GROUP EXERCISE LEADER

The GEL Skillset requires the completion of

• A pre-designed course through an approved external provider
• See above for AUSactive approved programs or talk to us about other programs.
• External completion of First Aid (HLTAID011)
• Industry experience, knowledge and skills in:
• Customer service
• Work Health and Safety
  
• The Fitness Industry
  
• Practical industry assessments requiring a mentor for:
• Instructing 3 pre-designed group exercise sessions (flexibility, resistance and older adults)
• A simulated WHS meeting in a sport, fitness or recreation environment  
• Five hours of customer service experience (you can complete this in any industry)

While there are no formal entry requirements for Group Exercise Leader training, we recommend:

• Waiting until you are at least 16 years of age
• Familiarising yourself with the group exercise sessions you wish to teach
• Seeking out a mentor with a GEL or Certificate III in Fitness qualification plus the required pre-designed certification you intend to do
• Finding a sport, fitness and/or recreation facility to assist with practical tasks
• Completing a First Aid course as soon as possible
• AUSactive are now offering free Student Insurance, (if insurance is not currently held)
• Tracking down your Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Learn more about Fitness Institute’s support and enrolment processes here:

• Student Handbook
• Privacy Statement
• Terms and Conditions of Enrolment including Refund Policy

The GEL Skillset requires four units of competency to be completed:

• HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
• BSBOPS304 Deliver and monitor a service to customers
• SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (to be completed externally)

No, the GEL skillset will only qualify you for pre-choreographed group fitness classes.

However, if you do want to run freestyle classes, you will need to complete at minimum the Certificate III in Fitness. There are 4 units from the GEL Course that can be directly credited if completing a Certificate III in Fitness afterwards.

If you do want to design your own fitness classes and obtain a greater knowledge of anatomy, physiology, group instruction and exercise prescription in the near future, you should consider the Certificate III & IV in Fitness which is a pathway to becoming a qualified Gym Supervisor and Personal Trainer.

Read more about the differences between Group Exercise Leader and Group Exercise Instructor Qualification HERE. 

This will vary for each student depending on:

• Completion of the external certification (some require more work than others).
• Completion of all learning and coursework.
• Completion of all work placement (11 hours)

A good guide would be to allow at least 2 weeks to complete all work.

However, to provide flexibility and to accommodate other study you may be attempting at the same time, all students will have 5 months to complete this course.

If the course is not completed withing 5 months, students can purchase an extension for one program stage.

Yes you can, and these 4 units can be counted as credit towards a Certificate III in Fitness.
In addition to Group Exercise Leader courses, Fitness Institute also offers you the ability to study a Certificate III; visit our Certificate III page to learn more.

It depends. As registration, insurance and employment requirements differ between organisations, we recommend contacting professional registration organisations, employers and/or insurers directly for their specific requirements.

Some Certificate III in Fitness courses in the past had the group exercise units included and others have not.

In addition to the Group Exercise Leader course, Fitness Institute also has a wide range of other courses available for fitness professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a long-time instructor, there’s something to suit.

You can find out more about Fitness Institute and the various learning opportunities they offer. Make sure you check out the courses page.

Fitness Institute also provides a range of other resources for aspiring fitness professionals, including gym, strength and mobility exercise libraries.

Typically a student will already hold another suitable (Les Mills, Mossa) qualification and then needs to bridge the gap to the Group Exercise Leader skillset. Alternatively, a student will hold the GEL skillset and will need to bridge the gap to a Certificate III in Fitness. Your Fitness Institute careers advisor (and later the assessment team) will assist with this process.