You’re ready to make the commitment. We’re here to offer support every step of the way. No matter your fitness level, limitations, or goals, our Personal Trainers have the expertise, knowledge and enthusiasm to help you on your fitness journey. Stop by for a single Fitness Assessment—just to get you started —or opt for a package plan that delivers long-term results. Whatever your need, we’ll help you stay focused, safe and motivated.
To begin working with a personal trainer, please submit the following registration form. Within a few days of completing the form, you can expect an email from our program manager to discuss your goals and to begin the trainer match process. Once you’ve been matched, your new hand-selected personal trainer will reach out to you to discuss your specific goals, barriers, and needs, and will schedule an assessment session with you.
Services
Body Composition Analysis
We use the three-site skinfold test to measure your body fat percentage. The trainer will explain your results and discuss next steps. Please wear shorts and a t-shirt. Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the analysis.
Fitness Assessment and Program Design
This one-hour assessment includes an evaluation of your movement patterns, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, balance and overall health. Assessments are made while you are exercising and while you are at rest. This information will help to establish a fitness baseline and will be useful in setting goals and monitoring your progress.
Based on the completed assessment, your personal trainer will develop a comprehensive training program for you and will review it with you so you are prepared to undertake your own fitness regimen or to begin one-on-one sessions with your trainer. Wear comfortable clothing and gym shoes.
Starter Package
This package includes the Fitness Assessment & Program Development module plus one 60-minute training session.
Training Sessions
Use these 60-minute one-on-one training sessions to stay motivated and accountable, and to help you establish a top-notch exercise routine. Working with a trainer on a regular basis will help you to push beyond your normal boundaries, monitor your exercise to be sure you understand and use the correct form, and provide constructive feedback on your use of exercise machines, free weights and other fitness tools. Sold in packages of 2, 4, 6 or 12 sessions. Sessions may be used anytime within four months of the purchase date.
Prerequisites: Fitness Assessment & Program Development or Starter Package.
Partner Training Sessions
Train with your friend, spouse or partner when each of you purchase a package of training sessions at the partner rate and meet with your trainer together. Each session is 60 minutes. Sessions may be used anytime within four months of the purchase date.
Prerequisite: Both partners must complete either the Fitness Assessment & Program Development or the Starter Package.
Rates
Package
Students
Recreational Sports Members
Body Composition
$30
$30
Fitness Assessment and Program Design
$55
$60
Starter Package
$90
$100
2 Training Sessions
$95
$105
4 Training Sessions
$175
$195
6 Training Sessions
$245
$275
12 Training Sessions
$455
$500
2 Partner Training Sessions
$50/person
$55/person
4 Partner Training Sessions
$85/person
$95/person
6 Partner Training Sessions
$120/person
$135/person
12 Partner Training Sessions
$215/person
$245/person
Become a Trainer
For New Trainers
Apply for a mentoring position. Our Mentoring program offers a paid position with Recreational Sports and practical experience. The mentoring program is highly recommended for newly certified trainers, and required for those who do not have a nationally accredited certification.
Become certified by a nationally accredited organization. Our top four preferred certifications are ACE, ACSM,NASM, and NSCA. If you are not currently certified, a requirement is to schedule your certification exam before you complete the mentoring program.
Mentorship Program
The mentoring program is a paid position that provides practical experience for University of Michigan students. The program consists of group workshops, shadow sessions, mock assessments, mock programming, and mock training sessions. This is a requirement for aspiring trainers to complete prior to working with clients.
Please see the dates below for the Spring 2025 mentoring process. Applications are due April 11. Apply here.
Mandatory Workshop Dates: Every Wednesday from 3:30 pm-6:30 pm starting April 30-June 18.
Enrolled U‑M students can register for a session with a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer who will assess your shoes, flexibility, strength, and movement patterns; analyze your running biomechanics using video taken on your smartphone, and provide personalized recommendations to improve your stride. Provided by University Health Service in collaboration with Recreational Sports. Registration opens two (2) weeks in advance of upcoming clinics.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Ever since high school, the gym has been a consistent outlet and source of happiness for me. I feel like the lifting community can come off as a little bit intimidating, so my goal is to help bridge that gap and show new lifters that the gym is fun, not scary. I also plan to work in the health field after I graduate (either as an orthopedist or physical therapist), so I’m excited about the opportunity to work with clients interested in health and fitness!
Specialty area/preferred client(s): The client that I feel I could best support is someone who’s new to the gym and looking to get into strength training, but I’m more than happy to work with anyone who’s hoping to get more active!
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… lifting, playing guitar, and trying new foods around AA with my friends
Fun fact: My goal for next semester is to compete in a powerlifting meet!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I’ve learned the importance between physical and mental health, and I want to help people feel better about themselves in all areas, just as weightlifting and exercise did for me.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): People looking to become more comfortable in the gym, and are interested in improving their physique and/or physical performance.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… learning guitar, listening to vinyl, playing story games, and hiking.
Fun fact: I have a completely healthy obsession with collecting LEGO.
Major/Area of Study: Applied Exercise Science, Pre-PT
PT Certification: ACE
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I’ve always been very passionate about health and fitness and want to share this passion with others so they can experience the benefits, along with helping them gain confidence in the gym as they start or evolve their fitness journey.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): strength / hypertrophy training, general fitness
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… lifting, being outdoors, watching sports, and movie nights with friends
Fun fact: I was a swimmer elementary through high school and also did CrossFit!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I remember feeling lost surrounded by all of the gym equipment, but with consistency and friends who made the gym feel like home, I eventually learned more and more and gained so much confidence. Now, I want to be that friend to help others find confidence and joy in fitness and walk with them in their journey to improving all areas of their lives.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): strength/hypertrophy or anyone new to the gym
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… recreational volleyball, spending time with friends, working out, and listening to music
Fun fact: I broke my arm while arm wrestling (for fun)
Major/Area of Study: Movement Science/Intraoperative Neuromonitoring
PT Certification: NASM
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: To share the importance of movement and make it approachable and enjoyable to anyone!
Specialty area/preferred client(s): General fitness, resistance training, or functional fitness. I love to work with any client looking to learn something new!
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…working out, trying new AA restaurants, and walking with friends!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I had awesome experiences with a couple of personal trainers who helped get me back to sports after injuries in high school. I fell in love with fitness through their mentorship, and decided I wanted to help others in the same way!
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Endurance Training (runners, cyclists), Athletic Performance
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… running, lifting, watching sports w/ friends, and listening to country music
Fun fact: I love all things outdoors, especially hiking and rock climbing!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: My aspiration to become a physician led me to merge my foundation in movement science with my practical fitness experience to empower others towards better health.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): I specialize in helping individuals embrace the journey of running and strength training. Drawing from my personal accomplishments of completing two marathons and years of weightlifting since my high school days, I’m well-equipped to guide clients eager to rediscover the joy of exercise.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…immersing myself in a good book, maintaining my running regimen, and savoring ice cream during quality moments with loved ones.
Fun fact: Although I originate from California and have resided in Hawaii for five years, I still don’t know how to surf
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I have gone through periods of athletic training, weight loss, marathon training, and clean muscle gain throughout the last several years. I believe my personal experiences can greatly assist those looking to achieve their fitness goals.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Clients looking to increase their strength or begin working out.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy working on projects for my consulting group, and my other club involvements.
Major/Area of Study: Information Science (UX Design)
Certification: NASM
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I’ve always been passionate about health and fitness. It’s empowering to feel yourself progress and reach a fitness goal. Personal training is a chance for me to share that experience by helping empower others and improving their overall quality of life.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): I specialize in general fitness, mobility, balance, and functional fitness.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… playing music, visiting cafes, skateboarding, working on calisthenic challenges, and spending time with family and friends.
Fun fact: I studied jazz saxophone in my undergrad!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: When embarking on my journey into weight training, I faced the challenge of finding a mentor to provide guidance, forced to learn all on my own. Now, as someone experienced in the realm of lifting, I aspire to be that go-to person for newcomers, offering direct guidance to help them reach their fitness goals.
Specialty area/preferred client: Possessing a specialized certification in bodybuilding, coupled with my personal commitment to hypertrophy training, equips me with immense knowledge in physique building and aesthetic training.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…hitting my own training sessions, calling my family back home, and getting myself involved with my other passions on campus.
Fun fact: I serve as a volunteer firefighter in my hometown!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Through countless fitness related experiences, I have grown to love exercising and staying physically fit and healthy. I see being a personal trainer as a way to spread the joy I have for exercise as well as helping people reach their goals.
Specialty area/preferred client: Strength/hypertrophy training, general fitness, & sport specific training.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…Working out, running, cycling, watching sports, and spending time with friends.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…Soccer/Volleyball/Golf, watching football (lions SB run inbound), spending time with friends, and Legos
Fun fact: I have an mildly concerning obsession with cars and can usually tell the engine type from just the sound
Major/Area of Study: Psychology Major; Stats Minor
Certification: ACE
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I love fitness and going to the gym with my friends. I’ve always had my best lifts when a friend is supporting or watching, and I am excited to motivate others.
Specialty area/preferred client: Strength/hypertrophy training, flexibility, and agility.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…going out with my friends, swimming at the NCRB, and playing for the club frisbee team at Michigan.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I absolutely love working out and being active. Although I have always done my own workouts, I wanted to become more knowledgeable about exercising to the point I could help others with their fitness journey :)
Specialty area/preferred client: Strength and Conditioning
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… I enjoy weightlifting, watching anime, or crocheting.
Fun fact: When I went to Spain in the summer of ‘23 and I met Machine Gun Kelly in the airport!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Going to the gym regularly has helped me mentally, and has allowed me to participate in more of my interests. I want to help others feel more confident in the gym and more motivated to exercise regularly, so that they can also enjoy the benefits of working out.
Specialty area: Anyone who wants to gain confidence in the gym, or wants to learn more about lifting!
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… reading, baking, and watching any game with a Boston team playing.
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I grew up figure skating and playing volleyball.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Prioritizing a holistic approach to fitness has transformed my confidence and perspective on life. Training taught me discipline, resilience, and how to trust in my abilities. I want to help others experience this transformation and guide them on their journey to becoming who they aspire to be. I also remember feeling lost and unsure where to start when I first entered the vast world of fitness. That’s why I want to support others—helping them find direction and showing them how encouraging and inclusive the fitness community can be.
Specialty area: Muscular hypertrophy, general fitness and strength training, people who want to become more comfortable in the gym and improve their confidence.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…Filming and editing short films, playing basketball and thrifting
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I was born and raised in Japan, and I speak Japanese!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: To make the gym a less intimidating place and the opportunity to share the knowledge I’ve gained from my experiences exercising.
Specialty area: Beginners to advanced. Those trying to build muscle, improve strength, or lose weight.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… playing/watching sports with my friends, reading books about American history, and exploring new places!
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I was a pretty decent swimmer in high school!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I started taking fitness seriously around 2020, and I eventually started making workout plans for my friends and family. I got so much fulfillment from seeing them achieve their fitness goals, and I knew this was what I wanted to do aside from musical theater.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Working out helped my physical and mental health and I want to help others have the same results and reach their goals.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Clients looking to gain an increase in muscular hypertrophy and muscular strength.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… I enjoy spending time with friends, watching football, playing video games and working out.
Fun fact: I’m a huge fan of Marvel movies, my favorite movie is Captain America Civil War.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I decided to become a personal trainer because I love helping others and want to make a positive impact in their lives. My goal is to raise awareness about the benefits of fitness and show people how it can be fun, empowering, and life-changing. By guiding and supporting my clients, I aim to help them discover their own potential and embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Specialty area: I am looking for clients learning to be comfortable in the gym, gain strength, and push to their fullest potential!
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…Playing hockey, skiing, and traveling.
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I am an identical twin.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: A personal trainer was the person who introduced me to lifting and helped me love it, now I want to be that person for new gym-goers.
Specialty area: Those interested in powerlifting and hypertrophy training, as well as beginners looking to build a base of strength
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… lifting, running, playing pickup basketball, and playing on the Wii.
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I overcame a torn ACL from basketball and now can comfortably lift and hoop again.
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: My main goal as a trainer is building the confidence and self-efficacy of my client in which I hope spills into other aspects of their life. I believe in supporting and promoting the health of everyone no matter what fitness or skill level a person may be.
Specialty area: I can work with all client types but I believe I’d work the best with women. The majority of people afraid of the gym are women because they feel as if they aren’t good enough or strong enough to work out in front of others. I feel that as a fitness coach, especially for women, I am both there to serve as a tool to improve one’s fitness, but I can also be a role model to show her that she too belongs on the gym floor.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…hitting the gym for a good Crossfit workout and playing/training for rugby.
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I am currently working on filling my hallway wall space with framed puzzles I’ve put together. Currently, there are two complete 1000 piece puzzles framed and hung up.
Major/Area of Study: Economics major with a minor in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS
Certification: ACE
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer:Health and fitness have been a significant part of my life, and through my own fitness journey, I’ve grown increasingly passionate about the subject. Becoming a personal trainer is a way for me to deepen my knowledge while also sharing that passion by helping others on their own fitness journeys.
Specialty area: I enjoy working with clients who are enthusiastic about their fitness journey! While I believe in setting achievable goals, I place even greater value on understanding and embracing the process of reaching those goals. When clients are excited to learn and grow through the journey, it makes the experience even more rewarding for both of us.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… I love taking walks through the arboretum, exploring Ann Arbor’s amazing food scene, and cheering on the Wolverines at football games.
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: A fun fact about me is that I walked the runway in a fashion show last year!
Major/Area of Study: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Certification: ISSA
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I am passionate about the subject, and want to help people on the fitness journeys
Specialty area: No preference, I would like to learn as much as possible having different clients with different goals helps. (maybe my strongest area would be hypertrophy)
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy… playing sports, getting in the water, movies, cooking, just hanging with friends! (it’s not the activity it’s the company you’re with)
Something that you didn’t know about me/fun fact: I’ve broken my arm 3 different times in three different places
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer:Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, I discovered my passion for fitness, utilizing it as a means to alleviate stress and bolster my self-confidence. I hope to share this passion with others, helping them in finding a love for exercise, as it has greatly benefited me.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): General fitness and strength training, people who want to become more comfortable in the gym and improve their confidence
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…Cooking new meals, thrifting, working out and watching the Office.
Fun fact: I used to do show choir and am always down for some karaoke!
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: As I have dealt with sports injuries in the past, I have learned the importance of proper technique and physical activity as well as finding fun and motivation in exercise. In addition to helping others achieve their fitness goals and augment their exercise knowledge, I think personal training allows me to share my enjoyment towards physical activity with my clients in an energizing and uplifting environment!
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Beginner clients, general fitness, strength training, and sport-specific training
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…working out, playing soccer, watching sports, trying new foods, and activities with my friends
Fun fact: I have a twin brother who goes to Purdue (Big Ten rivalry!)
Major/Area of Study: MS Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
PT Certification: NASM
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: Becoming a personal trainer stemmed from my passion for guiding individuals toward holistic wellness. Witnessing the transformative power of fitness in my own life inspired me to help others discover their strength and potential. It’s not just about workouts; it’s about empowering individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle, fostering confidence and vitality in every step of their journey!
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Strength training and general fitness
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…lifting or traveling new places.
Fun fact: I’ve still got a soft spot for Tom and Jerry and can dance in about 12 different forms
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer: I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed, isolated, and confused when it comes to starting a fitness journey, so I want to be a person a client can feel comfortable going to and trust that working together will help them achieve their goals.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): No preference – I’d love to learn by working with a variety of clients! My strongest areas would be strength and conditioning or general fitness though.
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…listening to music, baking, or exploring new areas with friends.
Fun fact: I used to do competitive gymnastics for 6 years before doing track and field in high school!
Major/Area of Study: Economics and Applied Exercise Science
Certification: NASM-CPT
Reason for becoming a Personal Trainer:After going through an injury recovery process myself, I discovered just how much fitness and exercise can improve a person’s quality of life, however, I also understand how intimidating getting into the fitness community can be. I would love to introduce people into the community and help spread a positive message around fitness so everyone can see for themselves what they can accomplish.
Specialty area/preferred client(s): Runners
When not studying or personal training, I enjoy…hitting the gym myself, running in the arb, or playing soccer with friends.
Fun fact: I overcame tendonitis in my right knee and now feel like I can move even more pain free than before!
