Reviews of Hilltop Academy (Gym)

Jen Schofield

Thank you hilltop or preparing me so well for the industry! Completely satisfied with the outcomes and money invested!

True North West Academy

This is my 10th year Instructing this program. I could have chosen many ways to spend the last decade, but for all the fantastic feedback we get from this program, I think we need to work with platforms in education more similar to the Leadership Diploma Program

Zayn Ramahi

When I started the school I had no idea about any muscles names (even biceps!! Lol) and how they work and how our body functions -- also I didn't have the best body -- day by day my knowledge increased and with the instructor help I had so much knowledge. As an English second language I was confused about a lot of words and hilltop was always there for me when I needed help -- They really helped me and changed my life to a professional personal trainer! With Hilltop help and support in every single day I passed my exams. You can get certified in a lot of places but with hilltop you don't only get certified you are qualified!! I'm currently working as a professional personal trainer ( also I have the best body now! ) and love love love it!! A dream came true!! THANK YOU HILLTOP SO MUCH!!

Gelareh Tavakolian

The Hilltop Academy helped me make my dream come true as a Personal trainer. I'm thankful for my nice instructors Kim and Karen who showed me the right way and helped me catch my goals (get a personal trainer and take BCRPA certification) .I never forget Elena who always gave me energy with her good advices to continue my way and finish it successfully and Emilia who was always be nice. Hilltop Academy has a very good team, I was so lucky to find that.

mike kigen

Great experience, awesome instructor. I had a great learning experience at hilltop, the instructor and staff really helped us and showed a lot of support. I gained a lot of information and I was even able to correct a lot of mistakes I had been making in my workouts. Thank you for setting the pace as I discover my place in the fitness industry.

sassan safaei

It has been an excellent experience; Kim Bond is a wonderful instructor; her knowledge and experience about fitness and weight training is inspiring. I loved her classes. The staff and management all are very welcoming, friendly and supportive with all the steps. I highly recommend Hilltop Academy!

Svetlana St

This is the best place to receive your PT certification!!! At the Hilltop Academy there is really Professional teachers and coaches !!! Perfect training course ! Amazing gym for practice!!! All the best and my please to this school!!!

K. Pollock

Hilltop Academy was there for me during a very dark place, the encouragement and support I got was beyond the call of duty, I valued the skills of learned and have grown in the field of fitness, there are times where training can be really hard but it's worth it, the change you bring to people can be life changing.

Nicole Downie

I attended Hilltop Academy from August 1st to November 25th. I am a gymnastics coach of seven years so naturally I wanted to keep my career in the fitness field. I myself have had personal trainers and even after becoming BCRPA certified I continue to see my trainer once a week, not because I don’t know what to do in the gym, but because I enjoy walking into the gym once a week and not having to think and plan out my workout for that day. Since attending Hilltop I have a job in the industry at Fitness Science and I have started up my own business Nicole Downie Fitness, which is small personal training business that focuses on those who are either looking for everyday health and fitness or athletes who are wanting more functional training. I heard about Hilltop through a friend who attended a few years ago, he spoke very highly of the program and I can honestly say I was not disappoint. We were being informed with loads of information on the daily, Kim Bond is an excellent teacher and is very good at targeting her teaching to all learning styles. Graduating from Hilltop was one of the highlights of my year, not only was I confident in training clients but I knew exactly what I wanted from the industry and had a much better idea of how I was going to achieve my goal. My long term goal is to open up a gym or small studio gym that allows a variety of different forms of training. I am very fortunate that my class at Hilltop became like my second family, we were a small class so it didn’t take us long to become close to one another, we were all very supportive of each other. I was attending Hilltop while on full blown prep for The Popeyes Fall Classic 2016 bodybuilding competition where I ended up placing third in my class, qualifying me for provincials in 2017 and thanks to my Hilltop family I was able to do both school and the show! Kim and Elena are truly amazing, they go above and beyond for the students and want nothing but the best for us. If you are looking for a school I would strongly recommend Hilltop Academy, it’s no cake walk but if you are truly passionate about the fitness industry you will love the program they offer!

Amin Nasr

Hilltop Academy is an unparalleled experience when it comes to fitness education! Awesome and fun instructors who will leave you with a wealth of knowledge, both in theory and practice ! Thank you Hilltop!! ~Amino, Hilltop Graduate, September 2018 Instagram @aminoacids604

Tamara Taylor

I recently finished my course at Hilltop and would 100% recommend it to anyone looking into getting their personal training certification. The 4 months I spent there have thoroughly prepared me for my new career as a personal trainer.

Bailey Gorin

I have a unique story with hilltop... I've tried other schools (BCPTI, InfoFit) but Hilltop stands alone. I started with Donna but instructors changed half way through. The transition was a bit rough but Kim is great! She's knowledgable, honest and strong. I had to drop out due to personal reasons but they allowed me to come back and finish strong. Now, I have the career of my dreams and am able to support my family! If you want to "just train" this isn't the place for you. If you want to make an impact in someone's life, this is home. One thing that I appreciate is they take you on field trips to gyms, stores, hiring fairs and they bring in industry leaders to better equip you for life after school. I was able to get 3 job interviews while I attended.

Sunil Mahay

Hilltop academy was by far the best academic choice I made. Not only are all the staff and teachers friendly but the environment is just so welcoming. All liked minded people so why wouldn't you want to go there. My experience there was nothing short of amazing. I was taking evenings classes, working full time (2 jobs) and training & dieting for a bodybuilding competition and trust me that was hard. The teachers made my experience much better because If you didn't understand a concept, he or she would take the time to help you understand it. The courses were detailed and with lots of hands on work ie. Such as going outdoors for programs, gyms to do your assignments. Lots of practice to ensure that your going out on the field full force with confidence and experience to face all the challenges that come to you. They also do resume and business courses to help you either if you want to be self employed or have an employer. Like I said the best choice I made now I have a really successful personal training business online and in person along side with a fitness apparel company Thanks hilltop

Chris Hurworth

Hilltop provided me with the fundamentals I needed to become a successful trainer, and I can see it all paying off with the continuing success of my clients. Also, if you have the pleasure of being taught by Kim Bond, it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

Erin Kemp

Hilltop prepared me well for my new adventure into the world of personal training and group fitness; so much, that when I was hired, my employer felt safe and confident leaving me with clients, on my own, within a very short period of time. I would recommend Hilltop for anyone looking to switch gears and start a new life in the fitness industry. Thanks Hilltop!

Cory Breland

I was born into a world of poverty. I’ve witnessed and encountered varieties of abuse and body harm etc. I learned at a very young age from my family’s mistakes how not to live life. I told myself I will never turn out like them and I would do what it takes to help people struggling with any kind of battle weather it’d be mental, emotional and most of all physical. As I grew up, I was very athletic and started training for my sports at a very young age to keep my mind away from the poverty I was born into. I became obsessed with my health and became obsessed with how the body works in everyday functional movements. So through my life I was told “hey Cory why don’t you become a personal trainer, get certified and relay your knowledge and experience to others that go through or have similar struggles?” So I took that advice and started searching schools not only for there structures and the way they teach but also prices and backgrounds on the actual teachers. I came across Hilltop Academy and really became highly interested out of the few programs I’ve researched. You know when you get that feeling when you see or read something and you just know. Well with Hilltop Academy I had that feeling. Their 17 week structure and the break down excited me. They covered everything I wanted to know in a 4 month span which left me leaving satisfied and ready to attack the personal training life. The hands on approach and real life scenarios in actual gym settings gave you a sense of what you will encounter in the work field which was a nice touch. My instructor Kim Bond was a true professional and had knowledge that went beyond our 17 week structure. Not only did she teach what we need to know but also helped us look at fitness it many different ways to get you thinking outside the box ’cause fitness changes everyday. The staff were always professional and ready to help you at anytime. There poise and professionalism made it a joy to come to school and learn. Hilltop was by far the best decision towards my career I’ve made towards the path of fitness. Since Hilltop I’ve learned that I want to train athletes and teach people that our bodies matter and everyday functional movements need to be the key focus to have a healthy non-painful life as we grow older. So I teach people how to train for any sporting events as well as getting them in tune with the kinetic chain of there bodies which starts at the feet. My philosophy is “it’s not just everyday fitness – it’s everyday life” …..Why load someone with weights when they can’t even balance on one foot. I started my own company I.M.P.A.C.T FITNESS because it’s important to me to make an impact in peoples lives. To anyone who wants to achieve their passion through fitness and health I highly recommend Hilltop Academy. Thank you Hilltop staff for a great memorable experience, I applaud you all!

Taylor Hope

Honestly would not have been able to take personal training programs online. Hilltop provides you with soooo much more hand on experience and knowledge! Kim Bond was an amazing instructor and the administrators were also amazing! It’s a lot to take in with your first month but Kim makes learning super easy and fun! If you’re thinking about being a personal trainer, take this program! There’s nothing better ????

Megan Smith

Admin staff sucks. Never awnswr the phone or return calls.

Nestor P Navasero

Had an amazing time at Hilltop Academy. What sets them apart is the amount of practical experience you get in the gym sessions. Amazing instructors and guest speakers. You really get an inside view of the industry and how to bridge your skills to it. Great learning from fellow classmates from various sporting backgrounds.

Francis Major

If you are considering a career in the fitness industry, then Hilltop Academy is by far the best choice. The admin and instructors are amazing and care so much for their students' success. During my time at Hilltop, I have learned so much, not only about personal training, but the human body, behavior, and the fitness industry itself. Thank you Elena and Carrie. I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for you. Just an update. Apparently attending Hilltop Academy creates more open doors than I first thought. I am working as a full-time trainer at Eagle Ridge Fitness and am getting constant calls from other gyms/studios to go work for them. In fact, I am turning down jobs as I am overwhelmed with work. I never imagined this outcome when I enrolled at Hilltop. If you ever wanted to become a personal trainer, then enroll at Hilltop, study hard, and the rewards will come.

Olga Chekoy

Hilltop Academy was the right choice for me. The instructor taught me a lot of valuable information along with amazing tips and advice in regards to the fitness industry. The course is very comprehensive and covers everything you need to build a solid foundation, not just the basics. The instructors’ teaching methods were amazing making confusing concepts very easy to understand. But if you’re stuck – there is plenty of additional help available from Elena – you just have to ask! I loved how there was a lot of hands-on time spent at the gym polishing our PT techniques as well as so many specialty courses like TRX, small group PT, Older Adult, etc. It gave me the necessary experience and confidence for real life situations and clients. The course also taught the business aspects which was very helpful. Having industry guest speakers come to school and give us real insight into the fitness industry and who they were looking to hire prepared me for the successful transition from school to work. I’m now a self-employed personal trainer and preparing for my 2nd Bodybuilding completion and all the knowledge I acquired is streamlining me through the prep. I can’t wait to hit the stage and win! I am very happy with the choice I made to enroll into Hilltop Academy. I highly recommend this school if you want to start a successful career in the fitness industry!

Allison Webb

To attend the program at Hilltop was a solid decision. I wish I had been bolder, years ago, and called the office earlier! From first point of contact, with the admin coordinator, to the follow-up after the program: Hilltop was exemplary in quality. The folks running the process are credit to the industry. Go for it!

Zizo Ribeiro

If you want a strong foundation for your personal training career, I would say Hilltop Academy is the way to go. Here is my honest opinion, at Hilltop you will find a supportive team that not only is going to teach you about muscles, joints, proprioceptors, anatomy, movements pattern, etc.. but also they will teach you how to put all together and avoid common mistakes. Another great point about Hilltop is the office team, they are friendly and always looking to help you out when you have a problem. I give five stars to them, no doubt! Thank you to Amelia, Elena, Karen and Kim.

eric salvador

If you plan on becoming a personal trainer hilltop academy is the best place to start. With hands on learning and knowledge from the best teachers youll be sure to succeed if you put in the work! Also everyone from the administration to the teachers are super nice and helpful, love them!!!!!!!

Kamille Hidson

Hilltop Academy was not a hard choice when looking for a course in Fitness Leadership. The first time speaking with Elena in administration I was incredibly pleased with the level of professionalism that I was greeted with. That expertise continued throughout attending Hilltop Academy, Elena was extremely helpful. Hilltop Academy without a doubt helped me get to where I am today! The program was highly driven and fast paced, the layout was very well planned. Kim Bond made a major impact, she has amazing teaching skills! Kim is a true super woman and very inspiring. After graduating I was more than prepared, I was packed with motivation to start a career in the Fitness Industry. Anybody who completes their program at Hilltop Academy, I believe as long as you have the drive to succeed, you can and will succeed! Since finishing the course in late 2014, I first started working in a local gym as a personal trainer and small group fit instructor. Then created a outdoor bootcamp with steady clientele, whom of which are ALL still my clients today! I have started my own business called 123 Fitness with indoor and outdoor training locations. Highly trained, not-afraid-to-sweat, and committed to bringing personalized service with effective and new methods to reach many fitness goals! I plan to continue in the fitness industry, and broaden my scope of practice further into the health and wellness Industry. Thank you HIlltop Academy!

steve mitchell

Amazing place, highly recommend to anyone looking to become a personal trainer. They make the material easy to understand and you get practical experience. The instructors, Kim and Karen, have an wealth of knowledge that I found invaluable. They are so enthusiastic and encouraging. Amelia in the office is super friendly and helpful. I thank them all for helping me on my journey.

Azadi Kaur

I had an amazing experience at Hilltop ????????& highly recommend Hilltop for your new career in fitness. Thank you so much to Amelia, Elena, Kim and Karen for being so awesome, supportive, encouraging & wonderful. I loved????❤ the practical workouts with my classmates????️‍♀️????️‍♂️ in the gym & learning all the muscles, bones etc in the classroom, sticking it on each other (the best hands on experience).????✌????

Ralph Gelacio

DEFINITELY THE BEST SCHOOL for PERSONAL TRAINING! Offering you a wide variety of certification options, and are staffed with the best of the best instructors that will prepare you with the knowledge that you’ll need! Studying here has made me a better person and has definitely taught me to go and help people with their fitness needs! You will never leave without being helped by their ever amazing staff! Amazing school! Amazing Staff! #TrainToBeTheBest

Travis McCrindle

my experience at hilltop was more than I could have hoped it to be. i learned so many skills that have helped me in my journey to become a pt and Kim is the best teacher you could ask for. thank you so much hilltop for the amazing experience i would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get into the industry and come out on another level than most.

Subgaming rockz

It has given me direction of where to lead myself for career for life. whole staff is very helpful and committed to spreading knowledge to fitness industry.

Nathaniel Patoc

Absolutely amazing experience! I've been wanting to become a personal trainer for a while now because fitness has completely changed my life in a positive way. I was hesitant on joining initially but what really locked me in on my decision was that I had a friend that also took Hilltop and told he me loved it. You just don't learn fitness but you also learn a lot about yourself and people skills. Everyone has their strength, weaknesses and this course has showed me how I can improve myself as a trainer and also as a person. I would like to thank Kim and Karen for being such great teachers and pushing me to become the best that I can possibly be. I would also like to thank Amelia for being an awesome secretary :D

Nicole George

The instructors and administrators are great at what they do, they help navigate the manuals,texts, and course materials, as well help with all the online and forms that have to be dealt with. They make it so all you have to do is study!

Anoopjit Panjetta

Hilltop Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life! I always had a passion to help people and at Hilltop I was provided with all the tools I'd need to become a certified personal trainer. Kim is an amazing teacher, she makes sure all her students understand everything thoroughly and always goes the extra step for her students. The staff is very helpful and encouraging. If anyone is interested in becoming a personal trainer, I highly recommend Hilltop Academy!

davijones3214

Amazing experience learning here from the instructors as well as my classmates. Well worth it as I felt ready to enter the world of fitness being exposed to different niches in the industry, as well as getting that hands on practical experience working with classmates. It was a great 4 months and i highly recommend Hilltop for anyone thinking of entering the fitness industry. The majority of my class, including myself, were able to find work as soon as we finished if not before graduation. Thanks to the Hilltop staff for getting me started on this path.

Utah Cumiskey

amazing school and nice really educated teachers, and well thought out course!

Gabe Brulé

The Information and connections I made while attending Hilltop will be with me forever. I am so happy to have made the decision to attend.

Ryan Johnson

I left Hilltop Academy feeling very confident in what I learned and excited to get working in the Fitness industry. I gained an invaluable network of classmates, industry colleagues, and mentors who gave relevant and motivational advice through the duration of the course. The quality of instruction made all the difference for me succeeding and finding employment in the industry within a week of graduation. Thanks for everything Hilltop!

Karina Khromeeva

I attended Hilltop Academy and it was great and valuable experience! I had 340 hours of lecture time and hands-on practice in the gym. Hilltop is the best personal training school all around that has an amazing curriculum and awesome staff. All instructors have so much experience and knowledge of the industry that they are keen on passing on to students and they are always eager to help! Our success is their personal success – that’s the attitude I received here. I highly recommend Hilltop for all future personal trainers!

Jennifer RH

Thank you so much Hilltop Academy for such great courses! I was excited to get my personal training career started and coming to you guys set me up for success! Absolutely everything I needed was all in your step by step process making it easy and attainable. Thank you for everything!

TOM FANG

Thank you so much Hilltop! You provide everything I need to be come a certified personal trainer! I'm now so confident to train others! I could not imagine how far I came and how much I have learned from both textbook information in the class and practical workouts in the gym. All the instructors are brilliant; Kim and Karen both provide lot of treasure information and advices. Also, Amelia and Elena in the office are always so helpful as well. Overall, I had an unforgettable time here in Hilltop which I will remember forever. I do strongly recommend to others who want to be a personal trainer but don't know where to start. Trust me, Hilltop will be the place where your dream begin!

Mike Vanderveer

Hilltop offers a great program to get into the fitness industry. You are taught by actual industry leaders who are very knowledgeable on fitness . Would definately recommend hilltop to anyone considering a career in the fitness industry.

Am Gibson

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be excited to be going to school every day? That’s what it was like for me at Hilltop Academy! I gained so much knowledge from one of the most knowledgeable and gifted teachers, Donna, I have ever encountered - very passionate and with years of experience in the fitness industry. The instructors addressed any questions that I had. The course is technology-forward so we were encouraged to do practice quizzes using different methods not only limited to handouts but also different apps, websites, games and hands-on. As a visual-kinesthetic learner I need different learning tools beside books to make things more clear. It was amazing how instructors understood my learning style and supported me whenever I needed extra help. Best part was not only did I surrounded myself with like-mind people but I also gained great knowledge in the classroom, the gym and outside - in gorgeous Westminster Pier Park when the weather was nice. We learned invaluable information about the industry from guest speakers who also happened to be hiring manager and potential employers for many of us in the class. Moreover we enjoyed many field trips relevant to the material covered like to Flaman Fitness and Save-on-Foods for nutrition talk with Registered Dietician. I would highly recommend this course to others! Go Hilltop!

Yashar Rezazadeh

I highly recommend Hilltop Academy to any aspiring personal trainer. I was hired within days of graduating at one of the biggest local gyms. With my knowledge I was very quickly able to build a strong foundation of clientele and continue to do so on a daily basis. Education aside, the team at hilltop went above and beyond their duties to help me. Thank you so much