The Ultimate Guide: How to Become a Certified Spinning® Instructor
Posted by Spinning® on Nov 7th 2024
Becoming a Spinning® Instructor is one of the most exciting ways to enter the world of fitness professionals or build upon your resume if you’re a trainer or group ex instructor. Indoor cycling is arguably the most popular type of cardio classes in gyms, fitness facilities, community centers, senior centers, universities, spas, resorts and even cruise ships around the world! Imagine all the opportunities that await you as a Certified Spinning® Instructor!
People who become Spinning Instructors usually fall into one or more of these categories:
⭐ Spinning® enthusiasts who love taking classes and want to be the person on stage inspiring others.
⭐ Cyclists who want to bring their training expertise to indoor cycling enthusiasts.
⭐ Yoga and Pilates instructors who want to expand their reach. (Some even teach popular fusion classes like Spin® Yoga and Spin® Pilates!)
⭐ Fitness-minded people who love to learn and want to gain more knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills.
Every Spinning® and indoor cycling instructor who’s teaching today started with the first step: taking a course to get certified. From small-town community center instructors to celebrity-status trainers gaining fame on social media, they all began by getting certified.
The Spinning® Instructor Certification is the only certification from the authentic, original indoor cycling company. Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. created the Spinning® program that started the indoor cycling global phenomenon, and still to this day is the leader in education, instructor support, and worldwide recognition.
| “As a Certified Spinning® instructor, you’ll cultivate skillsets that allow you to customize rides to meet the needs of your members AND showcase your own authentic and awesome teaching style! It’s time to become the star you know you are and begin changing lives one pedal stroke at a time.” - Luciana Marcial-Vincion, Global Master Instructor Team Manager |
You can get started today with an online certification or find a training on a date that works for you. Or keep reading for answers to the most common questions.
Q: What does it mean to be a certified Spinning® instructor?
A: Spinning® is a registered trademark that is owned by the company that created indoor cycling, Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. To be a certified Spinning® instructor means that you have achieved the certification credential by completing coursework and passing an exam.
Q: Is Mad Dogg® Certification the same as Spinning® Certification?
A: Mad Dogg Athletics, Inc. is the company that owns the Spinning® program, trademarks and education. The name of the certification is Spinning® Instructor Certification, but if you hear someone refer to Mad Dogg certification or say they’re Mad Dogg certified, they’re referring to Spinning.
Is the Spinning® Instructor Certification course approved for continuing education credits? Yes, it’s approved by ACE, AFAA, and NASM.
Q: What are the steps to becoming a certified Spinning® instructor?
A: The first step is to sign up for the online certification course or an 8-hour training virtually or in-person. All three formats are available to everyone, without prerequisites. After completing the course, including learning activities and practice work, you will take an online exam. Upon passing the exam, you will be able to download your certificate that verifies your Certified Spinning® Instructor status, valid for two years.
Q: What skills and knowledge will I gain from the Spinning® Instructor Certification course?
A: The comprehensive course will provide you with knowledge on bike setup and safety, riding technique, contraindications, heart rate training, training with power, class design, music playlists, coaching, creative cueing, and motivating communication.
Q: Is there a practical component to the certification?
A: Yes, whether you take the certification course online, virtually or in-person, you’ll get on-the-bike practical application and learning activities for cueing and creating class profiles.
Q: How long does it take to get certified as a Spinning® instructor?
A: The required course work takes 8 hours, whether it’s completed online at your own pace or during a 1-day training. Additionally, you’ll spend approximately 10-20 hours studying and practicing before taking the exam. The amount of time needed depends on your prior experience and background with cycling, Spinning® and exercise science.
Q: What are the continuing education requirements to maintain certification?
A: To maintain Spinning® Instructor Certification, instructors must earn 14 continuing education credits (CECs) every two years, or 12 CECs plus CPR certification. There are a variety of online courses and in-person workshops available to earn those CECs, and it can be done at your own pace, with courses ranging from 1 – 5 CECs each. There are even specialty certifications you can earn that award all 14 CECs needed. The SPIN® Member program is another option that combines free continuing education, monthly class profiles and more at a discounted price.
Q: What are the job opportunities for certified Spinning® instructors?
A: Spinning® Instructors are hired by health clubs, boutique studios, YMCAs, JCCs, community centers, senior centers, universities, resorts and even cruise ships! Many instructors teach part-time while in college, or in addition to their main careers. It’s also quite common for Spinning instructors to grow into management roles within the fitness industry, such as a group fitness director of a health club. Valid certification is a key requirement, and after you apply, you’ll most likely be asked to give an audition. Read 4 Tips to Help You Ace the Audition on the SPIN® Life Blog.
With the current growth of the fitness industry and gym market, this is the right time to pursue your dream! You can sign up for a certification today with an online course that you’ll complete at your own pace, or find a live training on a date that works for you, either in-person or virtually.