Group Ex

Group Ex offers two different types of student jobs. 

Obtaining and maintaining Adult CPR plus AED certification is required for both positions.

1) Instructor

2) Class Manager

Please see the information below for each specific position.

The role of a Group Exercise/Fitness Instructor is to lead a group of participants through a series of movements and exercises using music as the basis of rhythmic exercise. Instructors can lead many forms/formats of fitness activities and a wide variety of exercise formats for participants to choose from is one of the goals of RecSports in meeting the needs of registered students, faculty, and staff.

Group Exercise/Fitness Instructors are required to complete training appropriate for the exercise format they wish to teach, and/or successfully pass an audition. Training can be completed in-house through the RecSports Department or acquired thru a nationally recognized organization. If appropriate, a newer Instructor may be assigned a co-teaching position in order to gain practical skills in leading a class before being assigned their own class.

Group Exercise/Fitness Instructors will be trained and provided with the means to succeed at their job. A Group Exercise Instructor must have:

  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities and adaptability at the front of a class making each session fun and enjoyable while motivating participants.
  • Demonstrated ability to move rhythmically to the beat of the music (when appropriate for the exercise format) including the ability to incorporate optimal usage of cueing, tempo, choreography, and safe transitional movements from one pattern to another.
  • Creativity and planning skills for combinations/exercises to be taught within the parameters of the format.
  • Adaptability to the needs of the participants by changing an exercise when participants are not successful in mastering what is presented, coaching individuals and the group to do their best, and putting safety first.
  • A suitable degree of energy and endurance to complete each fitness class successfully.  It is recommended that Instructors include one additional workout in addition to their regular weekly schedule of Group Exercise classes in order to maintain proper endurance and energy for the role.
  • A basic working knowledge of human anatomy, kinesiology, and training principles ==or== Completion of KIN 202 to acquire the educational background needed to become a more skilled and knowledgeable instructor. 
  • Respecting the limits of your training.  Each individual brings a different level of education and skill to the position, and every individual is not an expert in every area.  It is critical to know the limits of your expertise, redirecting individuals to other campus services and resources when appropriate.

Group Exercise Instructors will also be required to know and fulfill general employment responsibilities associated with being a RecSports Staff person. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Arrive early to each fitness session/class, at least 10-12 minutes before the start time to prep, set-up, and greet participants.
  • Meet participants before and after class to answer questions and maintain a positive exercise experience.
  • Record attendance numbers for every class.
  • Communicate with the supervisor when unsafe conditions occur or report equipment in need of repair. 
  • Attend all required staff meetings and complete all required trainings by the department and by MSU in a timely manner.  Continued employment is based on meeting this criteria.
    • Certification in Adult CPR / AED is required.  This training will be provided at no charge to staff 2-3 times per year. 
    • Certification in Group Exercise/Fitness from a national organization is highly encouraged but is not required.
  • Provide legally purchased music appropriate for the exercise format. Music must fall within the guidelines of Michigan State University and cannot contain foul language to any degree, cannot discriminate against any group in lyrics or intent, and conforms to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) standards of the University. You can read more about DEI here.
  • Sub whenever possible.  Things change, and flexibility and adaptability are key components in a successful program and in building a strong resume. RecSports participates in My Spartan Story** which gives documentation to experience outside the academic classroom. 
  • Create a welcoming and positive experience for staff and participants through great customer service!!

  ** My Spartan Story is an interactive platform that captures MSU student experiences outside of the classroom. These co-curricular activities can include, but are not limited to: leadership programs, student employment, research positions, internships, service-learning, and civic engagement opportunities.  Read more about it here.

 


The position of Class Manager is primarily a Customer Service position linked to the Group Exercise program.  This position is responsible for checking ID’s of participants in order to allow a participant into a Group Exercise class.  This position requires an amazing ability to smile and be welcoming, while at the same time, being firm and enforcing policy.  University Group Exercise/Fitness classes are available for registered students, faculty, and staff at MSU, and are not open to the surrounding community. In this controlled access situation, an employee enforces that policy with grace and diplomacy.  Responsibilities include:

  • Responsible for unlocking/opening door to studio/workout space at least 15 minutes before start time of class, and stay/close the room after the last participant leaves.
  • Room preparation and re-set may be required because some classes are held outside of RecSports facilities (Neighborhood based classes).
  • Confirm ID of every participant (student, faculty, or staff) for entry to class. Details of this procedure will be reviewed during staff orientation and training sessions.
  • Record attendance (head count) for class and report it.  This process will also be covered in training sessions.  Revisions to the process may occur during the year, and Class Manager staff are responsible for staying informed.
  • Refilling sanitizer wipes as needed.
  • Reporting breakdowns of equipment as they occur.
  • Support the Instructor leading the class and the needs of that person.  The two-person team of Instructor and Class Manager is an important relationship to build and maintain.
  • Adapt to changing needs and situations that may occur.  This requires staff to be resourceful and work singularly or in small teams to achieve the goal of a successful class.
  • Attend all required staff meetings and complete all required trainings by the department and by MSU in a timely manner.  Continued employment is based on meeting this criteria.
    • Certification in Adult CPR / AED is required.  This training will be provided at no charge to staff 2-3 times per year. 
  • Sub whenever possible.  Things change, and flexibility and adaptability are key components in a successful program and in building a strong resume. RecSports participates in My Spartan Story** which gives documentation to experience outside the academic classroom.  
  • Create a welcoming and positive experience for staff and participants through great customer service!!

 ** My Spartan Story is an interactive platform that captures MSU student experiences outside of the classroom. These co-curricular activities can include, but are not limited to: leadership programs, student employment, research positions, internships, service-learning, and civic engagement opportunities.  Read more about it here.