student on gym equipment

Fitness Instructor, Certificate

The Fitness Instructor certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive background in kinesiology and exercise programming that leads to a nationally accredited personal training and/or group fitness certification. 

Once certified as a personal trainer and/or group fitness instructor, students are eligible for employment at local health clubs, community centers, park districts, and other fitness-related facilities.

For more information about Physical Education, Fitness, and Sports Studies, please visit the program page.

Certificate Requirements

Field of Study Code: PHYS.CER.FITN

Program Requirements
PHYS 2258The Science of Nutrition3
PHYS 2261Applied Kinesiology3
PHYS 2263Fitness Instructor Training3
Select one course from each of the following areas:
Resistance Training Coursework1
PHYS 1141
Cross Training I
PHYS 1171
Weight Training I
PHYS 1184
Body Sculpting I
PHYS 1191
Power Lifting I
Mind-Body Coursework1
PHYS 1778
Relaxation & Meditation Techniques
PHYS 1901
Hatha Yoga I
PHYS 1904
Gentle Yoga I
PHYS 1908
Vinyasa Flow Yoga I
PHYS 1911
Pilates I (Mat)
PHYS 1921
Power Yoga I
Group Exercise Coursework1
PHYS 1123
Boot Camp Fitness I
PHYS 1131
Cardio Kickboxing I
PHYS 1181
Spinning I
PHYS 1421
Water Aerobics I
PHYS 1603
Zumba I
Elective Coursework
Select nine credit hours of elective coursework9
PHYS 1500
Performance Nutrition
PHYS 1555
Personal Fitness Program
PHYS 1554
Healthy Eating
PHYS 1556
Stress Management
PHYS 2200
Introduction to Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport
PHYS 2202
Introduction to Sport Management
PHYS 2240
Introduction to Sport Psychology
PHYS 2251
Living With Health
PHYS 2254
First Aid and CPR
PHYS 2270
Introduction to Sports Marketing
ANAT 1500
Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology
BUSIN 1161
Entrepreneurship
MANAG 2210
Principles of Management
MARKE 2210
Principles of Marketing
Total Credits21
1

Elective coursework can be a combination of lecture and activity classes.  This includes activity classes listed in the required section (not already taken as a requirement) and/or approved by a faculty advisor.  Only two additional activity classes can be taken as part of the elective coursework. 

Electives