Training to Become a Personal Trainer
Turn your passion for fitness into an exciting career by becoming a personal trainer. 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 Personal Training Certification.
If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.
Become a Personal Trainer
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 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.
The Personal Training Certification Course (34 hours) teaches the necessary knowledge and skills needed to assess participants and create safe, effective and appropriate programs. Students in this course will learn the principles and correct application of strength and cardiovascular conditioning, a wide variety of specific exercises and fundamental assessment skills, the fundamentals of coaching and basic business practices for fitness professionals. There are written and practical components in this course.
If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.
Courses - FALL 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 (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)
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)
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)
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)
If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.
The Personal Training Certification Course (34 hours) teaches the necessary knowledge and skills needed to assess participants and create safe, effective and appropriate programs. Students in this course will learn the principles and correct application of strength and cardiovascular conditioning, a wide variety of specific exercises and fundamental assessment skills, the fundamentals of coaching and basic business practices for fitness professionals. There are written and practical components in this course.
Personal Trainer Certification (French)
- September 28, 2026 - November 23, 2026
- Monday | 5 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Thomas Lebel
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: August 3, 2026
- Registration ends: September 26, 2026 at 5 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Personal Trainer Certification (English)
- October 9, 2026 - November 27, 2026
- Friday | 9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Louise Malone
- In-Person Classes (Cartierville YMCA)
- Registration begins: August 3, 2026
- Registration ends: October 7, 2026 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Personal Trainer Certification (French)
- October 19, 2026 - December 7, 2026
- Monday | 9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- In-Person Classes (Cartierville YMCA)
- Registration begins: August 3, 2026
- Registration ends: October 17, 2026 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.
