Leg warmers, sweat bands and thong leotards went away with the coining of the phrase aerobics instructor. Group Fitness is the new Country Club tennis and we are the coach, we make them brag, we make them sweat and we make them proud to say "I Lift that's how I lost it".

Now that you have the paper to deem yourself worthy of counting beats and selecting great music, do something. Here are 5 ways to make the most of your sweat, counts and gluteus maximus.

1. Speak up! Community and civic groups are endlessly searching for guest speakers. Whether it's a health fair or monthly meeting making yourself known as THE expert in your area can boost your level of confidence and professionalism.

2. Write about it. Most magazines, newsletters and other forms of media are published with content from freelance writers. If you have a desire to tell others about your passion and you can be creative with your words contact the publication for writer's guidelines and submissions. Most offer compensation by word, letter or interest or by line recognition.  (comment:  FitClasses.com is always looking for writing about teaching fitness.  Click here to send us your article or idea for an article)

3. Specialize. In the 2006 Fitness Programs & Equipment survey conducted by IDEA, the top 10 growth potential programs all focused on some area of specialized fitness programming. From Senior to shimmies (Cardio Funk), the growth potential of specialized programs presents an alluring opportunity for those in the industry. Make yourself marketable beyond today.

4. Associate. Join a fitness professional organization. When the conference comes to town you'll reap the rewards of your annual dues. Aside from that the resources, networking opportunities and career influences are priceless. Attending the conferences gets you inside the minds of the Gay Gaspers, Kathy Smiths, and Chalene Johnsons (turbokick). You never know who you just might meet.

5. Teach. Those that can't do, those that can teach. I know it sounds a little akward but how many times has someone taken your class and said ?how do you do it?' there you have it, you can therefore you do. Stay on your toes, unless your on the step (ba-dump-bump). Read consumer publications, browse the internet and know what's new in fitness. Understand what members are being bombarded with and help them dispel the myths especially when it comes to weight training and weight loss.

You are a teacher, you are a leader, you often become their coach, in the eyes of the member you are "my aerobics instructor" not the girl that teaches step.