Functional Training Certifications for Seniors

Functional training for older adults (Provincial certification - Québec)

Theory (18 hours of virtual classes):

• Physiological changes associated with aging;
• Assessment and evaluation of the older adult;
• Functional tests for older adults;
• Strength and conditioning guidelines for older adults;
• Components of the training session;
• Common medical conditions in aging adults;
• The healthy older adult and aging athlete.

Practical (6 hours of in-person classes):

• Fitness assessments for older adults;
• Regressions and progressions including seated strength and stretching exercises;

Students must complete and submit a case study at the end of the course.

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

• More information about CPR training

This information applies to the 2026 session.

¹ YMCA Members: 15% discount on regular price.

Functional Training for Aging Adults Certification (Bilingual)

This course is designed for personal trainers, small group instructors, group fitness instructors, and aquatics instructors who want to work with older adults.

Learn about the physiological changes associated with aging as well as common medical conditions and how these may impact exercise selection and prescription.

Participants will gain knowledge on the following topics: physiological changes associated with aging; assessment and evaluation of the older adult; functional tests for older adults; strength and conditioning guidelines for older adults; components of a training session; common medical conditions in aging adults; the healthy older adult and the aging athlete; fitness assessments for older adults; regressions and progressions, including seated strength and stretching exercises.

Prerequisites: YMCA Personal Trainer Certification, Group Fitness Certification, or Aquatic Fitness Certification

• Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.*
• Saturday, November 22, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.*
• Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.*
• Instructor: Helen Neves
• Virtual classes
   
• Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 10:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.*
• Instructor: Helen Neves
• Westmount YMCA - Studio 2
   
• Registration begins: August 4, 2025
• Registration ends: November 13, 2025 at 9 a.m.*

*Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Register