Group Fitness · In Demand by employers

Lead the Room.
Get Results.

Employers need instructors who can lead with confidence, energy, and skill. This nationally recognised certification helps you stand out - and stand in front - by adding group fitness coaching to your qualifications.

Why our Group Fitness course?

Group fitness isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s the skill employers want and most instructors lack. Fix that now.

Face To Face

Train in person with real-time coaching, feedback, and support. Build the energy, presence, and confidence you need to lead the room - not just participate in it.

For Professionals

Exclusively for certified fitness instructors. If your qualification didn’t cover group coaching (most don’t), this course gives you the essential skills you’re missing.

Effective

Gyms run on group classes - but most instructors don’t have the  group fitness cert employers need. We hear it all the time: they can’t find qualified group instructors.

Our graduates don’t just qualify. They stand out.

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What our graduates say

Success Stories

A selection of testimonials from graduates of NTC's courses.

Every instructor was excellent — always available to answer questions and guide you every step of the way.

Personal Training Graduate
Personal Training Graduate

I’ve just finished my Gym Instructor and Personal Trainer course, and what a unique and unforgettable experience it was! My classmates couldn’t have been better — everyone was polite, kind, friendly, always helping each other, cheering each other on… such an amazing energy! I’m definitely going to miss you all!

I also want to say that every single instructor was excellent — always available to answer any questions and to guide you every step of the way. And when you contact the school administration for anything, they reply so quickly and are incredibly helpful with whatever you need.

I’m deeply grateful to all the instructors: Daniel, Noel, Michelle, and Rachael. And to Michelle and Rachael especially — I can’t thank you enough for the patience, support, and care you showed me, for believing in my potential even when I doubted myself. You will always hold a special place in my heart and memories. ❤️

I highly recommend NTC — National Training Centre Dublin! 💪🎉

The guidance and support have made me truly confident moving forward.

Martin Higgins
Personal Training Graduate
Martin Higgins
Personal Training Graduate

I just wanted to drop you all an email after finishing the course with you.

As you all know, I had ITEC qualifications from before, I spent about 11 years away from the industry and decided to get back into a job and an industry that I loved. The course content, from day one was second to none. The in-depth coverage of topics was at some points overwhelming but digestible. The in person delivery was brilliant and something that was not to be missed. The implementation of the theory in practice sessions was something I didn’t experience before.

Overall, I’d just like to thank each and every one of you for everything, your guidance, advice and encouragement during the course.

I can now safely say that I’m super confident in my ability going forward in the industry because of all of you, so thank you for that.

Brian McConville

A thoroughly enjoyable experience, supported by motivational teachers and an incredibly helpful admin team.

Brian McConville
Personal Training Graduate
Brian McConville
Brian McConville
Personal Training Graduate

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

Shane O'Neill

The structured approach and supportive tutors made it possible to balance study with life without compromising standards.

Shane O’Neill
Personal Training Graduate
Shane O'Neill
Shane O’Neill
Personal Training Graduate

Thank you to John, the staff, and tutors for your support during the Personal Trainer course. Your structured approach made balancing study and life much easier.

Jessica Barbosa Robles

What I learned at NTC directly led to securing a gym job in London - truly worth every penny.

Jessica Barbosa Robles
Personal Training Graduate
Jessica Barbosa Robles
Jessica Barbosa Robles
Personal Training Graduate

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.

Everything You Need to Know

Course Details

The Skill Gap Employers Notice - and How to Close It

Overview

The National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music provides the knowledge and practical skills required to lead safe, effective, and insurable group exercise classes in a fitness environment.

Designed for qualified fitness instructors and personal trainers, the course covers planning and delivering workouts to music, cueing and choreography, structuring engaging classes, and managing group dynamics — equipping you to teach formats including kettlebells, circuit, suspension training, bootcamp, and more, in a way that is recognised, insured, and professionally credible.

On completion, you will hold a qualification that many instructors don't realise they're missing — one that employers are actively seeking, and that protects both you and your clients every time you step in front of a group.

Syllabus

The programme covers all key areas of group fitness instruction, equipping you with the skills to design and deliver safe, effective, and engaging classes for a wide range of clients in any group exercise setting.

Topics include class planning and structure, exercise progressions and regressions, health screening and safety, music and tempo, cueing and choreography, technique correction, group dynamics, and working with beginners through to special populations.

Fees

  Standard Early Payment
Individual €1,195 €945

Early Payment rate available when full payment is made at least one month before the course start date. Standard rate available by deposit of €400 followed by three monthly instalments of €265.

Course fee includes full certification in Kettlebell Training and TRX® Suspension Training.

Funding may be available through Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. Contact info@lhfskillnet.ie or visit lhfskillnet.ie to find out more.

Contact our office on +353 1 882 7777 for further information.

Eligibility

This course is designed for qualified fitness professionals who want to add certified group instruction to their toolkit. To enrol, you must hold a REPs-approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification (or higher). Not sure if you qualify? Email a copy of your primary cert to info@ntc.ie and we'll review it for you. If it doesn't meet the standard, you may still be eligible for a professional development certificate of attendance. This course is not suitable for those without a recognised fitness qualification.

Assessment

Component Format
Learner Workbook Written submission demonstrating understanding of group fitness principles, class planning, music use, and client safety
Observed Group Fitness Assessment Practical in-person delivery of a real-time group fitness session, assessed on cueing, motivation, and class management
Dates & Availability

Ready to Fill the Gap in Your Certification?

This course runs regularly in Dublin and Cork as part of our full fitness qualification schedule.
Use the form below to get matched with the next available dates and secure your place.

Dublin or Cork

Various Schedules

Good Availability
Various Start Dates

NTC, Dublin or
Mardyke Arena, Cork

Your Instructors

Meet the Team

Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music course with each having extensive expertise in their individual field.

Rachel Bolton
Rachel Bolton

Rachel has been immersed in the fitness industry since 1999, beginning her journey at the National Training Centre before joining Westwood Club that same year, where she has remained ever since. As a Studio Manager/Coordinator, she is dedicated to fostering an engaging and high-energy environment. Qualified in nine Les Mills programs, Rachel began tutoring in 2009 and has a passion for developing top-tier instructors and making a meaningful impact in the industry.

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, 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.

Before you register

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take this course?

What happens if I can't make it on the day?

What happens if I have registered but the course doesn't go ahead?

Still have questions?

Our team is happy to help before you register.

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 – 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?

National Training Centre, Dublin City
15–16 St Joseph's Parade, Dorset Street, Dublin D07 F6CR
Mardyke Arena, UCC, Cork
Mardyke Walk, Sunday's Well, Cork, T12 E2XY
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