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 American Council on Exercise (“ACE”), 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:
Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Southwest Rec #3
Group 1: 4:00 – 5:00pm
Group 2: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Friday, November 14, 2025 at Southwest Rec #3
Group 3: 1:00 – 2:00pm
Group 4: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
How to Register for auditions
Register for an interview audition group between October 15 – November 9, 2025:
Go to RSConnect, log in with your Gatorlink username and password
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Textbook: $99.95- $79.96
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Test 1 (Untimed) $44.95 -$35.96
Course Commitment
The class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Student Recreation Center.
Course dates: Thursday, January 15, 2025 – Thursday, March 26, 2025
Course times: 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Mentorship: 1 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 apply for a Group Fitness instructor position with RecSports.
PERSONAL TRAINER PREPARATION COURSE
This Spring semester 12-week personal training certification preparation course will prepare participants for the nationally accredited (NCCA) National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certification Exam. This class consists of educational presentations and hands-on activities related to core fitness areas including: exercise program design, human movement science, assessment of posture and function, liability and risk, nutrition, behavior change, and communication. No prior experience is required.
Live course lectures from RecSports experienced professionals and practical application of content
NASM online video lectures and digital textbook chapters
NASM Certification Exam study materials (practice exams, flashcards, practice activities, templates)
NASM digital library of exercise technique demonstration
Can't make a Zoom session? View the pre-recorded sessions below!
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are accepted during each Fall semester until December 1st of the corresponding term. Applicants can expect to receive a decision within two weeks of the application deadline.
Important Application Info:
In the application you will be asked to upload your most current resume and letter of interest for the course. The Letter of Interest should include any combination of the following:
Why you want to become a Certified Personal Trainer.
Why you are interested in this specific course with UF RecSports.
If you are intending to pursue a position working as a Personal Trainer at UF RecSports.
What value you hope to bring to future clients that you would serve?
What sets you apart from other applicants?
PRICE
Course operating costs: $150 paid directly to Recreational Sports via recsports.ufl.edu
Failure to register with RecSports by January 1st will result in forfeit of roster reservation to other students on the waitlist.
NASM Certification Course and Exam: $519 (with discount code) paid directly to NASM (due before 24 hours before first class of course, or your reserved class spot is forfeited)
UF RecSports has partnered with Kardiya Yoga to offer you a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training. This training is perfect if you’re interested in becoming a yoga instructor or adding a new depth to your personal yoga practice. In this course you will learn to:
Confidently teach a yoga class that is safe, creative, and fun!
Sequence classes and practices that include fluid movement, healthy alignment and skillfully progress from one pose to the next
Develop and celebrate your unique teaching style
Read, discuss and integrate yoga philosophy and explore how it applies to our modern life
Create a lifelong relationship with the science and beauty of human movement — beginning with your own body
Support yourself and your students’ progress with intuitive approaches
Payment plans are available for both the Instructor Training Course and 200 RYT Training
Information Sessions
If you are interested in learning more about this 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, join an upcoming info session: • Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 6:30 – 7:00 pm via Zoom • Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:30 – 7:00 pm via Zoom
Course Details
This course will run one weekend per month from September – April, and upon completion you will be eligible to become a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance. Registration is open now. Register prior to September 1st, 2025 and get $250 off.
