University Recreation to Hold Group Fitness Certification Courses

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University Recreation is looking for certified instructors to help offer over 100 classes per week to the University of Arkansas campus. During the spring 2014 semester, UREC will host non-credit courses and a variety of certifications for potential group fitness instructors.

Group Fitness Prep Course is a six-week not-for-credit course during which students will develop the knowledge base and skills to become an effective, safe, and fun group fitness instructor.  Students will learn the fundamentals of teaching various group fitness formats including cardio, strength, dance, mind/body, and cycle. This course was designed to better prepare participants interested in becoming a nationally certified group fitness instructor. The course will meet Wednesdays, Feb. 26 to April 9, devoting the class time to lecture and practical instruction. Topics will include: basic anatomy and exercise physiology, nutritional considerations, flexibility concepts, and training concepts specific to various formats of group fitness.

The Group Fitness Prep course does not certify individuals as group fitness instructors or guarantee employment with UREC. This non-credit course is open to UREC members and University of Arkansas alumni members. 

UREC offers several nationally accredited certifications every semester that are also open to the community for enrollment. YogaFit Level 1 training will be held on Feb. 22-23, INSANITY certification on Saturday, April 5, and AFAA Primary Group Fitness Instructor on Saturday, April 19. Find out more about these certifications.

“Approximately 75 percent of our group fitness classes at UREC are taught by University of Arkansas students,” said Casey Fant, fitness programs coordinator for UREC.  

“Offering a variety of certifications each year allows students to explore other opportunities outside of their major. They are also able to maintain their certifications and take these skills with them after they leave the university,” said Fant.

All instructors interested in teaching for University Recreation are required to hold a nationally accredited certification.  All potential instructors must go through an interview process.  The interview consists of an audition, in which the potential instructor teaches a 15-20 minute version of the class format they would like to teach.  Upon hire, instructors should be able to team-teach or begin teaching classes dependent upon their previous instructing experience and audition. 

Group Fitness Prep Course

• Course Dates:  Wednesdays, Feb. 26 to April 9 – no class will be held during Spring Break
• Times: Mondays, 2-4 p.m.
  
• Cost: $60
• To register visit UREC offices in HPER 225 or the UREC Fitness Center, located in the Union.

YogaFit Level 1

• Course Dates: Saturday, Feb. 22, to Sunday, Feb. 23
• Times: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $450
• To register visit www.YogaFit.com

INSANITY

• Course Date: Saturday, April 5
• Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $249.00
• To register visit www.insanitycertification.com

• Course Date: Saturday, April 19
  
• Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: $224.25
• To register visit: www.afaa.com

For more information contact Casey Fant at cfant@uark.edu or 575-3542