Instructor Training Program

Share your passion for fitness by becoming a Group Exercise Instructor! The goal of this training program is to transform enthusiastic MSU Students into Group Exercise leaders without the cost of a national certification. Successful candidates have the opportunity to teach/lead on-campus classes, delivering fun and enjoyment in every class. Becoming a leader can be life changing for you and the participants who love exercise just like you!

Training Education Practical:  Being a Mentored Instructor Candidate

Upon successful completion of the audition, the Instructor Candidate will work with an assigned mentor in a regularly scheduled Group Exercise class in order to develop in-class leadership skills. 

Length of the mentorship process will be largely dictated by the candidate’s progress in the classroom and can last from 6 weeks to a full semester. Evaluation forms filled out by both mentor and mentee supports and documents progress, with the goal of having the candidate teach at least half of a class by the end of the semester. 

Training Education:  Online Education

In addition to practicing in front of a group, additional educational online modules are a part of the more extensive background information needed for good Instructors to become even better in their craft. Topics will include exercise physiology, basic anatomy, basic nutrition, legal considerations, risk management, and more.  Each module consists of educational information and a quiz.

Assessment / Audition for Employment

A final class assessment and/or audition for employment will be held when the candidate and mentor agree that readiness for teaching has been achieved.  Please note: Employment is not guaranteed to all candidates.  New Instructors might begin as a sub, a co-teacher, or be assigned their own class. 

A Word of Wisdom

BEFORE Committing to the Training Program as a CANDIDATE, carefully consider your current involvement in other activities such as clubs, sororities/fraternities, part time work, study groups, labs and research positions, and other extra-curricular activities.  Your commitment to the process of becoming a leader takes time and effort which is your investment into learning the skills needed to become an exercise leader!