Can You Make a Living Teaching Group Exercise?

Can you make a living teaching group exercise? I’ve had this discussion with several group exercise instructors who do this full time. I say full time because some of us have day jobs and only teach a couple of times during the week or on weekends in the mornings and evenings. For someone like me, this is not the primary source of income.

The individuals I have spoken to give mixed reviews. Based on the numbers shared with me, some earn double what I make, yet they still feel it’s not enough compared to others. I got somewhat shortchanged on this, but I’m okay with it since I’m relatively new and it’s not my main income. However, as I look for new opportunities, I’ll be aware of this and seek to earn more.

I won’t discuss exact numbers, but I’ve noticed a big disparity in what group exercise instructors are paid. It seems you have to negotiate pay upfront because once you start, it’s unlikely you’ll get raises. The challenge is that there are so many instructors that you don’t have much leverage to renegotiate your salary.

If you’re not happy, it’s easy to be replaced, which is why this isn’t my primary income but a supplementary one. Some workplaces have treated me unfairly, but since this isn’t my living, it’s easier to move on. I do caution anyone considering this path full time to be aware of these factors.

If I had to rely solely on this income, I’d be in a tough spot. Jobs can be inconsistent, and management may not always recognize how good or bad you are. I’ve seen some instructors keep classes that didn’t seem deserved. Schedules change frequently, and some places focus heavily on participation numbers. Getting a less popular time slot or format makes it harder to fill classes.

For example, a 6:30 pm spot will usually do better than an 8:30 pm one. Zumba classes tend to attract more participants than strength classes in many cases. My Zumba classes often fill to capacity wherever I teach; other formats not as much. It’s a tough field, and it’s not for everyone.

Group exercise is challenging, but you can make a decent living if you teach a lot of classes. It’s also fun and rewarding at times. The more certifications you have, the more valuable you are. I’m not a big fan of Strong by Zumba or Les Mills programs, but if this were my full time job, I’d definitely get those certifications. It makes sense since we invest our own money and time to master these formats.

If you’re not motivated, this might not be the best path. But if you’re passionate about fitness, members will notice and appreciate it. You can live fairly well on group exercise income as long as you get classes, and that’s not always easy. The field is saturated, but having more qualifications improves your chances.

Good luck!