Expert: Bonnie Hardie - 5/23/2008

Question
Hi,

I wondered if you might offer me an unbiased opinion.  I have been a certified group fitness instructor for almost 4 years.  My certification is due to expire in September.  I also got certified in Zumba last June.  I do not teach at a gym, but instead do this as ministry work to incarcerated juvenile girls.  The facilities I teach at require no certification.  I've had them for my own benefit.  Here's my dilemma:

My NETA cert (group fit) requires 20 CEUs.  I've already gotten 11.

My Zumba cert is about to expire.  They require I attend the exact same cert I went to last year to remain certified or pay at least $180 to be a part of this program they offer that gives music I will never use since I only use Christian music.  

I am trying to figure out how best to use resources.  Is it really necessary for me to maintain the group cert, or is it ok for me to just update Zumba only but still teach some hi/low?

I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for the future in case I choose to teach at a gym at some point.  It just seems like instructors or leaning more toward special certifications rather than the general group fitness.

Any ideas or recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Alyssa

Answer
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for your question.
If you decide to teach at a gym in the future-they will probably require the group cert-the Zumba cert will be helpful only if you will be teaching Zumba-if they will charge you $180 and the only benefit is the music that you will not use-then maybe that isn't a good way to use your resources.
The group cert from NETA will probably the best way to go-sometimes it is better to have the general cert than a speciality cert unless there is a need for the speciality cert in your area.
If it was me-I would keep the NETA Group Fitness Instructor.
Good Luck,
Thank You,
Bonnie