Fitness and Lifestyle Management
As more people become aware of the benefits of fitness and a healthy lifestyle, participation in fitness and recreation programs is growing.
- Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Capital Region YMCA/YWCA Personal Trainer Canfitpro certificate
- Benefit from supportive and experienced facilitators who are active in their industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Work Integrated Learning
In this College Certificate program, students gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide future clients with sound physical fitness and lifestyle choices. In addition, students learn how to design and conduct appropriate fitness programs and provide guidance in related areas including nutrition and active living.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Capital Region YMCA/YWCA Personal Trainer, canfitproTM certificate. In addition, graduates may seek employment in private clubs, municipal or provincial government agencies, service clubs, YM-YWCAs, corporate programs and as self-employed fitness consultants....(read more)
Overview
As more people become aware of the benefits of fitness and a healthy lifestyle, participation in fitness and recreation programs is growing. Many businesses, both small and large, now provide fitness and lifestyle programs for their employees. As a result, there is an increasing demand for fitness specialists who understand the beneficial aspects of a healthy lifestyle and the process for achieving one.
In this College Certificate program, students gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to provide future clients with sound physical fitness and lifestyle choices. In addition, students learn how to design and conduct appropriate fitness programs and provide guidance in related areas including nutrition and active living.
Graduates are eligible to apply for the National Capital Region YMCA/YWCA Personal Trainer, canfitproTM certificate. In addition, graduates may seek employment in private clubs, municipal or provincial government agencies, service clubs, YM-YWCAs, corporate programs and as self-employed fitness consultants.
To qualify for this certificate, you must complete the program within three years.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy learning about the human body and how it works.
- Prefer a physically active lifestyle and enjoy encouraging others to be more physically active.
- Are interested in their own personal health and how they can make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and others.
- Enjoy hands-on work to educate and assist individuals in making positive lifestyle changes.
- Are friendly, outgoing and like to interact with people.
- Have developed time-management and personal-management skills.
Courses
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Online  |
| Course Number | Hours | Course Name | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIT0020 | 24.0 | Fitness Operations | |
| FIT0014 | 42.0 | Nutrition | |
| FIT2215 | 42.0 | Physiology | |
| FIT2217 | 42.0 | Anatomy | |
| FIT2220 | 36.0 | Fitness Assessment | |
| FIT2222 | 56.0 | Mechanics of Exercise | |
| FIT2224 | 42.0 | Group Fitness I | |
| FIT2225 | 42.0 | Exercise Physiology | |
| FIT2230 | 48.0 | Athletic Injuries | |
| FIT0017 | 28.0 | Applied Anatomy | |
| FIT0027 | 48.0 | Personal Training Fundamentals | |
| FIT5230 | 95.0 | Fitness and Lifestyle Skills Applications | |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FIT0020 Fitness Operations
The safety and effectiveness of a fitness facility is strengthened when standardized guidelines are followed. Students gain knowledge and experience in the areas of facility layout and design, risk management, human resource management and other organizational structures via case studies, projects, assignments and group discussions.
FIT0014 Nutrition
The exercise leader is provided with a fundamental background in nutrition as it relates to a healthy lifestyle, optimal health and peak performance. Topics include the major nutrients, food labeling, fluid and electrolyte balance, antioxidants and phytochemicals, weight management, vitamins and minerals and how each affects wellness and performance. Current nutritional trends relevant to the fitness industry are introduced.
FIT2215 Physiology
An introduction to the various systems of the body, including the muscular, nervous, cardiorespiratory, energy and endocrine systems is provided. Students gain knowledge of the acute and chronic adaptations to exercise on each of the systems and their relationship to good health.
FIT2217 Anatomy
Students develop a solid understanding of the human musculoskeletal system by focusing on major joints and muscle groups. Students learn muscle origins, insertions, and actions.
FIT2220 Fitness Assessment
Designing and prescribing appropriate fitness and lifestyle programs to improve fitness and health begins with being able to assess the physical fitness and lifestyle habits of oneself and others. Students develop skills in selecting and administering a variety of tools to assess a client's readiness for exercise and initial levels of body composition, aerobic fitness, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance.
FIT2222 Mechanics of Exercise
Understanding how the body works is essential for professionals in health and fitness. Students identify how the bones, muscles and joints function during movement and exercise through analyzing movement. Students learn and perfect proper execution and learn to coach others to perform exercises safely and effectively.
FIT2224 Group Fitness I
Many people prefer to participate in fitness and related activities in a group setting, often to music. Students are introduced to the art and science of effective group exercise leadership by exploring various class styles and the use of different types of equipment. Students participate in and lead a variety of group exercise classes.
FIT2225 Exercise Physiology
An understanding of how the body functions during exercise and how it adapts to long-term exercise is important for a fitness and exercise leader. Students enhance their knowledge of the acute and chronic adaptations to exercise. Students gain a good understanding of the relationship of the human body, health and exercise and its adaptation to various environmental conditions, such as high altitude, zero gravity, underwater, and heat and cold.
FIT2230 Athletic Injuries
Postural assessment, joint mobility assessment, gait analysis, and fundamental movement screening are all tools used to predict the likelihood of musculoskeletal injury. Students apply their knowledge of anatomy and correct movement mechanics to learn how injuries and conditions occur and how they might be prevented. A variety of both visual and hands-on assessments are used in a lab setting as students learn to assess themselves and their peers.
Pre-requisites: FIT0017 and FIT2222
FIT0017 Applied Anatomy
As a continuation of FIT2217, students apply their knowledge of the human musculoskeletal system to exercise in small group approach. Moving beyond muscle attachments and joint actions, students focus on palpitation of bone, joint and muscular structures along with muscle testing and joint ranges of motion.
FIT0027 Personal Training Fundamentals
Through theory and practical classes, students learn to design safe and effective personalized training programs.
FIT5230 Fitness and Lifestyle Skills Applications
Practice in a fitness setting helps students integrate theory into practice. Students are provided the opportunity to complete a placement/project in an environment related to their career goals. Clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector, completion of First Aid, and ParaMed Clearance are required before placement begins. Prerequisites: FIT0020 and FIT0014 and FIT2215 and FIT2217 and FIT2220 and FIT2222 and FIT2224 and FIT2225 and FIT2230 and FIT0017 and FIT0027
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as personal trainers, fitness instructors, program coordinators, activity coordinators, exercise therapists, exercise specialists, rehabilitation assistants, health promoters. In addition, graduates may choose to become consultants or business entrepreneurs.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct fitness, well-being, and lifestyle assessments for clients and effectively communicate assessment results.
- Prepare physical activity programs to enhance health, fitness and well-being of clients.
- Collaborate with clients in the selection and adoption of personalized strategies including activities, programs, and events that promote health and wellness.
- Coach individuals and groups in exercise and physical activities.
- Contribute to community health promotion strategies.
- Develop business plans including risk management strategies for fitness and lifestyle management programs, activities and facilities.
- Identify strategies and plans for ongoing personal and professional growth and development.
- Interact professionally with clients, staff, and volunteers in fitness and lifestyle management environments.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee:
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
The approximate cost of books and supplies is $820 over the program duration. For more information visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials/.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without an OSSD).
Application Information
Registration Note:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
Additional Information
Program Resources
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
Proof of Standard First Aid and current CPR certification is required in order to qualify for the program certificate.
Placement requirement for FIT5230 - Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS), CPR and Standard First Aid.
WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) OVERVIEW:The final requirement of the FLM certificate program is a 95-hour Fitness and Lifestyle Skills Applications course. This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that you have learned throughout the prerequisite courses.
As a field placement student, you are responsible for completing 95 experience hours on-site at your assigned field placement agency. Field placement hours can be completed all at once or in varying time periods throughout the term, your schedule must be agreed upon with your placement agency prior to the start of your placement. All placement hours must be completed by the final day of the term.
PLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY:
In order to be eligible for field placements, students must meet the following requirements prior to the placement deadline:
- Academic Clearance: Students must complete all required prerequisite courses prior to the placement start date.
- Placement Request Form: Students are required to submit a placement request form prior to the placement deadline.
- ParaMed Clearance: Students are required to meet the following medical and non-medical requirements. Upon completion, these requirements must be confirmed through ParaMed, our partner organization: a. Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS); b. Standard First Aid/CPR Level C.
- Secure an appropriate placement agency: it is the student's responsibility to confirm their placement agency, dates, hours, etc. Supports will be provided by the course facilitator and further placement information for online students can be found on the Field Placement Centre website: https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/field-placement.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):
Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
ACADEMIC PLANNER:
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Students' on the left-hand toolbar.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
Contact
For additional information, please contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330.