Fall 2026 Internship-Fitness Specialist

Aquila's Fitness Specialist Intern Fall 2026 will gain first- hand experience by learning how to assist members in safe and effective exercise programs and perform a wide range of duties in a health/fitness center, under the supervision of the site manager. The program provides students with a well rounded experience in all aspects of health & fitness in a professional setting. Start and end dates are flexible for Fall 2026. Hours will be between Monday-Friday with some flexibility on how days/hours are structured. We ask that you complete at least 15 hours a week for the internship.

We are accepting applications Fall 2026 internships for our Washington, DC locations.

As a Fitness Specialist Intern, you will have the opportunity to learn how to do the following:

• Assist in educating members concerning safe exercise techniques
• Assist to perform exercise assessments and prescribe exercise upon American College of Sports Medicine guidelines
• Conduct safe and effective assessments including cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, and body composition analysis; evaluate and interpret data and identify high risk participants and special populations
• Aid members – spotting and equipment usage
• Assist in the maintenance, cleanliness and safety of all equipment
• Adhere to departmental and club policies and procedures
• Adhere to client’s policies and procedures
• Assist in wellness and fitness promotions and external events
• Perform daily administrative duties under the supervision of the site manager or fitness specialist
• Assist in memberships: monthly, internships: signing members up, sending out reminders of payment
• Help teach group fitness classes in different styles: step, strength, circuit, Pilates and/or yoga
• Helping clients/members with fitness related questions. Performing tours of the facility
• Personal Training shadowing and writing out mock PT sessions
• Assisting with newsletter, articles, and monthly bulletin board

Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship and does not provide wages however it is eligible for academic or course credit if approved by your educational institution. In addition, at the completion of the program Aquila sponsors an ACE certification exam for the candidate. The program has to be completed in full including at least 150 internship hours. The exam fees are paid by Aquila.  

Requirements:

• Must be a current undergraduate Junior or Senior majoring in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health Promotion or CLOSELY related major
• Must have at least a 2.75 GPA
• Must be completing the internship for university credit
• Active CPR certification

Also, the following are required:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Customer service oriented
• Knowledge of fitness training principles
• Punctuality
• Computer knowledge: Microsoft Office Products & Internet

All candidates must be able to complete a background check and a federal security clearance check.

Aquila is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other characteristic protected by law.

EOE Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities