Group Fitness Instructor Training

Turn your passion for fitness into an exciting career by becoming a group fitness instructor. Help people reach their health and fitness goals and make healthy life choices to build stronger and healthier communities.

Our virtual program allows you to complete your training from the comfort of your home with a live instructor, other students and educational materials on a digital platform.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ: YMCA Group Fitness Instructor Certification.

If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.

Complete the interest form

Become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Choose your training path

STEP 1: Basic Theory (30 hours of virtual classes)

This introductory YMCA Basic Theory Fitness course serves as the first step in the YMCA Fitness Instructor Training program. The objective of the course is to teach participants the fundamentals of fitness instruction before they take the certification course of their choice.

Participants will learn about the following topics:

Anatomy and physiology;
Training principles;
Mechanics of movement;
Nutrition;
Leading and planning fitness programs;
Healthy lifestyle habits;
Exercise design;
Legal issues.

STEP 2: Group Fitness Certifications (practical courses - in-person classes)

Select the type of Group Fitness Certification that you would like to obtain from the following choices:

Group cardio strength certification (35 hours of In-person classes)

The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic Group Fitness classes (Interval, Toning, HIIT, Boot Camp, Circuit etc…). Participants will learn about the following topics:

Class components;
Basic movements;
Communication tools for class management;
Guidelines for safe and effective classes;
Cardiovascular, Muscle strengthening;
Stretching and relaxation exercises.

Cycling certification (16 hours of In-person classes)

The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic cycling classes. Participants will learn about the following topics:

Class components;
Principles of interval training;
Types of cycling rides;
Basic stretching exercises.

STEP 3: Internship (5 hours)

Participants must complete a 5-hour internship before taking the practical exam.

Step 4: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification

Participants should have a minimum of CPR/AED Level A to obtain certification. Courses available at our YMCA centers.

We strongly recommend that participants obtain their CPR certification before their practical exam.

More information about CPR training

Step 5: Practical Exam

Participants must pass a practical exam (by appointment with a YMCA FIT Trainer).

Additional option: Aging Adults (provincial certification - Québec)

The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic group classes for aging adults within their area of expertise.

Become a Functional Training Instructor for Aging Adults

This information applies to the 2026 session.

Description	Members¹	Non-members
Basic Theory² (30 hours)	$ 282	$ 334
Group Cardio Strength (35 hours)	$ 346	$ 397
Cycling (16 hours)	$ 231	$ 267

¹ YMCA Members: 15% discount on regular price.
² The Basic Theory course is a prerequisite for all Group Fitness Certification courses except for the Aquatic Fitness course. The Basic Theory course may be taken simultaneously with the certification course of your choice, if the calendar of courses permits it.

Courses - SUMMER 2026

This introductory YMCA Basic Theory Fitness course (30 hours) serves as the first step in the YMCA Fitness Instructor Training program. The goal of the Basic Theory course is to prepare the student to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop a successful career in fitness.

Basic Theory (English)

July 11, 2026 - August 15, 2026
Saturday | 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.*
Instructor: Helen Neves
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: May 11, 2026
Registration ends: July 9, 2026 at 9 a.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

Basic Theory (French)

July 25, 2026 - September 5, 2026**
Saturday | 9 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.*
Instructor: Zabelle Victor
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: June 12, 2026
Registration ends: July 23, 2026 at at 9 a.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

**Please note that there will be no class on Saturday, August 22.

If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.

Complete the interest form

Courses - FALL 2026

Basic Theory (French)

September 10, 2026 - November 5, 2026
Thursday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
Instructor: Claudette Rouisse and Mike Gervais
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: August 3, 2026
Registration ends: September 8, 2026 at 6 p.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

Complete the interest form

Basic Theory (French)

September 9, 2026 - November 4, 2026
Wednesday | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.*
Instructor: Isabelle Thibert
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: August 3, 2026
Registration ends: September 7, 2026 at 9 a.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

Complete the interest form

Basic Theory (English)

September 22, 2026 - November 17, 2026
Tuesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
Instructor: Mike Gervais
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: August 3, 2026
Registration ends: September 20, 2026 at 6 p.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

Complete the interest form

Basic Theory (English)

September 23, 2026 - November 18, 2026
Wednesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
Instructor: Mike Gervais
Virtual Classes
Registration begins: August 3, 2026
Registration ends: September 21, 2026 at 6 p.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)

Complete the interest form

If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.

Complete the interest form

FAQ: YMCA Group Fitness Instructor Certification

About the training

How the course works

The Basic Theory Course teaches you the essential skills a fitness instructor must have to teach a class.

The subjects broached include:

Anatomy and physiology
Training principles
Movement mechanics
Nutrition
Program planning
Healthy lifestyles
Legal aspects related to the profession

These concepts are then directly applied in the practical part of the certification process.

Access and registration

To register, you must:

Be 18 years of age or older
Understand French or English (depending on the language the course is given in; some terms may be in English)

Depending on the specialization chosen, these are the specific prerequisites:

Group cardio and strength training: participants should be in relatively good physical shape. Having basic knowledge of group fitness (as a participant or instructor) is also recommended, as well as the willingness to progress.
Cycling: participants should be in relatively good physical shape. Having basic knowledge of cycling classes (as a participant or instructor) is also recommended, as well as the willingness to improve.

Group Fitness Instructor Training

Become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Choose your training path

STEP 1: Basic Theory (30 hours of virtual classes)

STEP 2: Group Fitness Certifications (practical courses - in-person classes)

Group cardio strength certification (35 hours of In-person classes)

Cycling certification (16 hours of In-person classes)

STEP 3: Internship (5 hours)

Step 4: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification

Step 5: Practical Exam

Additional option: Aging Adults (provincial certification - Québec)

Courses - SUMMER 2026

Basic Theory (English)

Basic Theory (French)

Courses - FALL 2026

FAQ: YMCA Group Fitness Instructor Certification

About the training

How the course works

Access and registration

Experience and career

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Group Fitness Instructor Training

Choose your training path

Training content

Tarifs

Courses - SUMMER 2026

Basic Theory (English)

Basic Theory (French)

Courses - FALL 2026

About the training

Why choose the YMCA group fitness instructor certification?

Is the YMCA certification recognized in Québec and Canada?

How the course works

Is the Basic Theory Course required before starting the training?

What is the purpose of the Basic Theory Course in the certification process?

How long is the group fitness certification?

Can I do the course online?

Are the courses recorded?

Access and registration

How do I become a certified group fitness instructor?

What are the course prerequisites?

Experience and career

Can I work as a group fitness instructor right after completing the certification?

What career opportunities are available after completing a group fitness certification?

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