Nova Scotia Fitness Association upcoming events

ADE (Adapting for Diversity in Exercise) Leader (31 Mar 2026)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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

In-person Sydney

Sunday April 12th, 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

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.

NSFA WT - Weight Trainer (14 Apr 2026)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

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 MSVU Halifax	Sunday, April 26, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

In-Person Day UCB Sydney	Sunday May 3, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

In-person location in Halifax: Mount Saint Vincent University Fitness Centre, 131 Lumpkin Rd, Halifax, B3M 2J6

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

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

Registration for Exercise Theory Exam SPAL (Sport and Physical Activity Leadership) 1105 “Concepts of Human Movement Students with CBU (17 Apr 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:00:00 GMT

This is for students in the SPAL (Sport and Physical Activity Leadership) 1105 “Concepts of Human Movement course to register for the NSFA Exercise Theory Exam on April 17th, 2026.

Learn to Teach STEP! (18 Apr 2026)

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Love STEP? Ready to lead with energy and impact?

Take your passion for step aerobics to a whole new level with this interactive and inspiring workshop. Whether you’re looking to teach your first class or refine your technique, you’ll walk away with practical tools, fresh ideas, and confidence to lead with style.

What you’ll learn:

A quick dive into STEP’s history and evolution
How to pick the right music + understand BPM
Key safety tips for setting up your platform
Posture and alignment that support effective movement
Injury prevention for safe stepping
Structuring routines that keep classes flowing
Creative modifications for beginners
Clear cueing and choreography that keep participants engaged
Types of STEP moves and how to build combinations
Planning your class from warm-up to cooldown
Supporting and motivating your participants throughout

Perfect for fitness instructors, group exercise enthusiasts, or anyone eager to turn STEP into an unforgettable experience.

Add STEP to your GEL certification!

The workshop will take place on Saturday April 18th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at

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

Your Instructor: Olliver De Freitas

The workshop cost is $75.00 for NSFA members and $95 for non-members.

NSFA members will receive 4 CECs.

ELS26: NSFA Exercise Leadership Summit 2026: Embracing Diversity (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

#ELS26

Date: Saturday May 9th, 2026

Location: At the Dalhousie University Campus

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

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

Sessions: 9:00 am through 5:00 pm

For full descriptions of each session & presenter information, please visit our 2026 Summit Events and Presenters page.

Lunch is provided and included in the ticket price

NSFA Members: $165.00

Non-Members: $195

Students: $99.00 (must show student ID at registration)

Registration Ends May 3rd

NSFA Members receive 6 CECs

Non-members can request a certificate of attendance upon request

PT - Personal Trainer (H F23) (29 May 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

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 two weekends. The first weekend via Zoom, Friday evening and Sat and Sunday between 9:30 and 4:30. The following weekend is done in-person.

Zoom	Friday May 29th, 2026	5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Zoom	Saturday May 30th, 2026	9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Zoom	Sunday May 31st, 2026	9:30 am to 4:30 pm
In-person*	Saturday and Sunday, June 13th & 14th	9:00 am to 4:30 pm

* In-person class location: Rath Eastlink Community Centre, 625 Abenaki Rd, Truro B2N0G6

Fee: Includes all materials, written exam (if written on the in-person day) and practical exam evaluation.

NSFA Members: $449

Non Members: $499

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

NSFA/FLC Resistance Trainer/ Weight Trainer
NSFA/FLC Group Exercise Leader
NSFA/FLC Older Adult/ADE Leader

* Anyone applying with non-FLC (Fitness Leadership Canada) or NSFA certifications must complete a PLAR. Please email info@nsfitness.ca to arrange for one prior to purchasing the course.

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 info@nsfitness.ca. An extra fee will apply ($80) if the exam is not written on the assigned in-person day.

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

ICE - Indoor Cycling Exercise Leader (06 Jun 2026)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

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

AEL: Aqua Exercise Leader Course (Zz W23) (12 Jun 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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 @ RECC Truro	Friday, June 12th, 2026	6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
In-person @ RECC Truro	Saturday, June 13th, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm
In-person @ RECC Truro	Sunday, June 14th, 2026	9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Fee:

NSFA members: $349.00: Fee includes manual, materials, & exams.

Non-members: $399: Fee includes manual, materials, & exams.

Course Conductor: Judi Harvey

Location: Rath Eastlink Community Centre, 625 Abenaki Rd, Truro B2N0G6

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