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 new 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.
Become a Certified Group Fitness Instructor
Courses - WINTER 2026
Basic Theory (French)
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.
- January 7, 2026 - March 4, 2026
- Wednesday | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Isabelle Thibert
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: January 5, 2026 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (French)
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.
- January 8, 2026 - March 5, 2026
- Thursday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Claudette Rouisse
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: January 6, 2026 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (English)
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.
- February 10, 2026 - April 7, 2026
- Tuesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: February 8, 2026 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (English)
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.
- February 11, 2026 - April 8, 2026
- Wednesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: February 9, 2026 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Group Cardio Strength Certification (in person / bilingual)
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 training; muscle strengthening; stretching and relaxation exercises.
Prerequisite: YMCA Basic Theory
- October 18, 2025 - November 29, 2025
- Saturday | 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Olivia Cheah
- Cartierville YMCA - Studio 2
- Registration begins: August 4, 2025
- Registration ends: October 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Group Cycle Certification (in person / bilingual)
The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic group cycling classes. Participants will learn about the following topics: class components; principles of interval training; types of cycling rides; basic stretching exercises.
Prerequisite: YMCA Basic Theory
- November 9, 2025 - November 30, 2025
- Sunday | 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Zabelle Victor
- Cartierville YMCA - Studio 1B
- Registration begins: August 4, 2025
- Registration ends: November 7, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Group Cardio Strength Certification (in person / bilingual)
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 training; muscle strengthening; stretching and relaxation exercises.
Prerequisite: YMCA Basic Theory
- February 8, 2026 - March 22, 2026
- Sunday | 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.*
- Instructor: Lori Nudo
- Cartierville YMCA - Studio 2
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: February 6, 2026 at 1 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time (EST)
