Set clear goals

Define your objectives. Are you aiming for a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification? When do you want to achieve the qualification? Knowing your end goal will help you stay motivated and focused.

Choose the right course for you 

Good news – we have several delivery formats to suit you – face–to–face, blended, virtual courses which offer a flexible approach to learning and 27/4 access to course content via our learning platform. All of our courses are CIMSPA endorsed meaning that you will gain the most up to date quality assured qualifications. 

Create a study schedule

Allocate specific time slots for studying. Consistency is key. Most of our qualifications require you to complete self-study alongside the tutor-led sessions. Break down the content/units into manageable chunks – assessment deadlines have been set for you to help you achieve your qualification in a timely manner – stick to these to ensure you don’t fall behind. 

Utilise interactive learning resources 

As a YMCAfit learner you have access to digital manuals, online workbooks, and eLearning via our online learning platform. Depending on the qualification and delivery model, you may also have access to video resources and webinars. Take advantage of these resources which are accessible 24/7. 

Stay engaged 

Participate in online forums, webinars, or discussion groups related to the fitness industry. We’re a friendly bunch – connect with fellow learners and share insights. 

Practice practical skills 

While understanding theory is an integral aspect of every qualification, don’t neglect practical aspects like practice exercises, programme design, and client assessments. Our courses will always require you to deliver practical aspects either through face-to-face or video assessments. 

Effective note-taking 

Summarise key points from each unit/topic. Use digital tools or handwritten notes. Review your notes regularly to reinforce learning. You can use ‘read aloud’ functions to help you revisit the notes you made. 

Self assessment and quizzes 

Test your knowledge with quizzes and the use of flash cards – rope in friends and family to test your knowledge! Identify weak areas and revisit those topics. 

Stay active and healthy 

Aspiring fitness professionals should embody a healthy lifestyle. Prioritise exercise, nutrition, and sleep. A healthy body and mind enhance your ability to learn effectively, so practice what you preach! 

Seek support and feedback 

Reach out to our Student Support team and experienced tutors for clarification or guidance. 

Remember, undertaking a fitness qualification is not just gaining practical skills. You’ll need to pass theoretical assessments and case studies to become an industry-leading professional. Best of luck on your journey! 

Set clear goals

Define your short-term and long-term goals for both work and study. Knowing what you want to achieve will help you prioritise tasks and allocate time accordingly.

Break tasks into manageable chunks 

Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes tasks seem less daunting and allows you to make progress steadily. This approach can help prevent overwhelm and improve your focus and understanding.

Create a schedule

Develop a daily or weekly schedule that allocates specific time slots for work, study, and other essential activities. Be realistic about the time needed for each task and allow some flexibility for unexpected events.

Use time management tools 

Utilise tools such as calendars, planners, or time-tracking apps to organise your schedule and set reminders for important deadlines and appointments. Visual aids, such as color-coded calendars, task lists, and mind maps, can help organise information and improve comprehension.

Practice time blocking 

Allocate specific time blocks for different activities, such as dedicated study sessions and focused work periods. Avoid multitasking, as it can reduce productivity and increase the likelihood of errors.

Minimise distractions 

Identify and eliminate potential distractions during your work and study periods. This may involve turning off notifications, finding a quiet study space, or using website blockers to limit access to distracting websites.

Take breaks and rest 

Incorporate short breaks into your schedule to rest and recharge. Taking regular breaks can improve focus and prevent burnout.

Use self-care techniques 

Prioritise self-care practices to manage stress and maintain overall well-being. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and relaxation techniques can support cognitive function and enhance learning outcomes.

Seek support 

Don’t hesitate to seek support from our tutors or your colleagues, friends, or family members if you need help managing your responsibilities. They may offer valuable advice or assistance that can help you balance work and study more effectively.

By implementing these strategies and staying committed to managing your time effectively, you can achieve a better balance between work and study while maximising your productivity and overall well-being. Try 1 or 2 of these today! 

1. Deep breathing

Practice deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Take slow, deep breaths, filling your lungs with air and then exhaling slowly. You can try techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 breathing method. Watch the video here.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) 

PMR involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body progressively. This can work best if you lay on the floor, start with your toes and work your way up to your head, focusing on releasing tension with each muscle group.

3. Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation involves focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. You can practice mindfulness by paying attention to your breath, bodily sensations, or the environment around you. Guided mindfulness meditation sessions or apps can be helpful for beginners. Check out this video.

4. Visualisation 

Guided imagery or visualisation involves imagining a peaceful and calming scene, such as a beach or a forest. Close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself in this serene environment, engaging your senses to enhance relaxation.

5. Yoga and Tai Chi 

Yoga and tai chi combine physical movement with mindfulness and deep breathing techniques. These practices can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being. Check out classes at the YMCA Club in Central London.

6. Journaling 

Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and concerns can help you process emotions and reduce stress. Consider keeping a journal or gratitude journal to reflect on positive experiences and express gratitude.

7. Listening to Music 

Listening to soothing music can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Choose music that promotes relaxation, such as classical, nature sounds, or ambient music. Try a playlist here. 

Experiment with different relaxation techniques to discover which ones work best for you. Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help you manage stress and anxiety more effectively, promoting overall well-being and resilience.

Good news is that even if you don’t have time for a scheduled workout session, you can still incorporate daily movements in your routine. Even if it’s just short bursts of activity here and there throughout your day, doing something is better than remaining completely inactive! That’s where you can look to incorporate more NEAT movement. 

NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) comprises of movements you get throughout the day that aren’t part of an intentional workout. It includes little things such as grocery shopping, doing housework, or playing with your dog. These little activities add up throughout the day and can lead to a decent amount of movement! Incorporating more NEAT movement is good for both your physical and mental health, can lead to better sleep, and can help you manage your weight over time.

We still recommend doing mindful exercise when you can. But when your schedule is just too hectic, here are some ways you can incorporate exercise into your daily routine in between workouts: 

Walk or cycle when possible

This is an easy and effective way to add more movement into the day if you usually drive or catch public transport. Get in some extra movement while you’re heading to work, the shops, or anywhere else you need to go within a few miles! 

Do some cleaning 

Tick something off your never-ending to-do list while also getting in some movement – two birds, one stone! Household chores like vacuuming, washing the floor, doing the dishes, and cleaning the shower are all great ways to get in a bit of NEAT exercise.  

Swap the lift or escalator for the stairs 

If you’re only going a few floors, take the stairs to get in some extra movement (and a great glute burn!) 

Get off the couch while watching TV at night 

Turn one of the most sedentary parts of your day into a chance to be active! Do some simple exercises while watching Netflix like stretching, walking in place, holding a plank, and doing jumping jacks. 

Spend time out in the garden 

If you have some outdoor space, doing yardwork is a great way to keep in shape. In fact, many health professionals promote gardening as a form of moderate intensity exercise! If you have access to some outdoor space, you can get in some movement by tending to your plants and mowing the lawn. Want to start a garden but don’t have access to outdoor space? Many cities and towns across the UK have community gardens and allotments where you can have a go at growing things. Another bonus: growing your own fruits and vegetables can also make it easy and affordable to hit your recommended five-a-day! 

Have a walking meeting 

If you’re able to take Teams or Zoom calls from your phone rather than the computer, plug into the app and go for a walk while on your meeting. You’ll get in some movement while also being productive! 

Add activity to a friends meetup 

As adults, we tend to meet up with friends in stationary settings like a cafe or a pub. But if your friend is up for it, try doing something active instead! If they’d be up for a workout class or a hike, great! Otherwise, you can slightly adapt your normal plans to add in some extra movement. If you like to meet at a cafe, get your coffee in takeaway cups and walk through the local park while you chat. If you prefer pubs, there are plenty of pubs around the UK where you can enjoy activities like bowling, darts, or table tennis while having a drink. 

Turn waiting time into mindful movement 

It’s easy to reach for our phones any time we’re in a situation where we need to wait. Instead, try to turn those few minutes into an opportunity to get a little movement in. Waiting for the kettle to boil? Pop on your favourite song and dance around for a few minutes. In a queue? Engage your core and do some breathing exercises. Waiting for your dinner to finish cooking? Do some jumping jacks or walk in place while waiting for the timer to go off. These little bursts of movement can really add up over the course of the day! 

Do some exercises while getting ready for the day 

Add in simple moves like squat pulses or calf raises while you brush your teeth or do your hair in the morning. 

Sit on an exercise ball 

Swap the desk chair for an exercise ball while you’re working or studying. The effort of keeping yourself stable on the ball requires you to engage your core muscles and helps to improve your posture. 

Try standing instead of sitting 

The simple act of standing activates several muscles and is much better for your wellbeing than sitting for long stretches of time. Some examples of when you can try standing up rather than sitting include riding on public transport, talking on the phone, or watching TV. You could also try using a standing desk for work. And you don’t need to invest in any fancy equipment – a hightop table or kitchen counter work just as well! 

Don’t sit still 

As kids, we were always told not to fidget too much. But according to health professionals, fidgeting is actually an excellent form of NEAT movement, and since it’s something we often do without thinking, it doesn’t require much extra effort! Fidgeting can improve blood flow and reduce stress. 

Add a few of these daily movement tips into your routine for the days you can’t do a formal workout. Over time, they’ll help improve your energy levels, sleep, stress, and help you to maintain a healthy weight.

What are some things you like to do to stay moving on non-workout days? Let us know in a comment! 

Each year, thousands of new personal trainers enter the market, fresh off their qualification courses and ready to forge their way in the fitness industry. But with so many qualified PTs out there, how can you stand out from the crowd to build a customer base?

That’s where having a niche as a PT comes in.

Having a niche – or area of expertise – gives you a unique perspective and helps you stand out in a crowded market.

Your first thought may be that focusing on a single niche may narrow your options when it comes to finding clients. But if you choose the right niche for your personal skillset and life experiences, it can work to your advantage.

Here are just some of the advantages of focusing on a niche within your PT business:

• Establish authority as an expert in your area. 

• Having a story behind your niche will help people relate to you.

• Master one or two areas and do those really well instead of trying to learn every possible area of fitness. Trying to be everything to everyone can prevent you from reaching your full potential as a PT!

So, you understand the benefits of focusing on a niche, but how do you go about choosing one that you’ll enjoy and that will connect you with your dream client base? Go through the prompts below to help determine what your area of expertise could be.

1. 1. What’s the story behind your fitness journey? 

When trying to choose your fitness niche, it helps to draw inspiration from your own personal experiences and what led you to become interested in fitness. Chances are there are other people who are at the same place you were when you started. If your story resonates with people, it could encourage them to work with you after seeing the great physical and mental benefits you’ve gained through fitness.

2. 2. Have you gone through any personal struggles related to health or fitness? 

Similar to the last point, sharing any personal struggles you’ve been through can help potential clients relate to you. They’re less likely to feel self-conscious when it comes to training if they know you’ve had similar life experiences or if you are close to someone who has had health struggles. For example, you may have struggled to get back to exercise after having a baby, you may have a chronic illness that can impact workouts, or you may have a close family member who’s disabled and who you help with their fitness.

3. 3. Is there a gap in the market in your local area? 

Do a Google search on personal trainers in your local area and see if they have any specialties listed. Are there any demographics of clients that are being left out? If you can fill that gap and promote yourself as the local expert in that area, you could have an influx of clients.  

Barre workouts have become all the rage in recent years, and you’ll often see it offered at studios alongside Pilates and yoga. But what is barre exactly, and what kind of benefits can you expect when you start doing barre workouts?

What is Barre?

Barre is a full-body workout that was originally inspired by the foundations and techniques of ballet. But not to worry if you’re not a dancer – barre is much more focused on strength conditioning and flexibility than it is on dance. It’s often compared to Pilates and yoga. While there are some similarities between the three, such as the importance of breathwork, the mind-body connection, and a focus on long lean muscles, they’re each unique. Barre typically has a faster tempo and focuses more on repetitions than the others.

A typical barre workout will take you through the primary muscle groups one at a time. Exercises often involve pulses and holds, which keep muscles under tension and cause isometric contractions. You’ll most likely feel that “barre shake” in your muscles as you work – that means the exercise is effective and really getting deep into the muscle!

Small and precise movements are key to a good barre workout. For example, instead of full squats, you may go into a squat position and pulse up an inch, down an inch over and over. For someone observing, it may look like your body is barely moving, but trust us, you’ll feel the burn!

Barre is also celebrated for the way it targets small muscles that may be tough to reach in other forms of exercise. It’s common to leave your first barre class feeling sore in deep muscles you’ve never noticed before!

Intensity level: Barre workouts are low impact but high intensity. You’re likely to work up a sweat and feel the burn while doing barre, but it’s also easy on joints and won’t have you gasping for breath.

Equipment: A ballet barre is often used for balance, but you may also lean on a wall, table, chair, or countertop when doing barre at home. Barre workouts are primarily bodyweight, but instructors may incorporate light weights, resistance bands, or barre balls.

Who should do barre: Anyone and everyone! Barre is appropriate for all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. The low impact nature also makes it a great option for those with limited mobility or who are recovering from injury. Barre instructors are always happy to accommodate people of all athletic abilities and can show you modifications to exercises if needed. 

We are currently in the midst of British Heart Week, which goes from 7 to 15 June, and we’re reflecting on all the things we can do to help keep our hearts strong and healthy. There are so many benefits of exercise, including a strong correlation between exercise and heart health.

Here are some of the benefits of exercise when it comes to keeping your heart healthy:

Manage blood sugar and insulin resistance 

Exercise helps to lower the levels of glucose in your blood and makes your body more sensitive to insulin – the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This makes you less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a condition that can damage blood vessels and nerves. If you already have type 2 diabetes, exercise can help you manage it.

Maintain a healthy weight

This isn’t just for vanity purposes! Obesity is one of the leading contributors to heart disease as it puts extra strain on several of your body’s functions and increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Reduce plaque build-up in the arteries 

Exercise helps to keep your arteries clear and reduces the build-up of plaque in arteries. This improves blood flow, decreases the risk of heart attack, and makes you less likely to develop coronary heart disease.

Help the heart work more efficiently 

Exercise strengthens the muscle layer of the heart, improving its ability to pump blood through the body. Working out causes more blood to flow to your muscles and leads to higher levels of oxygen in the blood, which is great for your heart!

Reduce C-reactive protein (CRP)  

Being stagnant leads to an increase of CRP (a protein produced by the liver), which can cause inflammation in the body and can lead to heart disease. Exercise helps to lower CRP levels.

Lower stress levels 

If you feel stressed out often, this can lead to high blood pressure. Exercise has been proven to have a positive influence on stress and anxiety. Even if you have a super busy schedule, try to take 30 minutes per day to get in some sort of movement – your heart will thank you for it!

Improve metabolism 

This ties back into the benefit of helping you maintain your weight. Regular exercise increases your resting metabolic rate, which makes your body more efficient at converting calories into energy. Having a healthy level of body fat for your frame will help you maintain a healthy blood pressure and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. 

If you haven’t jumped on the running bandwagon yet, why not give it a go this summer? Here are some of our top tips on how to become a runner: 

Find your pace 

Don’t expect to master a 5k your first day out running! Start with short runs and gradually increase your speed and distance as you get more comfortable and build up your endurance. 

Listen to your body 

When you feel yourself getting tired or short of breath, it’s perfectly fine to take a break. Stopping to catch your breath or walk for a bit isn’t cheating! It can help you keep your energy up to help you run for longer. Pushing yourself too hard could lead to injuries or burnout, especially when you’re first starting out. 

Invest in good running shoes 

The trainers you wear for the gym may not cut it when you’re out running – footwear designed specifically for running offers a different level of support and helps to prevent injuries. If you want to make sure you’re getting a good pair, some running shops will measure your gait to find the perfect match for you. 

Mix it up 

A change of scenery can help keep running interesting. Use your runs as a chance to explore your local area and keep things fresh by regularly trying new routes. You may even consider joining a running group to keep yourself motivated.  

Stretch it out 

Warm-up and cool-down are important to help your muscles recover after a run and to help prevent injury. Start your run with some dynamic moves like leg swings, walking lunges, and high knees. Afterwards, stretch out your muscles with some static exercises like a quad stretch, calf stretch, and IT band stretch. Using a foam roller also helps your muscles recover post-run. 

Celebrate your achievements 

No matter how big or small your achievements may seem, be proud of your progress and enjoy the journey! It can be something as simple as jogging for five minutes without a rest or something major like running a half marathon. You could even use a reward system to motivate you to keep achieving – for example, you could treat yourself to a new pair of running leggings when you complete your first 10k or upgrade to the latest fitness tracker when you’ve hit six months of running consistently. 

Ready to get started? Lace up your running shoes and head out for a jog! It may just become your new favourite form of exercise – you’ll never know until you try it! 

More Life Experience 

Every life experience you’ve had ranging from work and education commitments to personal and family experiences helped shape you into who you are. Your unique combination of life experiences can help you stand out amongst the crowd of PTs, especially if your experiences resonate with clients. You may know how it feels to juggle a full-time job and young children while still trying to stay fit. Maybe you had a health scare that led you to exercise and healthy habits. Perhaps you were able to use exercise to help manage a mental health condition. Whatever your story, it can add to your credibility and genuineness when seeking out new clients. 

Relatability to middle aged or older clients 

Of course, there are some people who would prefer to train with a 20-year-old with huge muscles, but many people want a personal trainer they feel they can relate to. Middle-aged or older PT clients may feel more comfortable working with a trainer who is closer to them in age or who has similar life experiences to them. They know they won’t be judged if they’re not as mobile and flexible as they once were. It may also help to focus on a niche that you yourself can relate to, such as pre- or post-partum, disabilities and physical limitations, older adults, or injuries. 

Transferable skills from your previous career 

No matter what industry you worked in previously, you’ll have learned a variety of skills that are valuable to a personal trainer. Some of the “soft skills” you can emphasise when going for a job in the fitness industry include the ability to motivate, leadership, creativity, time management, reliability, communication, and problem-solving skills. If you ever worked in customer service, business, or sales, you’ll also have a leg-up when it comes to working with people, marketing your services, and attracting new clients! 

Funds to invest in your business 

Chances are you have a bit more money in your savings account than you did a decade or two ago. Having some extra funds can help you cover the costs of any qualifications or training courses you need to take to begin your new fitness career. It also opens opportunities once you’re fully qualified, especially if you have aspirations of starting your own fitness business. 

Drive and Passion 

How many people can say they’re still extremely passionate about the things they loved in their late teens and twenties? That applies to hobbies but also career goals as well. Changing careers and becoming a PT in mid-life can be daunting, but it guarantees a fresh passion and motivation as you begin your new career. This excitement will be apparent to your clients and help them connect with you.

The wide range of PT courses also makes it possible to fit your training into your already busy schedule. You can choose between part-time or full-time courses and decide whether you’d like to complete your qualification fully in-person or hybrid with some online modules mixed in. Our Next Gen Gym and PT course is the most flexible option yet, making it easy to complete fitness training alongside your work or family commitments.

Are you ready to take the plunge and pursue a career in fitness? We’d love to help you get there! Get in touch with our course advisors, and we’ll help you find the perfect option for you. Life is too short not to follow our passions! 

We love celebrating the women in fitness every day, but for International Women’s Day today, we want to shine an extra special light on all the incredible women who work in the fitness industry! 

Historically, fitness has been a very male-dominated industry, but over the past couple of decades, there’s been an increase in the number of women working in fitness-related positions – something we are so excited to play a part in! And this doesn’t just apply to stereotypically female areas like Pilates and Yoga – the number of female personal trainers is higher than ever before! 

A lot is expected of women – balancing a career, a social life, and family responsibilities. Retraining in a new career, whether or not that’s fitness, is just another responsibility to think about. But with a bit of balancing (and let’s be honest, us women are great at multi-tasking!), it’s possible to achieve anything we set our minds to. And the rewards can be incredible – finding a career that aligns with your values, having the ability to design your own work schedule, and finding more joy, which will then have a knock-on effect to the other areas of your life. 

Here are some tips to help you balance your fitness course alongside your other day-to-day activities: 

Use time blocking

When creating your schedule for the week, set certain amounts of time to focus on things like work, studying, social activities, exercise, and relaxing and do your best to stick to it. 

Create boundaries

Try focusing on one activity at a time. When you want to be focusing on your course, do your best not to think about work, check your phone, or anything else that may make it harder to concentrate. 

Prioritise rest

It’s not all about the grind! The time you take to rest and recover, both mentally and physically, is just as important as the time spent working. 

Take time for yourself

Don’t forget to budget some time for your hobbies and fun activities to make sure you don’t burn yourself out.

One of our newest course options, Our Next Gen Gym and PT Qualification, makes it easier than ever for women to pursue their dream of a fitness career. The modules allow extra flexibility and can work around your unique schedule, helping learners invest in their personal development while also balancing other areas of their lives.

Are you interested in learning more? Get in touch with us to join our next intake of learners!