In this inspiring interview, Amanda Collins—certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer—pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to work in the fitness industry. From the emotional story of how Zumba helped her heal from personal tragedy to the day-to-day challenges of teaching group classes and managing personal training clients, Amanda shares raw insights, practical advice, and powerful motivation for anyone who is thinking about a career in fitness.
Connect with Amanda: IG @DanceFitAmanda
➡️ To learn how you can become a personal trainer without going into debt, check out our website: https://aaai-ismafitness.com/
✅ About us
The American Aerobic Association International / International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA) has been a global leader in live fitness certification and education workshops since 1988. Founded by Nora Anderson, AAAI-ISMA has more than 180,000 members worldwide. We are one of the most recognized fitness certification associations in the world!
Our mission is to help fitness instructors teach safe and effective classes or training sessions. We offer over 30 live certification options, including in-person and virtual workshops, designed to build your fitness career. All our faculty trainers hold a Master’s Degree, Ph.D., or M.D., ensuring the highest quality education.
Summary
00:00 – Intro: Meet Amanda Collins
02:24 – Misconceptions about group fitness instructors
03:30 – Injury risk and overtraining in group fitness instructors
04:35 – Hearing loss and auditory strain from loud music
05:10 – Personal training vs. group fitness: which is harder?
07:00 – Modifying workouts for mixed-ability classes
08:50 – Why instructors fly blind with new participants
10:40 – The need for health screenings like the PAR-Q
13:50 – Amanda’s first ever Zumba class experience
15:00 – Body image and judgment as a new instructor
16:40 – Building class community with circuits and shared goals
18:00 – Tips for aspiring group fitness instructors
19:40 – Online resources and support groups for instructors
22:05 – Handling difficult or disruptive class participants
24:30 – Advice for new instructors before their first class
27:10 – Four transformational client stories
32:30 – Weird/funny client stories
34:00 – Motivation tips for long-term clients
35:30 – The reality of work-life balance as a fitness pro
36:40 – Starting a fitness career: what you must know
38:10 – Amanda’s weight loss journey & transformation
40:00 – Final advice: never stop learning
41:10 – Why Amanda got into fitness
⚠️ Disclaimer:
The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any medical conditions or concerns. AAAI/ISMA and its affiliates are not liable for any injury or harm resulting from the use of the content on this channel.
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