Meet Danielle Smith:

My background spans a wide range of specialisms, but one area that’s always been close to my heart is inclusive training. I’ve worked extensively in personal training for individuals with both mental and physical disabilities, and one of my proudest moments was supporting athlete Sophie Etheridge in her historic achievement—completing the first adaptive solo swim across the English Channel using only her arms. That experience reminded me of the power of personalised, compassionate coaching.

I’m also a long-time lover of group exercise. For over 11 years, I’ve delivered classes that bring people together through movement and motivation. The buzz, the energy, the shared smiles, it’s where fitness meets friendship, and it’s still one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me outdoors, making art, or wrangling my four wonderful children in what I lovingly call the “beautiful chaos” of everyday life. It’s colourful, it’s messy, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Let me ask you something: when was the last time you truly understood what your clients going through menopause are experiencing?

If you’re a personal trainer, yoga teacher, or Pilates instructor like me, chances are you’ve worked with dozens of women in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. You’ve probably heard about energy crashes, mood swings, joint pain, weight gain, or the feeling of not recognising themselves anymore. I know I have. And while I’ve always wanted to help, I’ll be honest, there was a time when I wasn’t sure how to help effectively.

That’s why I took YMCAfit’s brand-new Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity – Menopause. And honestly? I think it’s a game-changer.

Menopause isn’t just a phase, it’s a significant life transition that brings complex physical and emotional challenges. Hormonal shifts can impact everything from bone health and heart function to mental wellbeing, sleep, and motivation. And yet, despite all of this, most fitness professionals have never received formal training on how to support women during this stage of life.

This qualification fills that gap.

You’ll learn how to:

• Understand the biological stages of menopause and their health impacts
• Modify training programmes to reduce risks and support hormonal changes
• Deliver inclusive, safe, and empowering sessions that meet your clients where they are

Best of all, it’s mapped to the CIMSPA professional standard for working with women and girls, so you know it’s not just theory, it’s practical and industry-relevant.

Why It’s So Valuable for PTs, Yoga Teachers & Pilates Instructors

We work closely with clients, often in one-to-one or small group settings, which puts us in a unique position to spot the signs of menopause and adapt our approach.

This training gives you tools to:

• Reduce injury risks linked to joint pain or osteoporosis
• Support clients dealing with fatigue, anxiety, or brain fog
• Create workouts that ease menopause symptoms and promote long-term health
• Build a space where women feel strong, supported, and understood

And let’s be honest, it’s a brilliant way to stand out. More and more women are actively seeking out fitness professionals who “get it.” Earning a menopause qualification shows not just that you’re skilled, but that you care.

About the Course

The YMCAfit menopause qualification is delivered fully online, making it flexible and accessible. Over eight weeks, you’ll attend four live webinars with expert tutors, supported by the Suada digital learning platform. The course includes three assessments—presentations, professional discussions, and a case study, designed to help you apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

No textbooks. No fluff. Just career-enhancing, practical training that will deepen your coaching and expand your impact.

A Bigger Mission

For me, this isn’t just a qualification, it’s part of a wider mission to put women’s health where it belongs: front and centre.

Too often, menopause is something clients quietly “deal with” while struggling through workouts that don’t serve them. I want to be the kind of coach who listens, adapts, and empowers. Someone who helps women feel strong, seen, and supported during one of life’s biggest transitions.

If that’s the kind of coach you want to be too, I can’t recommend this course enough.