Fitness Certifications
Certification Opportunities with App State UREC
App State UREC partners with trusted organizations to provide high-quality certification opportunities for students and professionals. Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up, we offer a range of certifications to support your goals. Listed below are our current offerings, along with recommended certifications based on your interests and career aspirations. Have questions or need help choosing the right certification for you? Contact Logan Reynolds for more info or guidance.
Personal Training
ACE Personal Training Prep Course
Offered in person and online. Email Logan Reynolds for registration and discount.
The ACE® Personal Training Course is free to take, though students are responsible for the $399 certification exam fee. This course combines evidence-based exercise science with ACE’s behavior change philosophy, helping you become a compassionate and empowering personal trainer. Students gain real-time experience by working with a mock client during the course. To work with clients independently, trainers must pass the ACE® certification exam and maintain an active certification.
ISSA
The ISSA Certified Personal Trainer program is a flexible, fully online course that prepares students to confidently train clients through science-backed principles and personalized coaching strategies. With self-paced modules and interactive learning tools, students can earn their certification on their own schedule. While the course is not offered for free, ISSA frequently provides student discounts and bundled packages. Completion of the program requires passing the ISSA certification exam and maintaining an active status to train clients professionally.
NASM
The NASM Certified Personal Trainer program on Coursera offers a flexible, online path to one of the industry’s most respected certifications. Designed for beginners and aspiring fitness professionals, the course covers essential topics like exercise technique, client assessment, and program design. Students can learn at their own pace and access expert-led content from anywhere. While the course includes a free trial period, full access and exam registration require payment. To begin training clients, students must pass the NASM certification exam and maintain an active certification.
ACSM
The ACSM Certified Personal Trainer® program is rooted in scientific research and widely respected across the health and fitness industry. This certification prepares students to work with a variety of populations through evidence-based training strategies and a strong foundation in exercise physiology. The program is self-guided, allowing students to study at their own pace using ACSM’s learning resources. While the course itself is not free, students must register and pay for the certification exam to earn their credential and must keep it current to work professionally as a personal trainer.
Group Umbrella Certifications Fitness
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Prep Course
Offered in person and online. Email Logan Reynolds for registration details and discount.
The ACE® Group Fitness Instructor Course is free to take, though students are responsible for the $199 certification exam fee. The course covers instructional techniques, coaching strategies, and class design skills to prepare students to lead engaging and effective group fitness classes. Each student is paired with a veteran instructor to co-teach a live class, gaining real-world experience. The course concludes with a demo class presentation, evaluated using the ACE lab manual, to assess readiness for independent instruction.
NASM
The AFAA Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) certification, offered through NASM, prepares individuals to lead various group fitness classes, including yoga, HIIT, Zumba®, and indoor cycling. The self-paced online program can be completed in 6-8 weeks and covers class design, choreography, and leadership skills. Pricing starts at $21/month with a $49 down payment, totaling 12 payments. To enroll, candidates need a high school diploma or GED, and current CPR/AED certifications. Maintaining the certification requires renewal every two years
ISSA
The ISSA Certified Group Exercise Instructor course is a comprehensive program that equips trainers to lead up to 12 different exercise formats, including HIIT, kickboxing, and boot camp, within six months. The course features a digital textbook covering various formats, unlimited educational support, and the flexibility to study at your own pace. Upon completion, students are required to pass the ISSA Take Home Group Exercise Instructor Certification Exam. The program offers payment plans starting at $49 down, with monthly payments over 12 months.
AFAA
The Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) offers the Certified Group Fitness Instructor (CGFI) certification, designed to prepare individuals to lead diverse group fitness classes effectively. The program covers instructional techniques, coaching skills, leadership strategies, and class design, including formats like strength training, HIIT, boot camp, yoga, and cycling. To enroll, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with current CPR and AED certifications. The course is self-paced, culminating in a proctored exam that must be completed within 180 days of enrollment. Various course packages are available, starting at $299, with interest-free payment plans offered.
Group Fitness Specialty Certifications
Specialty group fitness certifications, such as Zumba, Yoga Alliance, and Pound, allow instructors to specialize in specific formats, focusing on their unique principles and techniques. Unlike umbrella certifications, which cover a broad range of classes, specialty certifications limit instructors to teaching only the format they are certified in. These certifications enhance an instructor’s credibility and expertise in their chosen specialty.
LesMills
Offered in person and online. Email Logan Reynolds for registration details and discount.
Les Mills Instructor Certification offers a dynamic and immersive training experience for those looking to lead high-energy, music-driven group fitness classes. With a focus on performance, coaching, and technique, the program prepares instructors to teach globally recognized formats, including BODYPUMP®, SHAPES™, BODYCOMBAT®, and CORE®. Training includes a two-day live or virtual module, followed by video assessments to earn certification. Program costs vary by format and region, and instructors must complete ongoing education and quarterly releases to maintain their certification and stay up to date with Les Mills standards.
Zumba
The Zumba® Instructor Certification offers flexible training options—In-Person, Livestream, or On-Demand—focused on core rhythms like merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton. Upon completing the Basic 1 training, you'll earn a six-month license to teach. To maintain certification and access ongoing music and choreography updates, instructors are encouraged to join the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN™). No prerequisites are required, and pricing varies depending on the training format and promotions.
Yoga Alliance
Yoga Alliance is a globally recognized nonprofit organization that sets standards for yoga teacher training and provides credentials for yoga instructors. To become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT), individuals must complete a 200-hour training program at a Registered Yoga School (RYS) and adhere to Yoga Alliance's ethical commitment. Additional designations, such as RYT 300 and RYT 500, are available for those pursuing advanced training. Membership includes an application fee and annual dues, currently $65, and requires ongoing continuing education to maintain registration. Being registered with Yoga Alliance can enhance credibility and career opportunities in the yoga teaching profession.
POUND
The POUND® Pro Instructor Certification equips you to lead high-energy, music-driven fitness classes like POUND Rockout Workout®, POUND Unplugged®, and Generation POUND®. Training options include in-person, virtual, or on-demand formats, with no prerequisites required. Upon completion, you receive a six-month license to teach. To maintain your certification, you must subscribe to The Label, POUND’s instructor network, which provides monthly choreography, music, and marketing resources. Subscription costs are $29.99 per month or $299 annually, with additional programs available for $5 per month or $50 annually each.
Jazzercise
The Jazzercise Instructor Certification combines dance fitness with structured training to prepare instructors for leading engaging classes. Prospective instructors begin by applying and undergoing a movement screening to assess rhythm and coordination. They then participate in a comprehensive training program, which includes learning and performing choreographed routines, studying anatomy and exercise physiology, and passing both practical and written assessments. The initial investment is $1,250, with additional costs for liability insurance and CPR certification. To maintain certification, instructors must regularly update their choreography, adhere to brand standards, and complete ongoing evaluations.
YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training & Certification
The YogaRenew 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training, offered through ACE, is a fully online, self-paced program covering yoga philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, meditation, and business essentials. Graduates earn a certificate eligible for RYT-200 registration with Yoga Alliance and receive 20 ACE CECs. The course costs $599, includes lifetime access to materials, and has no prerequisites.
Neighborhood Yoga Teacher Training
Neighborhood Yoga in Boone, NC, offers a 240-hour, Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training program running from September 2024 to May 2025. This in-person course meets one weekend per month, focusing on Vinyasa Flow while incorporating styles like Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Anusara. Open to both aspiring teachers and dedicated practitioners, the training emphasizes personal growth through self-inquiry, philosophy, and experiential learning. Early registration tuition is $2,650 if applied by June 28, 2024; after that, the cost is $2,850. A $250 deposit is required, with $200 applied to tuition and $50 covering the asana study guide. Applicants must have at least one year of yoga practice and attend a minimum of four classes at Neighborhood Yoga, including one with program director Valerie Midgett. Scholarships and payment plans are available.
Barre Above
Fit Pro Programming provides innovative, music-driven group fitness certifications designed to be accessible and engaging for both instructors and participants. Their programs include Barre Above®, Pumped Up Strength, Balletone™, Human Reformer® Pilates, Swerve Cycle, and Ever FLEXED, each blending cutting-edge exercise science with creative choreography. Certifications are available through live, virtual, or on-demand formats, with no prerequisites required. Each course offers continuing education credits from organizations like ACE, NASM, and AFAA. Facilities can host trainings at no cost, gaining exclusive perks and expanding their fitness offerings.
Mat Pilates
The Balanced Body Pilates Mat Instructor Training is a comprehensive program that prepares individuals to teach Pilates mat classes effectively. The certification process includes completing three courses—Mat 1, Mat 2, and Mat 3—each covering safety, client setup, teaching progressions, modifications, and regressions. Additionally, the Movement Principles course is required to provide a foundational understanding of movement. While the Anatomy in Three Dimensions course is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to enhance anatomical knowledge. After each course, participants can begin student teaching at their current level, but full certification requires completing all coursework, practice hours, and successfully passing both practical and written final exams. This structured approach ensures that instructors are well-equipped to lead safe and effective Pilates mat classes.