For my self-designed honors experience, I completed the NASM/AFAA Group Fitness Instructor certification course, passed the final exam, and began teaching mat Pilates-style classes at a local studio. Throughout the process, I planned class formats and playlists, practiced teaching with friends and family, and gradually built confidence through leading public classes. Becoming a group fitness instructor has been a dream of mine since I was 14, largely inspired by my mom, who has taught fitness for most of my life. Watching her build community and encourage others through movement showed me just how beautiful fitness can be. So, completing this certification and finally beginning to teach was a dream come true.

I completed the certification while finishing out the spring semester of school, which required me to develop stronger time management skills and discipline, especially since it added extra hours of work on top of an already packed academic schedule. Through the course, I deepened my knowledge and understanding of functional movement, group dynamics, and exercise science. Once I began teaching, I quickly learned how much intentionality and work goes into creating a class—from the moves, to music, to preparing for the specific needs of the group. I also learned to adapt my teaching style based on the class atmosphere; some groups were energetic and talkative, while others were quiet and focused, requiring me to stay present and responsive in each setting.

This experience has impacted me in more ways than I could have imagined. It allowed me to accomplish a personal lifelong dream, impact others' views of fitness, and helped me to grow in leadership skills and confidence in leading others. I have also improved in time management and learned how to better create inclusive and motivating spaces for others. While I know I’m still at the beginning of this journey, I’m deeply grateful for the experience and excited to keep growing as both an instructor and as an individual through fitness.

Below are some photos of me leading a class and demonstrating the movements: