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

  • ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F23)

    • 13 Sep 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • 18 Oct 2023
    • 8:30 PM
    • online via Zoom
    • 5

    Exercise Theory (ET)

    Learn the technical knowledge required for all NSFA/FLC teaching certificates.


    This is the pre-requisite module in the Nova Scotia Fitness Association’s (NSFA) Certification Program. This course covers the Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, Bio-mechanics, Nutrition, Safety and Legal Liability required to successfully complete the course work, and to work in the exercise industry with one of our specialization certificates.

    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom Wednesday, September 13, 2023 6:30-8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, September20, 2023 6:30-8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, September 27, 2023 6:30-8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, October 4 , 2023 6:30-8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, October 11, 2023 6:30-8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, October 18, 2023 6:30-8:30pm


    Fee: $300.00
    Fee includes: manuals, materials, exams, and NSFA  Associate Membership for 1 year. ***Please fill in your full mailing address if you're outside of the Halifax area so we can mail your manuals to you.

    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 cheque. The NSFA does not accept any credit cards or e-transfers.  Payment must be received before the course begins.

    Course Conductor(s):  Linda Donnelley

    (See our course conductor's bios here: http://www.nsfitness.ca/Staff-&-Board)

    Exams: We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, 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.

    Please note:

    - Registration closes 10 days before the course begins to allow time for shipping text books

    - This course is 6 evenings, live via ZOOM (these are recorded so they can be watched later).

    - The exam is NOT written during the course.

    - This course is required for the completion of all fitness teaching certificates. It is not a certificate to teach by itself.

    Show details

  • PT - Personal Trainer (H F23)

    • 20 Sep 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • 26 Nov 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • Hybrid
    • 0

     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, September 20, 2023
    		  6'30 to 8:30pm
    Zoom Wednesday, September 27, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, October 4, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, October 11, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom  Wednesday, October 18, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, October 25, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, November 1, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, November 8, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, November 16, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    Zoom Wednesday, November 22, 2023 6:30 to 8:00pm
    In-person Saturday, November 25, 2023 9:00am to 5:00pm
    In-person Sunday, November 26, 2023 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 prior to 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 : The at-home study package, the supervisor’s form, and The Personal Trainer’s log book.

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

    Exams: You will be required to find a client & a gyms space for your practical exam.  The NSFA offers 2 (January & June) provincial exam days every year at Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax (See Events & Courses page). 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.  


    Show details

  • GEL - Group Exercise Leader (ZM F23)

    • 10 Oct 2023
    • 6:00 PM
    • 28 Oct 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom
    • 8
    Registration is closed

    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 Tuesday, October 10, 2023
    		  6:00-9:00pm
    Zoom Tuesday, October 17, 2023
    		  6:00-9:00pm
    Zoom  Tuesday, October 24, 2023
    		  6:00-9:00pm
    In-person at MSVU Saturday, October 28, 2023
    		  9:00am-5:00pm

    Fee: $250.00
    Fee includes: manuals, 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): Judi Harvey

    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.  COVID-permitting we will offer provincial exam days twice a year.  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 a proctor. 

    *The exam is NOT written during the course.*

    **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

    Show details

  • MBL - Mind+Body Leadership Course (ZmF23)

    • 25 Oct 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • 18 Nov 2023
    • 5:00 PM
    • Zoom & MSVU
    Register

    Mind+Body Leadership (MBL)

    Learn to teach fitness-level Yoga and Meditation classes.

    Mind & Body Leadership is a group fitness certification that is based in yoga and incorporates other exercise formats that are calming & non-competitive.   

    Students will learn fundamentals of a yoga-fitness class format with focus on teaching alignment, core work, pelvic floor health, balance, stretching, breathing, vocalizations, and meditation/visualization. This course is primarily about yoga, but students who certify in MBL are allowed to incorporate elements from other slow physical activity methods such as Pilates, tai chi, qi gong, ballet & other dance forms, (if they have additional training). Certified MBLs can also, with additional training & exams, incorporate portable equipment such as yoga props, foam rollers, and dance or martial arts props, in their classes.  Students will also learn skills needed for teaching any fitness class such as lesson planning, cueing, giving corrections, safety, and proper use of music.

    This certification (and the related insurance) excludes any version of hot yoga or any inversion asanas.

    This course includes a manual and your first year of membership in the NSFA.  Instructor's insurance for 1 year is also included for any students who successfully meet all of the certification requirements.

    All participants must also complete Exercise Theory and have a current 1st Aid & CPR certification before the MBL certificate will be issued.

    Location/Date/Time:

    Please note: this course will be delivered via a blend of live video stream & in-person sessions.

     Zoom Wednesday, October 25, 2022 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday November 1, 2022 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom Wednesday, November 8 2022 6:30 to 8:30pm
     In-person @ MSVU Saturday, November 18, 2022 9:00am to 5:00pm

    Locations:

    The in-person day will be held at Mount St. Vincent University (166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax) in the McCain Building, room 302.

    Instructor(s):  Tisha White

    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.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, 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. 

    Please also download the Group Formats Certification Guide for further information on the certification process.


    Show details

  • ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (CGCF23)

    • 04 Nov 2023
    • 9:00 AM
    • 05 Nov 2023
    • 3:00 PM
    • Canada Games Centre, Halifax
    Register

    Learn to Teach Indoor Cycling (aka "spin")!


    The ICE Course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to conduct a highly motivated and technically correct cycling class. This course will include an Intro to Cycling which covers bike safety and bike setup, tips on how to dress and remain comfortable while participating in a cycling class. The chapter on Cycling Basics will include body positions, bio-mechanical and alignment considerations, pedal stroke efficiency and intensity. And finally, Physiology and Class Design covers class breakdown, training principals, cycling physiology, training zones, sample class designs paired with music, and leadership.

    *please note: the ICE course by itself is not a certification to teach. You must also have Exercise Theory, and 1st Aid +CPR to be fully certified & insured. 


    Location/Date/Time:

     Canada Games Centre  Saturday, November 4, 2022 9:00am to 3:00pm
     Canada Games Centre  Sunday, November 5, 2022 9:00am to 3:00pm


    Location: Canada Games Centre: 26 Thomas Raddall Drive, Halifax.

    Instructor: Heather Creamer

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

    Fee: $150 - includes manual, and fees for written & practical exams. 

    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.

    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.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, 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. Practical exams can be booked by emailing exams@nsfitness.ca.  

     

    Show details

  • WT - Weight Trainer (ZmF23)

    • 22 Nov 2023
    • 6:30 PM
    • 09 Dec 2023
    • 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.  WT's 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, bootcamps, and HIIT classes.

    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom  Wednesday, November 22, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday, November 29, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Wednesday,  December 6, 2023 6:30 to 8:30pm
     In-person @ MSVU  Saturday, December 9, 2023 9:00am to 5:00pm

    The in-person day will be held at Mount St. Vincent University.

    Fee: $250.00
    Fee includes: manuals, materials, exams, certification, insurance, and your 1st year of NSFA  Associate 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): Terri Roberts

    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: 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.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, 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.

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

    *The exam is NOT written during the course*

    **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.**



    Show details

  • ADE (formerly Older Adult) Leader (ZM W24)

    • 23 Jan 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • 10 Feb 2024
    • 8:00 PM
    • Zoom & MSVU
    • 15
    Register

    ADE Certification


    (formerly called Older Adult Fitness Leader/OAL)  

    Learn to teach cardio, strength, & stretch classes to people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions requiring specialized fitness activities.  


    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom Tuesday, January 23, 2024
    		 6:00 to 8:00pm
     Zoom Tuesday, January 30 2024 6:00 to 8:00pm
     Zoom Tuesday, February 6, 2024 6:00 to 8:00pm
     In-person @ MSVU
    		 Saturday, February 10, 2024 9:00am to 5:00pm


    Course Conductors:  Judi Harvey

    Location: Online via Zoom, plus 1 day in person at TBA
    The in-person day will be held at Mount St. Vincent University (166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax) in the McCain Building, room 302.

    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.  No certifications will be issued without ET and 1st Aid/CPR completed.

    We book a Provincial Exam Day in January and June every year for students to write any NSFA exam at Mount St. Vincent University.  If you cannot attend either of those exam dates, 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.

    Show details

Past events

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.  

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