National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music

Transform clients into fit groups!

Finding qualified staff to teach group classes is a significant concern for employers. Increase your employability by adding a group fitness certification to your existing fitness qualification.

  • Onsite Learning
  • Exclusively for Fitness Professionals
  • Employer Demand
  • NTC - Since 1985

Why our Group Fitness course?

The course is designed to equip fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills required as a group fitness instructor to lead a range of group exercise classes and help clients achieve their fitness goals.

Face to Face Learning

This programme is delivered face-to-face to ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn the essential skills to offer safe and effective group fitness training.

For Professionals

Designed exclusively for fitness professionals who hold a valid regognised primary qualification such as the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training

In-Demand

Finding qualified staff to teach group classes is a significant concern for employers. Be in demandy by adding a group fitness certification to your existing fitness qualification.

success stories

What our graduates say!

Some of the many unsolicited testimonials we have received from graduates of the NTC's courses

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
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
Shane O'Neill
Everything was so well structured

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.

Shane O’Neill
Personal Training Graduate
I really am blown away by the standard of teaching on this course

The standard of teaching on this course is amazing… so organised, enthusiastic, and down to earth. I feel lucky to experience this. Just wanted to say… FANTASTIC!

Richelle Daly
Personal Training Graduate
I really found the course to be a very high standard

Thanks for the excellent classes in ETM and Sports Nutrition. The course was of a very high standard, and the tuition was impressive.

John O’Carroll
Personal Training Graduate
Iva Ramini
The best learning experience I have come across

Thanks to all the tutors at NTC for your help. This was the best learning experience I’ve had. The whole group had so much fun.

Iva Ramini
Personal Training Graduate
All you need to know

Full Details for the National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music course.

(Remember there's even more info in the FAQ section below)

Become a qualified group fitness instructor with the National Qualification in Group Fitness and Exercise to Music, a comprehensive programme covering all aspects of group exercise instruction. This course equips fitness professionals with the knowledge and skills to lead engaging classes and help clients achieve their fitness goals.

Key areas include health, wellness, and lifestyle management, as well as exercise considerations for special conditions. Students learn to plan and deliver group workouts to music, including choreography, class structure, and creating a safe, high-energy environment. The programme also covers circuit training, teaching participants how to design and lead effective sessions using various equipment and techniques.

Professional skills, customer service, and communication are emphasised to help instructors build strong client relationships and deliver top-quality service.

New modules ensure instructors can lead advanced classes, including circuit training, bootcamps, creative choreography, kettlebell and suspension training, muscular endurance, flexibility, mobility, and core stability.

Upon completing this course, learners will have the skills to:

  • Plan, design, and instruct group fitness classes tailored to various participants, considering age, fitness levels, and special populations.
  • Modify exercises for appropriate progression or regression based on individual abilities.
  • Prepare the environment and equipment with health, safety, and emergency considerations in mind.
  • Use music effectively to create an engaging and motivating atmosphere.
  • Conduct verbal health screenings to ensure participant safety.
  • Deliver well-structured classes with clear verbal and visual cueing for smooth transitions.
  • Observe and correct poor performance while maintaining class flow.
  • Engage with clients, building positive relationships and delivering excellent professional service.

The cost of the Primary Group Fitness & Exercise to Music Course is €1,195.00 

A discount of €250.00 is available if fees are paid one calendar month before the course starting date which means the course will cost €945.00.

This represents excellent value as the fee is inclusive of the Kettlebell and Suspension Training Certifications, which alone would cost €510 if booking as individual courses.

You can book by paying a deposit and still get the full discount if the balance of fees is paid at least one month before the course start date. Alternatively you can poay the deposit followed by 3 installments of €265.00.

Funding is available via Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. To find out more contact LHF Skillnet

This course is open to qualified fitness instructors who hold a REPs approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification (as a minimum requirement). If your qualification is not REPs approved please submit a copy to info@ntc.ie and we will check if you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a professional development certificate. This course is not suitable for those who do not hold a fitness qualification.

Learners will be assessed through:

  • Submission of Learner Workbook
  • Observed Summative Group Fitness Assessment

Locations, Schedule and Booking

Information about schedules, locations and start dates for the course

Good Availability

DUBLIN & CORK

NTC Dublin / Mardyke Arena Cork

VARIOUS SCHEDULES

VARIOUS START DATES

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 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.

Answers at your fingertips

Frequently Asked Questions

The National Training Centre have been delivering respected educational programmes since 1985 and during that time we have had many questions asked by potential students before registration. Here you can find the answers to the questions we receive 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 – 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?

Mardyke Arena, University College Cork
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