Enrichment Courses

---

The YMCA is dedicated to offering high quality enrichment courses to help individuals develop in spirit, mind and body. The exam date (where applicable) is the last day of the course unless otherwise stated. Prerequisites are to be presented on the first day of the course. All prerequisites listed as current must be current within 2 years of last day of the course. Participants must be of age by the last day of the course. Non-members are welcome unless otherwise stated.

Adult Health & Fitness Enrichment

National YMCA Fitness Leadership Program

Become a YMCA Group Fitness Leader or YMCA Individual Conditioning Leader. Students will complete the Basic Fitness Theory Course and then complete one or more of the Applied Theory Courses (Individual, Group, Aquatics). Certification is valid for 2 years.

Stage 1: BASIC THEORY
Topics include Anatomy and Physiology, Movement Mechanics, Principles of Training, Exercise Design, Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyles.
- Minimum 24 hours

Stage 2: APPLIED THEORY
Individual Conditioning
Topics include Basic Training Principles, Program Design, Exercise Analysis, Resistance Training Principles and Working with Youth, Older Adults, Pre/Post Natal and Special Populations.
- Minimum 16 hours
Group Fitness
Choice of Choreography based, Group Resistance Training, Group Cycling, Core Strength and Stretch
- Minimum 16 hours

Stage 3: APPRENTICESHIP/MENTOR
A minimum of 12 hours apprentice teaching/training with a certified YMCA instructor/trainer.

Stage 4: PRACTICUM
A minimum 8 hours of practical experience in a formal setting will ensure students gain experience before the practical evaluation.

Stage 5: EVALUATION and CERTIFICATION
Students will complete a practical evaluation by a YMCA Trainer. Upon successful completion and proof of CPR (First Aid is also recommended), students will receive certification as a YMCA Canada Fitness Leader in their stream.

REGISTRATION
Registration may be done at any one of the YMCA of Niagara’s three membership centres or the Fort Erie Community YMCA. Apprenticeship and Practicum hours may be done at the YMCA upon successful completion of Basic Fitness Theory and Applied Theory Courses.

For additional information please contact the Fitness Coordinator at the branch nearest you.

PRE-REQUISITE

• 16+ years of age
• YMCA Member