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.
Courses offered in a virtual format allow you to complete your training online from the comfort of your home, participating live with your instructor and fellow students through a digital learning 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 - WINTER 2027
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)
- January 6, 2027 - March 3, 2027
- Wednesday | 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Isabelle Thibert
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026 at 8 a.m.*
- Registration ends: January 4, 2027 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (English)
- January 12, 2027 - March 9, 2027
- Tuesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026 at 8 a.m.*
- Registration ends: January 10, 2027 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (English)
- January 13, 2027 - March 10, 2027
- Wednesday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026 at 8 a.m.*
- Registration ends: January 11, 2027 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Basic Theory (French)
- January 14, 2027 - March 11, 2027
- Thursday | 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*
- Instructor: Claudette Rouisse
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026 at 8 a.m.*
- Registration ends: January 12, 2027 at 6 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Please note: The Personal Trainer certification is offered primarily in person. Only selected courses are offered in a virtual format. Please refer to the Step 2 tab for the course schedule and available delivery options.
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)
- January 11, 2027 - March 1, 2027
- Monday | 9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Isabelle Thibert
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026
- Registration ends: January 9, 2027 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Personal Trainer Certification (English)
- February 13, 2027 - April 10, 2027
- Saturday | 9 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Mike Gervais
- In-Person Classes (YMCA Cartierville)
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026
- Registration ends: February 11, 2027 at 9 a.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
Personal Trainer Certification (French)
- February 15, 2027 - April 5, 2027
- Monday | 5 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Thomas Lebel
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 23, 2026
- Registration ends: February 13, 2027 at 5 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
If you would like to be informed about upcoming sessions, please fill out the interest form below.
