Fit Academy
Fit Academy is a unique educational opportunity for UK students to become certified personal trainers and group fitness instructors. If you like to motivate others to reach their health and fitness goals or have ever thought about getting certified to be a group fitness instructor, this is the perfect opportunity for you!
Location
Fall 2026
Requirements
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Weekly Educational Sessions
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All sessions will be from 3:30-5:30pm on Wednesdays
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Starting 9/16/2026-11/11/2026
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Weekly Shadowing & Co-Teaching
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Weekly Certification Studying
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Successful completion of certification exam
* Expected that students will spend 3-6 hours per week to fulfill the above requirements
Important Dates
We are accepting Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor applications at this time.
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Information Meeting - September 2, 2026 at the Johnson Center, Blue Studio
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Educational Workshop Sessions - TBD
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Application Deadline - Open until September 4, 2026
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Interview Dates - August 31- September 9, 2026
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Exam Date- TBD
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Cost: $250 exam fee
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Available Certification Options
NETA Personal Trainer or Group Fitness Instructor (cycling with in-house training)
Barre - Barre Above
Cardio Hip Hop - WERQ Dance Fitness
Les Mills - Body Pump
Les Mills - Pilates:
Les Mills - Shapes:
YogaFit Level 1 - Foundations
Fit Academy was one of the best decisions I've made during my time at UK and has truly transformed my college experience. The program helped me grow as a leader while providing mentorship from Campus Recreation staff who genuinely invested in my development and success. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to complete Fit Academy in 2024! Now, as a Barre and Reformer Pilates instructor, I can honestly say I have the best job. I'm thankful for the opportunity to give back to my peers and the UK community through a role that I truly love!
Isabella Skibba
Fit Academy Graduate
Going through Fit Academy was one of the best decisions I made when I came to UK. I joined Fit Academy as a freshman, and now, going into my junior year, I can confidently say that this experience has helped me to grow tremendously while giving me an amazing community to be a part of. Not only did the program prepare me to become a successful group fitness instructor and personal trainer, but it also surrounded me with supportive, encouraging, and kind people who were there for me every step of the way. I am so grateful for the friendships, experiences, and opportunities Fit Academy has given me and for the person it has helped me become. I would highly encourage anyone with a passion for fitness to join Fit Academy and take advantage of everything this incredible program has to offer!
Isabella Detmer
Fit Academy Graduate
Fit Academy is an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while building meaningful connections with fellow fitness enthusiasts at the University of Kentucky. Joining Fit Academy not only equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to become a successful personal trainer, but it also introduced me to friendships that have remained an important part of my college experience. Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge, support, and relationships I gained through Fit Academy. I would highly encourage anyone with a passion for health and fitness to take advantage of this rewarding opportunity.
Ethan Lengyel
Fit Academy Graduate