In this lesson you will learn about the two paths to teaching within our network.
- Focus on the requirements for each teaching path and how to meet and maintain those requirements.
- Think about how consistently meeting the SilverSneakers teaching requirements and maintaining your continuing education ensures a quality experience for members.
- Answer the 5 questions on this lesson in the unit study guide.
Instructors are encouraged to explore their options for employment and partnerships. As an instructor, you may choose to teach classes within our network of fitness locations, or independently with our SilverSneakers FLEX® network. Remember, signature class formats can only be taught in our approved network.
In the Gym Instructors
- Paid by partnering location or gym
- Able to teach signature classes at approved class locations
- Most locations provide class equipment
FLEX Instructors
- Paid by Tivity Health
- Able to teach signature classes and non-signature formats
- Equipment is not provided for the instructor
- Instructors must maintain professional liability insurance
(Teaching with a contracted partnering class location)
Initial Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Affiliated with a SilverSneakers Participating Location
- Current CPR*
- Completion of the online Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Successful completion of the online Foundations training
- Successful completion of the online format training for each signature class you intend to teach
To Maintain Requirements
- Current CPR*
- Affiliated with a SilverSneakers Participating Location
- Annual completion of online Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Meet SilverSneakers continuing education requirements: Earn 8 hours of SilverSneakers continuing education credits every 2 years. Options in any combination include:
- Online trainings
- Online format trainings
(Teaching signature classes within the FLEX network)
Initial Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Approved FLEX contract
- Liability insurance
- W-9
- Direct Deposit
- Current CPR*
- Completion of Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Successful completion of the online Foundations training
- Successful completion of the online format training for each signature class you intend to teach
To Maintain Requirements
- Current CPR*
- Approved FLEX contract
- Liability insurance
- W-9
- Direct Deposit
- Annual completion of Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Meet SilverSneakers continuing education requirements: Earn 8 hours of SilverSneakers continuing education credits every 2 years. Options in any combination include:
- Online trainings
- Online format trainings
(Teaching non-signature classes within the FLEX network)
Initial Requirements
- 18 years of age
- Approved FLEX contract
- Liability insurance
- W-9
- Direct Deposit
- Current CPR*
- Completion of Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Successful completion of the online Foundations training
- Complete specialty certification as applicable
To Maintain Requirements
- Current CPR*
- Approved FLEX contract
- Liability insurance
- W-9
- Direct Deposit
- Annual completion of Fraud, Waste and Abuse Training
- Meet SilverSneakers continuing education requirements: Earn 8 hours of SilverSneakers continuing education credits every 2 years. Options in any combination include:
- Online trainings
- Online format trainings
- Maintain specialty certification as applicable
* Tivity Health encourages instructors to attend in-person CPR training; however, the online ProCPR Basic certification through ProTrainings is also accepted.
Explain to a friend the difference between being an in the gym instructor and a FLEX instructor.
Why would a member want to attend a FLEX class?
External continuing education credits through accredited certification agencies are awarded for Foundations, online format training, and in-person events. No external CECs are awarded for other continuing education trainings.
Format trainings and individual webinars cannot be repeated for duplicate credits.
Compliance
Due to our important health plan partnerships and the risks associated with exercise, you are expected to lead your class with exceptional knowledge and leadership while adhering to safety standards. An approved license to teach may be revoked at any time due to instructor negligence or non-compliance. It is your responsibility as an instructor to keep current records of all trainings, certifications, and credentials. A current record of your credentials must be maintained in your profile at instructor.tivityhealth.com.
Congratulations!
You’ve completed Unit 1. Now you’re ready to check your understanding of the content by completing the Unit 1 Review Quiz.
Good luck!