psychologi-
cal counseling, dietary planning, and/or exer-
cise programming.
Physicians and nurses teach patients the
importance of implementing their treatment
plans. Physical therapists and occupational
therapists lead patients through therapeutic
exercise and teach them to perform additional
exercises at home to facilitate rehabilitation.
Athletic trainers teach athletes exercises to
prevent injury and take them through thera-
peutic exercises following injury. Registered
dietitians teach clients proper nutrition
through recipes, meal plans, food-preparation
methods, and implementation of specialized
diets. While these professionals might also
give patients or clients guidelines for general
exercise (e.g., “try to walk up to 30 minutes
per day, most days of the week”), few of
them actually teach clients how to exercise
effectively. This is where fitness professionals,
including GFIs, hold a unique position in the
allied healthcare continuum.
experiencing the potential for overtraining that
often comes with teaching too many group
fitness classes in succession.
The Future of Group FitnessThe U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Bureau of Labor
Statistics (2010), refers to the professionals in the fit-
ness industry as Fitness Workers, with Group Exercise
Instructors classified as a primary profession within the
industry. The DOL defines the nature of the job of group
exercise instructors as working to “conduct group exer-
cise sessions that usually include aerobic exercise,
stretching, and muscle conditioning. Cardiovascular con-
ditioning classes often are set to music. Instructors select
the music and choreograph a corresponding exercise
sequence.” The DOL goes on to state that “group exer-
cise instructors are responsible for ensuring that their
classes are motivating, safe, and challenging, yet not too
difficult for the participants.”
Expected Growth in Fitness Worker Jobs
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
all occupations, and is attributed to a number of factors,
including the following:
• Increasingnumbersofbabyboomerswhowanttostay
healthy, physically fit, and independent
• Reductioninthenumberofphysical-educationpro-
grams in schools
• Growingconcernsaboutchildhoodobesity
• Increasingclubmembershipsamongyoungadults
concerned about physical fitness
• Anagingpopulationseekingrelieffromarthritisand
other ailments through individualized exercise, yoga,
and Pilates
• Aneedtoreplaceworkerswholeavefitnessoccupa-
tions each year
Group Fitness Instructor Qualifications
See“RecognitionFromtheDepartmentofLabor”on
page 15 for the DOL’s statement regarding the importance
of obtaining a quality group fitness instructor certification.
ACE Group FitnEss instruCtor MAnuAl
Who Is the ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor?
5
CHAPTER
ONE
The majority of GFIs will work with apparent-
ly healthy participants, helping them improve
fitness and health. In all cases, it is crucial
for the fitness professional to stay within the
boundaries of his or her education, certifica-
tion, and legal scope of practice.
The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification
The decision to pursue certification as
a group fitness instructor is an impor-
tant step in being recognized as a
competent professional. The ACE Group
Fitness Instructor Certification Program was
developed to assess candidate competency
in planning and leading group exercise ses-
sions to enhance the general well-being and
exercise skills of participants. Candidates who
achieve a passing score on the ACE Group
Fitness Instructor Certification Exam meet or
exceed the level of competency required to
work as a professional group fitness instructor
with minimum supervision. In the credentialing
world, this threshold of professional compe-
tence is referred to as the “minimum com-
petency” required for a person to work in the
profession. The primary purpose of a certifica-
tion is always to protect the public from harm
by assessing if the professional meets estab-
lished levels of competence in the knowledge,
skills, and abilities necessary to perform the
job in a safe and effective manner. For the
professional, a certification can separate him
or her from others who have not proven them-
selves to be at the same level of competence.
Fitness professionals who earn the ACE
Group Fitness Instructor Certification are
competent to work as professional group fit-
ness instructors performing exercise leader-
ship for healthy individuals in group settings.
Figure 1-1Specialty areas within allied healthcareMental
Health• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Social worker
• Support groups
Nutritional Support
• Registered dietitian
• Clinical weight-loss program
RehabilitationProfessionals
• Physical therapist• Occupational therapist• Cardiac rehabilitation
professional• Pulmonary rehabilitation
professional• Athletic trainer
Alternative Healthcare (Licensed)
• Chiropractor
• Acupuncturist
• Massage therapist
Note: AHFS = Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist; LWMC = Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach
Trainers/ Instructors
• Athletic trainer • Advanced fitness profes-
sionals (AHFS, LWMC)• Personal trainers • Group fitness instructors
(e.g., cycling, step training, yoga, Pilates, and aquatic exercise)
“Gatekeeper”Physician/nurse practitioner
• Primary care physician • M.D. specialist• Advanced registered nurse
practitioner