Skip to main content

Reach your fitness goals with INShape IUPUI

Feb 27, 2019

“Gymtimidation” can be a real thing for a lot of people. But INShape IUPUI can show you that it doesn’t have to be the case with you.

INShape IUPUI is a student-led personal training program for faculty, staff, students and members of the community. This experience provides qualified assistance to clients through relationship-building, encouragement and healthy lifestyle advice.

Program Fees

No matter where you are now – or where you hope to be – with fitness, these students help you succeed by designing a personalized exercise program just for you.

The 10-week engagement is offered every semester and requires that you meet with your trainer twice a week after paying the registration fee. Beginning and ending with pre- and post- program health screenings, the program allows you to see the progress you’ve made during your INShape journey.

Since the launch of the program in 2008, INShape has helped hundreds of participants with their fitness goals while also increasing the confidence of student trainers by allowing them to put what they know into practice with real clients.

Last semester alone, 25 clients took part in the experience and collectively lost 90 pounds. Charles Roach, who has participated in the program a dozen times, said he has benefited from the training in multiple ways and has learned something new from each trainer he’s had.

“This experience has helped me with so many health-related issues. I’ve needed rehabilitation therapy from my rotator cuff surgery, assistance after open heart surgery, help maintaining flexibility and range of motion for a new left knee, and assistance with loss of balance due to neuropathy in both feet,” Roach said.

Woman performs suspension training exercises to work out.
TRX suspension mechanisms assist with full-body workouts and can be used during INShape training sessions.Photo courtesy of INShape IUPUI

Rachel Swinford, co-director of INShape, said this program not only brings accountability for actually performing the exercises, but also educates the clients about fitness so they can continue to work toward their goals afterward. Co-director Stephen Fallowfield said the program preaches that everyone’s bodies are different, and that adherence is key when it comes to all fitness journeys.

Although the program focuses more on the workouts specifically, the trainers can also suggest helpful tips on how to live a healthier lifestyle and eat better. Some examples are:

  • Find an activity you enjoy and start with that. Simply moving is better than nothing.
  • Seek qualified help. There are plenty of resources to turn to, many of which are free.
  • Keep it simple. You don’t need complicated exercises. Performing the basics can make a world of a difference.
  • Give yourself a break. If you mess up once, it’s OK. Just tell yourself tomorrow will be better, and make sure it is.
  • Finally, you have to be patient. Results don’t happen overnight. You just have to stick with it.

If you’re interested in signing up for the summer session of INShape IUPUI, or want to know more about the program, email .

More stories

News at IU  
News at IU