The Gx Instructor Development Program is designed to teach the foundations of human body mechanics, teaching/coaching, and create a mentorship relationship between veteran instructors and new instructors.

The program itself is not a certification course: it is meant to provide foundational knowledge to supplement the certification process for new instructors – all instructors will have to complete certifications in addition to this, and by completing the program, Campus Rec will fund their certification. The program is application-based, and the general timeline is:

• September: Applications due/interviews/offers sent out
• October: Program starts, likely first week of the month
• December: Formal program ends with a capstone demo teaching class – each participant will prepare and teach a 20-minute class for evaluation
• Winter break: Instructors will complete certification for their field
• Spring 2025: Instructors will be added to the Gx schedule and teach

Email Erika if you have any questions or would like more information!

Learn More and Apply Here!

Instructors: David Kahn ’94 & Molly Seltzer

Dates: Sundays - 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17

Time: 11am - 12:30pm

Location: Class of 1986 FWC - Studio A

Cost: Free

Krav Maga is a no-nonsense, world-renowned danger detection and self-defense system. The course focuses on identifying potential dangers, escaping danger, and, if necessary, a few highly effective, adaptable self-defense tactics applicable to myriad situations.  David Kahn '94 and Molly Seltzer will teach the course.  

David has taught these tactics to the FBI, US Marshals, Secret Service, DEA, Federal Air Marshals, Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Marine and Air Force Special Operations among others along with star NFL players.  Course topics include: 

· How to fall down safely (kinetic and non-kinetic situations)

· Awareness and recognizing pre-violence kinesic indicators

· Defending grabs

· Defending pushes

· Defending chokes

· Defending takedowns

· Defending the most typical punch attacks

The subject matter we cover will is featured in the book, Krav Maga Defense, by David Kahn (St. Martin's Press 2016). 

Registration is open.

Instructor: Angela Quinn

Cost: $50 (free to students)

Yoga 201:
This eight week yoga course* builds off the knowledge and understanding of comprehensive yoga practice, as taught in Yoga 101. Designed for any practitioners who are interested in understanding yoga more in depth, more individualized attention and a steady, mindful pace of exporation of each asana (posture) and those practitioners who are ready to generally delve deeper into their yoga journey. Leave with a deeper understanding of yoga practice, asana, pranayama (breath awareness), meditation and yoga philosophy. This information will carry with the practitioner as they continue on their respective yoga journeys.

It is recommended that you bring your own yoga mat. Limited mats are available. Course will have hybrid option.

*Princeton University Students are admitted for free, but MUST pre-register online.

Instructor: Erika Liskovec

TBD - Spring 2023

Cost: Free (see below for certification details)

This program is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge for students to successfully teach group fitness classes. The focus will be two fold: how the human body works and presentation skills. Students will learn about anatomy, the mechanics of movement, muscle activation and sequencing of exercises. On the presentation side, students will have the opportunity to develop and refine instructing skills and learn the nuances of music playlists, technology for teaching and more.

This program entails six group meetings from 8:30-9:30am on Mondays (March 14th - April18th) and two additional one-on-one development meetings with the Coordinator of Recreational Programming or another mentor instructor. It will also require participants to attend/shadow group fitness classes they are interested in teaching.

This program is available to undergraduate and graduate students for free. It is encouraged that students obtain an instructor certification (ACE or class specific) within three months of the program's end date. if the student chooses to obtain certification, Campus Rec will:

• Reimburse 50% of the certification fee after becoming successfully certified.
• Reimburse the last 50% of the certification fee after the student has taught classes for Campus Rec for a full semester.

If you already have a certification and are interested in teaching group fitness classes, please email Erika to set up a meeting.

Instructor: David Kahn

TBD

Cost: $40

This four-week introductory course will be taught by David Kahn '94.  David has authored seven krav maga books and became a krav maga subject matter after completing law school.  He has taught the Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Marine Corps and Air Force Special Operations, FBI, Secret Service, and US Marshals and appeared in more than two dozen national publications.  The course will focus on thwarting the most common types of unarmed aggression including pushes, grabs, punches, and takedowns.  This training is designed for beginners and martial arts practitioners alike. 

Instructor: Running Club

Cost: $40

Princeton Running Club's Fundamentals of Running program is designed to help new to intermediate-level runners dive further into the running world and learn how to improve fitness, develop lifelong healthy habits, and prevent injuries. Fundamentals of Running focuses on teaching participants everything they need to know to get started with running consistently. Topics such as running form and techniques, training periodization, goal setting, injury prevention and recovery, running gear, race preparation techniques, trail finding, and making running feel fun, will all be covered.

Throughout the course of the program, participants will learn from experienced runners from Princeton Running Club, and explore beautiful running areas around Princeton University. The program will build participants up for success in Princeton University's Tiger Trot 5K, which will be held on Friday, November 18^th.

Registration is closed.

Instructor: Erika Liskovec

Cost: $25 for students/$50 for staff

What is functional fitness? Think of movements and exercises that reflect how we live our lives - pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, reaching, etc. The idea behind functional fitness is to train movements such as these so that we can build muscles and movement patterns that will help us live more fully. So how do we do that? You can start here!

Classes will start with a warmup and instructional section on different strength movements. The second half of class will be a sweat-inducing workout that will be a new format each week, incorporating both new and familiar movements. You’ll walk away with not only some new skills but exercise options you can use in the gym.

Come prepared to move and workout.

Similar to: Bootcamp, CrossFit

Registration is closed.

Instructor: Angela Quinn

Cost: $50 (free to students)

Intro to Yoga:
In this eight week yoga course*, students will learn the basics of yoga, including asanas (postures), breathing techniques (pranayama) and mindfulness meditation. Each class will build upon the prior week’s practice, so the course will be progressive in nature. Every student will leave with the knowledge and confidence to attend other yoga class offerings both on campus and beyond.

It is recommended that you bring your own yoga mat. Limited mats are available.

*Princeton University Students are admitted for free, but MUST pre-register online.

Instructor: Tony Stitt

A former amateur boxer, Tony Stitt, will teach you the technical skills of boxing such as jab, cross and hook.
Participants must provide their own boxing gloves.

Instructor: Erika Liskovec

If you've ever wanted to try lifting weights or simply get stronger, but don't know where to start, this is for you! In this five-week course, you'll build a foundation for strength training by learning the mechanics of movement, exercises to build muscle and definition, and the theory of strength programming.

Classes will be low intensity to focus on learning and understanding the techniques, and participants are encouraged to lift to their comfort level. Class breakdown is as follows:
 
Class 1: Introduction & Finding Baselines: Squat, Deadlift, Press
Class 2: Upper Body Movements
Class 3: Lower Body Movements
Class 4: Core Exercises
Class 5: Recap, Baselines and Strategizing

Throughout this course, you will work with Erika to craft goals and build your own strength program specific to your needs so you'll have a framework to follow once the course concludes.

*Princeton University Students are admitted for free, but MUST pre-register online.

Instructor: Ballroom Dance Club

Time: Wednesdays, 4:30 - 5:25pm
Dates: 3/22 - 4/26
Location: Dillon Gym (MPR)

Cost: $35

For the first four classes, we will introduce a new style of ballroom dance to the group (Cha-cha, Jive, Waltz, and Tango), including the basic step and some fun moves to go along with the basic. Lessons will also include individual instruction between students and the members of Princeton Ballroom Dance Club. Dancers of all levels are welcome, whether you have never danced before or are an experienced dancer in a different style! 

At the end of the program, dancers will have the opportunity to participate in Ballroom Dance Club’s spring show, Dancing with the Princeton Students, where they can show how much they’ve learned and have the chance to dance with members of the ballroom team! During the last week of class, students will have the opportunity to choose a style of dance they would like to perform and prepare for the show.

Instructor: Yevgen Kashchenko

Cost: $40

Discover the ancient art of Tai Chi, uniting martial arts and meditation. It's an awareness training that helps you discover comfort and inner peace and the true power you could use to improve anywhere—be it self-defense or problem-solving.
Learn Chen-style Tai Chi with the help of physics understanding

Instructor: Erika Gomez

Cost: $40

Are you curious about Pilates? Or interested in building a strong foundation for a successful, results-driven Pilates practice?

If so, then Pilates FUNdamentals is for you! In this 5 week course, we will explore the fundamental Mat exercises that are the foundation of the Pilates practice. This course will teach you to move better so that the benefits are felt in everyday life. Some of the benefits of a regular Pilates practice include a stronger core, better balance, improved posture, increased flexibility, and decreased stress. Pilates is truly for every body!

Instructor: Ildy Meixner

 

Cost: $47 ($25 for students)

Discover 6 Underutilized Ways You Can Relieve Anxiety Right Now

Explore the life-changing path to inner tranquility and emotional freedom with our exclusive 6-week mindfulness course. If stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights have been holding you back, this transformative journey is your gateway to a brighter future. Through scientifically-proven practices and ildy’s guidance, you'll learn to embrace the present moment fully, letting go of worries and embracing emotional resilience.

Aim:

• Overcome challenges with confidence and a new, better perspective 
• Create a better-balanced mindset 
• Realize that challenges are opportunities to grow and change 
• Discover mindfulness and other strategies to reduce anxiety, stress, 
  and depression to live healthier 
• To develop new healthier habits in the way of thinking and living 
• To feel more fulfilled, relaxed, and joyous 
• Enhance awareness, focus, cognitive function, and performance

Instructor: Sujay Nair

Cost: $40

Discover your own transformative power, while practicing Celestial Mountain Style Kung Fu, in a unique program that seamlessly integrates the ancient wisdom of Chinese martial arts with modern mindfulness techniques to nurture both physical prowess and mental well-being. This 6-week course is designed for beginners seeking to embark on a path of self-discovery, self-regulation, and self-empowerment.

Join Si-Fu Nair, as he guides you through a holistic experience that combines the fluidity of Kung Fu movements with mindfulness practices. Learn to harness the energy within you, cultivate resilience in the face of challenges, and unlock your inner potential. Each class is a dynamic blend of physical activity, meditation, and self-reflection, providing a balanced approach to improving your overall quality of life.

Instructor: Ruth Gatling

Arm balances are a fun and challenging way to gain strength, balance, body awareness, confidence, and humility.   If you've been curious or intrigued by how to advance your practice, join us for this four-week journey into postures such as dragonfly, funky crow, flying lizard and fallen angel! Challenge your body and your mind along with deepening your connection to yourself and one another through these playful yoga postures.

Instructor: Ildy Meixner

Discover 6 Underutilized Ways You Can Relieve Anxiety Right Now

Explore the life-changing path to inner tranquility and emotional freedom with our exclusive 6-week mindfulness course. If stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights have been holding you back, this transformative journey is your gateway to a brighter future. Through scientifically-proven practices and ildy’s guidance, you'll learn to embrace the present moment fully, letting go of worries and embracing emotional resilience.

Aim:

• Overcome challenges with confidence and a new, better perspective 
• Create a better-balanced mindset 
• Realize that challenges are opportunities to grow and change 
• Discover mindfulness and other strategies to reduce anxiety, stress, 
  and depression to live healthier 
• To develop new healthier habits in the way of thinking and living 
• To feel more fulfilled, relaxed, and joyous 
• Enhance awareness, focus, cognitive function, and performance