Are you passionate about health and fitness?
With a YMCA fitness certification, you'll get everything you need to succeed as an instructor. Program modules will equip you with the skills and flexibility to teach an engaging class while adjusting to suit varying abilities.
Modules
Start with Basic Fitness Theory and then pick which specialty course (or courses) you would like to take. There is a minimal fee of $20 for each specialty module taken. You must be a YMCA volunteer prior to participating in training.
NOTE: You will be required to take classes during the course as well as teach classes after the course before becoming YMCA-certified.
In YMCA Basic Fitness Theory, you will learn fundamental concepts and skills that apply across all applied theory streams. Basic Theory for all group fitness streams is now offered as a fully self-directed course. This course will take approximately six hours to complete. Afterwards, you can print off a certificate of completion from the LMS and move into stream-specific training.
Fitness Theory must be completed before moving on to the specialty modules. Please reach out to jennifer.bulcock@ymcasibc.ca for more information.
Learn to lead safe, effective and dynamic group fitness classes (Interval, Toning, HIIT, Boot Camp, Circuit etc). This course will cover class components, basic movements, communication tools for class management, guidelines for safe and effective classes, cardiovascular and muscle strengthening, and stretching and relaxation exercises.
Course requirements:
- 4–6 hours per week of online self-study
- 1–3 hours per week of apprenticeship
- 36 hours of classroom instruction
- CPR-C (completed by the end of the course)
Please note: Attendance to all sessions is encouraged and a minimum one-year teaching commitment is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Saturdays: October 14, 2023–November 25, 2023 (no class November 11)
Downtown Y
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Saturdays: April 13, 2024–May 25, 2024 (no class May 18)
Kelowna Family Y
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Learn to lead safe, effective and dynamic group cycle classes. This course will cover class components, principles of interval training, types of cycling rides, and basic stretching exercises.
Course requirements:
- 4–6 hours per week of online self-study
- 1–3 hours per week of apprenticeship
- 18 hours of classroom instruction
- CPR-C (completed by the end of the course)
Please note: Attendance to all sessions is encouraged and a minimum one-year teaching commitment is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Saturdays: November 18, 2023 & November 25, 2023
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 2024 & Sunday, April 14, 2024
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Learn how to deliver safe and effective yoga classes and become certified to prepare and deliver Hatha Yoga classes. This course will cover the role of a YMCA Yoga Instructor, yoga history and philosophy, Pranayama (breath regulation), asanas (yoga poses), teaching skills, anatomy as it relates to yoga, and class design and delivery.
Course requirements:
- 8–10 hours per week of online self-study
- 1–3 hours per week of apprenticeship
- 36 hours of classroom instruction
- CPR-C (completed by the end of the course)
Please note: Attendance to all sessions is encouraged and a minimum one-year teaching commitment is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Saturdays: January 27, 2024–March 9, 2024 (no class February 17)
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Learn to lead safe, effective and dynamic aquatic fitness classes. This course will cover class components, water properties and principles, basic movements, communication tools for class management, choreography techniques, guidelines for safe and effective classes, basic strength training, and stretching and relaxation exercises.
Course requirements:
- 4–6 hours per week of online self-study
- 1–3 hours per week of apprenticeship
- 5–10 hours of classroom instruction
- CPR-C (completed by the end of the course)
Please note: Attendance to all sessions is encouraged and a minimum one-year teaching commitment is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Level 1
Sundays: January 14 & 21, 2024
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Level 2
Requirement: Completion of level 1
Sunday: March 3, 2024
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Earn your personal training certification at the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. You'll become certified to coach and design exercise prescriptions and set lifestyle goals.
This course covers strength and cardio exercises, equipment types, anatomy as it relates to strength and cardio exercises, program planning, assessments and goal setting, and the role of a personal trainer.
Course requirements:
- 8–10 hours per week of online self-study
- 1–3 hours per week of apprenticeship
- 36 hours of classroom instruction
- CPR-C (completed by the end of the course)
Please note: Attendance to all sessions is encouraged and a minimum one-year teaching commitment is required.
Upcoming Sessions
Saturdays: May 4, 2024–June 15, 2024 (no class May 18)
Downtown Y
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Please reach out to us
If you’re interested in becoming certified to lead fitness classes at the Y or learning more, please contact jennifer.bulcock@ymcasibc.ca.
Mariely’s Y is Community
"Volunteering really is worth it. It’s such a great feeling to be able to give back to the community while investing in yourself as well. Not only did I get to keep active at the Y, but I also got to connect with others and help them reach their fitness goals in a fun way!"
Become a YMCA Volunteer
When volunteering with the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, you will learn from a skilled team, while contributing to the growth and potential of those attending, and yourself. Many of our volunteers have gone on to become full-time staff members, so there is room to grow with us.