Group Fitness Specialist

Deliver classes people love—and come back for. In the Group Fitness Specialist certification, you’ll master coaching presence, clear cueing, and musicality to run smooth, high-energy sessions. Learn to build formats (interval, HIIT, strength, mobility, circuit), match movement to music and timing, and scale intensity with regressions and progressions for mixed abilities. You’ll set standards for safety and spacing, choose and manage equipment, and coach technique across common patterns (squat, hinge, push, pull, core, locomotion). Plan warm-ups and cool-downs that support recovery, sequence blocks that flow, and keep motivation high with inclusive language and smart class design. Track effort with RPE/talk test, adapt to room dynamics on the fly, and use simple templates you can plug into any schedule.

This course offers flexible learning pathways to suit your style:

E-course with E-book – Perfect for those who love learning on-the-go.
E-course with Printed Book – Ideal for a hands-on approach with the blend of digital and physical learning.
Printed Book with Physical Course Materials – Great for tactile learners who prefer comprehensive, hands-on materials.

Course Goals

Build engaging class formats with clear flow and timing.
Cue technique and intensity confidently for varied abilities.
Match music, tempo, and work–rest to the desired training effect.
Manage equipment, spacing, and safety standards consistently.
Measure effort and progress to keep participants motivated.

Learning Objectives

Identify the elements of coaching presence: voice, demo, and inclusive language.
Construct interval, HIIT, strength, mobility, and circuit blocks with logical progressions.
Select music/BPM and tempo to support movement quality and pacing.
Apply regressions/progressions and coaching cues to common movement patterns.
Use RPE/talk test and simple checklists to monitor class safety and readiness.

Skills Gained

Write plug-and-play class plans with warm-up, main sets, and finishers.
Layer verbal, visual, and tactile (consent-based) cues for clearer coaching.
Adjust on the fly: spacing, equipment swaps, and tempo tweaks to maintain flow.
Keep mixed-ability groups engaged with stations, circuits, and partner options.
Track attendance/feedback and iterate formats to boost retention.

Course Essentials & Requirements

Course Package Includes:

_{^{Comprehensive Textbook}}
_{^{Study Guide}}
_{^{100-question multiple-choice, open-book certification exam}}
_{^{Certificate upon obtaining a passing exam score}}

Recommended Prerequisites:

_{^{CPR/First Aid Certification are highly recommended although not required.}}
_{^{Personal Trainer Certification is also encouraged to enhance your learning.}}

Course & Delivery Options:

^{E-book and E-course}
_{^{Your e-book will arrive via email within 48 business hours and you will have immediate access to the Study Guide and exam in your IFPA Account.}}

^{Physical Book and E-course}
_{^{Your physical book will ship within 7 business days, while the Study Guide and exam are ready to access now in your IFPA Account.}}

^{Complete Physical Course Package}
_{^{Your book, study guide, and exam will all ship together within 7 business days. For faster delivery, you can select rush shipping on the Special Services page.}}

Duration:

^{_{This course must be completed within six months from your registration date.}}

Extensions:

^{_{Extensions for an additional three months are available for purchase on the Special Services page.}}

_{^{Not yet a Certified Personal Trainer? Take the next step and explore our Personal Trainer Certifications!}}

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