As CrossFit Nittany has grown so has the level of knowledge and the aspirations of our community members. While our elite fitness training program provides tremendous opportunity for the growth and development of an individual as an athlete, it does not address the next step in the process – coaching CrossFit.
Also, considering our close affiliation with Penn State and the top Kinesiology department in the country, through our internship program we are constantly approached by aspiring and transitioning trainers seeking an opportunity at CrossFit Nittany. Well, that opportunity has arrived with the framework we created for people interested in taking the necessary steps to become a highly qualified CrossFit Coach with CrossFit Nittany.
The Instructor Training Program will be held twice a year in the fall and the spring running concurrently with the Penn State academic semester. All interested persons should contact Bryan St. Andrews by email at bryan@crossfitnittany.com. We look forward to discussing this next step with you.
What the ITP looks like in more detail:
We are looking for motivated CrossFitters who want to go beyond being just an athlete – to become someone who is not only knowledgeable and articulate about CrossFit, but you are capable of teaching a great CrossFit class as well!
The CrossFit Nittany Instructor Training Program has been designed for the ongoing development of a fitness coach. We know there are many of you who are interested in coaching, without having to quit your job or are just starting out in a career after school or looking for a transition. This program was designed to address both the person who is looking to develop a career and the person who just wants to learn more, share it with others, and teach an amazing class.
The CrossFit Nittany ITP is designed to develop a group of people that will become great substitute coaches, assistant coaches, and perhaps to eventually be part of the CrossFit Nittany Coaching team or staff.
Goals of the CrossFit Nittany Instructor Training Program:
1. To provide our members with the opportunity to further their growth as an athlete and leader by becoming a Certified Coach.
2. To create a core group of student instructors that are both knowledgeable and proficient in the instruction of CrossFit movements and capable of teaching a fun and valuable CrossFit class.
Program Description:
The CFN Instructor Training Program was designed to help add to our expert coaching staff and have a steady flow of assistant coaches and helpers, some of whom may go on to become lead coaches or work on the operations side of the gym.
We are only looking for people who are responsible, self-starters, motivated, and are ready to learn how to become part of our team and what makes our gym so special.
To become an instructor through our program, the requirements are to pass the Level 1 CrossFit Nittany Test, and through the program you will pass the Level 2 and 3 CrossFit Nittany Test. The speed at which you move through the program will be determined by your background, experience and diligence in practice and execution.
**Note: Completing the CFN Instructor Training Program in no way obligates you to being a full or part time coach/instructor at CFN. Completion does not include a CrossFit (HQ) certification, which is will also need to be attained. It also does not guarantee you a position as a regular instructor on the CFN schedule.
Each phase of the CFN ITP takes between 3-4 months. Enrollment is not ongoing. We open ITP up for new potential Level 1 Coaches twice (2x) per year. A waiting list is kept through out the year for those that miss the regular enrollment periods.
Entry Requirements:
Your “Letter of Intent”
This typed essay does not need to be long, but it should be from the heart. (This IS a requirement, and may be used to determine your eligibility for participation in the program.)
Email this with the subject ‘CrossFit Nittany Instructor Training Program’
You will find out within 1-2 weeks if you have been accepted depending on the time of year you apply.
Please include:
- Why do you want to be an instructor?
- Why would someone want you to be their Coach?
- What is your background (include all): education, profession, sports, and fitness?
- What are your strengths & weaknesses?
- Do you intend being an instructor as a career or a part time passion? (this will not affect your acceptance we just want to know where you stand)
Core Movement Complex Test
A basic movement test of our Core Movement Complex must be completed with a passing score. Scheduling this test is the responsibility of the student and must be done in person with Bryan or Jennifer.
Instructor Training Program (ITP) Class
The CrossFit Nittany ITP course meets 1x per week during the initial phase (attaining Level 2 Coaching – there are 4 initial phases total). We will hold a class strictly for those people in the CFN ITP. This class will give each member of ITP an opportunity to review proper movement assessments, progressions, safety, coaching cues, and receive constructive criticism on their coaching effectiveness, their ability to organize, motivate and lead a group. Feedback and additional training assignments will be given at each ITP development session.
