While there may not be a legal requirement to obtain a certification before teaching spin classes, few gyms will hire you without one.
Learn how to become a certified spin instructor with our simple guide that covers what you’ll need to do:
- Research certification programs
- Register and complete all course materials and classes
- Pass all required written and/or practical tests
- Complete continuing education requirements
- Maintain your fitness levels and hone your skills
And to put yourself in the best position to get hired, make sure you fulfill your spin instructor insurance requirements!
Research Spin Instructor Certification Programs
Search for spin class instructor certification courses online or at your local gyms. If you already work at a gym or community center that offers cycling, you may even be able to register for a program through the facility.
What Are the Best Spin Instructor Certifications?
The best program for you will depend on your budget, location, and availability. Both online and in-person courses are available.
If you’re already a certified personal trainer or group exercise instructor, Ohio-based trainer and Schwinn Cycle instructor Rachel Ryan recommends instructor programs with connections to certification bodies like AFAA/NASM, ISSA, or ACE for the continuing education units (CEUs).
Participation in one of these groups’ cycling courses will help you earn your spin instructor certification. Plus, you’ll get the credits you need to renew your personal and/or group instructor cert as well.
In addition to these programs, Ryan recommends the instructor certifications conducted by the large spin bike brands like Schwinn and Keiser for their specialized equipment knowledge.
Some of the most popular courses include:
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Indoor Cycling
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Indoor Cycling
- Spinning®
- International Fitness Trainers Association (formerly known as Interactive Fitness Trainers of America) Indoor Cycle Specialist
- Schwinn
- Keiser
Average Spin Instructor Certification Costs
Cycling instructor certification courses typically range from $300–$500, depending on the provider and if they’re virtual or in person.
Register For and Complete All Spin Instructor Coursework
Pending the program you choose, you may have anywhere between 60 days to a year to complete your coursework. Many in-person classes will last a full day or weekend.
Course subjects typically include:
- Cycle basics
- Bike fit, settings, and safety
- Riding posture and techniques
- Basic exercise physiology
- Coaching and cueing
- Music integration
- Class design
The benefit of the online spin certifications is that most allow you to work at your own pace. In-person programs provide more hands-on experience and a more thorough feel of what being in the classroom is actually like.
Ryan, who has taught various group exercises classes for the last five years, states she prefers the in-person courses:
“The value of the in-person [class] is being able to do the master instructor-led rides with the teaching brain. It typically takes an entire day.”
Pass Required Spin Instructor Exams
The final certification exam is dependent on the organization.
Online courses usually have an online written test at the end, and some organizations require an in-person practical portion of the final exam.
Pass Required Spin Instructor Exams
Most spin instructor certifications will expire every two years.
Much like other instructor or personal trainer certs, in order to renew you will need to complete a number of continuing education credits and pay a recertification fee.
Continuing education credits will also help you further develop your knowledge and skills.
Maintain Your Fitness and Hone Your Skills
Spinning is a high-energy, cardio-intensive class. And unlike some other types of group exercise programs, you perform the workout right along with your students.
This means that you need to be able to meet the demands of the classes you design, even when you teach multiple classes a day or a dozen in a week. So, maintaining a decently high level of fitness overall is incredibly important for you to excel as a spin instructor.
The more you practice and the more you teach, the better you’ll be able to balance motivating and instructing students while keeping up with these physical fitness demands.
Do Certified Spin Instructors Need Insurance?
Yes!
Many gym policies don’t extend to all of their instructors. Many also require you to have your own liability insurance before hiring you and may require you to add them as an additional insured.
On top of that, no matter how experienced of an instructor you are, accidents can still happen.
A student could feel faint, sick, or fall while dismounting a bike and blame you for overworking them. Someone could trip over a cord or another student’s sweat towel that falls to the floor. A bike could break and injure a rider.
Without spin instructor insurance, you could be left to foot the bill for these kinds of medical bills or liability lawsuits.
Ensure your career has a smooth ride with spin instructor insurance from Insurance Canopy.
Get a quote online in minutes with instant proof of insurance. Policies start at just $15 a month, making it more affordable than ever to get the quality protection you deserve.
FAQs About Spin Instructor Certifications
To teach spinning, you need a spin (also called indoor cycling) instructor certification, and most programs require you to be 18 years of age (or older) to register. You’ll also likely need a CPR* certification and liability insurance in order to get hired at most facilities.
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Per ZipRecruiter, the majority of spin instructors earn between $25–$44 per hour. Hourly rates are determined by location, experience level, number of class participants, and type of facility.
