Specialty Fitness Programs
University Recreation at Western Michigan University offers a variety of specialty programs to help you get started on your fitness journey. The programs range from one-on-one personal training to specialized weight training classes. If you are interested in obtaining a personalized work out plan, please visit our personal training page. For more information about our specialty programs, contact our Graduate Assistant for Fitness Taylor Jackson at (269) 387-2044 or @email
Become a Group Fitness Instructor
Join us for an eight-week program that teaches individuals the guidelines for safely teaching a variety of group fitness formats such as strength, cardio, choreographed dance, aqua aerobics and more while allowing hands-on experience and constructive feedback from professionals within the field.
Instructor training will include a one-hour classroom portion and two-hours of hands-on training weekly.
For more information on becoming a fitness instructor and registration options, download the information flyer and FAQ form.
Become a Group Fitness Instructor
Fitness Instructor Frequently Asked Questions
learn to lift
Learn to Lift is a three week fundamental program that is meant to serve as a long-term educational orientation to the weight room, specifically the cardiovascular exercise and resistance training machines. Participants will not only experience the educational portion in the weight room, but will also receive information in a short classroom setting relating to exercise and programming. This class is designed for beginning level users.
A variety of exercise related topics will be explored in this program including:
- Goal setting.
- Training zones (heart rate and rate of perceived exertion).
- Technique on machines.
- Flexibility.
- Baseline nutrition and hydration
- Exercise selection and ordering.
Learn to Lift Schedule and Costs
Strength Training 101
Strength Training 101 is a five week weight room program designed to serve as a long-term educational orientation, and more specifically the free weights. Participants will not only experience the educational portion in the weight room, but will also receive information in a short classroom setting relating to exercise and programming. This program is designed for intermediate users, but also beginners trying to become familiar with free weight usage.
A variety of exercise related topics will be explored in this program including:
- Goal setting.
- Training zones (heart rate and rate of perceived exertion).
- Benefits of resistance training
- Technique on machines and free weights.
- Flexibility.
- Baseline nutrition and hydration
- Exercise selection and ordering.
- Spotting
Strength Training 101 Schedule and Costs