Please note:

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

We accept payments via credit cards. We can also accept payment via cheque.  If you are mailing a cheque our address is at the bottom of this page (and every page of our website). Payment must be received before attending the event or certification.

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 are offered throughout the year, please check back regularly. If there is one that you are interested in that hasn't been posted, send us an inquiry via email to info@nsfitness.ca. 

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.

Exercise Theory is now offered online! Click on our Certifications page for more details!


Upcoming events

    • 14 Jan 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • 25 Jan 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Zoom & In-Person Day Location (Hfx /Dart TBD)
    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.

    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, January 14, 2025 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Thursday, January 16 2025 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Tuesday, January 21, 2025 6:30 to 8:30pm
     Zoom  Thursday January 23, 2025 6:30 to 8:30 pm
     In-person (Hfx/Dart area)  Saturday, January 25, 2025 9:00am to 5:00pm


    Locations: Zoom and In-person Practical Day, TBD

    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: $300

    Non-members: $350

    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.

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

    • 04 Feb 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • 15 Feb 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Zoom & In-Person Day Location (Hfx /Dart TBD)
    Register

    Seated Exercise Leadership Course

    Learn to adapt most types of exercise for seated participants .


    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. 

    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, February 4, 2025 6:30 to 8:30 pm
     Zoom  Thursday, February 6,  2025 6:30 to 8:30 pm
     Zoom  Tuesday, February 11, 2025 6:30 to 8:30 pm
     Zoom  Thursday February, 13, 2025 6:30 to 8:30 pm
     In-person (Hfx/Dart area)  Saturday, February 15, 2025 10:00 am to 5:00 pm


    Locations: Zoom and In-person Practical Day, TBD

    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: $300

    Non-members: $350

    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.

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

    • 18 Feb 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • 01 Mar 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom & In person day HRM
    Register

    Weight Trainer (WT)

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



    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-choreography-based fitness classes such as small group resistance training, circuit training, boot camps, and HIIT classes.

    Location/Date/Time:

     Zoom  Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
     Zoom Thursday, February 20th, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30pm
     Zoom Tuesday,  February 25th, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
    Zoom Thursday, February 27th, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
     In-Person Day Sunday March 2, 2025  Dartmouth 

    The in-person day will be held in Dartmouth

    Fee:

    NSFA members: $325

    Non-members: $375

    The fee includes manuals, materials, written and practical exams 

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

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

    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.**

    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



    • 18 Mar 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • 30 Mar 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • online via Zoom, In person day location TBD
    • 12
    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. A GEL can teach both  choreographed ( cardio-based ) and non-choreographed classes such as HIIT and circuit classes. 

    Location/Dates: 

    Zoom Tuesday, March 18th, 2025  6:30-8:30 pm
    Zoom Thursday, March 20th, 2025  6:30-8:30 pm
    Zoom  Tuesday, March 25th, 2025  6:30-8:30 pm
    Zoom  Thursday March 27th 2025
     6:30-8:30 pm
    In-person day HRM TBD Sunday, March 30th, 2025  9:00 am-5:00 pm


    Fee: NSFA Member Pricing $325.00, Non Member Pricing $375.00

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

    Payment:  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

    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.**

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

    Save

    • 01 Apr 2025
    • 6:30 PM
    • 13 Apr 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • Zoom & In-person at Zatzman Sportsplex
    • 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, April 1st, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
     Zoom Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 6:30 pm  to 8:30 pm
     Zoom Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 6:30 pm  to 8:30 pm
     Zoom Thursday, April 10th, 2025 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
     In-person location Halifax/Dart Sunday, April 13th, 2025 9:00 am to 5:00pm


    Location: Online via Zoom, plus 1 day in person TBD, Halifax/Dartmouth location

    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: $325

    Non-members: $375

    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

    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. 

Past events

09 Nov 2024 AQX Aquafit Certification
26 Oct 2024 PT - Personal Trainer (H F23)
11 Jul 2024 Exercise Theory and Weight Trainer Certification (ZM F23)
22 Jun 2024 NSFA Exam Day June 22, 2024
08 Jun 2024 Excelerated ET: Exercise Theory (ZM F23)
25 May 2024 Barre Master Class Workshop!
27 Apr 2024 ELS24: Experience NSFA Exercise Leadership Summit 2024
23 Mar 2024 Exam Day Saturday March 23, 2024 1:00pm
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.  

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