Instructor Training & Certification Courses
What Fitness Professional Path is the Right One for You??
| Category | Group Fitness Instructor | Yoga Instructor | Personal Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credential Needed | Certified Group Fitness Instructor | Registered Yoga Teacher | Certified Personal Trainer |
| Certifying Agency Options | AFAA / ACE | Yoga Alliance | NASM / NSCA |
| RecSports Training Course | Group Fitness Instructor Training Course (AFAA) | Kardiya Yoga Teacher Training (Yoga Alliance) | Personal Trainer Prep Course (NASM) |
| Semester Offered | Spring | Fall–Spring | Spring |
| Class Schedule | Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30–5:00 p.m. |
One weekend per month (Friday–Sunday) |
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30–5:00 p.m. |
| Mentorship Cost | $0 | N/A | $0 |
| RecSports Course Cost | $170 | ~$2,750–$2,850 | $170 |
| Certification Exam Cost | $249 | Included in training / N/A | $299 |
| What Can I Teach at RecSports? | Cardio: Run & Stretch Club, GatoROX Strength: Total Body, Lower Body Burn, Abs, Arms & Core, Abs, Booty & Core, GatoROX Mind/Body: Yogalates, Pilates Fusion Dance: Hip Hop Cardio, Dance Choreo, Line Dancing, Latin Dance |
Vinyasa Yoga, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, Yogalates | Personal Trainer, Buddy Personal Trainer, CHANGES Coach, Wellness Associate, Group Fitness Premium Coach |
| Estimated Cost if Completed Externally (Self-Study + Certification) | ~$588 | ~$3,000–$5,000 | ~$1,000 |
Know which path is the one for you already?
Here is some 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 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.