Indoor Cycling Certification & Courses (Instructor Training)
How do I become an indoor cycling instructor?
To become an indoor cycling instructor, you need to complete a certified training course that covers cycling techniques, class planning, coaching skills, and safety. After certification, gaining practical experience and staying up to date with industry trends will help you succeed. You can find out more about which course is right for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
What qualifications do I need to teach indoor cycling?
To teach indoor cycling, you need a recognised indoor cycling instructor certification from an accredited provider. The Indoor Cycling Institute’s two-day course and online certification do not require prior fitness industry training, allowing you to instruct anywhere without a Level 2 or 3 fitness qualification—unless a specific gym requires it (which most don’t). Some facilities may also ask for first aid certification and public liability insurance. Find out more here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
What is the best certification for indoor cycling instructors?
They can vary a lot. The Indoor Cycling Institute offers an industry-recognised qualification covering biomechanics, coaching, and session design, so you can create and lead your own classes. Some courses are outdated or only teach pre-designed choreography. Choose a modern, well-respected certification that prepares you to teach confidently. Find out more about our courses here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
How long does it take to get certified as an indoor cycling instructor?
The time to get certified depends on the course format and your background. The Indoor Cycling Institute’s certification for example takes one day (plus online pre-course learning) for qualified gym instructors or two days (plus online pre-course learning) for those without prior fitness industry training. The online course is self-paced, allowing up to six months to complete—though the fastest completion was just five days by a very thorough student! Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
How much does indoor cycling certification cost?
The cost of indoor cycling certification varies by provider, typically ranging from £200 to £400 for a reputable course. The Indoor Cycling Institute’s certification offers the most up-to-date content and is designed to help you learn and apply best practices to future-proof your career. Unlike some certifications, it has no expiry date, ensuring long-term value without additional costs. Organisations usually offer payment plans or discounts for early registration. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Can I teach indoor cycling without a certification?
Most reputable gyms require certification, and without one, you won’t be insured. Training ensures safer, more effective classes, covering bike setup, coaching techniques, and class structure. You don’t know what you don’t know—without proper training (unaccredited in-house training is a grey area) you risk being liable for unsafe sessions. Certification makes you more employable and professional. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
What’s the difference between your certification and others like Spinning® or Schwinn?
Our certification focuses on science-based coaching, biomechanics, and real-world application, rather than brand-specific methodologies. Unlike Spinning® or Schwinn, which may follow proprietary training models, our course equips you with universal skills to teach on any indoor cycling platform. Plus, our certification has no expiry date, so you won’t have to pay to repeat the training in the future. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Do I need a personal trainer qualification to be an indoor cycling instructor?
No, it’s not required. Most providers expect it, but the Indoor Cycling Institute’s two-day and online courses have no prerequisite, as they are comprehensive. Some gyms may prefer a general fitness certification, but this varies. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Can I get certified online, or do I need to attend in-person training?
You can certify online or in person. The Indoor Cycling Institute’s online course is self-paced, has no expiry, and requires no prior fitness qualifications. Practical assessments ensure you meet the same standards as in-person training. Find your online course here: https://learn.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses/ici-indoor-cycling-instructor-course-online
Is your certification internationally recognized?
Yes! The Indoor Cycling Institute’s certification is internationally recognized and accredited by CIMSPA, AFAA, and NASM, making it valid worldwide. We have certified instructors in many countries. Find our online course here: https://learn.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses/ici-indoor-cycling-instructor-course-online
How do I renew my indoor cycling certification?
If you trained with the Indoor Cycling Institute, you don’t need to renew—our certification has no expiry. However, great instructors stay up to date with CPD to enhance their skills. If certified elsewhere, check with your provider for renewal requirements, which may include refresher courses or CPD points. Find some useful CPD here: https://learn.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/collections/cpd
Do I need CPD points for my certification?
CPD requirements vary by provider. Our certification does not require CPD points for validity, but on completion, you’ll earn 10 ICI points. You can gain additional ICI points through CPD courses to keep your skills sharp. Some employers or insurers may require CPD, so staying up to date is always beneficial. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Can I get insurance with your indoor cycling certification?
Yes, our indoor cycling certification is recognised by insurance providers, allowing you to obtain public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Ensure you don’t void your insurance – you're only insured for what you are certified to do; you’re not insured for what you’re not trained to do, or trained not to do. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
What’s included in your instructor training course?
Our instructor training course covers bike setup, riding techniques, class structure, coaching methods, biomechanics, music selection, safety considerations, and practical assessments. You’ll gain the skills needed to design and lead effective indoor cycling classes. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Is your course CIMSPA accredited?
Yes, our certification is accredited by CIMSPA, ensuring it meets industry standards for indoor cycling instructors. CIMSPA accreditation enhances your credibility and may be required by some employers. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Is your course NASM or AFAA accredited?
Yes, our certification is accredited by both NASM and AFAA, ensuring it meets (and exceeds) global industry standards for indoor cycling instructors. This accreditation enhances your credibility and may be required by some employers. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Do I need previous experience to take an indoor cycling course?
No experience is required! You’ll need a basic level of fitness, but indoor cycling has a lot of bad practices, so starting fresh means you won’t have to unlearn bad habits. Our course teaches everything you need to become a confident, skilled instructor (without bad habits!) Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Are there any age restrictions for getting certified?
Yes, you must be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the course. Some gyms and insurers may have their own minimum age requirements, so check before applying. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Can I take the certification if English is not my first language?
Yes! Our course is designed to be clear and accessible for non-native English speakers. You’ll have your own named personal tutor for support and receive the Indoor Cycling Instructor Handbook, which presents the information in a structured, easy-to-understand way. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html
Can I complete the course while working full-time?
Yes, our certification is designed to be flexible, allowing you to study at your own pace. Whether you choose an online or in-person course, you can fit the training around your work schedule. The online course is self-paced and you have 6 months to finish, and the in-person courses have online precourse learning that can be completed at leisure prior to the course date. Find the right course for you here: https://www.indoorcyclinginstitute.com/courses.html