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Aerobics Instructor

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Human Services cluster Personal Care Services pathway.

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Additional Information

Aerobics instructors need some education after the high school level. They need to know about physical education, biology, anatomy, nutrition, exercise physiology, kinesiology, leadership and safety. Some instructors may get a bachelor's degree in a related field, like physical education.

"The more diverse your knowledge is and the more education you can get, the better," advises aerobics instructor Sharon Brown-Horton, president of a fitness consulting company. "To be certified is important, but you need your [physical education] degree if you want to make a living at instructing.

"I would also recommend studying some dance, because usually it's the dancers who are paid the most to do this work. It doesn't matter what type of dance you train in -- just learn how to break down movement."

Certification is common, but not mandatory. There are various levels of certification and various certifying bodies. There are private certification agencies, groups like the YMCA or YWCA, and international certifying bodies..

The major certifying organizations are the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Certification requirements vary.

Experts recommend finding an instructor who is willing to take on an apprentice. Attending fitness conferences in your area is another good idea.

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OCAP believes that financial literacy and understanding the financial aid process are critical aspects of college planning and student success. OCAP staff who work with students, parents, educators and community partners in the areas of personal finance education, state and federal financial aid, and student loan management do not provide financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice. This website and all information provided is for general educational purposes only, and is not intended to be construed as financial, investment, legal, and/or tax advice.