Welcome to YMCAfit

UK’s first and leading provider
of fitness education.

About
YMCAfit

Helping you be your best is our top priority

We’ll train you for a longstanding career, not just to pass a test. We’ve developed the largest portfolio of courses in the UK and we’re investing in this world-class training to continually make it better and always relevant for the fitness industry today — that’s why 97% of students would recommend us!

We are the UK's first fitness training provider

We've been around for a long time and have watched the industry evolve. In 1984, we launched the first-ever Exercise to Music course, which helped shape the start of the modern-day fitness industry. Over the past four decades, we have fine-tuned our courses to help you become the best fitness professional you can be. You'll learn how to stand out within the industry, transforming lives and inspiring communities.

We believe in quality

Our ethos is simple: To provide high-quality training and education in fitness. By providing opportunities for our learners to grow as individuals, we help them pursue their passion and gain skills to improve the health of their communities.

Why train with YMCAfit?

World-Class Training

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Expert Tutors

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Outstanding Support

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Flexible Payments

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Flexible Learning

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Leaders in Our Field

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Our qualifications are CIMSPA endorsed

CIMSPA, or the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. Its mission is to support, develop, and enable professionals and organisations within this field to meet the highest standards of service delivery. By undertaking CIMSPA-endorsed training, professionals can be confident that their education aligns with industry requirements, boosts their career prospects, and contributes to the sector's overarching goals of health and well-being promotion.

Importance of CIMSPA-Endorsed Training/Qualifications

Industry Recognition: CIMSPA endorsements mean the qualification meets industry-approved professional standards.
Employers recognise CIMSPA-endorsed qualifications as a mark of quality and competence.

Alignment with Professional Standards: Training programmes endorsed by CIMSPA align with its Professional Standards Framework, ensuring they equip learners with skills relevant to real-world practice.

Career Advancement: Many roles in the sport and physical activity sector require CIMSPA-recognised qualifications.
It enhances your employability and credibility as a professional.

Access to Continuous Development: CIMSPA encourages continuous professional development (CPD). Qualifications often include opportunities to accumulate CPD points, supporting lifelong learning.

Consumer Trust: Having a workforce with CIMSPA-endorsed qualifications reassures clients that services are delivered by knowledgeable, competent professionals.

Partnerships with Key Bodies: CIMSPA collaborates with organisations like Sport England, ukactive, and others, ensuring its qualifications are aligned with national strategies and objectives for health and activity.

Course Format

We offer a variety of delivery models which have been designed to meet your needs.

Full-Time

This model of delivery involves mostly face to face sessions delivered Monday-Friday, led by our expert tutors.

Part-Time

This model of delivery involves face to face sessions delivered on weekends, led by our expert tutors. You will also be required to complete independent study as outlined in your timetable.

Online

This model of delivery involves tutor led live online sessions which are scheduled throughout the week. You will also be required to complete independent study as outlined in your timetable.

Each of our course delivery models will provide you with access to our online learning platform, which contains eLearning and assessment activities to complete alongside your other coursework.

CAREERS THAT WILL HELP YOU TO HELP OTHERS:

Which pathway
is right
for you?

Nutritionist

Use nutrition to support clients with their health, weight management and sports performance.

Personal Trainer

Push clients to achieve their goals by designing and delivering full fitness programmes for them.

Exercise to Music Instructor

Choreograph and teach your own exhilarating studio classes.

Yoga Instructor

Explore and teach flexible sequences that revitalise the mind, body and spirit.

Gym Instructor

Ease your way into the fitness industry by guiding clients through their workouts.

Sports Massage Therapist

Help individuals prepare for sports and fitness activities to aid their recovery.

Pilates Instructor

Liberate and reform clients’ bodies using Merrithew STOTT PILATES® techniques and routines.

Our graduates go on to work at:

Once our learners complete their qualification with us, the adventure is only just beginning! Having a YMCAfit certificate or diploma on your CV has the potential to open doors in all different aspects of the fitness industry.

Many of our graduates go on to work for major brands and nationwide gyms within the fitness space, while others bring their expertise to small boutique studios and fitness clubs. Other learners choose to forge their own path, doing freelance training work and building up a successful business of their own. Whichever way you choose to go, we're excited to be a part of your journey along the way!

What our graduates say

I heard some really good reviews about it. People told me it was the best course to do, it’s the most in depth and you’ll learn everything – which I absolutely did.

Kirsty, Personal Training Graduate.

I studied both Matwork & Reformer Pilates which was absolutely incredible and something I’d recommend to all those considering studying with YMCAfit and looking to differentiate themselves. It is WELL worth every second and every penny spent.

Sandra Calva, STOTT PILATES and

Personal Training Graduate.

I’ve taught dance for many years but thanks [to] the ETM course, I feel more confident to teach safely, for longevity and healthy joints, so that dancers can enjoy what they love with decreased risk of injury or arthritis for as long as possible.”

Mark James, Exercise to Music Graduate.