Campus Rec’s mission is to incorporate well-being, belonging, and physical activity into everyone’s daily life on campus. While there are many routes and opportunities to explore with Campus Rec, the Group Exercise Program is a great way to tackle all three. Not only does Campus Rec provide students with group exercise classes, but our program also encourages students to become instructors themselves, providing training and certification programs for students to become directors and teach classes. This allows aspiring students to be integrated within the exercise community and receive their instructor’s certification for free! Senior cycle and Pilates instructor, Bella DeVivo, gives us some insight on her personal experience within the program. Bella explains that the Group Ex program has allowed her many opportunities in areas of leadership, along with providing her confidence.
The GEM Program
When describing the process of becoming an instructor, Bella explains the Group Exercise Mentoring Program, otherwise known as the GEM Program. Campus Rec leads this 6-week program every spring semester and teaches students about foundational anatomy, joint movement, class structure, and safety. The program allows those participating to choose a mentor and shadow a class to practice leading group exercise classes by themselves. The GEM Program is free to all students, providing aspiring instructors with training before receiving a Nationally Recognized Certification. Sign-ups begin now, for more information along with the application, click on this link.
As a Kinesiology major, Bella explains that the Group Ex program has set her up for success in her career path. Not only has the program provided her with lifelong friends, but Bella recalls that the program has given her confidence and only fueled her passion for personal training. After completing a Kinesiology Internship in Australia, Bella plans to finish her senior year here at URI and move back to Australia, where she will continue down the exercise path by becoming a personal trainer!
When asked about her initial motivation to join the program, Bella relays, “I have always loved the energy group exercise instructors bring to workouts; they make the room feel like a better, more enjoyable, and motivating place. I admired the prior instructors, and I wanted to provide that feeling for others myself.” As someone who attends Campus Rec’s Group Ex classes, I could not agree more. The entire energy and spirit of the class is led by the instructor as they encourage those taking the class to really push themselves. Working out in front of people can be intimidating, especially if you are new to formal exercise altogether. I find that the Campus Rec’s group exercise classes are incredibly welcoming, most of them being led by students who are passionate about exercising and motivating others to do the same.
Why Group Ex
Group exercise brings people together, offering college students the opportunity to exercise at a group level and provide for a motivation and unifying factor while exercising. College is the perfect time to explore new openings and really get out of your comfort zone. Not only is this program a good opportunity to stay involved and active, but it is a great way to practice leadership skills and become accustomed to public speaking. Bella mentions that as a freshman, she found the gym intimidating. She began going to group exercise classes, which really allowed her to feel more comfortable and created a safe space for her to work out with others. After years of instructing, Bella explains that being an instructor has helped her come out of her shell and grow as a person, and she hopes to encourage others to do the same.
Our group exercise classes range from Zumba, Pilates, yoga, cycle, BODYPUMP, and more! Check out the various classes offered through this link. Get to know yourself better by exploring the many opportunities in the Group Ex program. Whether this is becoming an instructor, or simply taking a class every once in a while, opportunities with Campus Rec are wide. Branch out this fall and find ways to get involved and active on campus.
By Erin Mullaney
Major: Political Science
Graduating May 2026