Program Overview

Practical Training for Fitness Instructors

Course Description

This course is designed for training personal fitness and/or group exercise leaders as they gain practical experience with exercise instruction to various populations.

Course Details

• Course Code: COM HLT X 451.1
• Availability: Typically available in Fall
• Course Length: 3 quarters

What You Can Learn

• Explore how to execute various exercises using a variety of equipment
• Observe and shadow trainers and fitness instructors
• Practice teaching exercise to others while receiving feedback in a safe, supportive environment

About This Course

Bring your knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to life by learning the basic equation for all exercise instruction, keys to effective exercise demonstration, the art of various cueing techniques, safety and precision of fitness-testing administration, and fundamentals of exercise progression. Gain practical exercise instruction experience while you practice these skills in a safe, supportive environment with the opportunity for feedback. This course trains you to be a personal fitness trainer and/or group exercise leader who works with mainstream populations and addresses training special populations.

Exercise Genres Covered

• Selectorized equipment
• Cable equipment
• Free weights
• Body weight exercises
• Basic powerlifting techniques
• Kettlebells
• Plyometrics and sports conditioning
• Basic mat Pilates and core training
• Popular cardio machines
• Walking
• Running
• Stretching/flexibility
• Other small equipment (medicine balls, foam rollers, Dyna Discs, gliding discs, Bosu balls, stability balls, tubing and resistance bands, etc.)

Course Structure

• Wednesday lectures cover concept review and test prep
• Friday classes are for practical training and concepts
• Participants observe and shadow trainers and fitness instructors, then teach others in a supervised setting with the opportunity for feedback

Student Population

UCLA Extension students will be taking the course alongside UCLA students.