Jessica Matthews by Jessica Matthews
on

To celebrate the release of our all-new ACE Group Fitness Instructor study experience, we’ve asked Jessica Matthews to let us know what she loves about being a group fitness instructor. Take it away, Jessica!


 

As a group fitness instructor (GFI) for the past 16 years, I can personally attest to the unparalleled and pivotal role that instructors play in the world of health and fitness. Here are the top 10 reasons why I love being a GFI, and why you will, too:

1.) I am able to reach so many people through one class experience, which gives me the ability to make a greater impact on improving the health and wellness of our nation and the world.

2.) I have the ability to design and deliver meaningful and memorable movement experiences, helping people to move better and function more efficiently not just during their workouts, but also while enjoying the many activities of daily life.

3.) I have the honor of leading a wide variety of unique individuals through movement-based classes, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all people to come as they are and to lovingly embrace their personal health and fitness journeys.

4.)  I am able to develop meaningful connections with my participants that transcend the group fitness environment. I’m there to support and guide them through often life-changing transformations.

5.) I am able to create classes that are safe, effective and fun so that participants have enjoyable experiences, feel motivated to adhere to a regular routine of physical activity and reap the many benefits that exercise has to offer, both physically and mentally.

6.) I have the ability to work in a wide variety of settings, from gyms and boutique fitness studios to wellness centers, community-based facilities, and corporate environments, and to conduct classes outdoors. This allows me to reach more individuals where they are and motivate them to get moving and stay active.

7.) I have the opportunity to educate others about their health and fitness, and to provide practical, science-based information that they can use to take ownership of their well-being.

8.) I have a practical knowledge of human movement, instructional strategies and class design, enabling me to be a more versatile and well-rounded professional. This knowledge allows me to teach an assortment of different class formats ranging from yoga and indoor cycling to aquatic fitness and group strength classes.

9.) I am able to continually learn and grow as a professional in a field that is constantly evolving, which creates unique opportunities for me to expand my knowledge and skills and to ultimately enhance my impact as an instructor.

10.) I have the opportunity to make a living helping others be the best versions of themselves, and to witness their personal transformations every step of the way.


We’ve launched an all new, world-class ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification study experience. Featuring an interactive, digital learning component that takes you step-by-step through the fundamentals of group fitness—from exercise programming and music selection to engagement and motivation techniques—our study experience will empower you to make every class world-class. Learn more about it