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 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 Personal Trainer
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)
Personal Trainer Certification Course (French)
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.
Prerequisite : YMCA Basic Theory
- February 2, 2026 - March 23, 2026
- Monday | 5 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.*
- Instructor: Thomas Lebel
- Virtual Classes
- Registration begins: November 24, 2025
- Registration ends: January 31, 2026 at 5 p.m.*
*Eastern Standard Time Zone (EST)
