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• SEL-Seated Exercise Leadership Course

  • Start
    20 Jan 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    31 Jan 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom & In-Person Day Location NSCC Dartmouth (Ivany Campus)

  Register

  Seated Exercise Leadership Course

  Learn to adapt most types of exercise for seated participants .

  

  
  

  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	Tuesday, January 20 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, January 22, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, January 27, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, January 29, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  In-person NSCC Dart	Saturday, January 31, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  Locations: Zoom and In-person Practical Day, Fitness Room at the Nova Scotia Community College, Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 0A5

  Instructor(s):  Andréa Morrison

  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.

  Fee: 

  NSFA members: $349

  Non-members: $399

  Registration ends January 15, 2026

  Credit cards are accepted. If you require to pay by cheque, please make the cheque payable to the Nova Scotia Fitness Association and mail to P.O. Box 35011, Halifax RPO, B3M 0G3

  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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• MBL - Mind-Body Leadership Course June 2025 (ZmF23)

  • Start
    10 Feb 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    21 Feb 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom & In-Person Day Location in Dartmouth

  Register

  Mind - Body Leadership (MBL)

  Lead with calm. Move with purpose.
  

  Learn to teach fitness-level Yoga and Meditation classes.

  
  

  Become a Mind - Body Fitness Leader

  Create calming, connected experiences through movement and mindfulness.

  The Mind - Body Leadership (MBL) certification empowers you to lead group fitness classes that blend fitness-level yoga, breathwork, stretching, meditation, and visualization. These aren’t just workouts—they’re immersive experiences that help participants feel grounded, relaxed, and in tune with themselves.

  What you’ll learn:

  • The science of stress and how it affects the body
  • How to apply mind-body techniques like fitness level yoga, breathwork, stretching, meditation, and visualization to reduce stress and promote wellness
  • How to use props like blocks, bolsters, and bands to support movement
  • Lesson planning, cueing, safety, and music integration

  What you’ll teach:

  • Non-competitive, calming group fitness classes
  • Fusion formats that combine strength, cardio, and mindfulness

  Includes ready-to-use lesson plans and scripts to help you get started.

  Already certified as a GEL, WT, ICE Leader, or PT? Add mind-body elements to your classes and create unique fusion workouts your clients will love.

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

  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	Tuesday, February 10 , 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, February 12, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, February 17, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, February 19, 2026	6:30 to 8:30 pm
  In-person	Saturday February 21, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  Location: In-person Practical Day will be held at the  Nova Scotia Community College, Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 0A5

  Instructor:  Andréa Morrison

  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.

  Note: The written exam is done on the in-person day.

  Fee: 

  NSFA members: $349

  Non-members: $399

  Registration for this session ends February 5th, 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.
  

  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 GEL - Group Exercise Leader (ZM F24)

  • Start
    17 Mar 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    28 Mar 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    online via Zoom, In person day in Dartmouth

  Register

  Group Exercise Leader (GEL)

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

  Registration Ends March 12, 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, March 17, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, March 19, 2026	6:30 pm  to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, March 24, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, March 26, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  In-person Day NSCC Dartmouth	Saturday, March 28 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

  Last Day to Register is March 12, 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 PT

  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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• ADE (Adapting for Diversity in Exercise) Leader

  • Start
    31 Mar 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    12 Apr 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    Zoom & In-person options Dartmouth and Truro

  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: March  26, 2026

  Location/Date/Time:

  Zoom	Tuesday, March 31, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, April 2, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, April 7, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, April 9, 2026	6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
  In-person Dartmouth	Saturday, April 11, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In-person Truro	Sunday April 12, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

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

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

  Truro: Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC), 625 Abenaki Rd, Truro NS B2N0G6

  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
• NSFA WT - Weight Trainer

  • Start
    14 Apr 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM
  • End
    02 May 2026
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    online via Zoom & In person day in Dartmouth

  Register

  Weight Trainer (WT)

  Learn to teach safe & effective weight training for good health: train clients 1-on-1, teach bootcamp, circuit classes and small group training

  
  

  
  

  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 one-on-one and lead high-energy group classes like bootcamps, circuit training, and HIIT—without the need for choreography.

  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:

  ✅ Creating Basic Exercise programs for Clients

  ✅ 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,  April 14, 2026	6:30 pm to 9.00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday, April 16, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Tuesday, April 21, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
  Zoom	Thursday,  April 23, 2026	6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

  
  

  In-Person Day NSCC Dart	Saturday, April 25, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  In-Person Day RECC Truro	Saturday May 2, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

  
  

  In-person location in Dartmouth: NSCC Ivany Campus, 80 Mawio'mi Place, Dartmouth 
  In-person location in Truro: Rath Eastlink Community Centre 625 Abenaki Road Truro

  
  

  Last Date to Register April 9, 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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• ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader

  • Start
    06 Jun 2026
  •  
    9:00 AM
  • End
    07 Jun 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Rath Eastlink Community Centre Truro
  • Registered
    Be the first

  Register

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

  ICE: Ignite, Cycle, Elevate!

  
  

  Ready to Ride? Get Fired Up with the ICE Course!

  The ICE Course isn’t just about cycling—it’s about transforming your passion into powerful, pulse-pounding experiences! Whether you’re an aspiring instructor or just someone who wants to level up your ride, this course packs everything you need to lead unforgettable, high-energy classes with confidence and style.

  Here’s what’s in store:

  • Intro to Cycling: Kick off with the essentials—master bike setup and safety like a pro, and learn how to dress smart so your ride feels smooth, not sweaty.
  • Cycling Basics: Dive into dynamic body positions, fine-tune your biomechanics, and unleash your pedal power for maximum efficiency and intensity.
  • Physiology & Class Design: Break down the science behind the sweat! Discover training principles, performance zones, and physiology insights. Plus, get inspired by sample class designs infused with energizing music and rockstar leadership tips.

  From setup to sweat sessions and beats that move you, ICE gives you the edge to lead awesome classes. So get in gear—your ride to greatness starts here!

  *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. 

  If you require Exercise Theory it is now available as an online course. Click this link for more information. 

  
  

  Location/Date/Time:

  Rath Eastlink Community Centre 625 Abenaki Rd, Truro NS B2N0G6 

  
  

  Rath Eastlink Community Centre	Saturday, June 6, 2026	9:00 am to 4:30 pm
  Rath Eastlink Community Centre	Sunday, June 7, 2026	9:00 am to 4:00 pm

  
  

  Instructor: Tammy Mercier

  Fee: Includes manual, and fees for ICE written & practical exams. 

  NSFA members: $349

  Non-members: $399

  Exams: A written and practical exam are required to complete this course. The written exam is done on the second day. A re-write is available if required. Practical evaluations are booked through your course conductor and can be done in-person or via video. More details will be provided during the session. 

  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.

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

  Show details