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

Choose your training path

STEP 1: Basic Theory (30 hours of virtual classes)

This introductory YMCA Basic Theory Fitness course serves as the first step in the YMCA Fitness Instructor Training program. The objective of the course is to teach participants the fundamentals of fitness instruction before they take the certification course of their choice.

Participants will learn about the following topics:

Anatomy and physiology;
Training principles;
Mechanics of movement;
Nutrition;
Leading and planning fitness programs;
Healthy lifestyle habits;
Exercise design;
Legal issues.

STEP 2: Group Fitness Certifications (practical courses - in-person classes)

Select the type of Group Fitness Certification that you would like to obtain from the following choices:

Group cardio strength certification (35 hours of In-person classes)

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, Muscle strengthening;
Stretching and relaxation exercises.

Group cycle certification (16 hours of In-person classes)

The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic group cycle classes. Participants will learn about the following topics:

Class components;
Principles of interval training;
Types of cycling rides;
Basic stretching exercises.

STEP 3: Internship (5 hours)

Participants must complete a 5-hour internship before taking the practical exam.

Step 4: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification

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

We strongly recommend that participants obtain their CPR certification before their practical exam.

More information about CPR training

Step 5: Practical Exam

Participants must pass a practical exam (by appointment with a YMCA FIT Trainer).

Additional option: Aging Adults (provincial certification - Québec)

The objective of this course is to teach fitness instructors how to lead safe, effective and dynamic group classes for aging adults within their area of expertise.

> Become a Functional Training Instructor for Aging Adults

This information applies to the 2026 session.

Description	Members¹	Non-members
Basic Theory² (30 hours)	$ 282	$ 334
Group Cardio Strength (35 hours)	$ 346	$ 397
Group Cycle (16 hours)	$ 231	$ 267

¹ YMCA Members: 15% discount on regular price.
² The Basic Theory course is a prerequisite for all Group Fitness Certification courses except for the Aquatic Fitness course. The Basic Theory course may be taken simultaneously with the certification course of your choice, if the calendar of courses permits it.

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.*