Overview
Campus Recreational Services offers a fitness training program for students, faculty/staff, and community members that are interested in becoming a personal trainer and/or group fitness instructor. The Fitness Trainer Course is a preparation course, designed to prepare participants for nationally accredited certification exams to become a certified personal trainer or group fitness instructor. This preparatory course aligns with The American Council on Exercise (ACE) curriculum. No previous experience required.
The Fitness Trainer Course lasts 12-weeks, consisting of 30+ hours of both academic-based and hands-on training. Program topics include but not limited to:
- Basic Anatomy
- Fundamentals of Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Progressions
- Safety and Cueing
- Injury Prevention
- Risk Management
- Specialty class instruction
At the conclusion of the academic-based portion of the course, trainees will complete a written exam to assess learning outcomes.
*Optional: Those interested in working for Campus Recreational Services and score 80% or higher are eligible for an interview. The fitness program will schedule formal interviews and practical assessments/auditions as part of the hiring process.
Course Dates
Cost and Location
Cost
- NSHE Students (UNLV, CSN): $50
- Faculty/Staff and Community Members: $200
Location
Student Recreation and Wellness Center Meeting Rooms (Across from Student Health Center)
Course Options
Become a Personal Trainer
In addition to the basic fundamentals discussed above, the Personal Trainer option includes information related to HIPAA, legalities in the health and fitness industry, and motivational theory. Trainees will learn practical skills that include fitness assessments based on the five components of fitness, exercise program design, and small group training. Trainees will receive and train a mock client for five personal training sessions.
Become a Group Fitness Instructor
In addition to the basic fundamentals discussed above, the Group Fitness Instructor option includes applied, practical understanding of the key concepts within group fitness. Trainees will learn practical skills to instruct various class types including: strength, mind/body, dance, and HIIT. Each trainee will have the option to choose their preferred class type. Trainees will be matched with a veteran instructor in the Group Fitness program in order to shadow and apply the academic and hands-on skills needed to instruct a class.
Reasons to Become a Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor
- Educate people on how to live a healthier lifestyle.
- Make your own lifestyle into a career, or supplement your current income with something you enjoy.
- Educate and demonstrate to people what the body is capable of.
- Make a positive impact on people's’ lives.
Please note the following regarding the completion of the Fitness Training Course:
- It does not automatically result in employment.
- It does not result in obtaining a fitness certification. The course does provide trainees with fundamental knowledge necessary to begin studying for a National Certification Exam.
- No refunds.
Contact Information
Cindy Engle
Program Coordinator for Fitness
702-774-7126
cindy.engle@unlv.edu
srwc.fitness@unlv.edu
Mackenta Vincent
Program Coordinator for Group Fitness
702-774-7125
mackenta.vincent@unlv.edu
srwcgroupfitness@unlv.edu