Shape Up NYC Fitness Instructor Training Program

A fitness instructor holds a pose with her back to the camera, her index fingers are raised, and a class of students are following her lead. She is wearing a black shirt that reads “Instructor.”

Are you a fitness enthusiast looking to make a difference? Take your passion to the next level and become a volunteer Shape Up NYC Fitness instructor!

The application period for this season's instructor training has closed. Please check back later in early February or in July to register. 

About the Fitness Instructor Training Program

We’re looking for people who are passionate about fitness, education, connection, and serving their community. Our Shape Up NYC volunteers teach free fitness classes in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, older adult centers, recreation centers, and parks (weather permitting) across all five boroughs.

We’ll offer free training through our Fitness Instructor Training program. In return, we’ll ask for your commitment to help us deliver free, high-quality fitness classes across NYC.

What You'll Do

This 12-week program will train you in one of two formats: either Dance Fitness or Bodyweight Strength And Endurance. (Sorry, we don’t offer yoga!) After finishing the program and passing a test, you’ll teach a fitness class for six months with guidance from a training leader. Once you complete this internship successfully, you can become a Volunteer Fitness Instructor for Shape Up NYC.

The Commitment

If you are accepted into the program, we’re asking for a nine-month commitment, including both the training period and your teaching internship. This includes:

  • 12 weekly, two hour in-person training sessions
  • 12 weekly, one-hour virtual sessions
  • Approximately 2-3 hours a week of individual practice and study
  • A six-month teaching internship (one class weekly) upon completion of the formal training sessions

 

Upon completion of this commitment, you will be certified as a Shape Up NYC Volunteer Fitness Instructor. This is NOT a nationally accredited certification, and it can only be used to teach Shape Up NYC classes.

If you already have an accredited fitness certification, please visit our page where you can learn more about becoming a Certified Volunteer

 

The Application Process

Are you ready to take the next step to become a Shape Up NYC Fitness Instructor? Here’s what you need to know in order to apply.

Program Requirements

To apply for the Fitness Instructor Training program, you need to be actively participating in group fitness classes that are the same format as the program you’re applying for.

In your application, you should show us why you’re ready to become an instructor. Tell us about what steps you’ve taken to learn about fitness and share examples of how you’ve reached a high level of fitness that you can apply in order to teach others. You must also be consistently attending group fitness classes as part of your personal fitness routine.

Cost

While the program is free, there is a cost of $42.75 for fingerprinting. NYC Parks conducts mandatory background checks, and a social security card is required.

When to Apply

We run this program twice a year, in spring and in fall. You can apply in early February or in July. You can also email Shapeupnyc@parks.nyc.gov and ask to be placed on our waitlist.