Become a Group Fitness Instructor
Learn how to become a UConn Rec Group Fitness Instructor!
How to Become a Group Fitness Instructor:
1. Apply
Applications open September 17 and are due by September 24.
Group Fitness hires in Fall semester only. Candidates then participate in our Instructor training during Spring semester.
2. Interview
After you’ve applied, be on the lookout for an email to schedule your first interview.
Prospective group fitness instructors must pass two rounds of interviews and a 3–5-minute audition of the format you’re interested in teaching.
3. GFIT Program
You are now an Instructor-in-Training, employed through UConn Recreation.
Participate in our 10-week in-house training course,
Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT)
4. Pass Final Audition
Following GFIT, you must pass a 30-min. audition of the format you are getting certified in
Note: some certifications also require a test to complete the process
Once completed, you are officially a UConn Rec Group Fitness Instructor!
What is GFIT?
GFIT is our Group Fitness Instructor Training Program. This 10-week intensive training course occurs each Spring and provides you with the knowledge, skills, and practical application necessary to lead group fitness classes.
You will learn the basic principles of exercise science and group fitness instruction, and students will be trained in preparation for obtaining one of the following National Accredited Fitness Certifications:
- AFAA® Group Fitness
- Spinning®
- Zumba®
Throughout the course of your training and employment with UConn Recreation, you will receive hands-on instruction, evaluative feedback, and peer-to-peer mentoring to help you grow and develop into a fitness professional.
All new student fitness instructors must complete our in-house training program, GFIT, prior to being hired.
Instructor Training FAQ
Does every student make it into GFIT?
Our Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT) program is highly competitive, and any student interested will need to pass 3 interviews in the Fall prior to being accepted - the final interview being a 3–5-minute audition of the intended format you are looking to be certified in.
What if I am interested in teaching a different format other than AFAA® Group Fitness, Spinning®, or Zumba®?
Our Group Fitness Instructor Training (GFIT) course is tailored to those obtaining either AFAA® Group Fitness, Spinning®, or Zumba®. Our student instructors are able to obtain an additional certification once they complete GFIT, become certified, and are hired with UConn Recreation.
I am already certified in either AFAA® Group Fitness, Spinning®, or Zumba®; can I apply to teach?
You may apply but employment is not guaranteed.
I am certified to teach Yoga or Pilates; can I apply to teach?
Yoga and Pilates require a certain amount of training hours to be completed prior to being a certified Yoga or Pilates instructor. If you have gone through the these hours of training, you can apply to teach with UConn Recreation. Those certified in Yoga and/or Pilates will need to go through 2 interviews to be considered.