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Northern Illinois University

Recreation Services

Get more information! 

Attend one of the following sessions before you sign up to decide if Fitness Instructor Training is for you!

  • Monday, August 31 
    7:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
    Student Recreation Center Meeting Room
  • Wednesday, September 2 
    5:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
    Student Recreation Center Meeting Room

Instructor Training

Join the Recreation Services Team!

Recreation Services hires Group Fitness Instructors each semester on an as-needed basis through an interview and audition process.  If you are already an instructor and would like to teach for Recreation Services, please contact the Assistant Director for Fitness for more information.  Instructor job descriptions can be viewed on our employment page.

Become a Group Fitness Instructor!

Teaching group fitness is fun and rewarding!  Recreation Services offers a semester-long Instructor Training Course for those interested in learning to become a Group Fitness Instructor.  Previous teaching experience is not required, but participation in a variety of group fitness classes like kickboxing, step, etc., is recommended.  Participants must be enthusiastic about group fitness!

About the Course

Instructor Training PhotoLearn the basics of teaching group fitness classes (in all different formats and varieties) in a lecture/workshop and team teaching format.  Upon completion of the program training instructors will be prepared to take a national certification exam.  Successful completion of the program will provide an opportunity to interview and audition for a Recreation Services Group Fitness Instructor position.  This program is only open to current NIU students.

$27* includes the following:

  • 10 hours classroom training and lecture, including materials
  • 10 hours supervised teaching practice
  • 10 hours independent participation in group fitness classes
  • Team teaching in the group fitness program 

*Participants must also purchase an Unlimited Group Fitness Pass for Fall '09 or have an Annual Unlimited Group Fitness Pass for '09-'10.

Dates and Location:

  • Sunday nights, September 20-October 18, 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
  • Additional practical times will be scheduled individually.
  • Student Recreation Center Activity Room 1

How to sign up:

  • Space is limited! Advanced registration required a minimum of one week prior to the start date of the session. 
  • Register online or at the Student Recreation Center Service Counter.
  • Payment is due when signing up. 
  • Recreation Services accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
  • Participants will be contacted via email, following sign up, with specific information about the first training session. 
  • For more information contact the Assistant Director for Fitness at 815-753-9421.