Certifications
UREC is proud to host nationally accredited certifications in a variety of areas including group fitness and personal training. Special interest classes and programs are also offered periodically throughout the year.
Spring 2023 dates
January 31st - April 11th, 2023
- Time: Tuesday's from 3:30-5:30pm
- Cost: $50.00 for Students, $75.00 for UREC members
- Registration: Online at the UREC Member Portal.
- Registration packet: ACE Prep Course registration packet
This 10-week training course to develop individuals knowledge and skills to become a group fitness instructor. The course will provide participants with curriculum and materials consisting of powerpoint presentations, lectures, interactive group activities, and practical programming/training for the American Council on Exercise Group Fitness Certification.
Spring 2023 dates
February 8 - April 1, 2023
- Time: Wednesday's from 2:45-5:15pm
- Cost: $50.00 for Students, $75.00 for UREC members
- Registration: Online at the UREC Member Portal
- Registration packet: ACE Prep Course registration packet
Come learn how to structure, prepare, and teach an indoor cycle class on UREC's Schwinn bikes. Class is open to those interested in teaching for UREC. There are only 10 spots available, so please make sure to contact Aryn ahead of time to register and save a spot!
- When: February 10th
- Time: 1-3pm
- Where: UREC Cycle Studio (1st floor of the HPER)
- Who: University of Arkansas students
- Cost: FREE
- Registration: Aryn Chambliss atchambl@uark.edu
How do I become a group fitness instructor for UREC?
- There are 2 options for becoming a group fitness instructor at UREC. You may enroll in the ACE Group Fitness Prep Course offered in the Spring, which will prepare you to pass the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam and will provide you with experience teaching to a group of individuals. The other option is to gain a group fitness certification of your choosing and interview and audition with the graduate assistant for group fitness.
Where can I get a group fitness certification?
- Group fitness certifications are offered both online and in-person. The 5 most common group fitness certifications are obtained through ACE, ACSM, AFAA, ISSA, or NETA.
How can I become a barre instructor?
- UREC barre instructors must be certified to teach barre. Some barre certifications include Barre Above, IBBFA, and Barre Intensity. Other barre certifications are offered and work as well.
How can I become a Zumba instructor?
- UREC Zumba instructors must be certified to teach Zumba. Zumba trainings and certifications must be up to date.
How can I become a yoga instructor at UREC?
- There are 2 options for becoming a yoga instructor at UREC. Instructors may have a 200 hour Yoga Teacher training and certification or may have a Yoga Fit 1 certification in some cases with an outstanding interview and audition. Some of the most common yoga certifications are obtained through Yoga Fit, The Kaivalya Yoga Method, YogaRenew, and My Vinyasa Practice. Other yoga trainings and certifications are offered and work as well.
Do I have to be a student at the University of Arkansas to teach for UREC?
- You do not have to be a student at the University of Arkansas to teach for UREC.
Who should I contact if I am interested in teaching for UREC?
- Casey Fant, the Assistant Director for Fitness/Wellness at cfant@uark.edu or Aryn Chambliss, the Coordinator for Group Fitness at atchambl@uark.edu
