Study from home to become an
ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Group Fitness Instructor
Study Program

ACE Certification Study
Programs set the pace
so you can take the lead.

Gain and demonstrate
expertise
Learn scientifically-proven fundamentals of group fitness—from exercise programing and motivation techniques to music selection—to deliver unforgettable classes. Every time.

Prepare for your exam,
stress-free
Stay on track and build confidence with ACE University, our best-in-class interactive digital study experience featuring multimodal learning through online learning activities, video lessons, reading assignments, quizzes and more.

Achieve respect with a
trusted credential
Get the attention of potential employers with a certification program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard for program accreditation in fitness and health.
Choose a Group Fitness Instructor Study Program
and start studying from home
today!
Advantage
Free Shipping (within the U.S.A.)
Plus
Free Shipping (within the U.S.A.)
Basic

"I am forever indebted to ACE because I was able to get my Group Fitness Instructor Certification through their self-paced study program. I completed the study program as a stay-at-home mom raising 3 young children. I was able to quickly start teaching group fitness classes in multiple health clubs, all because of my ACE Certification."
- Christy D., ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor

An unparalleled learning experience to prepare you to get certified.
With all ACE Certification Study Programs, you can count on learning the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills and leadership strategies for teaching safe, effective and enjoyable group fitness classes. Here's a look at what you will learn:
Understanding human movement
Learn anatomy through a practical approach, focused on the primary movement patterns people perform throughout the day and in group fitness classes.
Intelligent selection and sequencing of exercises
Understand how to develop systematic and inclusive class blueprints with planned progressions and regressions through interactive learning activities.
Providing inclusive classes
Discover how to encourage individuals of varying ages and fitness levels to come as they are and to share in a positive class experience.
Communication strategies and behavioral change
Learn strategies to promote healthy behavior change in class participants and applied communication, such as cueing, motivation and feedback.
Class participant safety and legal considerations
Learn how to appropriately respond to incidents and emergency situations that may arise during a class and gain an understanding of the professional responsibilities and legal guidelines to guide your actions as group fitness instructor.
Creating memorable movement experiences
Obtain skills to inspire and motivate class participants through interactive learning activities focused on creating opening and closing statements, music selection, powerful transitions and strategies for providing effective feedback.
Available Learning Materials:
Videos
Webinars
Podcasts
Handbook*
Tests
Articles
Study Help
Get your FREE course preview!
Enjoy a sneak peek of our robust study materials.

Get certified in just
3 simple steps.
Choose
an ACE Certification
Study Program

- • Our self-paced study programs cater to all learning styles. The choice is yours: pick a fully digital study experience or one that includes both digital and hard copy study materials.
- • All ACE Certification Study Programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), considered the gold standard in health and fitness accreditation.
Prepare and register for your exam

- • Study at your own pace using ACE University, our best-in-class interactive digital study experience.
- • Supplement your study time with ACE Answers, our resource center offering additional support to get you exam ready.
- • Boost your confidence for the exam by taking advantage of our practice tests.
- • Register for your exam within 6 months of purchase (rest assured knowing your actual exam date can be beyond this 6 month registration window).
- • Make sure you meet the prerequisite requirements to sit for the exam.
Launch your dream career

- • First, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
- • Explore one (or more!) exciting career paths.
- • Enjoy ACE Career Resources such as discounts on equipment, liability insurance and more.
- • Maintain your ACE Certification and learn valuable new skills with ease through an abundant array of continuing education opportunities.
Movement is unique.
So is your career.
Today's group fitness landscape is as energized and diverse as the students and instructors moving and building community together in studios everywhere. From strength training to dance-based workouts to mind-body classes, the ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor Certification gives you the versatility to keep your career-and your community-moving and shaking. Here are a few of the many career opportunities available to you as a Certified Group Fitness Instructor:
Strength
- CrossFit®
- Boot Camp
- Sports Conditioning
- LesMills BODYPUMP™
- Group Strength
Mind Body
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Qigong
Cardiovascular
- Indoor Cycling (Spinning®, Schwinn®, LeMond®)
- Kickboxing (Turbo Kick®)
- Step
- Aqua Fitness
- Mixed Martial Arts
Dance
- Zumba®
- QiDance
- Pole Fitness
- Hip-Hop
- Bollywood-Inspired
- Barre
Equipment
- TRX®
- Kettlebell Conditioning
- ViPR®
- BOSU®
- SandBells®
- Mixed Martial Arts

Earn and celebrate the most trusted credential in fitness and health.
The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard in the U.S. for assessing fitness and allied health certification programs. It is also recognized globally by leading international standards-setting bodies, including iCREPs. Passing the exam will give you a trusted credential that will pave the way for you to help people become more physically active, and to gain the attention of sought-after employers.
With Digital Credentials, you can easily validate your achievement with employers, clients and your peers. You will have access to a digital certificate, digital badge and a digital wallet card, which you can proudly celebrate and share across your networks and devices.


You've got their back, and we've got yours!
Our commitment to your success extends beyond certification. We are a nonprofit organization, and you are the key to our mission to get people moving. We promise to support your career and create the conditions for you to impact lives, now and in the future.
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Free profile in the "Find Your Trainer" national database
x
Get noticed by thousands of potential clients and streamline your business through simple online booking and payment.
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Discounted Liability Insurance
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The ACE Liability Insurance Program protects you wherever you train, even outdoors. Many clubs require independent contractors to possess liability insurance.
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Free monthly, digital fitness publication
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Enjoy this premier health and fitness publication that features cutting-edge information and exclusive content for ACE Certified Professionals.
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Opportunity to earn income through ACE Referral Rewards Program
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Use your website, blog, newsletter or social media page as a source of passive income.
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The best continuing education offerings in the industry
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Stay up-to-date on the latest health and exercise science, techniques and modalities. ACE provides continuing education offerings that accommodate virtually any area of professional interest, learning style or budget. Including a variety of Specialist Programs, online courses, live webinars and workshops, and the CEC Club.
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Discounts and special offers
x
Save on the highest quality materials and services available in today's fitness industry from trusted ACE partners.
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Engagement with fitness employers
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ACE sets the stage for great jobs by working with the nation's most respected health clubs to ensure ACE is equipping ACE Certified Professionals to be those facilities' best employees.
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Voice in Washington and state capitals
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ACE advocates for public policies that equip ACE Certified Professionals to help more people get moving, protect them from unhelpful government regulations, and more.