Shape Up NYC Instructor Training Application

Deadline: July 31, 2025

This Fall, NYC Parks will offer a comprehensive 12-week training program held twice a week (1 in-person and one virtual). This program is designed to teach individuals to become Dance Fitness instructors and volunteer for Shape Up NYC. Topics will include anatomy and physiology, choreography, cueing, injury prevention, and special populations. After 12 weeks of training and passing an evaluation, participants will get practical experience during a six-month internship by leading a 45-minute Dance Fitness class once a week. Upon a successful completion of the internship- participants will graduate and receive an NYC Parks Certificate of Completion (this is not a nationally credited certification).

Please note: This training will be geared towards developing instructors to specifically teach Dance Fitness classes. Applying for this program does not guarantee entry- space is limited. If you are interested in teaching bodyweight circuit training, please contact our Shape Up NYC team to sign up to be informed of upcoming instructor opportunities!

Location:

Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center

3225 Reservoir Oval E, Bronx, NY 10467

Schedule:

Note: Both in-person and virtual classes are mandatory.

Septermber 7 - November 23
In person: Sundays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Virtual (zoom): Mondays 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Dance Fitness Demonstration Class: Register Here

If you have never taken a Shape Up class, come check us out!
Saturday July 5th - 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
West Harlem Piers Park - Marginal St. &, W 132nd St, New York, NY 10027

Cost

$42.75 for fingerprinting (required for your background check).

Qualifications

Must be currently attending and enthusiastically participating in group fitness classes in the format of dance fitness. Prior exercise instruction experience is not required (though, preferred), but a commitment to consistently taking exercise classes as part of your personal fitness routine is required.

Commitment

The following list of commitments is 100% mandatory.

The FIT program requires a commitment of at least nine months and includes:

12 weekly, 2 hour in-person training sessions
12 weekly, 1-hour virtual session
Approximately 2-3 hours a week of individual practice and study
6-month teaching internship (1 class weekly) upon completion of the formal training sessions

Application

* indicates required field

*First and Last Name

*Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

*Address

*City

*State

*Zip Code

*Phone Number

*Email Address

* I understand that, if selected, I am required to attend twelve (12), 2-hour weekly group training sessions, twelve (12) 1-hour weekly virtual sessions, and I will need to commit approximately two hours weekly to independent study and practice.

* I understand that, if selected, I am required to attend ALL twelve (12), in-person training sessions and allowed ONE (1) absence. Exceeding one (1) absence will result in removal from the program.

* I understand that, if selected, I am required to check my email at least once a week and respond to emails from Shape Up NYC within 3-5 days.

* I undestand that this is a volunteer posititon.

If selected, and after successful completion of the classroom training, I understand that:

* I am required to complete a practical internship where I will teach one (1), 45min Shape Up NYC class per week for six months.

* I am required to complete annual, ongoing training (in-person workshops, online learning modules, etc.) to remain in good standing with Shape Up NYC.

* At any point during my time as an instructor, my class may be observed by a member of the instructor training and development team and given formal feedback.

* Shape Up NYC reserves the right to discontinue my class at any time.

*1. How did you learn about Shape Up NYC’s Fitness Instructor Training Program?

*2. This is a volunteer position. Please explain why you’re interested in volunteer work.

*3. Are you currently taking dance fitness classes? (yes or no)

*4. If yes, how many years/months have you been a participant, how long are the classes (time duration), and how many classes do you take a week? (if you are not currently taking classes, please write N/A)

*5. Do you currently have an exercise routine other than taking group fitness classes? (yes or no)

*6. If yes, please elaborate on your weekly exercise routine. (if no, please write N/A)

*7. Do you have any experience teaching group fitness? Please list any places you worked or volunteered, and briefly describe your role. (if no, please write N/A)

*8. Do you have any nationally accredited group fitness certifications (ex. AFAA GFI), or hold any specialty certifications (ex. Spin/cycling, kettlebells, etc.)? If so, please list them.

*9. If you do not hold any certifications, where have you received your informal fitness education up to this point? (if you do hold a certification, please write N/A)

*10. Is there anything about your personal fitness journey you would like to share with us? (ex. overcoming obstacles, current fitness goals, major accomplishments, ect)

*11. Who or what is your biggest fitness inspiration and why?

*12. Shape Up NYC is delighted to offer free education to fitness enthusiasts who feel ready to step into the role of fitness instructor. Please explain what makes you feel ready to start this journey, specifically in the format of Dance Fitness. Please give specific examples of why you are ready to take the leap from student to teacher and share how you have prepared up until this point.

At least 150 words minimum.

*13. Do you plan to use this fitness instructor training in the future other than volunteering for Shape Up NYC? If so, how?

*14. Have you ever attended a Shape Up NYC Fitness Class? (when and where)

15. Do you have access to any of the following? Select all that apply.

Please note: Your response does NOT affect your chances of being admitted to the program, and tech access is NOT required. This information will help to inform our options for the delivery of class materials.

Computer with internet Phone or camera capable of recording up to 10 minutes of video

For questions or help with the application, please e-mail shapeupnyc@parks.nyc.gov