USC Instructors Training

The TOP instructors training in group fitness!

The USC is the sports centre of the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA). For years the USC has trained instructors in group fitness. Many participants have become instructors themselves and now teach in and outside of Amsterdam. Anyone can participate at the USC for a solid training in group fitness.

The USC has a partnership with the expertisecentrum Sport en Gezondheid (ESG), which is connected to the HvA. You can subscribe for the training at the ESG. You can obtain a certificate which is recognized by the HvA.

For courses that start after the first of January you can only subscribe at the ESG.

What does the USC Instructors Training have to offer?

* Years of experience in training new instructors

Since 1996 the USC provides training for instructors in group fitness. Back then it was called the Fitness Faculteit. Our trainers know precisely which instructor’s skills are most important and how to teach them in an efficient way. Many instructors did precede you and now teach in different sports centers in and outside of Amsterdam.

* Top trainers

The trainers of the USC Instructors Training are Miriam Sanders and Josta Hoekstra-Bolhuis

Josta graduated at the Academie voor Lichamelijke Opvoeding (ALO) in Amsterdam. After graduating she provided classes at several sports centers and did many courses in group fitness. In addition she was a teacher at the ROC Amsterdam, where she taught her students to become sports instructors. In 2008 she graduated at the International Academy for Sports Science as Physical rehabilitation trainer. She has been a trainer of the USC Instructors Training for several years.

Miriam graduated at the Academie voor Lichamelijke Opvoeding (ALO) in Tilburg after which she studied Health Sciences/Human Movement Sciences at the Rijksuniversiteit Maastricht and the VU in Amsterdam. She is a Mastertrainer at Fit!vak and at the ESG. As a teacher she was involved in several courses, such as the Opleiding Sportmassage at the NSG, The Anatomy of Pilates of the Pilatescompany, and the ROC. For many years she has been instructing in various forms of group fitness, dance and yoga. She has been a trainer of the USC Instructors Training for several years.

* Quality training

Our trainers provide a, both theoretical and practical, high quality training. Participants of the USC Instructors Training are expected to be able to cope with the demanded skills. Given both the pace and depth of the USC Instructors Training, participants are required to have a HBO or academic level. In addition, participants should have at least a year of experience in following group fitness or dance classes.

* Fits in your schedule

The training is given once a week on a weeknight. Each lesson takes two and a half hours. Therefore you can easily combine this Instructors Training with your studies/job and you won’t have to sacrifice your weekend!

* Possibility to practice

On Saturday afternoon you will have the opportunity to practice individually – or in groups – in one of the studios at the USC. Occasionally your trainers will be present to give practical advice and feedback. Everything to get you ready for the practical exam!

* Possibility to follow classes besides the Instructors training

For the duration of the training, the USC Instructors Training offers the opportunity to participate in all classes of the vast group fitness programme at the standard rate. This allows you to learn from the many specialized instructors at the USC and improve your skills. Some of these classes are given by your course trainer!

* Great value to gym owner
The USC Instructors Training teaches instructors to be multifunctional. This gives you an advantage over instructors who are skilled in only one discipline. This can be of great value to your employer, as you fit into any schedule and have the ability to replace your collegeaus in various disciplines.

* Excellent accommodation
The USC Instructors Training is based in the ALO in Amsterdam New West, and in sports centre Universum in Amsterdam East. Both locations have large studios, dressing rooms and parking space. Both are easily accessible by public transportation.

Structure of the training

The Aerobics Instructors Training consists of a basic part, Aerobics Instructor BASIC, after which you could follow two other trainings: MUSCLE toning and CYCLE.
BASIC concludes with a practical exam. The MUSCLE TONING training concludes with a theoretical and a practical exam. The CYCLE training concludes with a practical exam.

The USC cooperates with the ESG. After succesfully passing the exam, you will receive a certificate by the ESG.

Basic
The basic training consists of 18 lessons. In this course we will focus on your technique and your teaching skills. In the first two lessons we will basically get to know each other. Also, attention is paid to the positioning of your body and the execution of the basic movements, for example by using video analysis. In the following lessons we will focus on teaching skills, such as: organization, counting, cueing, structuring of a class, use of music, use of voice and interaction with the group.

Later we will develop these skills by using steps. After this training you will be able to give solid classes in steps or aerobics. The general teaching skills are also applicable during the other courses. This way there will be more time to focus on specific skills regarding each individual training programme. Other training programmes are therefore shorter than the basic training.
The basic training concludes with a practical exam.

Muscle Toning
This training consists of 12 lessons. The training mainly focuses on muscle strengthening exercises. These exercises can be practiced either with, or without the use of equipment (for example: tubings, dumbbells and bodypump barbells.) Knowledge of anatomy is essential in this training and a lot of attention will therefore be paid to this aspect. This makes it possible to vary your excercises and comprehend their specific effect.

Furthermore, we will focus on functional training, core training and Pilates related exercises. After this course you will be able to give solid shape and core classes. This training concludes with a theoretical and a practical exam.

Cycle
This course consists of 6 lessons. The training focuses on your cycling technique and the physiology of exercise. You will learn how to train with a heart rate monitor and, more importantly, the training teaches you how to focus your attention to a group as a whole on the one hand, and to single participants on the other. After this training you will be able to give solid indoor cycling classes. This training concludes with a theoretical and a practical exam.
Polar heart rate monitors are for sale at the front desk of the USC.

Study load
The time you will need to study obviously depends on your knowledge and skill. Also your ability to assimilate information and acquire new skills affects your study load. In general you will need an exta two hours per lesson to do your assignments and read the theory.

Internship
The USC Instructors Training provides a solid foundation, but you will need to learn how to teach (‘for real’) by giving classes. We therefore advise you to gain additional experience through an internship. Each participant will have to do at least two hours of internship per course. A limited number of participants can do their internship at the USC.

Exams
Practical exams always take place on Saturday or Sunday. This way there is always enough time for all candidates to give a 15 to 30 minutes class. The class will be given to the course group participants and any other volunteers. The exams always take a whole day. Where applicable, we will do the the theoretical exams before the practical exams. The duration of the examination day is determined by the number of candidates. After the exams, it will take a few hours to determine the outcome of your exam. If you passed your exam succesfully you will receive a certificate. All candidates will receive a more detailed evaluation of their exams.

Cancellation
You can only cancel through the ESG.

Illness / accident
In case of illness or accident, you will have the possibility to do the entire training – or just the classes you’ve missed – at a later stage (next course). You will have to discuss this with the trainers and you will need a doctor’s note.

Cancellation of the training
If we think not enough participants registered for a specific training, the USC Instructors Training is authorized to cancel the training. Of course you will then be able to reclaim your course fee.