“My goal is to help people enjoy movement and see it as something that uplifts them,” says Mia Christmon, a Total Body Tone and Hard Core Abs instructor at Miami University’s REC Center. Mia is a Junior at Miami and is double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education. Mia’s love for group fitness began at her home gym in Burr Ridge, IL and has continued in her years as a student at Miami University. Mia first considered becoming an instructor after noticing that during workout classes she would often find herself thinking about ways to make the classes even better–”what songs would fit, how to cue movements more clearly or how to build more energy in the room.” After hearing that the REC Center was looking for more instructors and was offering a teacher training program, Mia decided to enroll in the course.
Each semester the REC Center offers a 6-8 week Instructor Training Program for any students who would like to learn to teach a group fitness class. At the end of the training the students audition with a Total Body Tone class and are encouraged to keep building on their skills to learn and teach a variety of class formats. Total Body Tone (TBT) has long been one of the most popular classes at the REC Center. In TBT participants are guided through a 45 minute workout that targets all of the major muscle groups using a variety of equipment in a fun, group environment. The next Instructor Training Program will be offered in the Spring Semester.
When asked what she loves about teaching group fitness classes, Mia replied that she loves, “the energetic, positive atmosphere that group fitness creates. It makes working out fun and shows that fitness doesn’t have to feel like a chore or punishment.” Mia began teaching in the Fall Semester of 2025 and one of her highlight moments since becoming an instructor has been when participants come up after class to tell her how much they loved the workout, the music or overall vibe, “It means so much because I put a lot of thought into creating a class people want to come back to.” Mia loves connecting with the people in the community and being a part of their fitness journeys by helping them to reach their goals in a supportive and enjoyable way.
One of the ways that Mia prioritizes health in her own life is by emphasizing a good night of sleep (no less than 8 hours) and by attending other instructor’s group fitness classes. Mia’s favorite group fitness classes to take at the REC Center are the Spinning classes. “I like to take spin because it feels like a party. I love the energy and the challenge that comes with it.” Mia has also recently gotten into running, she says, “it’s become my favorite way to move my body while clearing my head.” So far Mia has run two half marathons (the Flying Pig and the Naperville) and she plans to run the 10K Turkey Trot in Cincinnati on Thanksgiving Day as well as the Flying Pig half marathon again this coming May.
Mia has such a bright smile and positive energy about her, “I joke that I’m a walking advertisement for my classes because I’m always inviting people to come try one out!” This is true! It is such a joy to be able to take a fitness class with an instructor who is passionate about what they do. If you have the pleasure of taking one of Mia’s classes, whether it’s her 45 minute Total Body Tone or her 20 minute Hard Core Abs class, you will leave feeling uplifted in body, mind and spirit. Mia’s experience of teaching at the REC has inspired her to continue in the fitness world after graduation, “I’d love to keep sharing my passion for group fitness wherever life takes me.” With a positive attitude, a strong sense of community and a talent for working hard, while also having fun, Mia is sure to be a success wherever she goes!