The Personal Trainer Mentorship Program is delivered in collaboration with the Faculty of Health or Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences. While the program is open to students from all faculties who are interested in developing their fitness coaching and personal training skills, priority consideration will be given to students in Kinesiology and Health Sciences.
This partnership reflects the alignment between the mentorship program and the competencies required for the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Certified Personal Trainer® (CSEP-CPT) pathway. Faculty members within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences serve as CSEP-CPT Instructor Examiners, bringing valuable expertise to the development of student knowledge and practical skills.
The mentorship program is designed to complement academic learning by providing hands-on experience in client communication, exercise programming, coaching, and professional practice. Students may participate before pursuing CSEP certification, while preparing for certification requirements, or after certification to continue developing their practical coaching experience and professional confidence.
Through this partnership, students gain meaningful opportunities to bridge classroom learning with applied practice in a supportive and professional fitness environment.
Apply today and build the confidence to coach clients effectively. Applications due September 17th.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is ideal for:
✅ Students interested in pursuing a personal training certification
✅ Newly certified personal trainers looking to gain practical experience
✅ Students who want to improve their coaching and communication skills
✅ Individuals eager to learn, grow, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals
✅ Future fitness professionals committed to developing their confidence and competence
Participants should be motivated, engaged, and ready to actively participate in workshops, reflections, and practical learning opportunities.
Program Objectives
By participating in the mentorship program, students will:
- Build confidence working with clients
- Develop professional communication skills
- Learn effective client interviewing techniques
- Practice assessments and screening procedures
- Improve exercise coaching and cueing skills
- Learn the fundamentals of program design
- Deliver training sessions and receive feedback
- Gain valuable hands-on experience working with volunteer clients
- Develop professional habits and coaching confidence
Program Schedule
Fall & Winter Terms
The mentorship runs throughout the academic year, with each month focusing on a key area of personal trainer development.
Meeting Times
Most in-person meeting times will happen Friday morning starting at 6:30am. More details with specific dates to come soon.
Program Fees
Department of Kinesiology and Health - $50 per term
Non-Kinesiology and Health Students - $100 per term
The program fee helps support mentorship resources, workshop delivery, and learning materials.
Why Join?
Many personal trainers complete certifications with strong theoretical knowledge but limited opportunities to practice real-world coaching skills.
The Personal Trainer Mentorship Program provides a supportive environment where participants can:
- Learn from experienced trainers
- Practice in a low-risk setting
- Receive constructive feedback
- Build confidence before working independently
- Develop skills employers and clients value
By the end of the program, participants will have a stronger foundation in assessment, coaching, communication, and program design, helping them transition more confidently into the fitness industry.
Apply Now
Application Deadline: September 17th, 2026
Spaces may be limited to ensure quality mentorship and individualized feedback.
Have questions? Email athlcond@uwaterloo.ca
