Christine McCown
Radford,VA
Summary
Experienced fitness professional with expertise in group exercise and education. Motivates participants while adapting workouts for diverse fitness levels. Collaborates effectively in fast-paced environments, specializing in strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and mind-body programming. Focused on creating engaging classes that foster community and enhance participant satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Group Fitness Instructor
Virginia Tech Department of Campus Recreation
Blacksburg, VA
08.2018 - Current
- Deliver fun and motivating group fitness classes designed to improve overall health and fitness levels.
- Teach diverse group fitness classes designed to improve cardiovascular health, strength and mobility.
- Adapt classes to meet needs of participants with varying fitness levels.
- Implement varied teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles among participants, maximizing engagement during each session.
- Continuously updating personal knowledge of industry trends and best practices, ensuring the provision of cutting-edge instruction techniques.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance class offerings, resulting in improved member satisfaction.
- Promote fitness classes to boost gym attendance.
- Mentor and evaluate junior instructors, providing guidance on best practices and effective teaching methods.
Collegiate Assistant Professor
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
08.2018 - Current
- promoted from visiting instructor to collegiate assistant professor, reflecting recognition of teaching effectiveness and commitment to student success
- Received Albert Z. Snizek Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for the academic year 2023-2024
- Community and Belonging Faculty Innovation Group (Member and Grant Recipient) AY 2024, 2025
- VT Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention Grant awarded for AY 2025
- Faculty Research Grant from the College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences awarded for AY 2026
- Develop innovative curriculum aligned with departmental goals and student needs.
- Facilitate engaging lectures, promoting critical thinking and collaborative learning among students.
- Conduct research projects, contributing to advancements in the field and enhancing academic reputation.
- Collaborate with faculty on interdisciplinary initiatives, improving student engagement and community and belonging in the classroom.
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of subject matter by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars relevant to Sociology, Criminology and Teaching/Learning in Higher Education.
- Contribute to departmental goals by serving on various committees focused on curriculum development, course offerings, and student achievement.
- Mentor students and communicate internship and employment opportunities.
Assessor
Les Mills US
04.2023 - 12.2026
- Assessed group fitness instructors for initial certification in Les Mills TONE, Les Mills Core and Les Mills PILATES.
- Assessed certified Les Mills TONE and Les Mills CORE instructors for Grade Reviews according to Les Mills Qualifications standards.
- Applied comprehensive understanding of Les Mills Qualifications and 5 Key Elements, ensuring adherence to standardization processes for Signature and Limited Edition programs while identifying and nurturing instructor potential.
- Position requires meeting high level performance in instructing programs through regular Grade Reviews and Internal Quality Control Reviews in writing assessments and assessing instructors at the correct level.
Group Fitness Instructor
The Weight Club
Blacksburg, VA
08.2018 - 08.2026
- Designed and implemented innovative group fitness programs tailored to diverse participant needs.
- Conducted engaging classes in various formats, promoting physical health and wellness.
- Cultivated a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels, promoting inclusivity and accessibility within group fitness classes.
- Mentored junior instructors, providing guidance on best practices and effective teaching methods.
Adjunct Professor
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
08.2015 - 08.2022
- Delivered hybrid and online synchronous courses at Hill Country Campus, enhancing accessibility for students in remote areas
- Facilitated asynchronous online courses for broader TTU student body through Department of Sociology, promoting flexible learning opportunities
- Developed and implemented engaging course materials to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated interactive discussions, fostering critical thinking and collaboration among students.
- Assessed student performance through exams and projects, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
Group Exercise Instructor
24 Hour Fitness
Dallas/Austin/Northern Virginia
04.2005 - 09.2020
- Developed and designed workouts showcased on 24GO in 2020
- Featured in "Why I GX24" article in 24Life in 2019
- Recognized as Austin GXI of the Month for outstanding performance in July 2017, February 2017, and February 2015
- Received Austin GXI 'Spirit' Award for demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm and leadership during 2016-17
- Achieved Austin GXI 'Above and Beyond' Award for exceptional commitment to member engagement and support in 2015-16
- Received gym scholarships to train and instruct Bootybarre, Bootybarre-less, POP Pilates, HIGHX, TWYT, Les Mills GRIT, Les Mills Bodypump, and Les Mills Bodycombat from 2014 to 2017
Group Fitness Instructor
Blacksburg Pilates And Fitness Studio
Blacksburg, VA
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Led weekly Cycle, Core, Barre and POP Pilates classes with consistent participation and positive feedback.
- Demonstrated modified routines with regressions and progressions to meet diverse fitness levels.
- Educated members on proper movement techniques and safe equipment use to reduce risk of injury.
- Increased member retention by fostering a supportive and motivating exercise environment.
Group Exercise, Barre, Yoga & Cycle Instructor
CG Arena
Austin, TX
08.2012 - 08.2019
Group Exercise Instructor & Personal Trainer
HCM Memorial Wellness Center
Fredericksburg, TX
01.2017 - 01.2019
Visiting Assistant Professor
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO
01.2018 - 05.2018
Education
Ph.D. - Sociology
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX12-2016
Master of Arts - Sociology, Women’s Studies
Texas State University
San Marcos, TXBachelor of Science - Applied Sociology, English
Texas State University
San Marcos, TXHigh School Diploma -
Mathis High School
Mathis, TXSkills
- Certified in 30 Group Exercise programs/formats
- Currently active in 12 Les Mills programs, Advanced Instructor in 4, Level 5 & above for those with Grades established
- Current AFAA/NASM and ACE certification
- Heartsaver CPR AED
- 24 years of experience in both small and large group instruction in a wide variety of establishments, including 3 years on the Les Mills US Trainer Assessor Presenter Team and 1 year as a Master Trainer for POP Pilates and NAFC
- Specialize in delivering functional training and rhythm-based fitness classes that motivate and meet the needs of multiple age and ability levels simultaneously
- Fitness program design
- Dedication to continuous learning and professional growth
- Dependable and hardworking team player with strong collaboration skills and a flexible schedule
- Flexible in dynamic environments and receptive to new challenges
- Time management abilities including task prioritization, planning and goal setting
- Communication and interpersonal connection skills
Certification
- AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- CPR/AED/First Aid
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- Les Mills TONE Instructor (and Advanced Instructor)
- Les Mills CORE Instructor (and Advanced Instructor)
- Les Mills Bodypump Instructor (and Advanced Instructor)
- Les Mills Bodybalance Instructor
- Les Mills Bodystep Instructor
- Les Mills Bodycombat Instructor
- Les Mills GRIT Instructor
- Les Mills PILATES Instructor
- Les Mills SHAPES Instructor
- Les Mills Functional Strength Instructor
- Les Mills Strength Development Instructor
- Les Mills Thrive Instructor
- Les Mills Yoga Instructor
- Les Mills Bodypump Heavy Instructor
- Schwinn Certified Cycle Coach
- Real Ryder Certified Cycle Coach
- IGNITE Cycle Training
- Pumped up Strength Certified Instructor
- HIGHX Certified Instructor
- Insanity Certified Instructor
- SCW Outdoor Bootcamp Certified Instructor
- Turbokick Certified Instructor
- TWYT (Treat While You Train-Self myofascial release) Certified Instructor
- YogaFit Level 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Certified Instructor
- YogaFit Specialty population trainings: Post/Prenatal, Seniors, Warrior/PTSD, Athletes
- Barre Above Certified Instructor
- Bootybarre Certified Instructor
- Bootybarreless Certified Instructor
- Pulse Pointe Barre Certified Instructor
- Barre Eclipse Certified Instructor
- POP Pilates Certified Instructor
- PIIT 28 (Pilates Interval Training)
- Human Reformer Certified Instructor (coming Fall 2026)
- BOGAFit Certified Instructor
Timeline
Assessor
Les Mills US
04.2023 - 12.2026
Group Fitness Instructor
Virginia Tech Department of Campus Recreation
08.2018 - Current
Collegiate Assistant Professor
Virginia Tech
08.2018 - Current
Group Fitness Instructor
The Weight Club
08.2018 - 08.2026
Group Fitness Instructor
Blacksburg Pilates And Fitness Studio
08.2018 - 08.2020
Visiting Assistant Professor
Adams State University
01.2018 - 05.2018
Group Exercise Instructor & Personal Trainer
HCM Memorial Wellness Center
01.2017 - 01.2019
Adjunct Professor
Texas Tech University
08.2015 - 08.2022
Group Exercise, Barre, Yoga & Cycle Instructor
CG Arena
08.2012 - 08.2019
Group Exercise Instructor
24 Hour Fitness
04.2005 - 09.2020
High School Diploma -
Mathis High School
Bachelor of Science - Applied Sociology, English
Texas State University
Master of Arts - Sociology, Women’s Studies
Texas State University
Ph.D. - Sociology
Texas A&M University