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Unique in Ontario, Sheridan’s Fitness Leadership certificate combines the science of physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and nutrition with practical training in exercise and conditioning. By the time you complete the program, you'll be a qualified personal fitness trainer who is ready to write the certification exams for:

  • CANFIT Pro
  • Certified Professional Trainers Network (CPTN)
  • Ontario Fitness Council (OFC)

Through the personal fitness trainer program you'll learn how to:

  • Assess basic fitness needs through manual and mechanized fitness testing protocols
  • Promote a safe training environment and healthy lifestyle with clients
  • Use effective communication and leadership skills in trainer/client relationships
  • Teach correct techniques of exercise, training and fitness in a variety of environments
  • Operate a successful entrepreneurial fitness business
  • Recognize and report health-related conditions that hamper a client’s safe pursuit of an exercise program
  • Create diverse fitness programs for groups of different ages, health and fitness levels

Field Practica Give Real World Experience

The personal fitness training certification program includes a field placement experience at a fitness studio, community recreation facility or similar organization in the Greater Toronto Area. This is your opportunity to try out your new skills and enhance your résumé with work experience, something that is highly valued by employers.

Train in Outstanding Facilities

Your personal fitness trainer program will utilize specialized facilities on the Sheridan campus including:

  • The Human Performance Lab (HPL)
  • The Exercise Intervention Research Centre (EIRC)
  • The Athletic Therapy Centre (ATC)
  • Specialized anatomy and physiology classrooms and labs

The successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:

  • Assess the basic fitness needs of clients through standard manual and/or mechanized fitness testing protocols.
  • Apply fundamentals of physiology, anatomy, bio-mechanics and nutrition in promoting a safe training environment and healthy lifestyle.
  • Apply effective communication and leadership skills in all client/ trainer relationships.
  • Teach correct techniques in executing all exercise, training and fitness instruction programs in a variety of environments.
  • Identify basic successful business concepts and operational issues in supporting a small owner-managed business.
  • Report on health related conditions suspected of limiting the healthy engagement of clients into normalized fitness programs.
  • Create physical fitness programs for general and specific groups with diverse age, health and fitness levels.
Code Title Credits
TERM 1
HEAL10799 Foundations of Exercise Physiology and Motor Training 2
NUTR19207G Nutrition for Wellbeing 3
COMM19999 Essential Communications Skills  3
HEAL13271G Wellness and Healthy Living 3
HEAL16206 Foundations of Anatomy and Biomechanics of Exercise 4
GenEd General Education Elective 3
Total:  18
TERM 2
HEAL15892 Leading Group Fitness 3
HEAL10065  Physical Activity in Special
Populations 		3
HEAL18448 Fundamentals of Fitness Assessment 3
HEAL10199 Foundations of Exercise
Program Design 		3
BUSM10036 Fitness Business Essentials 3
FLPL13431 Professional Practice for the Fitness Leader 3
Total: 18
Note: Courses subject to change.

Sheridan students get great jobs. When you complete your personal fitness training certification program, you'll be qualified to work as a:
  • Personal trainer
  • Personal coach
  • Fitness leader
Locations where you may find employment include:
  • Fitness clubs and gyms
  • Spas
  • Recreation and community programs
  • Corporate wellness programs
  • Self employment as an entrepreneur
  • Cruise ships and resorts
  • Schools
  • Youth clubs
  • Senior centres

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)

or

Mature student status. (See “Admissions” section for details.)

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

Program Offerings

Program Details

Faculty:
Faculty of Applied Health and Community Studies
Program Code:
PFITL
Duration:
One Year (PFITL)
Designation:
Ontario College Certificate
Campus:
Davis Campus
Start:
September, January