YMCA Calgary
FITNESS LEADERSHIP GUIDEBOOK
Be a fitness leader in your community become a certified YMCA Fitness Instructor!
BECOME A CERTIFIED FITNESS INSTRUCTOR WHY LEAD FITNESS? • Stay in shape • Support others in your community to lead a healthy lifestyle • Expand your own knowledge of health and fitness
CHOOSE YOUR FITNESS LEADERSHIP PATH Our Fitness Leadership courses take you through the theory and practical experience needed to become a certified YMCA Fitness Instructor, including anatomy, physiology, movement principles and exercise design. Choose what type of fitness you would like to lead: PERSONAL TRAINING
Develop the knowledge and skills to work one-on-one with clients to create tailored exercise programs.
CARDIO
Learn to instruct choreography classes such as Hi-Lo or Step, through a mix of classroom and studio time.
AQUATIC FITNESS
Learn water and movement principles for teaching vertical aquatic fitness classes in both deep and shallow water.
OLDER ADULT/GENTLE FITNESS
Learn how to deliver a safe and gentle workout to those who require a modified program such as older adults and people with injuries.
GROUP STRENGTH
Gain the knowledge and experience needed to effectively instruct classes such as bootcamp and cross training.
CYCLE
Gain the skills needed to lead group cycle classes, monitor participant intensity and help build their cardiovascular endurance.
YOGA
Learn the principles of instructing Hatha yoga classes, with a focus on intro level program delivery.
All YMCA Fitness instructor positions are volunteer positions. Fitness Instructor volunteers receive many benefits including a FREE YMCA membership, free continuing education, conference opportunities and discounts on additional certifications.
4 EASY STEPS TO BECOMING CERTIFIED Once you’ve chosen a fitness stream to specialize in, follow steps 1- 4 to become certified!
Prerequisites • Must be 16 years and up • 50 hours of previous experience in a designation stream prior to registering
Register for courses • Choose from the six courses available • Cost includes coursework, instruction, apprenticeship, and coaching
a volunteer?s receive discounts Already know that volunteer Did you ns? Sign up today. on fitness certificatio
Take courses • Courses include a combination of theory and practice both in-person and online • Complete an apprenticeship, including mentorship from another certified YMCA instructor
Become certified to teach! • Get evaluated by a YMCA Fitness Trainer • Have completed CPR C at time of certification
Get started today! For more details on Fitness Leadership courses and instructor certification, call or visit us online. ymcacalgary.org/fitnessleadership
Our Locations Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot 8100 John Laurie Blvd NW (403) 547-6576
Saddletowne YMCA 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE (403) 237-2393
Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA 101 3 Street SW (403) 269-6701
Shawnessy YMCA 333 Shawville Blvd SE (403) 256-5533
Remington YMCA in Quarry Park 108 Quarry Park Road SE (403) 351-6678
South Health Campus YMCA 4448 Front Street SE (403) 956-3900
Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge 11300 Rocky Ridge Road NW (403) 351-6673
Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton 4995 Market Street SE (403) 351-5262
ymcacalgary.org/fitnessleadership