Become a KU Fit Instructor
Now Hiring
KU Fit is hiring instructors for Spring 2026 and Summer 2027! If you're passionate about fitness and want to lead fun, engaging classes for the KU community, now’s your chance. Email kufit@ku.edu to learn how to join the team—spots are limited!
Types of Trainings/Certifications
Specialty Certifications
Some KU Fit formats require certification directly through their organizations. These include:
- Les Mills Programs: Body Pump, Strength Development, Shapes, RPM, Body Combat
- Indoor Cycle
- Mind-Body: Pilates, Yoga, Barre
- Dance: Zumba, WERQ Dance Fitness, etc.
To teach these classes, you'll need to complete the organization’s official training and earn your specialty certification. Once certified, you're one step closer to becoming a KU Fit Instructor! (Note: You’ll still need to apply, interview, and audition with Recreation Services.)
Have a different specialty certification? We may accept it upon review. Reach out to Recreation Services to discuss your credentials.
General Group Fitness Certifications
Other KU Fit classes—such as Full Body Strength, Butz N Gutz, HIIT, and similar formats—can be taught with a current NCCA-accredited Group Fitness Instructor (i.e., ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor) or Certified Personal Trainer credential.
Training Options
Certifications are available in multiple formats:
- Virtual: Train from anywhere
- In-Person: Offered locally, in nearby states, or in your home state
Use the dropdown menu links below to explore upcoming training dates and certification details.
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- YogaFit Teacher Training Foundation (Level One) - this training provides an introduction to yoga that allows you to teach KU Fit Instructor classes
- RYT 200 - If you have aspirations of teaching Yoga after college or just want comprehensive instruction (more than YogaFit Level One Foundations) look into obtaining your RYT (Registered Yoga Teach) 200. You will select a RYS (Registered Yoga School, i.e., studio) to complete your training with and then register through Yoga Alliance.
LES MILLS BODYPUMP - The secret to BODYPUMP is The Rep Effect a breakthrough in resistance training that is proven to deliver a total body transformation. The Rep Effect throws traditional thinking about lifting heavy weights on its head. It exhausts muscles using light weights, while performing high repetitions (800-1000 in one workout).
Using The Rep Effect, BODYPUMP classes give you sculpted shoulders, defined biceps and triceps, strong lean legs, firm glutes and a tight core. Choreography in each of these areas is specifically targeted so you'll burn fat, burn more calories and achieve more meaningful fat loss and muscle fatigue. The end result is that you build strength without building bulk. Motivating music provides a great workout environment while moving to the beat. Music and choreography (workout programs) are provided by Les Mills.
- LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT - A progressive strength training class where each workout focuses on a specific training protocol - Foundational Strength, Hypertrophy, and Pure Strength. Varying “time under tension” and rep-ranges will build strength while motivating music provides a great workout environment without moving to the beat. Music and choreography (workout programs) are provided by Les Mills.
- TRX
- Select "TRX Suspension Training Course" on the website.
- This course would qualify you to teach class with TRX exercises. Depending on your proficiency in cardio and strength based exercises, it may also allow you to teach a HIIT/bootcamp style class that incorporates TRX along with cardio (jumping jacks, jump rope, high knees, etc.) and strength (burpees, squat jumps, planks, etc.) exercises.
- Students may obtain a 20% discount on instructor training and products.
- Obtain an NCCA accredited ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification (scroll down to "self-study certifications" for more information).
- Obtain a NCCA accredited personal training certification
- MixxedFit - Combines explosive dance movements with bodyweight toning.
- Pound
Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Using Ripstix®, lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out.
Designed for all fitness levels, POUND® provides the perfect atmosphere for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rockin’ out! The workout is easily modifiable and the alternative vibe and welcoming philosophy appeals to rockstars of all ages and abilities.
- Select "Pound Pro" to sort by "training type
- WERQ Dance Fitness
- Our WERQouts are designed to give you the best sweat with repetitive athletic moves and fresh dance steps. WERQ instructors build a heart-pumping playlist featuring the hottest pop and hip-hop music.
- Zumba
- Combines Latin and international music with dance moves to create an aerobic workout. It's designed to be fun and accessible to people of all fitness levels, and it's known for its high-energy atmosphere and focus on enjoyment.
- Obtain "Zumba Basic 1" certification
Music and choreography (dance routines) are provided by each organization.
- Les Mills RPM - With great music pumping and the group cycling as one, this class takes you on a journey of hill climbs, sprints and flat riding. Music and choreography (workout programs) are provided by Les Mills.
- Schwinn Indoor Cycling
- Spinning
- AFAA Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor
Barre Above - Barre Above blends the timeless techniques of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training into a barre format designed for functional movement and powerful results. Rooted in the foundational principles of the Lotte Berk method and elevated by modern exercise science, our innovative programming offers a fresh, inclusive take on barre that’s grounded in purpose and built for every body.
Barre Above uses smart sequencing, layered progressions, and a flexible, “choose your own adventure” approach to range of motion, making it adaptable for all ages, fitness levels, and abilities.
Barre Above with Pilates Focus - Barre Above Pilates fuses classical Pilates principles with barre-inspired movement to create a vertically adapted, refreshing format that strengthens the core, enhances balance and control, and delivers a crowd-favorite blend of barre and Pilates.
This training provides the tools you need to lead inclusive, high-quality classes that flow with purpose and precision. You’ll learn how to apply our signature Barre Above sequencing to Pilates-focused sessions, using mindful progressions and customizable ranges of motion to support all ages, fitness levels, and body types.
- Barre Intensity
- Learn 45 basic barre class exercises with variations, modifications and specific cueing. You’ll also be introduced to the Barre Intensity brand and other important elements of teaching such as alignment and musicality.
- Attend "Comprehensive Training"
- Les Mills Shapes - An invigorating blend of Pilates, sculpt, and power yoga set to modern beats. With small, controlled movements, you sculpt and strengthen all major muscle groups, improve alignment and increase flexibility. Music and choreography (workout programs) are provided by Les Mills.
- AMPD Kickboxing - must attend an online interactive training or live training
- ACE Cardio Kickboxing Instructor
- AFAA Kickboxing Skills and Drills
- Les Mills Body Combat - This high-energy martial-arts inspired workout is totally non-contact and there are no complex moves to master.
Self-Study Certifications
Recreation Services requires an NCCA accredited certification when obtaining a general Group Exercise certification. Self-study infers that you will study on your own to obtain a certification. Having a Group Exercise certification would allow you to instruct "non-specialty" classes.
- ACE Group Fitness Instructor
- Study on your own. For example, study 2-3 chapters each week to become certified.
- ACE offers study programs or you may purchase ACE materials individually.
Instructor Eligibility
KU Fit Instructors
- Must be a student at the University of Kansas enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
- Cannot be a current GA, GRA, or GTA at the University of Kansas.
- Required to teach at least 2 classes each week.
- Required to to teach during finals week.
- Required to attend all-staff training on the Tuesday before fall semester, August 18, 2026 (which coincides with sorority recruitment), and there will be a KU Fit staff meeting scheduled later that week.
Questions or to Get Started
For more information email KU Fit.