Specialist qualification for certified fitness instructors

Help older adults stay strong, independent, and confident.

  • Live Online
  • Exclusively for Fitness Professionals
  • Be the expert older adults rely on for active ageing
  • NTC - Since 1985
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Why our Exercise for Older Adults course?

More than just modifications – here’s why fitness professionals trust NTC with this specialist qualification.

Live Online

Study from anywhere. Join live sessions or catch up with recordings - perfect for busy fitness professionals balancing clients or other commitments. Enjoy the flexibility to learn on your schedule.

Exclusively For Pros

Designed for qualified instructors. If you already hold a recognised fitness qualification, this course builds on your skills so you can safely and effectively support older adults – a growing and rewarding client base.

Get Insurance Covered

Work with confidence. This qualification ensures your insurance will cover you to prescribe safe, effective exercise for older adults - giving you and your clients peace of mind.

NTC qualified instructors are trusted by clients and insurers - you’ll be ready to support older adults to age with confidence from day one.

success stories

Hear from our graduates!

Real stories from students who turned their passion into a profession

We really had a great group and we’re all keeping in touch

I really enjoyed my time at the NTC. We had a great group and are all keeping in touch.

Toni Anderson
Personal Training Graduate
I simply can’t wait to come back

Fantastic facility. I can’t wait to come back. The tutors are great, and the high standards are inspiring.

Caroline Mallon
Personal Training Graduate
The tutors are very knowledgeable, warm and welcoming

The NTC is an excellent facility. The tutors are knowledgeable, warm, and welcoming. I always enjoy coming back here.

Orla Flynn
Personal Training Graduate
Jessica Barbosa Robles
I got a gym job in London after impressing with a fitness class I taught.

Hi Michelle, I wanted to thank you and the team. I got a gym job in London after impressing with a fitness class I taught. What I learned at NTC was worth every penny.

Jessica Barbosa Robles
Personal Training Graduate
Brian McConville
Thanks to the motivational teachers for their enthusiasm and support

I really enjoyed it… thanks to the motivational teachers for their support… also Karen and Greg in admin, who were always helpful.

Brian McConville
Personal Training Graduate
Your professionalism and knowledge ... shines through at all times

A big thank you for a wonderful course. You are all very special in your own ways. Your professionalism and knowledge delivered with love and passion shines through. I will miss you all. Be that body!

Karen Reynolds
Personal Training Graduate
All you need to know

What You’ll Learn, What It Costs, and How to Get Started

(Looking for specifics? Check the FAQs at the bottom of the page.)

The National Qualification in Exercise for Older Adults course gives you the skills and confidence to support older clients with safe, effective, and tailored exercise programmes that promote independence and healthy ageing.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Design exercise programmes that address the unique needs of older adults - with a strong focus on function, mobility, and quality of life.
  • Apply modified training protocols that consider age-related changes in strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility.
  • Deliver targeted programmes suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and health backgrounds, using techniques that are both evidence-based and client-centred.

This course provides an essential foundation in older adult fitness. By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to help clients stay strong, active, and independent - and make a meaningful impact on their everyday lives.

This course gives you the specialist knowledge and practical tools to confidently support older adults through effective, evidence-based exercise.

You’ll explore:

  • The benefits of exercise for older adults and its impact on quality of life
  • The goals and motivations unique to this age group
  • Physiological changes associated with ageing and how they affect exercise planning
  • Acute and chronic adaptations to exercise in older adults
  • Effective screening and evaluation methods to assess readiness and track progress
  • Current research shaping best practice in older adult fitness
  • Safe and appropriate prescription of exercises that meet individual needs
  • Training methods that improve strength, mobility, and daily function
  • Nutritional considerations for supporting active ageing

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to design safe, tailored programmes that enhance strength, balance, and independence - improving the lives of older adults and helping them age with confidence.

A Smart Investment in Your Fitness Career

Investing in this specialist qualification doesn’t just enhance your skills - it expands your impact. By gaining the confidence and credentials to support older adults safely and effectively, you’ll set yourself apart, increase your value, and attract a broader client base.

Whether you’re tapping into a growing demographic or adding a new revenue stream, this course helps future-proof your fitness career.

Course Fee: €170.00

Graduate Discount: €140.00 for graduates of our National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training.

This course is designed specifically for qualified fitness professionals who want to expand their expertise and confidently support older.

You must hold a REPs-approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification (or higher) to enrol.

Not sure if you qualify? If your fitness qualification isn’t REPs approved, just email a copy to info@ntc.ie. We’ll review it and confirm whether you’re eligible to receive a professional development certificate.

Please note: This course is not suitable for those without a recognised fitness qualification.

Ready to Add a Specialist Skill That Sets You Apart?

Choose the date that suits you best - attend live or catch up anytime.

LIVE ONLINE

Recording Available Afterwards

Good Availability

2 EVENINGS

SEPTEMBER 1st 2025

2 Monday Evenings from 7pm
Session 1 – September 1st 2025
Session 2 – September 8th 2025
Please note that although unlikely, dates may be subject to change

Meet The Team

Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Exercise for Older Adults course with each having extensive expertise in their individual field.

Mairead Kieran
Mairead Kieran
Mairead Kieran

Mairead Kieran

Mairead is an experienced and dedicated fitness professional with over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry. She has a passion for helping her clients achieve their health and fitness goals through a holistic approach to wellness. Mairead’s clients appreciate her caring and motivational style, which has earned her a reputation as one of the most effective trainers in the industry.

As a lifelong learner, Mairead is committed to continually improving her knowledge and skills. She holds numerous fitness and personal training qualifications, including yoga instruction, powerlifting coaching, and a range of Les Mills group fitness classes. Her diverse skill set allows her to work with clients of all fitness levels and provide personalized training plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Mairead’s approach to fitness is focused on a holistic view of health and wellness, which encompasses not just physical fitness, but also mental and emotional well-being. Her dedication to this approach has made her a popular choice among her clients, who appreciate the individual attention she provides and the positive results they achieve under her guidance.

In addition to her work with individual clients, Mairead is also a valued member of the National Training Centre (NTC) faculty. Her expertise in yoga, powerlifting, and group fitness instruction make her an invaluable resource for the NTC’s students. Her approachable manner and supportive teaching style create a positive and engaging learning environment, which helps her students achieve their qualifications with confidence and success.

Overall, Mairead’s passion for health and fitness, combined with her dedication to continued learning and development, has made her a highly effective and respected fitness professional. Her ability to inspire and motivate her clients and students is a testament to her caring and motivational approach, and her expertise in a wide range of fitness disciplines has made her a valuable asset to the NTC faculty.

Michelle O’Melia
Michelle O’Melia, MSc
Michelle O’Melia

Michelle O’Melia, MSc

Michelle is an accomplished and dedicated NTC tutor with over 20 years of experience in delivering educational excellence to students. Her passion for fitness and health is evident in her teaching, and she is committed to inspiring and empowering students to achieve their full potential. Michelle’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of fitness and nutrition are supported by her Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of Chester.

As a tutor, Michelle teaches a range of subjects on our primary health fitness programmes, including exercise to music, anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment, and exercise physiology. She also teaches extensively on our Neuromuscular Therapy and Holistic Massage courses. Michelle has a talent for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms, making her teaching accessible to students of all levels. Michelle’s engaging and interactive teaching style keeps students motivated and focused, and she is always available to offer guidance and support when needed.

In addition to her primary teaching responsibilities, Michelle also delivers specialised courses in suspension training and indoor cycling. These courses are designed to provide students with advanced skills and knowledge in these popular and effective fitness techniques.

Beyond her work at NTC, Michelle is a passionate advocate for health and wellness. She is actively involved in local fitness and nutrition initiatives and is committed to promoting the benefits of healthy living in her community. Michelle’s dedication to her students and her profession has made her a valued member of the NTC team, and her contributions have helped to establish NTC as a leader in fitness education.

Got questions about the course? We’ve got answers.

The National Training Centre has been delivering respected education since 1985. Over the years, we’ve answered thousands of questions from future students - here are the ones we’re asked most often.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

This course is designed especially for fitness professionals who already hold a REPs-approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification – or higher. Not sure if your qualification fits? No problem! Just email a copy to us at info@ntc.ie, and we’ll happily check for you.

This course is perfect for professionals looking to stay current and inspired- but it’s not suitable for those without a recognised fitness qualification.

We completely understand that life happens. Our CPD courses are short and often run over just one day, two mornings, or a weekend. Because your spot is planned and reserved in advance, we’re not able to offer refunds for non-attendance.

However, if there’s a medical reason and you can send us a valid medical cert, we’ll gladly reschedule you for a future date. Otherwise, we’ll do our best to find a spot for you on a later course – but this isn’t always guaranteed. If in doubt, just get in touch – we’re here to help.

You can contact us on 01 882 7777 or by email to info@ntc.ie

On rare occasions, we may have to cancel a course due to low numbers or unforeseen circumstances. If that happens, don’t worry – you’ll be offered:

  • A spot on a future date
  • A place at another location (if available)
  • Or a full refund- your choice!

We’ll always give you as much notice as possible and work with you to find the best solution.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

ONSITE LESSONS
Practical classes take place either at NTC or SPORTSCO, Ringsend, Dublin 4
Saturday from 10:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

July 2025 –  26th♦
August 2025 – 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
September 2025 – 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
October 2025 – 4th, 11th, 18th♦, 25th
November 2025 – 1st, 8th♦, 15th, 22nd, 29th, 30th
December 2025 – 6th & 7th
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦

ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
(Recordings available afterwards)

July 2025 –  29th, 31st
August 2025 –  5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th
September 2025 –  2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th
October 2025 –  2nd, 7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd

OPTIONAL FREE COURSE
National Qualification in Kettlebell Training

November 2nd, 2025 â€“ Sunday from 10:00-17:00

PLEASE NOTE
Dates are provisional and, although unlikely, NTC reserve the right to make changes to the timetable if and when necessary
National Training Centre, Dublin
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When did your course begin?

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