The 5 Best Indoor Cycling Certifications w/ Prices & Reviews

Are you a fitness professional looking to cash in on the rising population of indoor spin class takers? If so, consider getting certified. An indoor cycling certification will lend credibility to your program and teach you how to lead classes of various sizes.

Several indoor cycling certifications are available, and picking the right one can be confusing. I’ve simplified your search by reviewing the top five indoor cycling certifications. Here are your best options.

The Best Indoor Cycling Certifications

1.      ISSA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor

Besides the U.S., over a hundred other countries recognize certifications from the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). Its international recognition makes the ISSA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor certification ideal for trainers targeting clients in various markets. I also like that both pros and first-timers can take the course to learn how to create fun and results-driven cycling classes.

What You Will Learn

ISSA-certified cycling instructors learn how to lead small and large classes in various types of environments. It also teaches instructors how to keep classes fun and engaging without deviating from fitness goals.

Instructors will learn about body structure, metabolic conditioning, equipment use, and form. They’ll also learn how to use all that information to tailor coaching strategies for specific clients.

The Curriculum

Some of the subjects covered by the curriculum are:

  •         Class design, equipment, and riding techniques
  •         Foundations of human anatomy and movement
  •         Energy systems and performance
  •         Cycling-specific nutrition demands
  •         How to grow your skills as an instructor

Unlike other certifications, the ISSA program also teaches instructors how to retain clients.

Study Materials

The ISSA Certified Cycling Instructor course is available online after paying the requisite fees. You can study the course and take the online exam at your own pace. The online course textbook is easy to understand and split into several valuable chapters, such as:

  •         Safety procedures
  •         Clothing
  •         Basic Nutrition
  •         Anatomy
  •         Teaching a class
  •         Equipment
  •         Bike fit
  •         Riding techniques
  •         Exercise physiology

If you prefer learning videos, ISSA has you covered with 30 online instructional videos. You also get unlimited educational support from experts.

Exam Information

After completing the entire ISSA Indoor Cycling Instructor course, you can take the free NCCPT accredited exam. The exam is open book, online, and you can take it whenever and wherever you want. Candidates get one free retake if they don’t ace the exam on their first try.

Cost

To access the online ISSA Certified Indoor Cycling course, you have to pay $636. They do offer an option to split the payment over 12 months by paying $53 monthly.

Take 50% Off ISSA's Cycling Trainer Certification

2.      AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor

The Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) has accredited hundreds of thousands of instructors in over 70 countries. The AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor course uses a nationally standardized guideline to ensure that all candidates receive the same quality training. I also like that the certificate comes with a Group Fitness Instructor Job Guarantee that facilitates finding a job quickly.

What You Will Learn

The AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor course teaches how to create fun ride programs for different types of clients. The course even covers how to create music playlists that ensure high energy levels during sessions with clients.

Safety is also a big part of the AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor program. If you are new to teaching spin classes, you will benefit from the program’s confidence-building coaching strategies. Anyone from any background can take the course, including fitness first-timers.

The Curriculum

The AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor curriculum relies on the GEAR approach. GEAR stands for Goals, Energy, Accountability, and Results.

Under Goals, you will learn how to understand each class’s needs and use the best communication and engagement strategies to motivate them. Energy covers using music to keep clients pumped up.

Accountability covers taking responsibility for a client’s welfare while guiding them towards achieving their goals. Results discusses the tools needed to generate and measure evidence-based results from each session.

Study Materials

The GEAR training material is accessible on computers and mobile devices. It includes an eight-chapter interactive eBook that covers:

  •         Indoor Cycling Fundamentals
  •         Cycling Physiology
  •         Cueing and Coaching
  •         Ride Profile Creation
  •         Music Utilization
  •         Participant Engagement

Candidates also have access to video lectures, manuscripts, eight practice tests, and interactivities.

Exam Information

After digesting all of the materials, take the online multiple-choice exam on your computer or smartphone. You get three chances to pass the final exam, after which you have to pay a $99 fee to try again.

After passing the exam, you’ll receive a digital certificate and a physical one that you can proudly hang in your office. You need to submit a renewal application, 15 continuing education units, and fees every two years to keep your certificate.

Cost

The AFAA Indoor Cycling Instructor program costs $449. Depending on your timing, you can access discount prices as low as $314.

3.      ASFA Cycling Instructor Certification

The ASFA Cycling Instructor Certification is ideal for experienced fitness professionals who want to broaden their skills and career opportunities. It is not suitable for fitness beginners because you need a primary qualification before you can apply.

Unlike the ISSA and AFAA certifications, the ASFA Cycling Instructor Certification has no accreditors. However, the program has the endorsement of major companies like Human Kinetics, CPH & Associates, HPSO, and Berxi.

What You Will Learn

The ASFA Cycling Instructor course covers proper cycling form, motivational strategies, routine design, and more. You will also learn:

  •         Basic indoor cycling exercises
  •         How to create effective indoor cycling exercise programs
  •         Indoor cycling concepts and how to achieve specific fitness goals

The Curriculum

The ASFA Cycling Instructor program does not have a standardized curriculum. You can select the aspects to study before taking the final test.

Study materials are always accessible, and you can complete the entire course online via a mobile device or computer. The flexibility makes the ASFA Cycling Instructor program ideal for individuals who have busy schedules.

Study Materials

Recommended reading materials before attempting the exam include:

  •       Methods of Group Exercise Instruction
  •       Fitness Cycling
  •       Cycling Anatomy
  •       Cycling Science

These video and text materials cover everything from safety and how to keep a class motivated to efficient cycling exercises and nutrition.

Exam Information

The ASFA Cycling Instructor course ends with an online exam. If you score at least 70%, you will receive a digital certificate in your email. Unlike other certifications, you only need to pay for the ASFA Cycling Instructor course after passing the exam.

Cost

The best deal is the $499 Certificate & Pocket Certification, which does not require certificate renewals. If that’s too pricey for you, go for the $149 Certificate Only option or the $175 Certificate & Pocket Certification Card. Both need recertification after one year.

4.      NETA Cycling Certification

The National Exercise Trainers Association (NETA) Cycling Certification is ideal for aspiring personal trainers or group exercise instructors. The certificate has NCCA accreditation, and you can opt for virtual or in-person classes. Both the in-person and virtual classes start and end at specific times, so this program may not be a good fit if you have a busy schedule.

What You Will Learn

The NETA Indoor Cycling program teaches how to set up cycling classes and manage clients in various situations. Other areas covered by the course are:

  •         The best forms for a safe yet effective spin session
  •         The terminology used in spin classes
  •         Music selection and class formatting
  •         Optimal exercise intensity for experienced spinners and beginners

The Curriculum

The NETA Indoor Cycling certification is very comprehensive, covering topics like:

  •         Proper bike and cycle class set-ups
  •         Exercise physiology and anatomy review
  •         Skills, drills, and terminology
  •         Contraindications
  •         Motivational tips

Study Materials

Unlike other certifications, you have to buy NETA’s study materials separately. The most important study material is the Bike Fit Home Study Course, which costs $29.

Exam information

After completing the course, you have to take a 120-question multiple-choice exam. The exam takes two hours, and you can opt for a paper or computer-based test.

Cost

The program costs $199.00, and you need to renew your certification every two years.

5.      ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification

The ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor Certification is the most affordable option on our list, and you can complete the program at your preferred pace. While the certification has no accreditation, private employers and governments across the globe recognize it.

What You Will Learn

The ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor course teaches basic indoor cycling skills and how to manage a spin class. It’s suitable for experienced fitness instructors and individuals new to the spin class domain.

By the end of the program, you’ll know the responsibilities of an indoor cycling instructor and acquire the skills needed to provide services. You’ll also learn about nutrition and using music to energize spin classes.

The Curriculum

The ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor course has a comprehensive curriculum that covers topics like:

  •         The science and benefits of indoor cycling
  •         Indoor cycling and weight loss and cardio
  •         How to create indoor cycling workouts
  •         The importance of music, a good warm-up, and cool-down
  •         Motivational techniques
  •         How to build your business

Study Materials

Paying the one-time fee gives you unrestricted access to the in-depth ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor courseware. The courseware is available online and accessible via smart devices and computers.

Exam Information

You have one year to take the certification exam after completing the course. The exam is multiple-choice and covers only topics discussed in the ExpertRating courseware. If you don’t pass the exam, you can retake it after paying a $10 fee.

Cost

When I was writing this review, the ExpertRating Indoor Cycling Instructor certification was still $69.99, making it a great value product. You need to renew the certification every year, and it costs $25.

Which Certification Should You Take?

The right indoor cycling certification for your career goals depends on your budget, schedule, experience, and preferences. We like the ISSA and AFAA Indoor Cycling certifications because they give instructors a competitive edge in several countries. If you want to avoid the hassle of renewing your certificate, go for the ASFA Cycling Instructor Certification.

Individuals that prefer in-person classes will benefit from NETA’s workshops, while those on a tight budget will love ExpertRating’s affordable price.