[HealthyRN]

I recently started teaching fitness classes. I teach aerobics and toning classes. Are there any other RNs here that are also fitness instructors?

[kurlyy1]

Hi healthy RN! I am not a fitness instructor but would love to get to that point...fitness and health are my first loves. How do you find the time to stay fit?! I used to be very fit and still am in pretty good shape but am struggling to get back where I was due to work and kids...I would love to do that and become a persnal trainer. Any tips for sticking to a work out schedule? (just curious...do you have any children?)

[HealthyRN]

Hi Kurley! I don't have children, so I'm sure that gives me a lot more time than someone who does and makes things a lot easier. However, I do know many other instructors who are mothers, so it can be done. I'm also a personal trainer and I always tell clients that exercise must become a priority. I have worked with people who are triathletes, as well as parents and working a full-time job. These people find time to work out for 3-5 hours/day. We are all busy, but if something becomes important enough to you, you will find the time.

You can start slow by carving out 30 minutes in your day for exercise. Ask your husband (if you are married) or other family members to watch the kids for this period of time. Depending on how old the kids are, you could also make them a part of the workout time (going jogging with a stroller, etc.). Also, a lot of gyms now offer childcare while you work out. If I had children, that is probably the route that I would go.

For nurses, it is particularly hard because of working 12-hour shifts. I'm always so exhausted after working a 12 that I usually don't make it to the gym. But, I only work 3 days/week, so that leaves 4 days open.

I'm so excited that you're interested in becoming a personal trainer! I've been thinking about making it a full-time career. Let me know if you have any other questions!

[kurlyy1]

Hi Healthy RN!! Thanks so much for the reply! You are right I just have to make it number one! Ive done it before but I wasn't working 12 hour shifts. I work 4 days one week and 3 the next.
I want to get in 'the best shape of my life' and I seriously mean that! I have always focused on my abs and lower body but now want to do head to toe. So am very knowledgeable in low.body but not in upper body. I just want toned arms, chest and back nothing over the top. Since starting nursing I have shrunk! This is NOT a good thing as I have lost all my tone and my curves which I really liked having. Most people think that's great and having a good metabolism IS a blessing, but I have to WORK to retain the tone I get. I make a point to get a lot of protein, but if I don't continually work out, I just lose it!
Any tips you have time to share would be greatly appreciated! I am not a runner, but I do the TaeBoe, love squats and lunges...just don't really have a routine at all and I think that's what I need! Any suggestions on where I can find routines? I can't afford a personal trainer right now, but my goal is to be where I was before in 2-3 months and then improve from there! This is easily possible if I stick to a routine...now I just have to find the routine (-: Have a good day!

[TheCommuter]

Originally Posted by HealthyRN

I recently started teaching fitness classes. I teach aerobics and toning classes. Are there any other RNs here that are also fitness instructors?

Out of curiosity, what are the requirements for teaching fitness classes?

[HealthyRN]

Originally Posted by TheCommuter

Out of curiosity, what are the requirements for teaching fitness classes?

Certification by a major certifying organization is required by most clubs and facilities. There are several to choose from, but the most reputable (for group fitness) are from the American Fitness and Aerobics Association (AFAA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE). AFAA, which is where my group exercise cert is from, requires a practical and written exam that takes place over a weekend workshop. You order the course materials in advance and expected to study and know the material for the workshop.

However, the certification does not truly prepare you to be a fitness instructor (similar to how passing the NCLEX doesn't mean that you know everything about nursing). You really need to pair up with a mentor, someone who is an experienced instructor, to teach you the ropes. There is a lot more that goes into teaching an aerobics class than you may realize. Most fitness classes are taught to music that is broken down into 32 counts. You need someone to teach you to understand the music, when to cue, and how to put together choreography.

There are also different certifications offered if you want to specialize or teach a particular kind of class, such as cardio kickboxing. For some things, like yoga or pilates, the training is much more intense and may require several years of training (for the authentic versions).

Kurly- I will PM you about the routines!

[mark3274]

I am I teach spin classes have CSCS and CPT certifications.

[idealRN]

Hello Healthy RN???
I know you said you are into fitness and health. Are you into supplementation??? I just found a company who id doing interesting things with supplements. Are you intersted in that??? If so send me a message!!!
As for working out I feel the same as one of the other nurses. I have 3 children and along with work I have had a terrible time keeping up with workouts??? Any tips on easy things to do to get myself into shape fast???