Fitness Instructor Training Series
The Fitness Instructor Training Series (FITS) prepares aspiring fitness instructors for the TeXercise instructor audition process, the AFAA Group Exercise Instructor Exam, and to teach their own fitness class. Please note that this training series will take place in person and virtually. This series is open to currently enrolled UT students.
What can you expect to accomplish in FITS?
- Explore different formats, including but not limited to Cycle, Step, Kickboxing, and Total Strength.
- Learn the essentials of exercise, including anatomy, kinesiology, and exercise physiology.
- Understand the 32-count and how to apply it to an exercise setting.
- Master class flow and design for two specific formats that you will select from the following: Cycle, Step, Cardio KickBoxing, Pilates Mat, all types of strength, Tabata, Zumba, and Cardio Dance.
- Complete a 6-8 week mentorship with an experienced instructor.
- Gain tips for improving as a new instructor and continued education.
- Guaranteed TeXercise Instructor audition upon successful completion of the series.
Please note: Yoga, Aqua Fit, and F45 Training are not taught in this course, as specific training is needed for those formats.
Testimonial
"The Fitness Instructor Training Series is a great way to learn different formats and discover new ones you may enjoy teaching. I knew walking into the course I wanted to teach strength, BUT I walked out confident in teaching strength, step, and cardio dance. In the class, your mentors will slowly help you build and design your weekly classes. It is also a great way to practice teaching and cueing without the pressure of an actual class. Therefore, I would highly recommend FITS to anyone wanting to be a Group Fitness Instructor because in-person practice is a much more valuable experience than learning online. This course has not only prepared me to work for RecSports but made working in other places that much easier. This is truly the best team on campus!"
- Stephanie Brown, AFAA-Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Series Details
- Dates: Sept. 24-Nov. 12 (8 weeks)
- Class Day: Sundays
- Cycle Workshop: Oct. 1, 11am-1pm
- Time: 1-4pm
- Location: Gregory Gym Studio South
Cost
- UT Student: $350
Payment plans are available upon request.
The registration fee includes online resources, exam, re-test, physical textbook, in-class instruction, discounted American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA Certification, discounted AFAA Pilates Specialty Certification, RecSports membership (if applicable), and complimentary TeXercise All-Access Pass for the duration of the course.
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, Sept. 6
How to Register
- If you do not already have a UT EID, please create one UT EID and password using the UT EID Self-Service Tool. You will need a UT EID to access to RecSports Online store and register for this course.
- Log into the RecSports Online Store to register and pay for the course.
Refund/Cancellation Policy:
- Participants are eligible to request a full refund until the close of registration.
- No refunds will be issued beyond the first day of class.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time will I be expected to commit to this course?
In total, expect to spend about eight hours per week on the course. You will meet with the rest of the participants three hours per week in person. On average, you will meet for two hours outside of class with a mentor. Reading, asynchronous lectures, studying, and class assignments will take approximately two hours per week, depending on your pace.
What happens if I miss a class?
All assignments, readings, and lectures will be available at any time. You will not be able to make up content from the practical session that takes place on Sundays. Although you are not taking this course for a letter grade, missing classes and failing to complete assignments will limit your ability to work as an instructor at RecSports; it will not appear on your transcripts.
What is an instructor mentorship?
We will pair you with one of our experienced RecSports instructors to observe the class and then get experience teaching small sections of the class in front of participants. Example outline below:
- Class #1: Observation of your mentor teaching class
- Class #2: Mentee teaches the Warm-Up Segment
- Class #3: Mentee teaches Warm-Up and Cool-Down Segment
- Class #4: Mentee teaches 15 minutes of the Workout Segment
- Class #5: Mentee teaches 30 minutes of the Workout Segment
- Class #6: Mentee teaches 45 minutes of the Workout Segment
- Class #7: Mentee instructs the full class
Can I be hired as an instructor at RecSports or elsewhere upon successfully passing my certification exam?
This course will prepare you to earn the internationally recognized, accredited AFAA-Group Fitness certification. Becoming certified allows you to work as an instructor at RecSports and nearly all fitness centers, gyms, and similar facilities throughout the country. Certification is a requirement for employment at RecSports but does not guarantee employment. Upon completion of the course, you are guaranteed an audition for the Group Fitness Instructor position. Learn more about the audition process.
Will this course impact my GPA at UT?
No, this course is not taken for academic credit. We use some of the same tools as your academic course, but you will not receive a grade, nor will it impact your GPA.