Are you passionate about health and fitness?
YMCA fitness certification courses will equip you with the skills to teach an engaging class and the flexibility to adjust exercises to suit varying ability levels.
Courses and Training Opportunities
YMCA Fitness Leadership Conference
Location: Kelowna Family YMCA
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Registration: open to YMCA staff and volunteers only. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
Y Canada Cycle Course
Location: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Instructors: Meghan Langill & Emily Wallace
Contact: meghan.langill@ymcasibc.ca | emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca
Dates: Saturdays, September 26 & October 3, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
The YMCA Cycle Certification is a 15-hour foundational training program designed to equip new instructors with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to lead safe, engaging, and results-driven indoor cycling classes. This course blends exercise science, coaching methodology, and hands-on practice to prepare participants to deliver high-quality group cycling experiences in alignment with YMCA standards. Participants learn how to structure rides, coach effectively, cue with clarity, and create an inclusive environment for riders of all fitness levels. Through interactive lectures, practical drills, and supervised teaching segments, new instructors develop a strong understanding of cycling technique, class design, music integration, and motivational strategies.
Pre-Requisites:
- Valid CPR-C certification
- Course Fee: $299
- Public Registration Barcode: 29592
Certification Requirements:
- Complete Basic Theory self-learning pre-requisite (6–8 hours)
- Complete online Cycle self-learning course (4 hours)
- Attend course both days in person (2 days/15 hours)
- Complete all practical assignments
- Complete 8-hour mentorship
- Complete final certification evaluation w/class design
Registration: open to the public. A 20% discount will be offered to YMCA staff and volunteers affiliated with YMCA regions outside the Okanagan. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
Y Canada Aquafit Course
Location: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Instructors: Maria D'Vaz & Ana-Maria Kiss
Contact: maria.dvaz@ymcasibc.ca | ana-marie.kiss@ymcasibc.ca
Dates: September 27 & October 4, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
The YMCA Aquafit Certification is a 15‑hour YMCA training program designed to provide new instructors with the foundational skills needed to lead safe, engaging, and inclusive water‑based fitness classes. Fully aligned with YMCA teaching standards, this course blends aquatic exercise science with practical coaching techniques to prepare instructors to teach both shallow‑ and deep‑water formats confidently and effectively.
Students will explore the unique properties of water, learn how to structure Aquafit classes that maximize aquatic benefits, and practice essential cueing and communication strategies tailored to the pool environment. Through hands-on teaching opportunities and guided practice, new instructors will develop the ability to deliver music-driven, participant-centered workouts that reflect YMCA values and instructional excellence.
Pre-Requisites:
- Valid CPR-C certification
- Course Fee: $299
- Public registration barcode: 29976
Certification Requirements:
- Complete Basic Theory self-learning pre-requisite (6–8 hours)
- Complete Aquafit self-learning course (5 hours)
- Attend both days in person (15 hours)
- Complete all practical assignments
- Complete 8-hour mentorship
- Complete final certification evaluation w/class design
Registration: open to the public. A 20% discount will be offered to YMCA staff and volunteers affiliated with YMCA regions outside the Okanagan. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
Y Canada Cardio & Strength Course
Location: Kelowna Family YMCA
Instructors: Tiffany Moffatt
Contact: tiffany.moffatt@ymcasibc.ca
Dates: Saturdays, October 17, 24, 31, & November 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
The YMCA Cardio & Strength Certification is an immersive 28‑hour, 4‑day training program designed to equip new instructors with the foundational group fitness skillset needed to lead a wide variety of cardio- and strength‑based classes. This course prepares students to confidently instruct formats such as strength training, bootcamp, HIIT, interval training, and traditional cardio classes, all while upholding YMCA standards for safety, inclusivity, and member engagement. Through a blend of practical teaching opportunities, participants will learn cuing, musicality, movement coaching, exercise science foundations, and class‑design, and develop the technical and leadership skills required to deliver dynamic, effective, and motivating group fitness experiences for participants of all fitness levels.
Pre-Requisites:
- Valid CPR-C certification
- Course Fee: $399
- Public registration barcode: 29977
Certification Requirements:
- Complete Basic Theory self-learning pre-requisite (6–8 hours)
- Complete Cardio & Strength self-learning course (6–8 hours)
- Attend all in-person course dates (4 days/28 hours)
- Complete all practical assignments
- Complete 8-hour mentorship
- Complete final certification evaluation w/class design
Registration: open to the public. A 20% discount will be offered to YMCA staff and volunteers affiliated with YMCA regions outside the Okanagan. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
Y Canada Yoga Course
Location: H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Instructor: Maria D'Vaz
Contact: maria.dvaz@ymcasibc.ca
Dates: Sundays, October 18–November 22, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
The YMCA Yoga Certification is a comprehensive 36‑hour training program designed to give new instructors the essential skills and knowledge needed to confidently lead safe, inclusive, and engaging yoga classes. Rooted in traditional yoga principles and aligned with YMCA teaching standards, this course blends history, philosophy, breathwork, movement, and teaching methodology to build a strong foundation for aspiring instructors.
Participants explore the core elements of yoga practice, Yoga History and Philosophy, Pranayama (Breath Regulation), Asanas (Poses), and Teaching Skills through a combination of lecture, guided practice, hands‑on learning, and supervised teaching opportunities. By the end of the course, new instructors will be prepared to lead yoga classes with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Pre-Requisites:
- Valid CPR-C certification
- Course Fee: $599
- Public registration barcode: 29978
Certification Requirements:
- Complete Basic Theory self-learning pre-requisite (6–8 hours)
- Complete Yoga self-learning course (8–12 hours)
- Attend all in-person course dates (6 days/36 hours)
- Complete 8-hour mentorship
- Complete all practical assignments
- Complete demo & describe evaluation
- Complete final certification evaluation w/class design
Registration: open to the public. A 20% discount will be offered to YMCA staff and volunteers affiliated with YMCA regions outside the Okanagan. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
Y Canada Personal Training Course
Location: Downtown YMCA
Instructors: Blake Green & Collin Polmear
Contact: blake.green@ymcasibc.ca | collin.polmear@ymcasibc.ca
Dates: Saturdays, May 2, 9, 23, 30, June 6, 13, 2027 (no class May 16)
Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
The YMCA Personal Training Certification is an intensive 36‑hour, in‑person course that provides new trainers with the essential tools, knowledge, and hands‑on experience needed to work confidently and effectively with clients. Grounded in YMCA values and evidence‑based fitness principles, this course prepares participants to design safe, personalized programs and deliver supportive, client‑centered coaching.
Participants develop a strong foundation in exercise science, movement assessment, program design, communication skills, and professional standards. Through practical teaching opportunities, supervised coaching practice, and real‑world application, new trainers learn how to guide clients toward their goals with clarity, motivation, and care.
Pre-Requisites:
- Valid CPR-C certification
- Course Fee: $399
- Public registration barcode: TBC
Certification Requirements:
- Complete Basic Theory self-learning pre-requisite (6–8 hours)
- Complete Personal Training self-learning course (8–12 hours)
- Attend all in-person course dates (6 days/36 hours)
- Complete two practicals (one hour each)
- Complete final certification evaluation w/program design
Registration: open to the public. A 20% discount will be offered to YMCA staff and volunteers affiliated with YMCA regions outside the Okanagan. Contact Emily Wallace at emily.wallace@ymcasibc.ca or call (250) 491-9622 ext. 430 for more information.
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.