If You Want to Be a…
Personal Trainer
You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have at least a high school diploma or a GED. You need a CPR or AED (automatic external defibrillator) card ($65). And here’s where the real cost comes in: you’ll have to shell out $599 to take either the Basic CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) course, or $799 for the CPT Premier course. You won’t have to undergo drug screenings or even a physical test.
If You Want to Be a…
Pilates Instructor
Again, you’ll have to be at least 18 and have a GED or high school diploma. A CPR certification is recommended. You will also have to join the Pilates Method Alliance ($150) and pass the PMA certification exam. Plus, you must complete either a Mat Pilates Instructor certified course (up to two weeks of self-study or apprenticeship hours; costs between $100 to $300); or a Reformer Pilates Instructor certified course (utilizes a reformer machine; up to 900 hours of training and private lessons; cost—up to $3,000).
If You Want to Be a…
Zumba Instructor
No one under 18 can teach zumba. But if you dropped out of college, no problem. Just take a one-day Zumba Basic Instructor Workshop ($200; area classes found on zumba.com) and you’re set. However, instructors must pay a $30 monthly fee to Zumba Instructor Network to keep their license current.
If You Want to Be a…
Yoga Instructor
It ain’t cheap and it ain’t easy. You must join a nationally recognized organization such as the Yoga Alliance ($80) and pass a minimum of 200 training hours including taking basic courses (takes two months daily or six months to a year going weekends or evenings; cost—about $3,000).
