Personal Trainer how-to

How to Lead a Group Fitness Class

Great classes are safe, inclusive and fun.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Great classes are safe, inclusive and fun. In short: welcome; warm; demonstrate, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Welcome participants and ask about injuries.

  2. Warm up gradually.

  3. Demonstrate moves and modifications.

  4. Cue clearly over music.

  5. Watch form and give corrections.

  6. Cool down and stretch.

Safety reminders for personal trainers

  • Screen clients before training
  • Teach proper form and progress gradually
  • Know CPR/AED and emergency plans
  • Stay within scope of practice

Progressive overload · Rep · Set · Periodization · RPE · HIIT: see the full personal trainer glossary.

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