Instructor Training & Certification Courses
Which Fitness Professional Path is the Right One for You?
Group Fitness Instructor
Interested in leading high-energy classes and helping others reach their wellness goals? Become a Group Fitness Instructor through RecSports!
- Training: AFAA Group Fitness Instructor Training Course
- When: Each spring, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–5 p.m.
- Training Cost: $170
- Certification Exam: $249
- Teaching Opportunities: Cardio, strength, mind/body, and dance classes, including GatoROX, Total Body, Yogalates, Hip Hop Cardio, and more.
Yoga Instructor
Ready to share your love of yoga with the Gator community? Become a Yoga Instructor through RecSports!
- Training: Kardiya Yoga Teacher Training
- Credential: Yoga Alliance-approved
- When: Fall and spring; one weekend per month, Friday–Sunday
- Cost: Approximately $2,750–$2,850, with certification included
- Teaching Opportunities: Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Yogalates.
Personal Trainer
Turn your passion for wellness into an opportunity to help others reach their goals as a Personal Trainer at RecSports!
- Training: NASM Personal Trainer Prep Course
- When: Each spring, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:30–5 p.m.
- Training Cost: $170
- Certification Exam: $299
- Career Opportunities: Personal Trainer, Buddy Personal Trainer, CHANGES Coach, Wellness Associate, or Group Fitness Premium Coach.
Below find additional information and how to get involved!
Group Fitness Instructor Training Course
The Group Fitness Instructor Training Course (“GFITC”) is a theoretical and practical training program that prepares students for a nationally accredited group fitness instructor (“GFI”) certification exam. Based on the Athletics and Fitness Association of America ("AFAA"), the course covers safe and effective exercise instruction, the instructor-participant relationship, motivation principles, communication techniques, group leadership enhancement, and the GFI's professional role.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Differentiate the role of the GFI from other health and exercise professionals.
- Prepare and implement exercise programming for the separate elements of a group fitness class.
- Apply the principles of exercise science, human anatomy, and biomechanics to movement design and exercise instruction.
- Identify the principles and methods of training for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility.
- Apply various teaching techniques and strategies to enhance exercise instruction in the group fitness setting and create memorable, inclusive movement experiences.
- Demonstrate effective leadership skills through practical application
- Recognize the GFI’s role in participant safety, legal issues, and professional responsibility.
Registration and Audition
To register for the Spring semester Group Fitness Instructor Training Course, you must first attend a group interview and audition, which will occur during the following time slots:
- The Second Thursday of November at Southwest Rec AR3
- Group 1: 4 – 5 p.m.
- Group 2: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- The Second Friday of November at Student Rec AR2
- Group 3: 1 – 2 p.m.
- Group 4: 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
How to Register for auditions
Registration for interview audition groups opens Oct. 15 and closes five days before the first audition group, held on the second Thursday in November.:
- Go to RSConnect, log in with your Gatorlink username and password
- Click on Group Fitness Classes
- Click on Instructor Training Course Group Audition
- Choose a date that works for you and follow the steps to complete registration.
Course Commitment
The class meets in the Spring on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Student Recreation Center.
- Course dates: First Thursday of the Spring semester through the last Thursday after Spring Break
- Course times: 3:30 – 5 p.m.
- Mentorship: One group fitness class per week with an assigned mentor, 1.75 hours/week
Notes
- Registration for a Group Audition does NOT guarantee that you will secure a spot in the spring semester course. Acceptance and all fees must be paid by December 20th.
- This class is NOT for credit; however, the workload is equivalent to a 2-credit class.
- This course is designed for UF students.
- Upon completion of GFITC, you will have the option to apply for a Group Fitness instructor position with RecSports.