Group Exercise Leader – GEL

Join the thousands of passionate individuals who have made their start with the GEL Skill Set—and start changing lives (including your own).

$499.00

Group Exercise Leader – GEL Overview

Launch Your Fitness Side Hustle or Career Fast with the GEL Skill Set

SISSS00128-Group Exercise leader

Love group fitness? Why not lead it?

If you’ve spent years enjoying group workouts and thought, “I’d love to be up front leading this,” now’s your chance.

The Group Exercise Leader (GEL) Skill Set is your express path into the fitness industry.

Quick to complete, nationally recognised, and designed to equip you with everything you need to confidently lead predesigned group exercise sessions in a safe and supportive environment.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or kickstart a full-time fitness career, this is one of the most accessible and flexible ways to get qualified and start working.

You will be limited to delivering pre designed group exercise sessions in a supported environment such as gyms, fitness facilities, community centres, sporting club etc.

This Nationally Accredited Qualification is a direct pathway to the full Nationally Accredited Certificate III Qualification.

Course Curriculum

Provide First Aid (HLTAID011):
Students will be required to provide a current First Aid and CPR certificate upon completion of the following 3 units.
Participate in workplace health and safety (HLTWHS001):
This unit focuses on understanding and applying workplace health and safety regulations, procedures, and practices to ensure a safe work environment. Can be credit transferred if you have completed this previously.
Deliver and monitor a service to customers (BSBOPS304):
This unit covers the skills needed to provide excellent customer service, including interacting with clients, managing their expectations, and ensuring their satisfaction.
Instruct group exercise sessions (SISFFIT036):
This unit focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to effectively plan, deliver, and manage group exercise sessions, including instructing a variety of exercises, motivating participants, and ensuring safety.

What You'll Learn

This course teaches the essential skills required to:
- Safely lead predesigned group exercise classes
- Monitor participant technique and engagement
- Deliver great customer experiences in controlled fitness environments
- Make a safe, efficient and profitable start in the fitness industry

Apply basic first aid and manage risk.

You do not need a First Aid or CPR Certificate to commence the course, however you are required to provide a current First Aid and CPR certificate prior to receiving course certification.

GROUP EXERCISE LEADER

Group Leader

Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to seek work as a Group Exercise Leader in gyms, studios, community centres or even outdoor fitness spaces—wherever predesigned programs are offered.

Group Exercise Instructor

Upon completion, you’ll be ready to lead group exercise sessions specifically designed for older adults—meeting growing demand in gyms, studios, aged care, and community wellness programs across Australia.

Career
Opportunities

The Essential Starting Point for a Side Hustle or Career in Group Fitness

Group Fitness Leaders play a vital role in improving physical wellbeing, and creating inclusive, motivating healthy environments for all ages and abilities.

They often work across multiple settings—gyms, studios, community centres, aged care, and rehabilitation facilities—typically in flexible, casual, or part-time roles.

This nationally recognised GEL qualification is the minimum entry requirement to deliver group exercise sessions in supported environments.

NOTE: You will be require to upgrade to a full Cert III when and if you choose to develop and deliver your own group fitness programs outside of a supported environment.

Established 2003

Backed by 22+ years of trusted industry education and support.

At the Academy of Fitness (AOF), we offer nationally accredited fitness courses—backed by a passionate support team at every stage.
Over 22+ years, we’ve helped thousands kickstart fast, flexible careers in fitness—many through group training.
Enrolment gives you access to expert educators, active personal trainers, and a committed student support team.
Our flexible online platform includes responsive professional support—so you’re never studying alone.
Flexible practical assessment options, including online, industry mentorship and face to face

Course Curriculum

Nationally Accredited – Group Exercise Leader.

Delivery

Complete your theory work online – anytime.
Work from the comfort of your own home.
Complete your practical assessment online by video submission, using a validated industry mentor or attending a fun and rewarding face to face workshop.

Payment Options

Interest-free payment plan.
Upfront payment.

Course Length

Self-paced study.
Up to 6 months.
Most complete within 6 – 12 weeks

Eligibility

Over 16 years of age
Australian or NZ Resident

Study Online

Discover how to confidently guide predesigned group exercise classes that are fun, inclusive, and designed to improve overall health—especially for adults looking to stay active as they age.

Key Benefits:

Develop the skills to adjust exercises for different fitness levels and physical needs
Build stronger communities by promoting connection through group movement
Deliver safe, effective training for common mobility and posture challenges
Step into a growing opportunity as a valued group fitness leader for older adults

Self Paced Study

Start your fitness career fast by learning to instruct group exercise classes designed for mature adults—where motivation meets movement, and your leadership makes a lasting impact on lives and longevity.

Key Benefits:

Deliver structured, predesigned programs that meet mature adult fitness needs
Understand how to manage group safety, progression, and participation
Build confidence in communicating clearly and inclusively with older clients
Qualify for work in community centres, wellness programs, and aged care settings

Entry Requirements

+16 years of age & Australian or New Zealand Resident

What you'll need

Why more students choose AOF

Ready to start your side hustle or career in the fitness industry?

Testimonials

Ours students mean the world to us and we sincerely appreciate the amazing testimonials and reviews we receive.

I want to express my genuine appreciation for the outstanding support and training provided by the college. The training itself is clear, practical, and of a very high standard. Despite being an online course, the Academy has created a learning environment that feels personal, engaging, and highly supportive. I'm truly grateful to be part of a college that values quality education and puts students first. Thank you for making my learning journey so smooth and motivating!

As a student of Academy of fitness, I enjoyed my time studying with them. It challenged my thinking but honestly grew me into a better version of myself, I am now set for my career and I am incredibly grateful for the fact I got to do this course at a young age and got the support to help me succeed. couldn’t recommend this course more!!!

I just completed my Cert 3 in Personal Training. I couldn't recommend a better company to do this with! All the staff have been so helpful throughout my experience and always quick to mark and help you with any queries. I want to say a big thank you to Di, who always responded quickly to needs and emails. thankyou Academy of Fitness, for all your help and for getting me accredited.

Di, coachGrazy, and the team have been incredibly supportive every step of the way. Anytime I had questions, I’d reach out and always receive prompt and helpful responses. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience is well structured, making the learning process engaging and effective. Attending the practical workshops was a game changer! It boosted my confidence and gave me the motivation to push forward in my studies. The flexibility of studying at my own pace has been a huge advantage, allowing me to balance learning with my other commitments. I’m really glad I chose this course, and I’ve already recommended it to others looking to become qualified PTs. Thank you for being a big part of my journey.

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