We strive to provide professional development opportunities for the Rutgers Community. At Recreation, we hire certified instructors and personal trainers to be part of our Fitness Specialist Team. All students who attend certifications will be considered for employment and eligible for mentorship opportunities. All certifications and trainings are open to Rutgers Affiliates and the public.Contact Braily Bernaber,braily.bernaber@rutgers.edu or Sydnee Weinberg, sydnee.weinberg@rutgers.edu for further information.
NASM - Personal Trainer Certification Course
This live course covers the practical knowledge and skills needed to become a certified personal trainer through NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)
Day/Date/Time: Tuesdays / September 30th — December 2nd, 2025 / 5:30-7:30PM
**(10 classes: 1 class per week)
Location: Werblin Recreation Center, 656 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Registration Deadline: September 25th, 2025
Rutgers Affiliate discount= $800 ($499 discount!)
Non-Rutgers Affiliate discount= $900 ($399 discount!)
(Discounted Price! The NASM Study Materials and CPT Exam valued at $1299)
Register here: Form
Les Mills BODYPUMP Instructor Certification
This is perfect if you are looking to build leadership skills, stay active, and earn money doing something you enjoy. Les Mills is a global fitness company known for creating group workout programs taught in gyms all over the world. Les Mills BodyPump is a fun, energizing workout that get you stronger, build confidence, and allows you to have fun working out in a supportive, motivating environment.
- No experience needed – just energy and a love for movement!
- Science-backed training and education to teach safe, effective classes.
- Build leadership skills, stay active, and get paid doing what you love.
Upon Certification, you have the opportunity to purchase the full digital box set including music, choreography, and pre-designed workout videos you can mix and match ($125). No guesswork -- everything is created for you to learn, deliver, and develop as an instructor! Email sydneew@rutgers.edu with any questions or to get approved for a 45% Rutgers affiliate discount.
Day/Date/Time: Saturday, October 4th, 9am-5pm & Sunday, October 5th, 9-3pm
Location: Werblin Rec Center, 656 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Price: $349.00
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 18th
Register here: Form
SPINNING®️ Instructor Certification
This certification is the most comprehensive and widely recognized indoor cycling training program. This comprehensive course covers all the practical knowledge and skills to become a certified Spinning® instructor and lead your own classes
Day/Date/Time: Sunday, November 16th , 2025, 9:30am – 6:30pm
Location: Werblin Recreation Center, 656 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Price: $355
Register here: Form
Les Mills – The Science of Motivation Workshop
Unlock the secrets to creating lasting motivation! Join this engaging session designed for fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike to discover what truly drives behavior change and habit formation. Explore how to shift from exercising because you “have to” into doing it because you want to. You’ll leave with simple, science-backed motivation techniques you can apply to your fitness, academics, and everyday life—plus new insights into how to support participants who may need an extra boost.
** Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s) available
Day/Date/Time:
- Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
- 5:00-6:00pm Strength Development
- 6:00-7:00pm Shapes
- 7:00-8:00Pm Science of Motivation Ed Session
Location: Werblin Recreation Center, 656 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Price: $50
Register here: Form
Resistance Training Programming for Special Populations
Presented by Jeff Young, MS, EdD(c), National Medical Fitness Authority
This 3-hour seminar will equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to design and implement resistance training programs that are both effective and clinically safe for individuals with chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.
In the 75-minute lecture portion, Jeff will break down key programming variables—frequency, sets, reps, loads, order, rest periods, and exercise selection—and explain how to modify them based on specific medical and orthopedic considerations. Attendees will learn how to apply core exercise science principles while adjusting for precautions, special considerations, and contraindications across a wide range of populations.
Following a short break, the hands-on practical session will focus on mastering proper technique for foundational movement patterns—squats, deadlifts, lunges, presses, and pulls—with an emphasis on real-world modifications for joint pain, mobility limitations, and clinical scenarios.
** Workshop has been approved by NASM for (3 contact hours).
Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025, 11am-2pm
Location: Werblin Rec Center, 656 Bartholomew Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Price: $50
Register here: Form
