University Recreation will be offering a 10-week not-for-credit course during which students will develop the knowledge base and skills to become an effective, safe, and fun group fitness instructor. Students will be learning from the curriculum of the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor preparation course.

This course will include the fundamentals of teaching various group fitness formats including cardio, strength, dance, mind/body, and cycle. This prep course is designed to better prepare participants interested in becoming a nationally certified group fitness instructor. The course will meet once per week for two hours, devoting the class time to lecture and practical instruction. Topics will include: basic anatomy and exercise physiology, nutritional considerations, flexibility concepts, and training concepts specific to various formats of group fitness.

This course does not certify individuals as group fitness instructors or guarantee employment with UREC. At the completion of the course, participants will have the opportunity to audition to teach group fitness classes for UREC. Individuals wishing to become certified at the completion of the course will be informed how to register for a group fitness certification. Those participating in this course will also receive a discounted rate to register for the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Instructor certification. Participants will also receive the following materials with their registration fee: ACE Group Fitness Instructor Manual, ACE's Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals, Master the Manual, and a Sample Test.

Course times and dates are 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 4 through April 15. Cost is $150 for students, $200 for UREC members and $250 for non-members.

To register, visit UREC main office in HPER 225, the UREC Fitness Center in the Arkansas Union or online at the UREC Member Services page.

For more information contact Casey Fant at cfant@uark.edu or 575-3542.