ACSM GEI study guide
ACSM GEI · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ACSM Group Exercise Instructor (GEI) credential is one of the certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, which describes itself as the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, with nearly 50,000 members and certified fitness professionals. It sits alongside ACSM's Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, and Clinical Exercise Physiologist certifications, and it targets instructors who lead group classes: planning sessions, cueing movement, managing mixed-ability rooms, and keeping participants safe. The ACSM GEI study guide has 6 sections and about 1,935 words.
01Exercise Physiology, Anatomy, and Kinesiology
The ATP-PC system dominates very short, very intense work (roughly 0–10 s); fast glycolysis covers ~10 s to 2 min; oxidative metabolism dominates longer, lower-intensity efforts. Intensity, not duration alone, decides which system leads.
330 words, about 2 min02Health Screening, Pre-Activity Evaluation, and Risk Management
The PAR-Q+ (general health questions plus condition-specific follow-up pages) is the minimal screen. A 'yes' sends the participant to the follow-up module, which determines whether self-guided activity is appropriate or whether medical clearance is advised.
334 words, about 2 min03Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription
Test order and preparation. Resting HR and BP first, then body composition, cardiorespiratory tests, muscular fitness, and flexibility last.
338 words, about 2 min04Group Exercise Program Design and Class Planning
Start with a needs analysis. Who is in the room (age, fitness, injuries, experience), what equipment and space exist, and how long the class runs.
322 words, about 2 min05Instruction, Cueing, and Class Management
Three cueing channels. Visual (demonstration, gesture, pointing), verbal (short, action-based, rhythmic words), and kinesthetic/tactile (hands-on correction only with permission).
308 words, about 2 min06Professional Responsibilities, Ethics, and Facility Safety
A group exercise instructor screens, designs, and leads exercise for apparently healthy populations, and refers when something falls outside that lane. Diagnosing conditions, prescribing diets or supplements, and designing rehabilitation for clinical populations require separate licensure.
303 words, about 2 min