student on gym equipment

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
Cross Training I
Weight Training I
Body Sculpting I
Power Lifting I
Mind-Body Coursework1
Relaxation & Meditation Techniques
Hatha Yoga I
Gentle Yoga I
Vinyasa Flow Yoga I
Pilates I (Mat)
Power Yoga I
Group Exercise Coursework1
Boot Camp Fitness I
Cardio Kickboxing I
Spinning I
Water Aerobics I
Zumba I
Elective Coursework
Select nine credit hours of elective coursework9
Performance Nutrition
Personal Fitness Program
Healthy Eating
Stress Management
Introduction to Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport
Introduction to Sport Management
Introduction to Sport Psychology
Living With Health
First Aid and CPR
Introduction to Sports Marketing
Survey of Human Anatomy and Physiology
Entrepreneurship
Principles of Management
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