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Group exercise instructor vs fitness attendant

The differences between group exercise instructors and fitness attendants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a group exercise instructor and a fitness attendant. Additionally, a group exercise instructor has an average salary of $34,348, which is higher than the $29,331 average annual salary of a fitness attendant.

The top three skills for a group exercise instructor include CPR, yoga and kids. The most important skills for a fitness attendant are CPR, cleanliness, and work ethic.

Group exercise instructor vs fitness attendant overview

Group Exercise InstructorFitness Attendant
Yearly salary$34,348$29,331
Hourly rate$16.51$14.10
Growth rate19%19%
Number of jobs33,70450,892
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age3737
Years of experience1212

What does a group exercise instructor do?

A group exercise instructor is responsible for leading fitness training and programs for different class groups. Group exercise instructors develop correct conditioning techniques, as well as observing the proper form of the student from their movements and exercises. A group exercise instructor also recommends nutritional foods and beverages that would help the students maintain a healthy lifestyle and development. They identify each student's strengths and weaknesses and develop comprehensive training programs to address their needs.

What does a fitness attendant do?

A fitness attendant oversees the daily operations of fitness establishments, ensuring that clients receive optimal services. They are primarily in charge of opening and closing facilities, setting up and sanitizing equipment, monitoring supply inventory, and maintaining the cleanliness of areas. They also greet and interact with clients, answer inquiries, provide instructions on how to use equipment safely, and assist them by spotting. It is also their responsibility to respond to distress and emergencies, resolving issues promptly and professionally.

Group exercise instructor vs fitness attendant salary

Group exercise instructors and fitness attendants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Group Exercise InstructorFitness Attendant
Average salary$34,348$29,331
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $53,000Between $21,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyMassachusetts General HospitalPalmetto
Best paying industryEducationEducation

Differences between group exercise instructor and fitness attendant education

There are a few differences between a group exercise instructor and a fitness attendant in terms of educational background:

Group Exercise InstructorFitness Attendant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 73%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorKinesiologyKinesiology
Most common collegeUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Group exercise instructor vs fitness attendant demographics

Here are the differences between group exercise instructors' and fitness attendants' demographics:

Group Exercise InstructorFitness Attendant
Average age3737
Gender ratioMale, 23.5% Female, 76.5%Male, 53.5% Female, 46.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 5.1% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between group exercise instructor and fitness attendant duties and responsibilities

Group exercise instructor example responsibilities.

  • Manage general fitness center cleanliness and coordinate group fitness instructor schedules
  • Create classes base on high intensity cardio and strength training using a wide array of fitness equipment.
  • Instruct a group of up to 50 people in exercises ranging from strength training to Zumba.
  • Maintain up keep and cleanliness of the facility, restocking cleaning supplies, cleaning fitness equipment, and re-racking weights.
  • Instruct classes and individuals in mat Pilates as well as on equipment including reformer, barrel, chair, and cadillac.
  • Group equipment classes including springboard.
  • Show more

Fitness attendant example responsibilities.

  • Provide market research and generate leads using social media (facebook) in order to target prospective clients.
  • Train in CPR and injury prevention, ensure safety of equipment.
  • Obtain certifications of CPR, first aid and blood-borne pathogens to support those who may be injure.
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment by monitoring the facility constantly and addressing any safety or cleanliness issues immediately.
  • Conduct routine facility services to enhance patron satisfaction including cleanliness, equipment operation, and actively working to resolve patron issues.
  • Prepare for health emergencies within facility using cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automate external defibrillator, and train trauma or injury assistance.

Group exercise instructor vs fitness attendant skills

Common group exercise instructor skills
  • CPR, 36%
  • Yoga, 14%
  • Kids, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • AFAA, 6%
  • Zumba, 4%
Common fitness attendant skills
  • CPR, 16%
  • Cleanliness, 12%
  • Work Ethic, 10%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • General Supervision, 8%
  • Fitness Equipment, 7%

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