They have biceps and belly-rings, tattoos and tight abs. Who are they? They're the Penn State fitness instructors -- the people you count on to motivate and inspire you during your daily workout.
They are some of the most energetic and amazing people on campus. These students are into everything. Not only do they workout at least once a day but some of them teach two or three classes a day before hitting the weight room or going for a jog. In the course of a day they also attend academic classes, eat meals, study for exams, hang out with friends, and some even hold down other jobs.
These students are dynamic, fitness conscious students who are usually leaders among their peers. They go through rigorous training in order to be able to be called a Penn State Fitness instructor. Most students aren't aware that it takes over 180 hours of training, spanning 2 semesters to become a Junior Fitness instructor. If you can demonstrate knowledge of leadership skills, teaching techniques, fitness principles, rhythm and coordination, motivation techniques, and enthusiasm, you will be hired by PSU fitness as an instructor.
But the training doesn't end there. These dedicated young women and men arrive on campus early each semester to complete training sessions that often last 12-14 hours a day. It is a lot like being on an athletic team. There are physical requirements such as push-up tests. They also have to abide by a strict dress code when teaching classes. This means an outlay of cash for the latest fitness clothes and shoes. And don't forget the professional responsibilities that go along with the job like meetings, practices, and CPR certification.
It takes a lot of time to be a fitness instructor. Why do these students do it? Is it the 1.5 credits they receive for taking the class? Or maybe the once-a-semester, really cool free t-shirt that the department gives them?
Most of them are just overachievers or perfectionists. They are the kind of people who have always strived for the top. Set a challenge in front of them and they are likely to meet or exceed it every time. They love being in the spotlight and they are at their best when they are in charge.
It takes endless energy and great motivational skills to be a great instructor. Most often you either have it or you don't. Those qualities are hard to teach.
Students in the Instructor Training class are warned in advance that it will take an extra effort to have success in class.
The flyer reads " Should you choose to become part of the PSU fitness team you will join a group of dynamic, young individuals who are not only earning great experience but are also considered leaders and student role models on the PSU campus. PSU fitness instructors are high-energy, supercharged individuals who enjoy sharing the benefits of fitness with their peers."
"A Word of Caution: Becoming a PSU Fitness Instructor can be a rewarding part of the academic experience.
It is also a time-consuming and energy-consuming affiliation. Individuals should enter the training program knowing that in order to succeed you must commit time for practice and development.
At times students have found that other activities often conflict with fitness program requirements.
Before beginning the Instructor Training Program, consider carefully, your course-load and extra-curricular activities.For individuals who still think this might be fun we'd love for you to join us. Keep an eye on Elion.
If you see Kines 93, Master of Aerobic Dance, listed you should sign up right away. The class fills quickly. I guess Penn State is just loaded with enthusiastic perfection-seeking achievers who have endless energy. Go figure!
