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• NSFA GEL - Group Exercise Leader (ZM F24)

  • Start
    29 Sep 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    10 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    online via Zoom, In person day in the HRM and Sydney

  Registration is closed

  Group Exercise Leader (GEL)

  Learn to lead dynamic group fitness classes that blend choreography, strength, and high-energy coaching

  Registration Ends September 24, 2026

  
  

  Lead the Beat: Group Exercise Leadership (GEL) Training

  Get ready to energize the room and lead with confidence! This course teaches you how to design and deliver choreography-based aerobics and strength training classes using portable equipment—perfect for large group formats that get hearts pumping and muscles moving.

  What You’ll Learn:

  • Build engaging fitness classes from the ground up
  • Master the art of music-driven choreography and cueing
  • Explore teaching methods that keep participants motivated and safe
  • Develop your leadership style to command the room with clarity and charisma

  ️‍♀️ Beyond the Basics:
  In addition to classic floor aerobics, you’ll gain specialized training in using portable equipment—like resistance bands, dumbbells, and more—to add variety and challenge to your group sessions.

  As a certified GEL, you’ll be equipped to teach both choreographed cardio formats and non-choreographed styles like HIIT and circuit training. That means more options, more impact, and more fun!

  Location/Dates: 

  Zoom	Tuesday, Sept 29, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, October 1, 2026	6:30 pm  to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, October 6, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, October 8, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  In-person Day NSCC Dartmouth	Saturday, October 10, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In-person Day Sydney UCB campus	Saturday, October 10, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  In-person Day Locations:  

  Dartmouth- Fitness Room at the Nova Scotia Community College, Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 0A5

  Sydney- Fitness Room at the Kehoe Forum on the UCB campus-1250 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, NS B1M 1A2

  Last Day to Register is September 24, 2026

  Fee:

  NSFA Member Pricing $349.00

  Non Member Pricing $399.00

  Fee includes: e-Textbook, workbook, materials, exams (written and practical), certification

  Interested in becoming a PT? GEL is one of the prerequisites accepted for the PT certification course.

  Payment:  Credit cards are accepted. 

  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. 

  **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.**

  Do you need Exercise Theory? It's now available online through the NSFA. Click here for more information. 

  Questions??? Contact us at info@nsfitness.ca

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• NSFA WT - Weight Trainer

  • Start
    13 Oct 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    24 Oct 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    online via Zoom & In person day in Halifax or Sydney

  Register

  Weight Trainer (WT)

  Learn to teach safe & effective weight training for good health: do weight room orientations, teach bootcamp, circuit classes and small group training

  This certification is the best pathway to becoming a

  Personal Trainer
  

  
  

  Become a Confident Weight Training Instructor!

  Empower others through safe, effective strength training for lifelong health.

  This dynamic certificate program prepares you to train clients in a weight room orientation and lead high-energy group classes like bootcamps, circuit training, and HIIT—without the need for choreography.

  This certification is the best pathway to becoming a Personal Trainer

  You'll gain hands-on expertise in:

  • Equipment use & exercise technique
  • Safety protocols & exercise precautions
  • Training methods & program design

  Whether you're guiding a beginner through their first squat or energizing a group with a full-body circuit, you'll be equipped to deliver results with confidence and care.

  Upon completion, you'll be qualified to work with generally healthy clients in:

  ✅ Weight room orientation, creating basic exercise programs, demonstrating proper form and machine orientation

  ✅ Small group resistance training

  ✅ Bootcamp-style and HIIT classes

  No dance moves required—just solid, science-backed fitness instruction that transforms lives.

  Location/Date/Time:

  Zoom	Tuesday,  October 13, 2026	6:30 pm to 9.00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, October 15 , 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, October 20, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, October 22, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  In Person HRM	Saturday, October 24, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In Person Sydney	Saturday, October 24, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In Person Stellarton	Saturday October 24, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  
  

  In-person location in the HRM: Cole Harbour Place, 51 Forest Hills Pkwy, Dartmouth NS B2W 6C6

  In-person location in Sydney: Fitness Room at the Kehoe Forum on the UCB campus-1250 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, NS B1M 1A2

  In-person location in the Stellarton: Mobility Health & Fitness, 101 Lawrence Blvd, Stellarton NS B2H

  Last Date to Register October 8, 2026

  Fee:

  NSFA members: $349

  Non-members: $399
  

  The fee includes manuals, materials, written and practical exams 

  Payment:  The NSFA now accepts credit cards.  Payment must be received before registration closes. 

  Online Sessions: For the ZOOM sessions, you will need a webcam with video and audio enabled.

  Exams: Both a written and a practical exam are required to complete this course. Full certification also requires completion of the Exercise Theory course 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 $40.00 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.**

  Do you need Exercise Theory? You can now take NSFA Exercise Theory online in a self paced online course. Click the link to learn more: EXERCISE THEORY ONLINE

  
  

  Questions???? Contact us at info@nsfitness.ca

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• ADE (Adapting for Diversity in Exercise) Leader

  • Start
    27 Oct 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    07 Nov 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom & In-person options HRM and Sydney

  Register

  ADE Certification

  “Inclusive Fitness Starts Here”

  
  

  
  

  Empower Every Body: Inclusive Fitness Training That Makes a Difference

  Ready to make fitness truly accessible? This course teaches you how to lead cardio, strength, and stretch classes tailored for individuals with disabilities or chronic medical conditions—because movement should be for everyone.

  Why it matters:
  In Nova Scotia, over 22% of the population is 65+, and a staggering 73% live with chronic illness. In rural communities, those numbers climb even higher. That’s a lot of people who need specialized support to stay strong, safe, and independent.

  What you’ll learn:
  Discover how to safely and effectively guide older adults and those with health challenges through fitness sessions—whether in a class, small group, or one-on-one. You’ll help them build functional strength, boost their health reserve, and lower their risk of falls—all while creating a welcoming space where they can thrive.

  Course Format:

  • Online theory delivered through engaging Zoom sessions
  • Hands-on practice during an in-person training day to bring your skills to life

  This isn’t just a course—it’s a chance to become a catalyst for healthier, more connected communities. Let’s move with purpose.

  Registration Ends: October 22, 2026

  Location/Date/Time:

  Zoom	Tuesday, October 27, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, October 29, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, November 3, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, November 5, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  In-person HRM	Saturday, November 7, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In-person Sydney	Saturday, November 7, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  Location: Online via Zoom, plus 1 day In-person Day Location:  

  HRM: Nova Scotia Community College,  Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 0A5

  Sydney: Sydney- Fitness Room at the Kehoe Forum on the CBU campus-1250 Grand Lake Rd., Sydney, NS B1M 1A2

  
  

  The course fee includes 4 -Zoom nights, an in-person training day,  e-manual, course worksheets and materials, written exam and practical evaluation exam.  

  Course Fee:

  NSFA members: $349

  Non-members: $399

  Credit cards are accepted. 

  Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. The written exam is done on the in-person day and the practical evaluation exam is arranged with the instructor (can be live or video). 

  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.

  Do you need Exercise Theory? It's now available online through the NSFA. Click here for more information. 

  Show details
• AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (Zz W23)

  • Start
    13 Nov 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    15 Nov 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Mariners on Main, Yarmouth

  Register

  Learn to teach exercise in the pool!

  Aqua Exercise Leader Course

  
  

  The program focuses on the components of your fitness class - use of  music, cueing, teaching methods, choreography and leadership skills - as well as specialized training for teaching exercise in a swimming pool. Use of portable resistance equipment is included!

  Location/Date/Time: 

  In-person @ Yarmouth	Friday, November 13, 2026	5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
  In-person @ Yarmouth	Saturday, November 14 , 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In-person @ Yarmouth	Sunday, November 15, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  Fee:

  All Registrants: $299.00: Fee includes manual, materials, & exams.

  Course Conductor: Judi Harvey
  

  Location: 275 Main St, Yarmouth NS B5A 1E3

  Clothing: Please have pool wear, a towel, and pool deck shoes as well as dry clothing for each day.

  Testimonial from a previous AEL student:

  "I used to teach aqua with only fitness leader training. When the module became available, I took it, because it was nice to have that knowledge and I actually learned a bit in the theory that I didn't otherwise know. The knowledge of how the water works with and against the body helped me plan my classes better and throw new and more challenging moves at my participants. And of course, it also taught me "GET ON DECK" and teach out of the water, which is better for your participants. To this day I tell people to try the water as it is a "liquid weight room" and not just for seniors but all ages and levels of fitness! Great workout, and fun to teach." - Trina, (Bedford, NS)
  

  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.

  Need Exercise Theory (ET)? The ET course is available to take online at: Exercise Theory | Nova Scotia Fitness Association Certifications and

  
  

  Questions???? Contact us at info@nsfitness.ca
  

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• 9th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch Continuing Education Event

  • When
    14 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    Ashburn Golf Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax NS, B3L 4G1

  Register

  9th Annual NSFA Fall Brunch Continuing Education Event

  NSFA Members Receive 2 CECs

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Date: Saturday November 14th, 2026

  Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

  
  

  Enjoy a delicious buffet brunch, mix and mingle with your fellow fitness professionals, add to your fitness knowledge and receive a continuing education credit for attending! 

  
  

  This Event Includes a Breakfast Buffet: Eggs, bacon, seasoned home fries, fresh fruit basket, tea biscuit, ice-cold fruit juices, tea and coffee (Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, please indicate in registration)

  
  

  Topic: 

  SHIFTING GEARS- How to Help Regulate our Nervous System Before and After a Workout.

  We all know that feeling; you’re tense or anxious from the day’s activities, show up for a class or a PT session and have a hard time settling down or focusing on your body. We’re still in “flight or fight” mode and possibly don’t know how to shift gears into “rest & digest” mode. This session will explore the physiology of our autonomic nervous system and the important, but simple things, fitness professionals can do to help clients (and ourselves) shift more quickly and easily. 

   Learn to recognize chronic dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and understand how not addressing the issue has a negative effect on all systems of the body. 

   

  Presenter: Melissa Millar

  
  

  About Melissa: Fitness and wellbeing for life….this is Melissa’s philosophy, and career path.

  Starting with Group Fitness she now has almost 30 years experience in the industry working as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Yoga Instructor, Program Facilitator and Trainer Educator. She has presented at conferences in Auckland, Halifax and St John’s as well as online webinars, and is a currently a Course Conductor/Evaluator for the NSFA. 

  In 2009 she was awarded the Fitness Instructor of the Year-Freestyle, presented by Fitness Life magazine in NZ. Melissa ran her own Halifax fitness business from 2010-2017 and then spent 9 years as the Fitness Coordinator at MSVU. 

  She is currently Health & Fitness Coordinator at the Zatzman Sportsplex. She is thrilled to be able to work in her community to help make wellbeing accessible for all and share her passions for mindfulness, functional training, whole health, and dance!

  
  

  Location: Brunch will take place at the beautiful Ashburn Golf Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax NS, B3L 4G1

  Lots of free parking is available!

  Registration Fee for Early Birds registering  by November 3rd, 2025.

  NSFA Members: $40

  Non Members: $50

  After November 3rd, 2025

  NSFA Members: $50

  Non Members: $60

  NSFA member who attend will receive 2 Continuing Education Credits. These will be added to your NSFA account after the event.

  Non members can request a Certificate of Attendance for proof of continuing education. 

  

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• SEL-Seated Exercise Leadership Course

  • Start
    21 Nov 2026
  •  
    9:30 AM
  • End
    22 Nov 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Course done via live on Zoom

  Register

  Seated Exercise Leadership Course

  Learn to adapt most types of exercise for seated participants.

  This course is done via online Zoom

  

  
  

  Seated Exercise Leader Certification Overview

  This certification equips fitness professionals with the skills to safely and effectively coach seated participants through all aspects of a fitness class using modified exercises designed for chair-based movement.

  Upon completion, Seated Exercise Leaders will have a strong understanding of:

  • The diverse needs, abilities, and conditions of participants requiring seated exercise
  • Techniques to adapt foundational exercises for a seated format, targeting all major muscle groups
  • Strategies for motivating and coaching participants to encourage full engagement and confidence
  • Awareness of physical challenges and disorders associated with prolonged sitting
  • Approaches for interacting with participants in ways that reject and counter ableist assumptions
  • Critical safety considerations when planning and leading seated fitness sessions

  Pre-requisites:
  NSFA members must hold one of the following certifications to enroll:

  • Group Exercise Leader (GEL)
  • Weight Training/Resistance Training (WT/RT)
  • Personal Trainer (PT)
  • Active Older Adult/Adapting for Diversity in Exercise (ADE/OAL)

  You can email us at info@nsfitness.ca if you have questions on your eligibility for this certification. 

  Location/Date/Time:

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

  Zoom	Saturday November 21, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  Zoom	Sunday November 22, 2026	9:00 am to 1:00 pm
  Zoom	SEL written exam will be online via booked appointment

  
  

  This certification is taught fully online. 

  Instructor(s):  Andréa Morrison

  Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. The written exam is a proctored online exam that can be booked after the weekend course. 

  NSFA members: $299

  Non-members: $350

  Registration ends November 16, 2026

  Note: We require a minimum of 5 registrants to run the course. Registrants will be notified in the event we do not have enough people registered to run the course, and your money will be refunded.

  Seated Exercise Leaders will be able to safely and effectively coach seated participants through all aspects of a fitness class, using exercises modified to incorporate use of the chair.

  Once certified, they will have a clear understanding of:

  ● The wide variety of participant needs and abilities they will encounter

  ● How to modify basic exercises to target all parts of the body from a seated position

  ● How to motivate and coach/direct seated participants

  ● What physical challenges/disorders might be associated with remaining seated for long periods

  ● How to interact with participants in ways that mitigate and nullify ableist mindsets

  ● Safety considerations surrounding seated exercise

  
  

  Pre-requisite: For NSFA members, this certification requires all participants to have one of the following underlying certifications -  GEL, WT/RT, PT or ADE/OAL. 

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