Fall 2026 Fitness Intern — Wellness Assessments & Group Classes

Aquila | On-Site Health & Fitness Management; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; Full time

Job description

Aquila's Fitness Specialist Intern Fall 2026 will gain first-hand experience by assisting 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 the fitness industry, in a professional setting.

We currently have openings for Fall 2026 interns for our Washington, DC, Suitland, MD and McLean, VA locations. Fall internships normally run from the end of August/beginning of September through beginning of December. Start and end dates, as well as internship hours, are flexible. We require minimum of ten (10) intern hours a week, maximum of forty (40) hours a week, to qualify for the fall program.

As a Fitness Specialist Intern, you will have the opportunity to learn and perform 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, at the completion of the program Aquila sponsors an ACE certification exam for the candidate. The program has to be completed in full. The exam fees are paid by Aquila.

Requirements:

• Must be an undergraduate Junior or Senior majoring in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Health Promotion or very closely related major.
• Must have at least a 2.75 GPA

Also, the following are required:

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

All candidates must be able to complete a background check and/or 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