Personal Training Prep Course

personal training

This course follows the American Council on Exercise (ACE) curriculum for personal trainers. In this course, you will learn practical applications for individual and small group program design and basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. At the end of this course, you will be ready to take the ACE-certification exam to become a personal trainer. Textbooks and study materials are included in the course fee. ** 

Personal Trainer Pre Course: Informational Meeting

Interested in becoming a personal trainer? Join us for an informational session to learn about our Personal Trainer Prep Course and ask any questions you have about becoming a certified personal trainer. Registration is not required—just show up and ask your questions! You can also reach out to Sarah Granberry at sarah.granberry@colorado.edu.
 
Returning fall 2025!

Personal Trainer Prep Course (PTP) 

The Personal Training Prep course is a 10-week program that meets twice each week for 1 ½ hours each session. There will be lectures covering the certification text in preparation for the exam as well as practical skill segments, which will prepare participants for working with clients. This course will prepare students to take the ACE Personal Training Certification Exam. 

Returning fall 2025!

Apply to receive free enrollment in the Personal Trainer Prep Course  

Courtesy of CU Boulder's Impact Grant program and Recreation Services

Impact grants are available for eligible students to participate in the Personal Training Prep course, earn an accredited certification and interview to become a personal trainer at The Rec. By using Impact Grant funds, students will gain valuable skills, education and work experience that can be applied within the CU community and beyond. 

Applications open now through Jan. 12, 2025.

Apply Now

Eligibility requirements:  

  • You must be a current CU Boulder full-time student and enrolled in the spring 2025 semester. 
  • You should have a desire to become a certified personal trainer and work at the Student Recreation Center after passing the personal trainer certification exam. 
  • You should identify with one or more historically excluded or minoritized identity group. 

Grant recipients will receive:  

  • ACE Text and Study Guide  
  • Cost of course   
  • Cost of exam 

Expectations: 

  • Weekly textbook study assignments 
  • Quizzes on materials covered in each session 
  • Attendance/participation in the twice weekly classroom sessions for 10 weeks 
  • Bi-weekly Teams check in with course instructor 
  • Selection of exam date 
  • Mentorship with current personal trainer on staff, meeting once per week 
  • Interview to become a member of the Personal Training team at the CU Rec Center