Are you passionate about fitness? Learn how to teach group exercise and become a certified fitness instructor! UCSD Recreation proudly partners with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to offer this comprehensive program based on home study, workshops, classes, and internship. Here is a little Q&A with one of our most recent Fitness Instructor Graduates, Ria!

Tell us a little about your fitness background before coming to UCSD?

I have always been a mover, just someone who needs exercise! I went through the athlete phase, playing basketball and lacrosse, and then I became a gymnast for several years. After that, it was dance that kept me going as I lived at my dance studio and competed on weekends. However, after realizing that dance would not be my profession, I turned to fitness classes as my physical outlet. I fell in love with boxing, aerial yoga, barre, and pilates. As soon as I turned 18, I got certified in aerial yoga as well as barre and I have been teaching those classes for about a year now!

Why did you decide to take the Fitness Instructor Training Program?

I took the program in order to develop greater knowledge of fitness and the human body. I had already been a teacher for almost a year and felt the need for a general education on the “why’s” of fitness instead of simply knowing how to teach and how to do the movement. I wanted to understand why we need fitness in order to better my own teaching and to share the knowledge with my clients and those I care about.

What were some key takeaways from the program that you have applied?

One thing I realized during my time in the program is just how little I know! I believe I am a great instructor, however I was simply repeating the words of other great instructors. Now that I have completed the program, my own knowledge is what drives my teaching style. My favorite part of the program was learning about human anatomy and nutrition. Even though nutrition tends to not be a subject within our scope of practice, I have always been interested in the subject and it was fantastic to get the opportunity to learn more.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the Recreation FitLife team?

I love being a part of FitLife! Going to different instructor’s classes, I am always welcomed by them and often times, they will help promote my class by making sure their students are aware of my presence and know when I teach. That kind of community building is what makes Recreation such a great fitness team to be a part of. Being a part of the team means being held accountable. I feel like there is a high bar amongst the teachers and that pushes me to keep my knowledge on fitness up to date and always striving to create new classes.

What do you want your fellow students to know about fitness, health, and well-being?

I would love for students to realize that taking a step back from school work, even just for an hour class, will completely change their mindset and bring energy to their day! I realize that when we have breaks, we often want to watch Netflix or just lounge around our suite or apartment, however it is so important to get your heart rate up and take a moment for yourself to exercise. Your health is important, and yes we can all complain about the little resources UCSD seems to provide for student mental health, however a majority of students are simply not taking it upon themselves to add fitness to their daily/weekly routine.

 

Training runs from October 2019 – June 2020. Program fees are:
$450 for UCSD Students ($150/quarter)
$540 for Recreation Members ($180/quarter)
$630 for Community ($210/quarter)
(ACE Group Fitness Certification exam and materials not included.)

Fitness Instructor Training Program Application
For more information please contact Alexia Cervantes at alexia@ucsd.edu