Free Exercise to Music Courses: Are They Worth It?

For those of us who have a passion for music and dance, completing an exercise to music course free of charge seems like a fantastic option for taking that enthusiasm further. 

But where do you find them? And do they offer you any formal qualifications?

OriGym’s complete exploration looks at all the free exercise to music courses out there, as well as what they might offer in terms of certification and expertise in the field. We’ll also discuss how these free exercise to music courses might prepare you for teaching a class or group.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey into dance, or you’re a keen dancer who wants to pass their knowledge on, this guide covers every aspect you’ll need to consider to be as successful as possible.

Contents:

• What Is An Exercise to Music Course?
• But What About Free Exercise To Music Courses?
• The Benefits Of Completing An Exercise to Music Course
• Where Can I Complete An Exercise to Music Course?
• Disadvantages of An Exercise to Music Course
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Our Conclusions

Or, if you’re already a keen fitness enthusiast, and you’re looking to go further than a Level 3 qualification in exercise to music, then a personal training certification is the next step.

OriGym’s unmatched personal training diploma takes you from no prior experience to a fully qualified PT in as little as 4 weeks, with expert advice available 7 days a week, a vast library of online resources, free examination resits, and a guaranteed interview when you graduate. 

Submit your enquiry today, or click here to download our comprehensive FREE prospectus, and explore more of what we offer, and how it could be perfect for you.

What Is An Exercise to Music Course?

While this may seem self-explanatory, especially as this article’s primary focus is free exercise to music courses, it’s crucial to address any misconceptions or confusion. Terms in the fitness industry can often overlap, and learning the differences is key to starting a successful career in the exercise industry.

In simple terms, an exercise to music course is a Level 3 exercise qualification, meaning you don’t need any prior knowledge to complete the course, which makes it ideal for newcomers to the world of professional fitness.

Once you complete the course, you’ll be fully qualified to teach dance, aerobic, cardio, and exercise to music (also abbreviated as ETM) classes, either through your own freelance business, or as part of your employment within a gym.

You’ll then play a pivotal role in your gym’s timetable (or your own freelancing schedule), teaching some of the integral classes that you’d expect to see as part of any good fitness centre’s rotation.

These classes are incredibly important for a wide variety of gym goers, and function as a great way for them to get involved with new and interesting exercises.

But What About Free Exercise To Music Courses?

Sadly, while there’s understandably a desire to try and complete an exercise to music course free of charge, they simply aren’t offered by any providers. We researched extensively, and unfortunately found no options available for free exercise to music courses. There are good reasons for this, though.

To be able to teach dance and ETM classes, you must have at least a Level 3 qualification in Exercise to Music. This is the absolute minimum requirement to be able to work in a gym, or start up your own freelance business.

Any free exercise to music classes that may spring up will not offer these qualifications, and you therefore won’t be certified in the exercise industry, even if they do charge some form of fee.

Without it, you won’t be legally allowed to teach these classes, you won’t be able to acquire the right form of insurance, and you’ll lack the key knowledge that these qualifications provide you with.

This qualification needs proper, formal certification, too. Many course providers (including industry leader OriGym) use the formal awarding body Ofqual.

They’ll also offer accreditation from CIMSPA certification, which many gyms often ask for as part of their job descriptions. For even further information on what you might see as part of a gym job advert, check out our complete guide to an average fitness instructor job description.

All of these will come at a significant cost to the provider, and therefore no one can offer it without charging for it. While some providers will use this as an opportunity to increase their prices, more reputable companies will maintain a low price point. 

OriGym’s Level 3 ETM course offers the lowest price on the market, as well as unmatched course support and resources, and a wide range of interest-free exercise to music course payment plans to suit all budgets. 

But why might you choose to undertake an exercise to music course, although free options aren’t available?

ETM classes can often offer benefits that we might never have expected, and provide a huge boost to those who get involved with them. Let’s examine those advantages in more detail, and how completing an exercise to music course (free or otherwise) can be the perfect next step.

The Benefits Of Completing An Exercise to Music Course

#1 - First Step Into Fitness

For many, taking that first step into the exercise industry can be a daunting experience, and one that may be confusing at first, especially if you’re relatively new to fitness. An exercise to music course frees you from those worries, and provides a way to put those fears to rest.

They offer a superb first step into fitness for those who perhaps have only ever undertaken classes, or haven’t had any formal experience with a fitness environment, and can often be less intensive than other courses might be.

They’re also a fantastic way to combine a passion for fitness with the rhythm and energy levels that you may not find with other fitness courses, and indulge your enthusiasm for both music and exercise at the same time.

Combining this passion with a formal qualification means you can take that first step into an ever-growing, constantly changing industry without leaving your comfort zone too much, and explore how music can shape exercise for the better.

#2 - Increases Your Level Of Knowledge

As you might have expected, an exercise to music course provides you with a vast array of information, tips and ideas on how to begin teaching ETM classes, and how to keep your class engaged throughout.

At first, this influx of information may seem a little daunting, especially if you’ve been out of education for a while, or you’re unsure of how to get started. This is where those exercise to music courses that are exceptional, or that offer a more complete package, can shine, and offer things that less premium courses can’t.

Take the industry leader OriGym as an example. OriGym’s signature Level 3 exercise to music course offers an unmatched support team on hand 7 days a week, a custom-built online learning platform, and bespoke resources that are specifically made for that course.

You’ll explore varied and interesting topics relating to your exercise to music course, ranging from the difference between choreographed and freestyle dance classes, to the advanced principles of physical exercise.

All of this, coupled with the range of interest-free exercise to music course pricing options, means that they present themselves as the clear choice, especially for those who have limited knowledge of the fitness industry.

Plus, learning from others on the course you’re completing can also provide additional insight, even if it’s just sharing ideas on how group fitness classes can benefit people, or about how best to approach a specific rhythm or beat. 

#3 - Hugely Social

Dance classes are some of the most social, welcoming experiences on the gym schedule, and completing an exercise to music course provides you with an opportunity to get involved with that.

Before you even graduate from your exercise to music course, you’re free to communicate and trade ideas with those who are studying alongside you, and learn from those who may have more experience in the fitness industry, or be approaching the course from a different angle.

And this is where the social aspect of an exercise to music course begins - learning from others, and building bonds with the people who are studying alongside you. 

This only becomes stronger as you move to actually teaching exercise to music classes, and start to develop relationships with the students you might see regularly, and those that are keen to learn more from you. 

Studies have even shown that group classes can have profound psychological effects, too, with students’ mental health improving as they socialise more. Explore more on how classes can shape the bonds you build with gym goers, as well as improve their mental wellbeing, in our complete definition of a fitness instructor. 

Although other fitness courses (such as a personal training diploma) have similar aspects of communication and sociability, an exercise to music course offers unparalleled opportunity to get to know those you’re working with in a much more energetic environment.

#4 - Scope To Develop

We’ve already touched upon how, while they may not be available for free, exercise to music courses are the ideal first step into the fitness industry. They require no prior experience or qualifications, and are an ideal way to turn a passion into a lucrative career.

However, one hidden benefit that perhaps isn’t immediately apparent is the career options you have available to you once you graduate from your exercise to music course. 

The exercise industry is huge, and ever expanding, which ensures there’s always scope to develop, grow, and ultimately earn more as a fitness professional. Here, it’s crucial to remember that an ETM course is a Level 3 qualification.

This means that, once you’ve completed your exercise to music course, you’re free to then move onto further qualifications in the field. Perhaps the most common option is the Level 4 personal training certification, which allows you to work with clients on a 1-to-1 basis, designing bespoke workout programs and plans. 

It’s also worth noting that, with a Level 4 qualification, you’ll be more likely to be offered a job from higher paying, or more prestigious, gyms, as they’ll be looking for more knowledgeable fitness professionals to fill these positions.

Not to mention that, as you develop, you can start to charge more for your own services, too. The more skills you acquire and learn, the more you’ll be able to fine-tune your price point to better reflect what you’ll be doing for your clients, and how you’ll be fulfilling the role expected of you.

Read more on the obligations and responsibilities of a personal trainer in OriGym’s complete guide to the role of a personal trainer.

With a Level 3 qualification, the career development opportunities are all down to your discretion, and while you may choose to stay in dance teaching after you’ve completed your exercise to music course, you’re also free to specialise in other areas.

Where Can I Complete An Exercise to Music Course?

While we’ve already established that they aren’t available for free, exercise to music courses are still a fantastic prospect, and a brilliant way to break into the fitness industry while still indulging a passion for dance.

It’s natural, then, that you’d be curious about where you can undertake an exercise to music course, and how long they might take to complete. We’ve explored the key points below, but for more in-depth information on this process, check out our complete overview of how to become an exercise to music instructor.

There are many providers out there who offer options for your ETM course, but from our extensive research, OriGym offers the perfect balance of a low price point, unmatched support and guidance, as well as prestigious accreditation from CIMSPA and Ofqual. 

OriGym is also partnered with a vast range of nationally recognised gyms and fitness centre chains (including JD Gyms, DW Gyms, and Virgin Active), meaning your training can take place at a location that’s convenient for you. Plus, you’re guaranteed an interview there when you graduate from the course.

Plus, with a qualification time as low as 8 weeks, you’ll be able to immediately begin your journey as an dance instructor, and start learning as part of a dedicated team of individuals, or as a freelance dance instructor.

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Disadvantages Of An Exercise To Music Course

However, while there are a range of benefits to completing an exercise to music course, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of. 

#1 - Limited Options

As we’ve previously touched upon, an ETM course is a Level 3 course, meaning that it’s the baseline for achieving a job in the fitness industry, and the minimum that a gym will require for you to work there.

When you complete a Level 3 qualification, you’re very limited on what you’ll be able to do without developing further in the exercise industry. Without opting for a Level 4 qualification (such as a personal training certificate), you immediately limit your scope.

For some, this is completely fine, especially as you’ll still be able to indulge your passion for dance and exercise, as well as still build those bonds with others who you’ve studied with, and that you’ve taught.

However, for others, there is a desire to achieve (and earn) more, which can only be achieved by progressing in a more formal capacity through Level 4 qualifications and certificates.

Most often, this is in the form of a personal training course. 

But it might also be as part of a strength and conditioning course, or specialising further into a niche industry, like sports massage. A Level 3 qualification is often seen as a route into fitness, before opting for further development through courses of this nature.

#2 - Gyms Demand More

As you might have already guessed, fitness is a heavily contested, competitive industry. There are thousands of potential new instructors and teachers who could be more qualified, or have more experience in the industry than you.

This can often mean that you’re not considered for jobs, even those that you’re more than qualified for, simply because another applicant may have achieved an additional qualification.

Gyms will always be looking for the most experienced applicant, as these people can then be deployed in different areas, and are generally more knowledgeable about the areas that they’re working in.

Fitness instructor job descriptions on websites will always disclose the qualifications they’re looking for, so it’s vital to double check what a gym or fitness centre is looking for before submitting your enquiry.

In this scenario, it can be incredibly beneficial to complete a Level 4 personal trainer qualification, or combine a Level 3 and 4 to achieve a personal training diploma, which not only gives you the ultimate start in the fitness industry, but you’ll also save a significant amount of money, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Classes Can I Teach?

By completing a Level 3 exercise to music qualification, you’re free to teach a wide range of classes. While you may assume, given the name of the qualification, that you’re only able to teach dance or dance-related classes, that’s simply not true.

An ETM qualification provides you with the ability (and the necessary skills and qualifications) to teach an array of classes and sessions, including:

• Dance/dancercise 
• Aerobics
• Cardio classes (such as Spin)
• Strength and Toning
• Circuits
• HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training)

Many of these classes utilise music and rhythm to create the overall movements, and the speed at which you’ll need to perform these movements at. A Level 3 ETM qualification provides you with an expert insight into how you can tailor classes to better fit a beat.

By completing OriGym’s flagship exercise to music course, you’ll also gain a keen understanding of how to tailor sessions for different audiences and groups, such as how you might need to adjust workouts for more advanced sessions (such as cross training).

This array of classes can also aid in your personal and professional development, too. You’ll be meeting new people with different goals and aspirations, and be learning how to create routines for those specific sessions.

All of this can provide the ideal basis to develop further, and gain an additional qualification which will, in turn, help you to apply for higher paying positions in the fitness industry.

Before You Go!

With this article, we’ve outlined the premise behind free exercise to music courses, and explored what you can expect from completing one. Although there may be no options for completing an exercise to music course for free, finding the right payment plan is simple.

And with so many additional benefits, as well as making that initial step into fitness much easier than it may otherwise have been, an exercise to music course (free or otherwise) could be your ideal move.

But, if you’re looking to go further in the exercise industry, then there’s another option you can take.

The signature OriGym personal training diploma provides you with both a Level 3 and a Level 4 qualification, as well as offering masterful guidance and advice 7 days a week, a wealth of personal training resources, and guaranteed interviews when you graduate.

Explore more in our comprehensive FREE prospectus, or submit an enquiry today and speak to one of our expert team.

References:

1. Spink, Kevin S., and Albert V. Carron. “Group Cohesion Effects in Exercise Classes.” Small Group Research 25, no. 1 (February 1994): 26–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496494251003.