2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

KNS 327 Group Fitness Instructor

This course is designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for a nationally accredited certification exam in group fitness instruction and to enable students to become effective group fitness instructors (GFIs). Topics include guidelines for instructing safe, effective, and purposeful exercise, essentials of the instructor–participant relationship, principles of motivation to encourage adherence in the group fitness setting, effective instructor-to-participant communication techniques, methods for enhancing group leadership, and the GFI’s professional role.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

KNS 217 or BIOL 208

Offered

Spring

Outcomes

  1. Differentiate the role of the GFI from other health and exercise professionals
  2. Prepare and implement exercise programming for the separate elements of a group fitness class
  3. Apply the principles of exercise science, human anatomy, and biomechanics to movement design and exercise instruction
  4. Identify the principles and methods of training for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, and flexibility
  5. Apply various teaching techniques and strategies to enhance exercise instruction in the group fitness setting and create memorable, inclusive movement experiences
  6. Demonstrate effective leadership skills
  7. Recognize the GFI’s role in participant safety, legal issues, and professional responsibility