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.
Summer 2025
May 26 through July 28
- Personal Training Prep Course this summer! 🌟
- Location: 100% Virtual – No need to be in Fayetteville!
- Perks: - Discounted study materials through ACE - Access to chapter PowerPoints & instructional videos -
- Connect with UREC and kickstart your fitness career!
- Top students may be offered interviews to become UREC Personal Trainers after the course! (This course does not take place of a certification but prepares students for their ACE test, test and texbook sold seperately but discounted for prep course students)
- Cost: $50.00 for Students, $75.00 for UREC members
- Registration: Online at the UREC Member Portal.
- Questions: Laurie Campbell lc082@uark.edu
The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Course prepares you to understand the role of a group fitness instructor, key considerations, designing a class, strategies for coaching a successful class, hands on experience and passing the nationally recognized ACE Fitness Exam. Materials and instruction is guided by ACE university providing practical experience and knowledge to become a Group Fitness Instructor. Registration for Spring 2025 course in Closed.
Spring 2025 Dates
February 26 through April 30 (8-10 classes)
- Time: 1:30 pm -3:30 pm -- we can be flexible with in person/virtual
- Cost: $50.00 for Students, $75.00 for UREC members
- Location: UREC Fitness Center ARKU, 2nd Floor
- Registration: Online at the UREC Member Portal
- Questions: Laurie Campbell lc082@uark.edu
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. Reach out to lc082@uark, Laurie Campbell for questions.
- When: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: Morning & Afternoon Opportunities
- Where: UREC Cycle Studio (1st floor of the HPER)
- Who: University of Arkansas students
- Cost: FREE
- Registration: email - lc082@uark.edu
- Registration Deadline: April 10, 2025
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?
- Laurie Campbell, the Assistant Director for Fitness at lc082@uark.edu