Five CPD courses to…improve your group exercise offering

According to Les Mills, group fitness members are among the most valuable type of customer a trainer can have, with their loyalty to their club and advocacy extending out 18% more than gym-only members. Group exercise also presents a solution to tackling certain barriers to physical activity, such as a lack of confidence and knowledge on how to exercise, finding it boring, a lack of access to facilities or even the social aspect that could be preventing people from starting exercise.

With so many avenues to explore within the world of group exercise, from circuits, Pilates and dance-based classes to boxing, strength training and spin, there are many ways to include group classes in your offering. Following COVID-19, there has also been a significant increase in the number of online sessions, making this another option to consider.

With this in mind, we’ve featured five courses to help you improve your group exercise offering. These CPD opportunities comprise of in-person and online learning to help keep your development flexible. Plus, we’ve signposted further relevant resources to allow you to develop and apply your knowledge.

CPD

1. Bootcamp Instructor Training Course

Provided by T2 Fitness
A Training Academy course ★★★
6 CIMSPA CPD points

Bootcamp fitness remains an incredibly popular class and many fitness instructors include bootcamp workouts as part of their programmes. With this essential course you’ll learn advanced bootcamp workouts that use a range of equipment and bodyweight exercises for a total body workout. You’ll also learn valuable coaching techniques for group fitness cohesion and how to structure classes that have that wow factor.  

What you’ll learn about: 

• How to plan an array of exercises to deliver an effective class 

• How to structure classes to vary delivery and encourage progression 

• How to add challenge and variety 

• Planning and delivering circuits in a range of environments and with a range of equipment 

• Nine different types of circuit-based session designs ideal for bootcamps 

• Benefits of bootcamp training for all ages, fitness and abilities 

• How to embed it into your business model as a core product

Discover this T2 Fitness course

2. Level 2 Award in Instructing Circuit Sessions

Provided by Fit Training
A Training Academy course ★★★
10 CIMSPA CPD Points

Sometimes working out with others is just better. With circuit sessions you can build a truly fun and rewarding way for your clients to reach their goals. With a mix of strength training and cardio in such a small amount of time, this is the reason circuit sessions are one of the most popular classes clients go to. 

What you’ll learn about: 

• How to identify and demonstrate a range of exercises and methods of circuit training 

• Theory and practical skills 

• Designing circuits and varying the programme 

• Teaching various styles of circuit training classes 

• Structuring classes to include warm-ups, timings and relevant exercises 

3. The Group Exercise Instructor Marketing Toolkit

Provided by FitPro
4 CIMSPA CPD Points

Do you want to attract your ideal class members more easily? In this course, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how to do that, plus you’ll create an easy, repeatable method to grow your list and convert interested prospects into paying class members. 

Learn key methods and strategies to market your services in a way that establishes your expert status and proves you can get results for people, so you can steadily and predictably grow your business. 

What you’ll learn about: 

• Establishing your expert status and identifying your ideal client 

• The group exercise marketing model overview 

• Marketing systems you can adapt and use in your own business 

• An easy method for speaking to prospects on the phone and converting them into paying clients 

4. Level 2 Kettlebell Instructor Course

Provided by The Fitness Group
A Training Academy course★★★
10 CIMSPA CPD Points

This course will ensure that you have the knowledge to confidently instruct beginner and advanced kettlebell exercises to your clients, using the correct form yourself and with correct instruction and guidance. 

What you’ll learn about: 

• The principles of kettlebell instruction 

• How to plan and deliver effective kettlebell training sessions 

• The historical background of kettlebell training 

• The benefits of using kettlebell 

• How to incorporate kettlebells into your clients’ exercise programmes 

5. A-Z of Elite Teaching

Provided by FitPro
2 CIMSPA CPD Points

Join FitPro’s director and world-class trainer Teresa on an inspiring journey to explore and learn the elite qualities and skills every group fitness instructor should use confidently. This course is designed to enhance your group exercise skills while delivering freestyle and pre-choreographed programmes – helping you to stay at the forefront of the industry. You will be shown that working with precision, dynamism and confidence will help to build a pathway to excellence in your teaching skills, setting you apart in the industry. 

What you’ll learn about: 

• How to sharpen your skill set 

• Gain new secrets for your group X success 

• New techniques for choreography 

• New teaching skills to reignite your passion 

• How to revolutionise your classes 

Remember – you can submit your CPD to your CIMSPA member profile to build your professional portfolio, showcase your professional status and earn your CPD points.

*Only eligible membership categories.