Training Opportunities
YMCA Group Exercise Instructor Training and Development Program
Course information:
Instructor Training and Development Program, YMCA of the
Class Schedule: (See full schedule) October 3 – December 12, Fridays 5:00-8:00pm
*Class does not meet week of Thanksgiving
*Class on October 3rd will be 5-9pm for the first certification course (one extra hour)
*Class on October 24th will be from 4-7pm at YMCA-North (starts an hour earlier)
YMCA – La Crosse Room 207 or Fitness Studio
*Class will be held at YMCA-North facility and Logistics Health Inc. each one session
Instructor Information: Rachel Hazuga, BS. CSCS
YMCA –
YMCA Certified Trainer of Healthy Lifestyle Principles, Foundations of Group Exercise, and Cardio and Step
rhazuga@laxymca.org, 608-782-9622 ext 229
Lisa Elsinger, MEd
YMCA Health and Wellness Certified Instructor Trainer and Group Exercise Program Faculty
608-483-2883
Guest instructors: TBA (see schedule)
Text/Study Guide material: ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual, ACE's manual for step and traditional aerobics, YMCA Cardio and Step manual
Course Description:
Have you ever thought about becoming a Group Exercise Instructor and did not know where to get started? The La Crosse Area Family YMCA has a Group Exercise Instructor Training and Development Program to help you succeed. This program consists of classroom hours and hands-on time in the fitness studio. Within the 10 week class you will learn musicality, choreography, cueing and other teaching basics to become a successful group exercise instructor. The classroom sessions will help you gain the necessary background and knowledge of exercise and sport science. Classroom topics will cover YMCA of the USA Certification material and you will receive three YMCA nationally recognized certifications: Healthy Lifestyle Principles, Foundations of Group Exercise and Cardio & Step Instructor Certification.
Remember that no specific major/background
that is required. We
are looking for individuals with passion, enthusiasm,
communication skills and basic knowledge of group exercise,
along with dedication to our YMCA core values and
professionalism.
***It is recommended that you are a proficient participant of
group exercise classes in cardio and step.
Purpose: To gain knowledge and skills to become a group exercise instructor.
Course Objectives
Ø Understand the YMCA and its mission.
Ø Learn about YMCA Health and Fitness programs and leadership opportunities.
Ø Understand the components of a healthy lifestyle and basic physical activity recommendations and guidelines.
Ø Learn safety and liability guidelines.
Ø Understand factors related to member service, exercise motivation, and leadership qualities for the group exercise instructor.
Ø Understand the importance of following proper physiological and scientific principles in designing and conducting group exercise programs.
Ø Understand the structure and components of a properly designed group exercise class as well as cardio and step aerobics classes.
Ø Learn general skills required to teach a group exercise class as well as cardio and step aerobics classes.
Ø Learn how to choreograph basic cardio and step aerobics exercise patterns.
Ø To have practical experience in exercise technique and in learning cardio and step exercise skills and techniques.
Course Evaluation:
Ø Written exam: Foundations of Group Exercise
Ø Practical exam: Cardio and Step combination
o (written and practical exams start 12/8-12/12 – sign up for testing time)
Outside Class time:
Ø Attend at least one cardio or step class per week (fill out observation sheet and be prepared to share on Fridays)
Ø Attend one other class of choice per week on top of a cardio/step class.
Ø Exercise Topic Classroom Presentation (10-minute presentation of research on topic in your area of interest)
o Typed 2 page summary of presentation and reference page emailed to instructor – all summaries will be combined and emailed to all other participants for increased knowledge and application
o This is not an in-depth research study, but rather an opportunity to locate resources and share information on a specific fitness-related interest
Ø Fitness Studio Group Presentation
o Assigned 1 of 4 workout components: Warm-up, cool-down, cardio workout, strength
o 10 minute, group taught combination/routine