Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses

Level up your fitness career and increase your potential client base.

Exercise for Perinatal Clients
Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions
Exercise for Older Adults
Exercise for Menopausal Clients
Core Stability
Emergency First Aid
Indoor Cycling
Kettlebells Pro
Padwork
Supple Strength
Total Barre™ Instructor Foundation Course
Build your FIT path

Why upskill?
All of our CPD courses carry CIMSPA points which allows you to maintain your professional membership.

Adding a specialisation to your body of knowledge can help shape the future of your business, increase your earning potential, and help you change more lives than ever before. Gain the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to help your clients – and yourself – succeed.

Exercise for Perinatal Clients

Learn how to support exercise, physical activity, health, and wellbeing during the perinatal period (pregnancy and postnatal). The course covers how to programme safe and effective exercise routines and understand how to signpost to other services when necessary.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

How to support exercise, physical activity, health, and wellbeing during the perinatal period (pregnancy and postnatal)
Designing exercise sessions that are appropriate for healthy perinatal patients without complications
Understanding when to redirect clients to other health services, such as a medical professional

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

On average this course involves 40 hours of study including your online tutor-lead sessions, online study and independent research.

4 tutor-led live online sessions delivered by well-qualified, experienced industry professionals.
4 assessment tasks, including open book questions and 2 case studies.
Modules delivered through our intuitive digital platform Suada.
Learners must attend all 4 sessions.

QUALIFICATION

Next Generation Level 3 Diploma in Supporting
Participation in Physical Activity – Perinatal

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold an accredited Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music) or Level 3 qualification (e.g. Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates). Where a prerequisite qualification has been achieved more than 3 years ago, learners will be required to supply additional evidence to verify current competency. We also highly recommend a minimum of 3 months’ industry experience in your area of expertise.

PRICE

£340

HOURS

40 hrs to complete the course.

Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions

This qualification provides fitness professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to offer specialised fitness services to clients living with long-term conditions. You’ll learn how to create customised fitness plans for these clients to improve their lives, helping them be healthier and more active to better manage the symptoms of their long-term conditions.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Applied anatomy and physiology
Overview of the UK health landscape and reasons for an increasing health problem
Cause of diseases, physiology, and medical lifestyle management of long-term conditions
How to plan and adapt exercise safely and effectively for clients with long-term conditions
Behaviour-change theories and techniques to apply on clients with long-term conditions

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

On average this course involves 196 hours of study including your online tutor-lead sessions, online study and independent research.

4 tutor-led live online sessions delivered by well-qualified, experienced industry professionals
5 eAssessments
2 written case studies
Interactive eLearning through intuitive digital platform Suada

QUALIFICATION

Active IQ Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

PRICE

£850

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

0% finance - spread the cost with interest-free monthly payments.
Get 10% off when you book at least 2 months before the start date.
Loan Funded option available.

HOURS

196 hrs to complete the course.

Exercise for Older Adults

Learn how to adapt your training methods to the older adult population. Older adults are a growing demographic, and specially tailored exercise classes encourage them to move and stay healthy in a way that is safe and fun. This qualification is a great addition for PTs, Yoga Instructors, and Pilates Instructors.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

How to plan and teach safe and effective sessions
for older adults.
Physiological and anatomical changes of aging
in relation to exercise.
Benefits of exercise for the aging population.
Working with older adults beyond exercise, including social interaction, nutrition, and healthcare referral.
How to deliver adaptations and modifications for different conditions and abilities.
Identifying cases when exercise isn’t recommended.

QUALIFICATION

Next Generation Level 3 Diploma in Supporting
Participation in Physical Activity – Older Adults

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older, hold an accredited Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music) or Level 3 qualification (e.g. Personal Training, Yoga, Pilates), and have at least three months of teaching experience.

PRICE

£340

HOURS

40 hrs to complete the course.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

On average this course involves 40 hours of study including your online tutor-lead sessions, online study and independent research.

Online

4 live tutor-led sessions, each lasting 3 hours
Interactive eLearning
Online theory assessment
Online written assessment submission

Exercise for Menopausal Clients

Gain essential knowledge and skills to work with clients who are transitioning through menopause. You'll learn about the impact of hormonal changes, effective health interventions, and inclusive physical activity programming as well as ways to support your clients' lifestyle adjustments and create tailored exercise plans for them.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Fundamentals of menopause and its implications to health and wellbeing.
Effect of declining hormones on health and wellbeing during menopause.
Programming and adapting exercise to support management of menopause and menopause symptoms.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

On average this course involves 99 hours of study including your online tutor-lead sessions, online study and independent research.

Online

4 tutor-led sessions.
Learning is supported by our intuitive eLearning platform
2 presentations
2 professional discussions
1 case study with programming and questions

QUALIFICATION

Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity - Menopause.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

PRICE

£340

HOURS

99 hrs to complete the course.

Core Stability

Gain the skills to strengthen your clients’ core, improve their balance, and increase their overall fitness ability. Core Stability is a challenging programme that is aimed to strengthen the muscles around the back and abdomen, improving overall body movement. You can enhance your sessions with equipment and adapt them for individual goals and abilities.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Various techniques and alignment
Correcting a student with and without hands-on correction
Utilising Core Stability equipment, such as BOSU, foam rollers, and stability balls
How to improve a student’s observational skills
Adapting classes for individuals and groups

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session lasting about 7 hours. Learners will be given a practical assessment on the day of the course.

QUALIFICATION

YMCAfit Core Stability.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold a recognised Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music, Group Exercise Instructor) or a Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

PRICE

£159

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Emergency First Aid

Learn how to respond to anything from a minor injury to an emergency situation – a skill that is vital in the fitness industry, whether you are self-employed or work for a gym. This Emergency First Aid in the Workplace qualification will be valid for three years from the day of your certification.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Roles and responsibilities of a first aider.
How to conduct a scene survey and casualty survey.
First aid techniques for people who are choking or unresponsive.
How to put a casualty in the recovery position.
Performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Identifying and managing casualties with external bleeding, shock, minor burns, and scalds.

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session lasting about 7 hours. Learners will be given a practical assessment on the day of the course.

QUALIFICATION

YMCA Awards Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older.

PRICE

£159

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Indoor Cycling

This course was developed with leading indoor cycling specialists, the Indoor Cycling Group, and will train you to deliver high-intensity studio cycling classes. Indoor Cycling is suitable for anyone and is great for weight management training as it’s one of the quickest ways to burn calories using cardio equipment.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Group teaching skills
Correct setup and posture
How to teach cycling techniques, cycling profiles, and drills
Planning, structuring, and delivering a class
Cycle-specific teaching skills
Utilising music to enhance the experience
Understanding health and safety

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session lasting about 7 hours. Learners will be given a practical assessment on the day of the course.

1 day of face-to-face tuition
3 hours of self-directed learning
Practical assessment
Submission of session planning evidence

QUALIFICATION

YMCAfit Indoor Cycling Instructor.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold a recognised Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music, Group Exercise Instructor) or a Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

PRICE

£159

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Kettlebells Pro

Master the skills and knowledge you need to teach your clients how to incorporate kettlebells into their workouts safely and effectively. Unlike other equipment, kettlebells can work several muscles at the same time, leading to improved strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Kettlebell workouts can be customised for clients at all levels of their fitness journey, from beginner to advanced.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

Health and fitness benefits of kettlebells
How to plan and teach safe and effective kettlebell sessions for clients of all different levels
Appropriate warm-ups and cool downs to accompany kettlebell workouts
How to improve dynamic flexibility and motor control with kettlebells

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session lasting about 7 hours. Learners will be given a practical assessment on the day of the course.

QUALIFICATION

YMCAfit Kettlebells Pro

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold a recognised Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music, Group Exercise Instructor) or a Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

PRICE

£179

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Padwork

This martial arts-based approach to fitness is extremely popular among clients who want to lose weight while building strength. This combat-style of training is suitable for anyone and can be done just about anywhere as it requires minimal equipment. Padwork exercises incorporate many aspects of fitness, including cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and endurance, motor skills, and flexibility.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

How to develop combat-style sessions for individuals and small groups
Techniques for executing a variety of strikes (jabs, hooks, uppercuts, and knee strikes)
How to build intense and challenging combinations of strikes
The use of padwork equipment, such as gloves, focus pads, and Muay Thai boxing pads
The use of combat circuit-style equipment, such as skipping ropes and medicine balls

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session lasting about 7 hours. Learners will be given a practical assessment on the day of the course.

1 day of face-to-face tuition
Practical assessment

QUALIFICATION

YMCA Awards Padwork

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold a recognised Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music, Group Exercise Instructor) or a Level 3 Personal Training qualification.

PRICE

£159

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Supple Strength

Teach your clients how to engage their minds as well as their muscles through exercises that focus on posture, core stability, and body alignment. Supple strength blends elements of yoga, Pilates, and body conditioning to build a challenging holistic workout.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

A range of postures and exercises that are based on yoga and Pilates
How to plan and structure Supple Strength classes and one-to-one sessions
Demonstrating correct postural and exercise techniques
Creating choreography for Supple Strength classes

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered online. Learners will be assessed practically on the day of course.

Online

1 day of live tutor-led classes.
Online practical assessment.

QUALIFICATION

YMCAfit Supple Strength

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

You must be 16 years or older and hold a recognised Level 2 qualification (e.g. Gym Instructor, Exercise to Music, Group Exercise Instructor) or a Level 3 Personal Training qualification. You must also have experience participating in studio yoga or Pilates classes.

PRICE

£159

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Total Barre™ Instructor Foundation Course

Barre incorporates elements of yoga and Pilates and is heavily influenced by ballet. You’ll learn choreography, exercise essence, and correct biomechanics of movement to lead barre classes. The course also covers how to effectively utilise the power of music to create safe and fun barre classes that focus on increasing strength, flexibility, stamina, and dynamic stability.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

What makes a well-balanced Barre workout
Breaking down various movements and exploring the stabilisation and mobilisation to achieve them
How to cue, correct, and modify effectively for all participants
The six Total Barre^TMFoundational Principles and how to implement them
Setting a barre workout to music

FLEXIBLE LEARNING FORMATS

This qualification is delivered in one face-to-face session at our dedicated yoga and Pilates space.

QUALIFICATION

Total Barre^TM Instructor Foundation Course, Level 1

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Learners must be at least 16 years old.

PRICE

£329

HOURS

7 hrs to complete the course.

Did You Find What You Were Looking For?

Yes, it was helpful.
Somewhat, but I need more details.
No, I couldn’t find what I was looking for.

YMCAfit have helped me on my way to realising my professional ambitions. The teachers I have encountered in my time with YMCAfit have been some of the friendliest and knowledgeable people I have ever met and I remember them fondly as I continue to grow my professional self. Thank you YMCAfit. I highly recommend them."

Kamile