Instructor Training & Certification Courses
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 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 AR2
- Group 1: 4:00 – 5:00pm
- Group 2: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
- Friday, November 14, 2025 at Southwest Rec AR2
- 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
- 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.
Pricing
RecSports Group Fitness Instructor Training Course pricing:
- $170.00 fees-paying students
- $220.00 non-students
ACE Packages, Materials and Certification Pricing:
- Choose a package, that includes online training dashboard, textbook, quizzes, and certification exam:
- Basic: $235 – $285; Plus: $325 – $375; or Advantage: $415 – $465
- Access may also be purchased individually:
- Certification Exam only $199 - $249.00
- 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.