Please note:

Please see our Refund Policy for full details on refunds of events & courses.

We take payments via cheque or PayPal only.  If you are unfamiliar with how to use PayPal you can see their tutorials on the PayPal YouTube channel. If you are mailing a cheque our address is at the bottom of this page (and every page of our website).

For courses & events held via Zoom please make sure your Zoom account, camera set-up etc. is in place before the event/course starts. If you are new to Zoom you can find tutorials on the Zoom YouTube channel.

If a course you want is full please add yourself to the wait list (the wait list option will be visible when you try to register). Many times people de-register before the course begins allowing wait listed students to get in. If a course has a significant wait list we will also look at putting on an additional offering or we will attempt to find a larger venue.

Our courses & events will be offered again in the spring & fall of 2023, as we do every year. Details and registration for those will be posted later in the fall of 2022.

Thank you,

NSFA

The Nova Scotia Fitness Association is a non-profit organization.

For course descriptions and full certification requirements, including a free checklist for each certification, please see our Certifications page. 

NSFA courses may be taken in any order, but all of the courses required for each certification must be completed (including passing all exams) before the certification will be issued. A course by itself is not a certification or a credential for teaching/training.

If you wish to complete the Exercise Theory Course via self-directed distance education please purchase the course through the Manitoba Fitness Council at this link.

To complete this course you must write and pass the national Exercise Theory exam. MFC is our partner organization in the NFLA so the content is the same & we all use the same national exam.  You can arrange your exam by emailing exams@nsfitness.ca. Please note a $30 exam fee will apply.


Upcoming events

    • 23 Mar 2024
    • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    • 1000 Larry Uteck Blvd, Community Room
    • 6
    Register


     Exam Day - Spring 2024!



    Any NSFA/NFLA exam can be written on this day.  You must register in advance to be able to write - this is so we can have the exam ready for you when you arrive.

    Registration for this Exam Day closes on Thursday,  March 21/2024.  

    Please note: merely writing and passing an exam does NOT equal being certified.  No certifications will be awarded until ALL of the requirements for the credential are complete.

    Where: 1000 Larry Uteck Blvd, Bedford N.S. Community Room

    When: Saturday, January 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

    Fees (*please read all of the options below):

    - Students who are writing an exam for a course they took with NSFA do not have to pay a fee for their exam as it is included in the course fee.

    - Anyone challenging an exam (i.e. you didn't take our course but feel you have enough knowledge to pass the exam) must pay $35 to take the exams for ET, RT, GEL, OAL, AEL, ICE, or MBL. Written exams for PT are $80.

    To pay the fee you can select the fee option in this event registration page or you can bring cash or a cheque (written to Nova Scotia Fitness Association) to the exam.

    All written exams are 1 hour, except PT which is 2 hours.  Anyone needing more time due to disabilities or a language barrier, please request this by email (to exams@nsfitness.ca) no less than 10 days before the exam.

    All exams are closed-book and electronic devices are not permitted except for calculators.  We will have a few calculators on hand for those who do not bring their own.  Extra pencils, erasers and sharpeners will also be available for those who do not bring their own.

    Good luck everyone!

    • 03 Apr 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • 20 Apr 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom & MSVU
    Register

    Weight Trainer (WT)

    Learn to teach the safe & effective weight training for good health, train clients 1-on-1, teach bootcamp & circuit classes, & supervise fitness centres.


    *Note: this course was previously called "Resistance Trainer (RT)"

    This program focuses on use of equipment and exercises, safety, exercise precautions, exercise technique, training methods and program design. 

    Students completing this certificate will be qualified to do basic fitness training with clients who do not present any major health problems.  WTs can train 1-on-1 (i.e. personal training) and can teach non-music, non-dance-based fitness classes such as small group resistance training, circuit training, boot camps, and HIIT classes.

    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom  Wednesday, April 03, 2024 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday, April 10, 2024 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday,  April 17, 2024 6:30 to 8:30pm
     In-person @ Bedford, NS  Saturday, April 20, 2024 9:00am to 5:00pm

    The in-person day will be held at a private location in Bedford off Larry Uteck Blvd.

    Fee: $350.00
    The fee includes manuals, materials, exams, certification, insurance, and your 1st year of NSFA  Associate membership. Note insurance is only valid with a full membership.

    Payment:  You can pay online via PayPal (this website will take you to the PayPal interface when you complete the registration information) or you can pay by cash or cheque. The NSFA does not accept any credit cards or e-transfers.  Payment must be received before the course begins.

    Course Conductor(s): Christine Hodge and Chris Henderson

    For course conductor biographies, please see our Staff & Board page.

    Venue: for the ZOOM sessions you will need a webcam with video and audio enabled. For the in-person portion, please wear workout clothes and bring indoor-only sneakers. 

    Exams: Both a written and practical exam is required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of Exercise Theory and a 1st Aid & CPR certificate.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    The written exam will be offered on the in-person day and is included in the course price.  If you are unable to write the exam that day, a 1-on-1 session with an exam proctor can be booked after your course is finished. We can also do exams online via Zoom if we do not have an exam proctor in your area. (An extra $35.00 fee applies for proctored exams)

    Please also download the RT Completion Guide from our Certifications page for more information on the certification process.

    **Please note, all students in WT must also complete Exercise Theory and have a current 1st Aid & CPR certificate before this certification will be issued.**



    • 27 Apr 2024
    • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Dalhousie University Campus (Student Union Building and Dalplex)
    • 76
    Register

    #ELS24


    April 27, 2024 at the Dalhousie University Campus

    (Morning sessions at the Student Union Building (SUB), afternoon sessions at Dalplex.)

    Event Check-in Begins at 8:00am at the SUB lobby

    sessions from 9:00am - 5:00pm

    For full descriptions of each session & presenter information, please visit our 2024 Summit Events and Presenters page.


    Save
    • 01 May 2024
    • 6:30 PM
    • 07 Jul 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • Hybrid
    • 12
    Register

     Personal Trainer Course

    Expand on your previous certifications, learn advanced teaching & assessment techniques.


    The PT course builds on the Weight Trainer scope of practice & includes more detailed work on programming for individual clients, assessment of client fitness, and prescribing exercise for those with specific needs beyond the basic exercise learners level.

    Location/Date/Time:

    PLEASE NOTE: This course will run over ten weeks on Friday evenings via Zoom, PLUS an in-person, 2-day session in the Halifax area.

    Zoom Wednesday, May 1, 2024,  6'30 to 8:30 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, May 8, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, May 15, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, May 22, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom  Wednesday, May  29, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, June 5, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, June 12, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, June 19, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, June 26, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    Zoom Wednesday, July 3, 2024 6:30 to 8:00 pm
    In-person Saturday, July 6, 2024 9:00am to 5:00pm
    In-person Sunday, July 7, 2024 9:00am to 5:00pm


    In-person class location: These 2 days will be held at a private gym in the Halifax area on accessible bus routes. As the location is private we will only disclose it to those students who have registered & paid for this course. 

    Prerequisites: You must be currently certified in good standing in at least one of the following:

    • FLC Resistance Trainer
    • FLC Group Exercise Leader
    • FLC Older Adult/ADE Leader

    * Anyone applying with non-FLC (Fitness Leadership Canada) certifications must complete a PLAR. Please email Susan (susan@nsfitness.ca) to book one.

     You will also be required to provide proof of 20 hours of “on floor” experience.  This form will be provided to you and must be completed before the start of the course. 

    Once you have signed up and paid for the course, you will be sent the course package, which will include: a Textbook that will be mailed to you, and your login for the online portion of the at-home study package.

    This course will be taught by Susan Hardiman & Heather Creamer. See our course conductor's bios here: http://www.nsfitness.ca/Staff-&-Board

    Exams: The written exam is done on the final day of the in-person session. Students who are not available on those dates can book a private session with an exam proctor. Any written or practical exams needed can be booked by emailing exams@nsfitness.ca.  

    For the PT practical exam, you are required to find a client and arrange for a gym space. 

    • 09 May 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • 26 May 2024
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom
    • 11
    Register

    Group Exercise Leader (GEL)

    Learn to teach choreography-based aerobics & strength training (portable equipment) in large class formats.


    This program focuses on the components of your fitness class, use of music, cueing, teaching methods, choreography and leadership skills. In addition to basic floor aerobics, students will also receive specialization training in the use of portable equipment for group exercise classes.

    Location/Dates: 

    Zoom Thursday, May 9th, 2024  6:00-9:00pm
    Zoom Thursday, May 16th, 2024  6:00-9:00pm
    Zoom  Thursday, May 23, 2024  6:00-9:00pm
    In-person at MSVU Sunday, May 26, 2023  9:00am-5:00pm

    Fee: $399.00
    Fee includes: Textbook, workbook, materials, exams, certification, insurance, and NSFA/NFLA  membership.

    Payment:  You can pay online via PayPal (this website will take you to the PayPal interface when you complete the registration information) or you can pay by cash or cheque. The NSFA does not accept any credit cards or e-transfers.  Payment must be received before the course begins.

    Course Conductor(s): Keri Hardman and Maryann Peacock

    For course conductor biographies, please see our Staff & Board page.

    Venue: ZOOM Video Call.  Please have a camera with video and audio enabled.

    Exams:

    A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of Exercise Theory and a 1st Aid & CPR certificate. The written exam is normally done on the in-person day. If that is not possible or doesn't work for you, please contact exams@nsfitness.ca to book a 1-on-1 exam with a proctor. 

    **Please note, all students in GEL must also complete Exercise Theory and have a current 1st Aid & CPR certificate before this certification will be issued.**

    Save

Past events

16 Mar 2024 Learn to Teach STEP!
17 Feb 2024 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCF23)
23 Jan 2024 ADE (formerly Older Adult) Leader (ZM W24)
20 Jan 2024 Provincial Exam Day January 20, 2024
22 Nov 2023 WT - Weight Trainer (ZmF23)
25 Oct 2023 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (ZmF23)
10 Oct 2023 GEL - Group Exercise Leader (ZM F23)
20 Sep 2023 PT - Personal Trainer (H F23)
13 Sep 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F23)
24 Jun 2023 Summer Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S23)
10 Jun 2023 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGC S23)
28 Apr 2023 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (Zz W23)
24 Apr 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (MSVU S23)
22 Apr 2023 ELS23: Exercise Leadership Summit 2023
19 Apr 2023 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (S23)
11 Apr 2023 ADE (formerly Older Adult) Leader (ZM W23)
15 Mar 2023 WT - Weight Trainer (ZmW23)
28 Jan 2023 Winter Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W23)
25 Jan 2023 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM W23)
18 Jan 2023 Coffee & Chat For Community Organizations - Winter Edition (W23)
26 Nov 2022 6th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F22)
16 Nov 2022 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F22)
03 Oct 2022 MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (F22)
30 Sep 2022 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - ZM F22
28 Sep 2022 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F22)
17 Sep 2022 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCW22)
14 Sep 2022 Terri's Research Results Session
23 Jul 2022 Community Organizations Coffee & Chat (1st Annual)
25 Jun 2022 Summer Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S22)
18 Jun 2022 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCS22)
27 Apr 2022 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F21)
23 Apr 2022 ELS22: Exercise Leadership Summit 2022
09 Mar 2022 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM W22)
09 Feb 2022 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - (ZM W22)
29 Jan 2022 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W22)
12 Jan 2022 OAL - Older Adult Leader (ZM W22)
10 Dec 2021 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (CS W21)
27 Nov 2021 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (PW F21)
06 Oct 2021 ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F21)
29 May 2021 Exercise Leadership Summit 2021 - Part 2
04 May 2021 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (S21)
25 Apr 2021 Exercise Leadership Summit 2021 - Part 1
24 Apr 2021 Annual Members' Forum Day (ZmSp21)
09 Apr 2021 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (CS W21)
24 Mar 2021 GEL: Group Exercise Leader -ZM (W21)
20 Mar 2021 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (W21)
02 Feb 2021 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (W21)
20 Nov 2020 PT: Personal Trainer (ZM Fall 2020)
24 Oct 2020 2020 Virtual Exercise Summit
10 Oct 2020 RT: Resistance Trainer - ZM (F20)
07 Oct 2020 GEL: Group Exercise Leader -ZM (F20)
08 Sep 2020 ET: Exercise Theory - ZM (F20)
26 Jul 2020 CEC - Virtual Teaching 101 (Sm20)
22 Jul 2020 CEC - Virtual Teaching 101 (Sm20)
27 May 2020 Virtual Teaching 101 CEC
04 Apr 2020 Older Adult Leader (NSCC S20) CANCELLED
28 Mar 2020 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU (S20)
29 Feb 2020 Kettlebell Workshop CGC2020
25 Jan 2020 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W20)
11 Jan 2020 ICE at Dalplex (DP W20)
07 Dec 2019 Barre Workshop - Halifax (PWW19)
23 Nov 2019 OAL - Older Adult Leader (NSCC F19)
16 Nov 2019 Brunch - 5th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F19)
08 Nov 2019 AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (DP F19)
02 Nov 2019 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU (F19)
26 Oct 2019 MBL - Mind & Body Leadership Course (PW F19)
05 Oct 2019 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU (F19)
28 Sep 2019 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (RECC F19)
20 Sep 2019 PT: Personal Trainer Course (CHP F19)
14 Sep 2019 Barre Workshop - Halifax (PWF19)
07 Sep 2019 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU (F19)
22 Jun 2019 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU S19)
04 May 2019 MBL - Mind & Body Leadership Course (PW S19)
13 Apr 2019 ELS19: Exercise Leadership Summit
16 Mar 2019 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU W19
08 Feb 2019 OAL: Older Adult Fitness Leadership - Truro F18
02 Feb 2019 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU W19
26 Jan 2019 Provincial Exam Day (MSVU W19)
01 Dec 2018 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (Purdy's F18;2)
18 Nov 2018 Brunch - 4th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch (MSVU F18)
03 Nov 2018 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU F18
27 Oct 2018 ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (Purdy's F18;1)
13 Oct 2018 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU F18
22 Sep 2018 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU F18
30 Jun 2018 Provincial Exam Day (Spring 2018)
16 Jun 2018 OAL: Older Adult Exercise Leader S18
26 May 2018 RT: Resistance Trainer - MSVU S18
05 May 2018 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU S18
27 Apr 2018 PT: Personal Trainer Course S18
21 Apr 2018 Spring 2018 CPR Recert
21 Apr 2018 Exercise Leadership Summit #ELS18
17 Mar 2018 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU S18
25 Nov 2017 RT: Resistance Trainer - SMU F17
18 Nov 2017 GEL: Group Exercise Leader - MSVU F17
28 Oct 2017 3rd Annual NSFA Fall Brunch
14 Oct 2017 ET: Exercise Theory - MSVU F17
13 Oct 2017 Personal Trainer Course
06 May 2017 GEL: Group Exercise Leader Course (CHP)
29 Apr 2017 OAL: Older Adult Exercise Leader Course
22 Apr 2017 Exercise Leadership Summit #ELS17
25 Mar 2017 ET: Exercise Theory Course (CHP)
12 Mar 2017 NSFA T-Shirts and Coffee Mugs for sale!
05 Mar 2017 CPR re-cert (March 2017)
27 Nov 2016 The 2nd Annual Fall Brunch
26 Nov 2016 RTL: Resistance Training Leader Course (CHP)
12 Nov 2016 GEL: Group Exercise Leader Course (CHP)
22 Oct 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course (CHP)
30 Sep 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course (RECC)
28 May 2016 T4T - Training 4 Trainers (Course Conductors' PD Day)
16 Apr 2016 CPR Re-cert (Lifesaving Society)
16 Apr 2016 Exercise Leadership Summit 2016 (ELS'16)
20 Feb 2016 SFIC: Senior's Fitness Instructor Course
30 Jan 2016 ET: Exercise Theory Course
21 Nov 2015 Fall Brunch 'N' Learn

We acknowledge that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people.  

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
UA-141718866-1