Lead a group exercise class at NIRSA 2025: Proposals are due Nov. 12

Are you a passionate group fitness instructor with a knack for leading and demonstrating the latest trends in fitness and recovery? NIRSA invites you to share your expertise and creativity by submitting proposals for the Fitness Forum taking place at the NIRSA 2025 Campus Rec Expo! The deadline to submit a proposal is Tuesday, November 12.

This is your chance to demonstrate innovative fitness formats, highlight trending classes from your campus, and connect with fitness enthusiasts from colleges and universities across North America.

What’s new at the NIRSA 2025 Fitness Forum?

Get ready for fresh air, sunshine, and mini-workouts! As usual, classes will run in the exhibit hall Fitness Forum throughout Campus Rec Expo hours, and some exciting additions are coming to the NIRSA 2025 Fitness Forum:

• Movement breaks between sessions: We’re introducing 15-minute classes outside on the event lawn between a few of the education session blocks. These quick bursts of activity allow attendees to absorb some sunshine and stay energized throughout the day.
• Daily morning classes: Instead of an Early Morning Workout in the exhibit hall, attendees can kickstart each morning of NIRSA 2025 with a dose of nourishing movement. Morning group classes will run for 45-60 minutes outside to start the day with a healthy dose of fresh air.

Why submit a Fitness Forum proposal?

These active classes provide a fantastic opportunity to get attendees moving between educational sessions, offering a refreshing way to stay active after a long day of sitting. Presenters from the NIRSA 2024 Fitness Forum share some of their reasons for leading group classes at the last NIRSA Conference:

• Showcase popular, innovative classes from your community: “Being in person with the NIRSA community provided us with a captive and engaging audience to introduce one of our newest programs, Les Mills SHAPES,” Jenn Kuehn, US Head of Training & Development at Les Mills, says. “The Fitness Forum is packed with excitement, innovation, and energy—we look forward to it every year!”
• Share a passion for health and wellbeing: “We really enjoyed sharing our passion for fitness and the motivation behind our community with those seeking new ways to engage with students and explore different options,” explains Auburn University’s Sarah Goodwin, Coordinator, Group Fitness, and Christy Coleman, Assistant Director, Group Fitness. They co- presented a class called “HIGH Fitness at NIRSA 2024.” “It was a privilege to introduce a new fitness format to people who might not have seen or experienced it before. The energy was ‘HIGH,’ and everyone left with a great workout.”
• Represent your school or company: “We all had such a great time moving and boxing within a convention of like-minded individuals,” Rad Lopez, Peloton instructor, says. “If you have a passion for your brand and what you’re trying to sell and achieve, you have a place at NIRSA.”

What types of classes are featured?

Fitness Forum classes span a dynamic spectrum from heart-pounding to mind-calming, technical to introductory. The creativity and enthusiasm of presenters ensure this activity remains fresh and engaging to NIRSA Conference attendees year after year. Past events have featured a diverse array of formats, including HIIT, boxing, dance, running drills, martial arts, yoga, mobility, and everything in between.

Have lots of ideas but not sure which format to submit? Submit more than one proposal! NIRSA 2025 will feature classes of various durations, and there are many class slots available.

Presenters will be notified of their status in early 2025. If accepted, the fun part of marketing your class to the NIRSA family can start. Sarah and Christy share that inviting attendees to your class directly is a great place to start: “Approach your presentation with enthusiasm and confidence, and don’t hesitate to promote it,” they advise. “A personal invitation can make a significant difference!”

Submit a proposal and celebrate with NIRSA!

As NIRSA celebrates its 75^th anniversary in Orlando, we hope to see many fun submissions that celebrate fitness and campus rec through the years. Help get the NIRSA family moving at NIRSA 2025 by submitting a proposal today!