History of YMCA FitnessA Brief History of YMCA fitness Industry Training (YMCAfit) You've almost certainly come to us because you've heard about our reputation as providers of ‘Gold Standard' training for the dynamic and exciting fitness industry, but where did it all begin? YMCAfit is a registered charity and began life as YMCA Training & Development, within the famous Tottenham Court Road Central YMCA Club, in London in 1983. It was there that a small group of visionary educators became inspired by a new exercise phenomenon sweeping the country, the use of music in exercise classes. Despite the massive growth in Exercise to Music (Aerobics) at that time, there was little or no opportunity for individuals to learn how to instruct classes which were creative, safe and effective. It was in answer to this demand that YMCA Training & Development was born. In 1984 the first Exercise to Music (Aerobics) course took place and began a journey during which over 67,000 individuals have been trained to become professional fitness instructors. In fact, if you go to almost any gym in the country you'll find YMCA trained and qualified staff. In 1997 Government legislation brought about widespread changes in funding support for education and YMCA Training and Development separated to become two independent charities: Central YMCA Qualifications (CYQ), a government approved qualifications awarding body, and YMCAfit as you know us now. YMCAfit, just like the fitness industry, never stands still. We continue to invest heavily in a development programme that provides exciting, relevant and high quality training opportunities for instructors across a wide range of disciplines. Whether you are thinking of beginning your career in exercise and fitness, or moving upwards into advanced levels, you'll find that there are many new and exciting ways to add skills to your professional repertoire. | 
