Interdisciplinary – Group X or Personal Trainer?

I was a dancer from a young age. In 1990 I became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor (Group X) with the American Council on Exercise (ACE). This was a very natural transition for me. I taught 1990s-style hi/lo aerobics and step classes to the beat of the music. 

Choreographing and memorizing class combinations, cueing with the music, and being in front of a group of people were as comfortable as being at home. As a young person, I knew I could not teach enough classes in a week to work full-time in fitness. 

So, in 1992, I also became a Certified Personal Trainer through ACE. I was set to work more hours, combining training and teaching. 

Little did I know the profound personal growth and learning journey that awaited me as a Group X instructor and a Personal Trainer in the coming years. 

With some experience as a Personal Trainer, I honed in on my skills in exercise form and how to cue form thoroughly. This helped me as a Group X Instructor in front of a class, cueing exercises to a large group concisely and clearly. 

With more experience as a Group X Instructor, I gained some strong people skills and charisma in my instruction. I was also able to plan workouts that met the needs of my classes. This helped me be a better trainer, keep my clients engaged and involved in their training, and plan their workouts specifically for their fitness needs. 

In some gyms, instructors and Trainers can compete, occasionally even getting a bit ugly with comparison. It is unusual for a Fitness Professional to have a foot in group fitness and one-on-one training, but I love it! 

I know that as a Personal Trainer, I am a stronger Instructor, and as an Instructor, I am a stronger trainer. And don’t forget marketability. Getting hired in a gym and being able to do both jobs gives you an upper hand and likely more hours available to work. 

Often, someone who has taken a group class and gets to know my personality and style will become a one-on-one client. This gives a client a low-barrier way to get to know you before committing to one-on-one training, and it has been a very positive part of the fitness industry for me. 

I also appreciate Instructors and Trainers who may teach different types of classes or work with different types of clients than I do. Let’s foster a culture of mutual support and camaraderie, cheering each other on to success in our careers and success for our clients/students! 

I would love to hear your personal stories about teaching or training and how that has affected your career. Reply to this email and share your unique journey with me.