Become a Group Fitness Instructor

Recreational Sports holds interviews for Group Fitness Instructors once a year in the spring. Individuals do not have to have a national fitness certification in order to be hired as a Group Fitness Instructor at the Student Recreation Center. However, once hired, Fitness Instructors-in-Training must obtain a national Group Fitness Instructor Certification within 6 months of the date they start work with Rec Sports. The Rec Sports in-house Group Fitness Instructor Training Course prepares students to take a national Group Fitness Instructor Exam. Students that have not taken the Group Fitness Instructor Training Course when they are hired in the spring will be required to take it in the fall while on staff. Find out more information about the Group Fitness Instructor Training Course 

Once hired, Instructors will be considered "Fitness Instructors-In-Training" and will team-teach classes with returning Instructors until they are ready to teach classes on their own. Instructors hired in Spring 2012 can begin teaching classes in Summer or Fall 2012.

Spring 2012 Interview/Audition Process

Step 1: Complete the general Recreational Sports application (application no longer available- deadine was March 19)

Step 2: Complete the Group Fitness Instructor application online (application no longer available- deadine was March 19)

Step 3: Attend the Group Fitness Instructor Info Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28th at 7:00pm in the Rec Center Conference Room

Step 4: Attend Recreational Sports Hiring Day- Saturday, March 24th, 9:00am-12:30pm. Online applications due by March 19, 2012 at 12:00pm.

Step 5: Instructor Auditions- Thursday, March 29th, 4-6pm in the Rec Center Multipurpose Studio. All those who successfully pass Hiring Day on March 24th will be invited to Instructor auditions.

Step 6: Instructor Interviews- Friday, March 30th- all day. Those who successfully pass the audition process will be invited to interview with the Group Fitness Staff's Hiring Committee.

 Instructor Audition Practice Sessions

 Practice sessions will be held prior to auditions to let students know what to expect and how to best prepare for the tryouts. It is not required that everyone interested in auditioning attend all of the practice sessions. However, at least 1-2 practice sessions are recommended. It is also recommended that all interested students attend a variety of group fitness classes at the William and Mary Student Recreation Center before auditioning.

No advanced sign-ups necessary. Just show up.

Tuesday, March 13th, 7-8pm- Rec Center, Multipurpose Studio (downstairs)

Sunday, March 18th, 3:30-4:20pm- Rec Center, Multipurpose Studio (downstairs)

Tuesday, March 20th, 7-8pm- Rec Center, Multipurpose Studio (downstairs)

Sunday, March 25th, 3:30-4:20pm- Rec Center, Multipurpose Studio (downstairs)

Contact Kelsey Hutcheson with questions: [[knhutc]] or 221-7413.

Group Fitness Instructor Job Description

Fitness Instructors are responsible for leading safe and effective fitness classes for the Recreational Sports Department. They are to design enjoyable classes that encourage participation and educate patrons on the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyles. Fitness Instructors must demonstrate a positive commitment to the mission and goals of the Recreational Sports Fitness Program.  Instructors are required to work with the Fitness Instructors-in-Training, and are encouraged to be involved with Instructor Training Sessions.

Expectations & Responsibilities

• Become nationally certified within 6 months of being on the Rec Sports Staff
• Complete the Group Fitness Instructor Training Course in the fall
• Attend weekly Group Fitness Instructor meetings-Tuesdays @ 9:00pm
• Attend the Rec Sports Staff Training once/semester the day before school starts
• Attend all workshops and special events that are designated as mandatory by the Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellness.
• Arrive ON TIME to all meetings, workshops, training sessions and special events
• Maintain current CPR, First Aid, AED and national group fitness instructor certifications.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest health and fitness trends. Continue your knowledge and education by attending workshops, presentations, expos, conferences, etc. to earn continuing education credits.
• Maintain open and frequent communication with the Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellness, the Graduate Assistant and your co-workers and return all emails and calls in a timely manner.
• Follow Rec Center rules and guidelines including equipment use and dress code.
• Abide by the honor code.
• Design and lead safe and effective group fitness classes.
• Report to work at least 10 minutes prior to class. Have a class format prepared, bring music if needed, water, and other items you may need during class.
• Keep a staff contact/phone list and know how to get in touch with all of the Fitness Instructors.
• Stay up-to-date with all staff special events and programs so that you can describe them to participants.