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Fitness Certifications

Certifications are generally offered in Fall and Winter semesters (may be offered in Summer) and are designed to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in the fitness industry including here at the University of Guelph! 

Fall and Winter registration is now open for Fitness Certifications!

Below Activities require registration & fees apply. Recreation Membership is not a pre-requisite to enroll in Certification courses.

 

Cycle Instructor Certification

The University of Guelph has developed its own Group Cycle Certification course. The principles of conditioning will be applied by incorporating details around set-up, class format, applied anatomy and kinesiology. Learn the do's and don'ts, precautions of cycling and the basics to coaching participants through this type of workout. Certification includes a written exam and a practical assessment to be booked for a later date. This is a 1 day course. *No Registration after course start.

Activity Details

36763 - January 25, 2026

Fitness Instructor Certification

Become a group fitness instructor! Help people achieve their goals in a fun and motivating group setting with music. This 30 hour course affiliated with the canfitpro national certification program will be split into both theory and in-class practical training. This course offers extensive theory information and good practical application of that theory. Competency is determined in two stages: a written exam and a practical assessment which will be booked for a later date. This is a 3 day course over 2 weekends & attendance is mandatory for all dates. *No Registration after course start. 

Activity Details

35966 - October 18, 2025 to October 25, 2025

36764 - January 31, 2026 to February 7, 2026

Fitness Instructor Certification Mentorship

You've taken the course. Now what? This program will allow you to receive guidance and feedback as you prepare for the 'in class' practical evaluation. This program allows you to practice-teach with our instructors. In addition, there will be 6, one-hour, weekly sessions with our certification course instructor. Each week focus will be placed on the different components of designing a class. Includes 6 sessions & attendance is mandatory for all dates. *No Registration after course start.

Activity Details

35765 - February 26, 2026 to April 2, 2026

Personal Trainer Certification

This applied comprehensive 36-hour course is designed to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with clients in a one-on-one or small group setting. We are affiliated with the canfitpro national certification program. Course content includes physiology, anatomy, applied kinesiology, energy metabolism, principles of conditioning, postural assessment and correction, health screening, goal setting and programming. Competency is assessed in 2 stages: a written exam and a practical assessment which will be booked for a later date. This is a 4-day course over 2 weekends & attendance is mandatory for all dates. *No Registration after course start. 

Activity Details

35968 - November 15, 2025 to November 23, 2025

36766 - March 21, 2026 to March 29, 2026

Strength Training Fundamentals Certification

This 16-hour course will focus on developing practical teaching skills for exercise instruction. This course is required to work in our Fitness Centre, is a highly recommended prerequisite for our personal training course and a great course if you want to increase your knowledge in the fitness realm. Topics covered include: anatomy and physiology, principles of conditioning for strength, cardiovascular and flexibility training, spotting and technique correction as well as roles and responsibilities of a gym employee. This is a 2 day course & attendance is mandatory for all dates. *No Registration after course start.

Activity Details

36767 - January 10, 2026 to January 11, 2026

Cycle Instructor Certification

Learn principles of conditioning, set-up, class format & applied anatomy and kinesiology. Includes a written exam & a practical assessment. 

Cycle Instructor Certification

Learn principles of conditioning, set-up, class format & applied anatomy and kinesiology. Includes a written exam & a practical assessment. 

Fitness Instructor Certificati...

Become a group fitness instructor!

Personal Trainer Certification

Designed to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with clients in a one-on-one or small group setting. We are affiliated with the canfitpro national certification program.

Weight Trainer Supervisor Cert...

Includes: anatomy, physiology specific to weight training, cardiovascular, flexibility and strength training theory & guidelines, principles of conditioning, equipment & exercise analysis, technique correction, spotting techniques, typical roles and responsibilities of a weight room supervisor.

Cycle Instructor Certification
Fitness Instructor Certificati...
Personal Trainer Certification
Weight Trainer Supervisor Cert...

Fitness Instructor Certification Mentorship

You've taken the course. Now what? This program will allow you to receive guidance and feedback as you prepare for the 'in class' practical evaluation. This program allows you to practice-teach with our instructors. In addition, there will be 6, one-hour, weekly sessions with our certification course instructor. Each week focus will be placed on the different components of designing a class.  *Attendance is mandatory for all dates.
 
Fall 2025: Oct 23, 2025 to Nov 27, 2025 | Thursdays 1-2pm | $95 | Register Here
Winter 2026: Feb 26, 2026 to Apr 2, 2026 | Thursdays 1-2pm | $95 | Register Here

Personal Trainer Certification Mentorship

We will provide you with hands-on practical experience and help you acquire the practice hours required to prepare for your practical and complete the process of becoming a personal trainer. This program grants you 20 hours of time in our Fitness Centre to practice train and/or shadow our trainers on the job. This membership is valid for 4 months from the time of purchase. All hours must be used within that period.

Member Fee - $60 | Non-Member Fee - $100
 
Approval is required to join this program, please contact Lynne Skilton-Hayes at 519-824-4120 ext. 52670 for approval.

Cycle Instructor Certification Mentorship

You’ve taken the course but now need to hone your skills through some supervised ‘hands-on’ teaching before you attempt your practical? Let us help you. This membership will give you access to all our cycle classes (providing space is available) and an opportunity to apprentice and team-teach with our instructors. Weekly feedback will be provided in order to assist you in preparation for the practical. This membership is valid for 4 months from the time of purchase.

Member Fee - $55 | Non-Member Fee - $85
 
Approval is required to join this program, please contact Lynne Skilton-Hayes at 519-824-4120 ext. 52670 for approval.