Category: Blog

Why sports massage & mobility training are essential for PTs

Sports massage and mobility training are all about helping your clients move better, recover faster, and perform at their best. 

Releasing tight muscles, improving joint range, and boosting flexibility are all things your clients need to stay active and injury-free. 

What makes these techniques so effective is how they complement everyday movement, whether it’s reaching a top shelf in the supermarket or setting off down a running track.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the benefits of massage and sports therapy and what qualifications you need to bring them safely into your UK practice.

How sports massage benefits personal training clients 

You could choose sports massage as a career in itself or complete a qualification as part of your continuing professional development (CPD). Whichever option you go for, it will provide you with the knowledge and the skills to offer multiple benefits to your clients.

Sports massage manipulates soft tissue – muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin and fascia – to support those engaged in regular physical activity. 

It helps correct imbalances from repetitive strain or trauma, and when applied before or after exercise, can boost performance, speed recovery, and reduce injury risk.

Let’s take a look at the benefits:

  • Injury prevention and recovery – sports massage reduces muscle tension, corrects imbalances, and aids rehabilitation. By helping prevent strains and speeding recovery, therapists play a key role in keeping athletes active and mobile.
  • Mental and physical wellbeing – massage therapy supports relaxation, stress relief, and better sleep, improving both body and mind. Clients benefit from greater resilience, mood, and focus.
  • Knowledge of the body – training would deepen your understanding of anatomy, equipping you to assess and treat issues effectively – a huge benefit to clients – whilst enhancing existing expertise in health or fitness.
  • Performance enhancement – by boosting circulation, flexibility, and recovery, sports massage helps athletes reach peak condition and maintain it over time.
The connection between mobility and performance

Injuries are an inevitable part of sport.

Imagine being hampered by a minor sprain or incident requiring surgery. Recovery isn’t just physical – the mental and emotional impact can be just as challenging.

Mobility training improves flexibility, posture, balance, and stability while reducing injury risk and stiffness. It’s all about helping people move efficiently and with more ease through a range of motions. 

The benefit for your clients is that it enhances performance, supports joint and muscle health, and promotes lifelong functional movement for healthy aging and an active lifestyle.

Flexibility is slightly different as this only concerns muscle lengthening, whereas mobility can incorporate movement through a whole host of motion.

male massaging a leg
Qualifications needed for sports massage and mobility training

Sports massage qualifications allow you to work with teams, in clinics or gyms, or run a private practice. Getting trained is a great way to complement working as a personal trainer.

There are two main ways to qualify as a sports massage therapist; a 3-year degree course with an academic approach or a Sports Massage diploma.

The Next Gen Sports Massage course, developed with the Association for Soft Tissue Therapists (SMA) and endorsed by the GCMT, qualifies you to work as a Sports Massage Therapist and gain insurance for private practice or in clinics alongside physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths.

It runs for 19 weeks with two study options – full time weekdays or part time at weekends. If you’re successful you’ll graduate with the skills to treat soft tissue dysfunction, minor injuries, and muscular tension through deep tissue techniques.

The Level 4 Diploma works as a stand-alone qualification or as CPD for fitness professionals, such as personal trainers and gym instructors, expanding the services you can offer clients.

How to incorporate sports massage into your PT business 

For personal trainers, adding sports massage to their services creates a more complete approach to client care. 

By easing recovery and minimising downtime, it helps clients train consistently and reach their goals faster, while also enhancing overall satisfaction with their training experience.

A key advantage is injury prevention. Regular massage keeps muscles flexible, relieves tension, and highlights potential problem areas before they develop into strains, sprains, or overuse injuries.

By offering massage and sports therapy, trainers can support clients in staying healthy and injury-free, making it especially valuable for athletes and those involved in demanding, high-intensity training.

To add this to your offering as a service – perhaps straight after a PT session or instead of – you must ensure you have the correct insurance.

Insurance protects fitness professionals from personal financial risk if a client makes a claim for injury or damages. 

The most important cover is Public and Teacher Liability Insurance, which safeguards you against claims arising from client injuries during training or damage to third-party property.

If you’re interested in learning more about sports massage or another of our courses, give our friendly team a call or explore our continued professional development fitness courses.

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Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions:

Why This Qualification (and Tutor) Could Transform Your Career
In today’s health and fitness world, it’s no longer enough to just help clients lose weight or build muscle. Nearly half (48%) of UK adults live with at least one long-term condition (LTC)—and one in five are living with two or more. Conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, mental health challenges, and even cancer are part of the lived reality for millions.

For fitness professionals, this represents both a challenge and a huge opportunity. The ability to support these individuals safely, inclusively, and effectively doesn’t just expand your client base—it changes lives.

That’s where the YMCAfit Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions comes in.

Why Specialising in Long-Term Conditions Matters

Working with clients who have LTCs is about more than adapting exercises—it’s about improving quality of life, building confidence, and supporting holistic wellbeing. Fitness professionals trained in this area are better equipped to:

  • Design safe, effective programmes tailored to specific conditions
  • Support clients managing multiple health challenges
  • Recognise when to refer to other professionals
  • Deliver inclusive, evidence-based coaching that empowers every client

By specialising, you’re not only helping people who are often underserved in fitness—you’re also future-proofing your career with a skillset that’s in growing demand.

Long-Term Conditions vs Exercise Referral: What’s the Difference?

Both qualifications sit at Level 3 and share some overlap, but there are important differences:

FeatureExercise ReferralLong-Term Conditions Qualification
Last Updated 20182020
Scope of PracticeFocused on referral schemes via GPs/local servicesBroader, covering 10+ conditions (incl. cancer, neurological, chronic fatigue)
Client TypesThose referred via a schemeAny clients managing controlled LTCs—including mental health, dementia, cancer survivors
Career FlexibilityBest for roles within referral programmesIdeal for independent trainers, health coaches, rehab PTs

If you’re planning to work strictly within an Exercise Referral scheme, that course may still be relevant. But for those who want the flexibility to work independently and support a wider range of clients, the LTC qualification offers far more scope and impact.

Meet Sarah Bolitho: Your Course Tutor

A qualification is only as good as the people behind it—and you couldn’t ask for a better tutor than Sarah Bolitho.

With over 30 years in the industry, Sarah has managed major Exercise Referral schemes, developed national qualifications, written books, hosted the Creating Active Lives podcast, and delivered training across the UK.

Her mission? To empower fitness professionals to confidently and compassionately support clients across all backgrounds and health challenges.

Known for her warm, vibrant teaching style, Sarah blends real-world expertise with a passion for behaviour change and holistic wellbeing. And yes—she’s even been spotted hiking the countryside in a tiara, proving fitness can (and should) be joyful.

When you learn from Sarah, you’re not just gaining a qualification—you’re being mentored by one of the industry’s true pioneers.

What You’ll Learn on the Course

The YMCAfit Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions runs over 12 weeks and combines flexibility with interactive learning. You’ll cover:

  • Condition-specific knowledge: 10+ LTCs, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, and more
  • Anatomy & physiology: Understanding the impact of conditions on movement and exercise capacity
  • Behaviour change coaching: Practical strategies for supporting long-term adherence and lifestyle change
  • Programming & case studies: Real-world application for building safe, effective training plans

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.

Course Format

  • 4 live virtual classroom sessions with Sarah and peers
  • Access to a digital learning platform packed with resources
  • Ongoing tutor support throughout
  • Assessments completed flexibly in your own time (written tasks & case studies)
  • Unlimited attempts at online assessments

This isn’t box-ticking CPD—it’s a transformational qualification that will equip you to confidently work with a diverse, growing client base.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for:

  • Personal trainers who want to expand their client base and work more inclusively
  • Pilates, yoga, and group exercise instructors supporting ageing populations or clients with LTCs
  • Health coaches and rehab PTs who want broader scope of practice
  • Fitness professionals returning to the industry and looking to future-proof their skills

You’ll need a Level 2 or 3 fitness qualification—but more importantly, a passion for making fitness accessible and meaningful to all.

Why This Qualification Matters More Than Ever

The reality is simple: long-term conditions are on the rise, and so is the need for skilled, compassionate fitness professionals who can help. Completing this qualification isn’t just about adding letters after your name—it’s about stepping up to support a huge (and growing) part of the population.

As Sarah says: “This course isn’t just about training bodies—it’s about changing lives.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you want to expand your expertise, increase your impact, and become part of the movement towards inclusive, future-focused fitness, this is your opportunity.

Find upcoming Long-Term Conditions course dates here, book a call to enrol and start your journey today!

Train with purpose. Lead with knowledge. Support with heart.

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Meet Danielle Smith:

Supporting Women and Championing Change with the YMCAfit Menopause Course
Discover why YMCAfit tutor Danielle, took the Menopause Qualification and why it’s essential for PTs, yoga teachers, and instructors supporting midlife women.

With over 12 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, I bring passion, expertise, and heart to everything I do. At YMCAfit, I wear a few hats, supporting students, tutoring across multiple courses, and assessing learners as they grow into confident, capable fitness professionals.

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.

Why I Got Menopause Qualified (And Why You Might Want To Too)

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.

Why Menopause Training Matters

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.

Enrolment opens soon and I’ll be delivering the course in October. Maybe I’ll see you in class?

Find upcoming Menopause course dates and start your journey today!

Train with purpose. Lead with knowledge. Support with heart.

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Meet Lesley Smyth:

30 Years of Expertise in Perinatal & Specialist Fitness Training
If you’re looking to learn from one of the most experienced and passionate fitness tutors in the UK, meet Lesley Smyth — YMCAfit’s perinatal training expert.

With over 30 years in the health and fitness industry, Lesley has qualifications across Levels 2, 3, and 4, including Personal Training, Group Exercise, Pilates, Yoga, Perinatal Fitness, and Older Adult Fitness. She’s also an experienced presenter in specialist areas such as obesity and diabetes, equipping trainers to support clients with long-term health challenges.

But her true specialism, and greatest passion, lies in helping fitness professionals work confidently with pregnant and postnatal clients. As a mother of five and grandmother to twelve, Lesley’s personal journey deeply shapes her professional approach. She knows first-hand the physical, emotional, and psychological changes women experience during this life stage, and she’s committed to ensuring trainers are equipped to offer safe, supportive, and empowering guidance.

“I first entered the fitness industry to set a positive example for my children. Over the years, I became known for being approachable, trustworthy, and genuinely invested in my clients’ wellbeing. Those values still guide every course I teach.”

Why Lesley Still Teaches Perinatal Training After 27 Years

Lesley has been delivering the YMCAfit Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity – Perinatal since 1997, and she still believes it’s one of the most rewarding and impactful qualifications a fitness professional can achieve.

She’s taught hundreds—if not thousands—of learners, and has seen them leave with not only the skills to adapt training safely for pregnant and postnatal clients, but also the confidence to become a trusted resource in their communities.

About the YMCAfit Perinatal Fitness Course

The YMCAfit Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity – Perinatal course is designed for Personal Trainers, Yoga Teachers, Pilates Instructors, and other exercise professionals who want to:

  • Adapt programmes for pregnant and postnatal clients
  • Understand the physiological changes across each trimester and the postnatal period
  • Know when and how to refer clients to other professionals
  • Build strong, supportive, and trusting client relationships

Course structure:

  • 4 live, tutor-led webinars (weekend mornings)
  • 2-4 hours of study per week
  • Access all resources online via our platform, Suada
  • Assessments include written tasks and two practical case studies

With flexible study options, it’s ideal for busy professionals looking to add a specialist skill without pausing their current work!

Who Should Enrol?

You’ll need a Level 2 or 3 fitness qualification and industry experience, but most importantly, you’ll need curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to inclusivity.

This course is perfect if you want to:

  • Stand out in the fitness industry with a sought-after specialism
  • Support clients through pregnancy and beyond
  • Deliver evidence-based, safe, and effective sessions

Why Learn from Lesley?

Lesley’s approach blends decades of experience, academic expertise, and genuine empathy. Her teaching is warm, clear, and rooted in real-world application, meaning you’ll graduate feeling prepared, capable, and ready to make a meaningful impact.

For Lesley, this isn’t just a course — it’s a way to shape the future of inclusive, supportive fitness.

Ready to train with Lesley and make a difference in your clients’ lives?

Find upcoming Perinatal Fitness course dates and start your journey today!

Train with purpose. Lead with knowledge. Support with heart.

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Functional fitness to fascia training – the next big trends in fitness CPD courses

In the ever-evolving world of fitness, staying on top the latest trends is vital.

As new methods continue to emerge, fitness professionals who embrace these will be best positioned to lead, inspire, and grow their client base.

In this blog, YMCAfit will explore the top continuous professional development course trends shaping the rest of 2025 and beyond, from the rise of functional fitness to the growing impact of fascia-focused training – and how personal trainers can expand their skills, stay relevant, and elevate their coaching.

Evolution of functional fitness in the industry

Functional fitness is all about training your client’s body for real life. Think of it as movement with purpose – lifting, twisting, reaching, bending – normal things you expect your body to do on a daily basis. Things like carrying your shopping, racing about with the kids or running up the stairs.

What is making functional fitness training so popular is how natural it feels. There are no complicated routines for clients to master. Simply help them build strength and stability through exercises that their body already knows.

It’s effective, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their fitness level. 

To stay ahead when it comes to fitness trends, professionals should be placing more emphasis on mental health and wellbeing. Functional fitness is a large leap on from six-packs, severe diets and shedding pounds. And because people are starting to care more about how they feel and move – not just how they look – functional fitness is becoming a revolution.

It’s an empowering way to train the body to handle everyday tasks more efficiently and safely and without discomfort.

For many clients, their goal might simply be to improve balance, stay flexible, and move with more ease. Others might be aiming to undo the strain of time hunched over a desk. And those people will find functional fitness fantastic for better posture, joint health, and core strength.

With more people spending their days sitting down and stressed, there’s a growing awareness around mobility, posture, and joint health. Functional fitness directly addresses these issues, offering strength, stability, and relief from stiffness – especially when they spend long hours at a laptop.

Whether they need to recover from an injury, chase after toddlers, or simply stay independent, functional movements are designed to meet your clients where they are.

Why fascia training is gaining popularity

A new approach currently making waves is that of helping people move more freely, feel less stiff, and perform at their best, both in everyday life and in fitness training.

It’s called fascial training, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for those looking to support their body from the inside out.

If you’ve had clients complain about stiffness, tension, or unexplained aches, you might have talked to them about fascia – the web-like layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, bones, and joints – rather like a full-body stretch of cling film that gives a body shape and structure. 

It can often get tight and restricted, leading to limited mobility and pain. But through gentle, intentional movement, including things like dynamic stretching, foam rolling, or certain types of yoga, fascia training helps keep this essential system hydrated, flexible, and healthy. 

Many people, and not just sports people, are benefiting from shortened recovery times following heavy competition or exercises, with many experiencing better posture, improved range of motion, fewer aches, and a greater sense of ease in moving about each day.

One method within this training type that is becoming incredibly popular with personal trainers is fascial release, in which pressure is placed on the restricted tissue via a foam roller or ball. This technique can relieve stiffness and help drain lymphatic fluids, as well as reduce swelling.

How CPD courses help PTs stay competitive

Those looking to stay ahead when it comes to fitness trends in 2025, should consider CPD courses. By adding an extra strand of body knowledge to your bow, you can shape your business’ future and increase your earning potential.

Investing in your future via our CPD courses means you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge you need to help your clients live healthier, happier lives. You’ll be better equipped to work with a wider range of clients, from athletes to older adults and even those in post-rehab.

Clients trust trainers who invest in their own growth – and that leads to better retention and word-of-mouth referrals.

Recommended CPD courses for 2025 and beyond

There are plenty of CPD courses to consider if you want to challenge your clients and stay ahead with fitness trends in 2025.

YMCAFIt offers a Supple Strength course, which is a mindful, full-body workout that blends elements of yoga, Pilates, and body conditioning to improve posture, core stability, and overall alignment. 

This holistic approach focuses on both mental engagement and physical control, offering a powerful yet accessible way to stretch, strengthen, and stabilise the body.

In this course, you’ll learn how to design and deliver effective Supple Strength classes that help clients enhance their balance and confidence. 

We also offer a one-day Total Barre® Foundation Course that equips instructors with the essential tools to design safe, effective, and versatile barre workouts tailored to clients of all abilities and goals.

You’ll be introduced to the six Total Barre Principles—core movement fundamentals that form the foundation for each exercise.

Through hands-on experience and guided exploration, you’ll learn how to apply these principles to promote dynamic stability, optimal mobility, and efficient, mindful movement.

By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to deliver energising, biomechanically sound barre classes with confidence and creativity.

If you’d like to book onto one of YMCAfit’s CPD courses, visit: www.ymcafit.org.uk/disciplines/cpd-fitness-courses/

It could prove a very good move indeed!

a woman stretching to aid recovery

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YMCAFit Announced as Founding Partner of New Personal Training Course Comparison Platform

Discover Which Personal Training Course
YMCA Fit Announced as Founding Partner of New Personal Training Course Comparison Platform – Which Personal Trainer Course (WPTC)

YMCA Fit, a respected leader in fitness education and training, has been announced as one of the founding partners of Which Personal Trainer Course (WPTC) – a new comparison platform developed to help future fitness professionals make informed choices about their training providers.

WPTC serves as an unbiased and reliable guide for aspiring personal trainers, listing only CIMSPA-endorsed providers. The platform aims to offer clear, accurate comparisons, giving users confidence in selecting a course that meets both their career aspirations and industry benchmarks.

By joining WPTC as a founding partner, YMCA Fit stands alongside a group of providers committed to raising standards and ensuring quality in personal training education across the UK. The partnership reinforces YMCA Fit’s ongoing mission to support learners through accessible, evidence-based, and accredited training pathways.

“We’re proud to be involved in this initiative from the very beginning,” said Katherine Holl, Head of YMCA Fit. “Our goal has always been to empower fitness professionals with the tools, knowledge, and qualifications they need to thrive. Partnering with WPTC aligns perfectly with our values—supporting transparency and helping learners navigate the education landscape with clarity and confidence.”

WPTC’s Managing Director, James Luscombe, welcomed the partnership: “YMCA Fit brings decades of experience and a genuine passion for learner development. Their reputation for delivering impactful education makes them an ideal founding partner, and we’re thrilled to work together toward a more transparent and informed future for personal training education.”

The collaboration highlights a shared vision to elevate access, transparency, and consistency within the fitness training sector—ensuring the next generation of personal trainers enters the industry well-equipped and well-informed.

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Meet Glenn Coburn:

Strength Coach, Tutor & Your Go-To Guy for Functional Fitness and Olympic Lifting
With nearly two decades in the fitness industry and over 12 years as a YMCAfit Tutor, Glenn Coburn knows a thing or two about building strong, capable fitness professionals. Whether you’re learning the ropes in a Level 2 Gym course, levelling up as a Personal Trainer, or diving into functional CPDs, chances are you’ll come across Glenn and you’ll be better for it.

“I’ve been in the industry since 2007 and with YMCAfit for 15 years now,” Glenn says. “I teach Level 4 Advanced Nutrition, Level 3 Personal Training, Level 2 Gym Instructing, and several CPDs such as our NEW upcoming Hybrid Fitness and Olympic Lifting courses. But my real sweet spot is Strength and Conditioning.”

And that’s not just talk. Glenn is a Level 4 Strength and Conditioning Coach who’s worked with a wide range of clients—from competitive boxers to aspiring footballers, helping them improve everything from explosive power to maximal aerobic speed. His approach? Fully bespoke, periodised programmes grounded in evidence-based principles, shaped by years of hands-on experience.

“When you study with me, expect an inclusive and engaging environment. I want every PT I teach to feel confident, informed, and ready to coach with integrity.”

Alongside his tutoring work, Glenn runs his own PT business and has a rich background in gym management, group exercise, and even running coaching. He’s also a former MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor (yep—he’s won titles), and a language lover who speaks Spanish and is learning Portuguese. Basically: there’s a lot going on and it all feeds into the dynamic, real-world expertise he brings to every course.

What’s Glenn Teaching Next? Two Epic CPDs You Don’t Want to Miss

Whether you’re coaching weekend warriors or aspiring athletes, these two CPDs are packed with practical tools and top-tier coaching techniques. And the best part? Glenn’s leading the charge.

Olympic Weightlifting CPD

This isn’t just about teaching clients to lift big—it’s about helping them lift better. Olympic lifting is one of the most technical disciplines in fitness, and this hands-on CPD equips you with the tools to break it down and teach it properly.

Under Glenn’s guidance, you’ll master:

• Snatch, clean, jerk, and key variations
• Technique fundamentals like the hook grip, pull phases, and optimal positioning
• Fault correction and coaching cues to keep clients safe and progressing


Whether you’re training competitive athletes or simply want to bring a new skillset to your sessions, this course builds your confidence from the ground up.

Hybrid Fitness Coach CPD

Functional fitness competitions like HYROX, ATHX, and obstacle course races are booming—and this course is your ticket to coaching clients through every gritty, sweaty, high-performance moment.
You’ll be guided through:
• Erg-based training: Ski Erg, rowers, Bike Erg
• Movement coaching for wall balls, sled pushes, rope climbs, burpees, and more
• Programming strategies for performance, tapering, and recovery
• Nutrition and mindset techniques to support athletes before, during, and after events


“Hybrid fitness is where training meets competition,” Glenn explains. “It’s goal-driven, performance-focused, and incredibly rewarding to coach when you know how to support the full journey.”

Ready to Learn From Glenn?

If you’re serious about levelling up your coaching and standing out in the fitness industry, these CPDs are an excellent step forward—and with Glenn leading the way, you’ll be in expert hands!
Kick-start your fitness career with quality, industry-recognised courses!

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Should personal trainers be offering recovery and longevity coaching in the biohacking boom? 

A Tutors Perspective

With the rise of biohacking and longevity-focused wellness, recovery coaching is becoming an essential skill for personal trainers. This article explores how Personal Trainers (PTs) can integrate recovery and longevity strategies into their services to stay competitive. 

What Is biohacking and why does it matter for personal trainers? 

Once the preserve of the sporting elite – and the rich and famous – biohacking is the use of unconventional biological science to change the chemistry and physiology of the body and mind to prolong their effectiveness. 

Kathryn Danzey, a health coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and founder of supplement brand Rejuvenated, says. “The intention is that you will not only have a longer life span, but you will have a longer health span; living without disease and maintaining mental agility, energy and stamina.” 

From a PT’s perspective, biohacking is a physical therapy to benefit your clients by enabling them to train better and recover effectively, thus reducing the risk of injury.  

For example, search the internet for the term biohacking and you’ll find several stories of runners’ personal bests being attributed to the benefits of biohacking. 

Biohacking treatments encompass various kinds of recovery techniques to improve the body’s ability to be a better version of itself – practices such as hot and cold therapy, compression and oxygen therapy that alter the biological state of the body, all of which have been found to stimulate muscle recovery and healing. 

So, as a PT, why should biohacking matter to you? Your business depends on satisfied clients – enabling them to feel better, enjoy more sustained training periods with effective recovery will enhance your reputation via said client satisfaction. What’s not to like? 

The role of recovery & longevity in modern fitness coaching 

Although the biohacking boom is a relatively new therapy for us mere mortals, it’s been around for the last 20 years or so, known to the science community, the wealthy and the elite sporting world.  

You might have heard it called ‘DIY biology’ or ‘garage biology’, the latter being referred to by biologist and author Rob Carlson in his book Biology is Technology in 2005. 

What biohacking physical therapy has established, is that it’s not just how well you train, how well you recover matters just as much, if not more. 

Recovery has long been neglected by past generations, but not anymore. All PTs know recovery is vital to help the body restore itself after the stresses and strains of exercise. 

And this doesn’t just apply to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle, prioritising recovery is essential for long-term success. 

Top recovery strategies personal trainers can implement 

The more you move, the more you need to think about recovery to support the training journey. 

Let’s begin with the oldest bio hack of all – a good night’s sleep! Adequate sleep is vital to help the body (and mind) recharge. The more we exercise, the more we need our sleep.  

Fuelling your body is another basic requirement to maximise its ability to recover. Eating balanced meals throughout the day including protein, carbohydrates and fats will help promote peak performance, whether you’re running a marathon or a couple of laps of the local park. 

The ‘warm down’ is among the most common and well-known recovery techniques. A walk, swim, cycle or even a light jog are perfect options to explore for an active recovery. By continuing to move the body it promotes blood flow to the muscles, helping to transport vital nutrients and oxygen to help the recovery process in preparation for the next training session.  

Another common recovery therapy is the contrast (hot/cold) technique. Rapid change in temperature can increase heart rate and therefore increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. 

PTs can recommend this to their clients to do at home, alternating a two-minute warm shower with a one-minute cold shower, repeating the process four times. As a person gets more comfortable with the process, get them to increase the duration of the cold. 

Depending on available facilities, saunas and ice baths are two more ways to help the body recover after exercise. 

These are the simplest, and most common, physical therapies available to PTs, but biohacking can take on more extreme, and costly, measures, such as cryotherapy chambers, hyperbaric hydrogen and oxygen therapy, and leg compression therapy at specialist clinics.  

Essential qualifications for offering recovery and longevity coaching 

Here at the YMCA, we’ve been developing UK-regulated and globally recognised qualifications for 25 years. 

We have various Level 3 diplomas, all endorsed by CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity), that will equip you to become a PT.

They are classed as occupational entry qualifications, which means they provide the knowledge and skills to meet industry minimum standards of deployment for a particular role. Further to this, we offer Continued Professional Development courses for fitness instructors looking to broaden their service offerings. Explore our PT and CPD offerings here:

YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training
YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training 
YMCA Continued Professional Development Courses

How to market recovery coaching as a PT

Marketing your PT business is all about YOU – showing people who you are, what you offer, and why they should trust you. You’re selling your personal brand not just a service.  

Having the relevant qualification(s) and illustrating you offer an injury prevention course of action, such as biohacking, provides you with an extra selling point for why would-be clients should choose you. 

Show clients you understand the benefits of recovery – as we said earlier in this blog, what biohacking physical therapy has established, is that it’s not just how well you train, how well you recover matters just as much, if not more. 

If you are new to the market, here’s some top tips to get you started – of course, you choose what suits you best: 

  • Offer a free introduction to your services. 
  • Think about your brand – what is your USP, what sets you apart? 
  • Use social media to publicise you and your services to attract clients. 
  • Create your own social media group and encourage followers. 
  • Attend fitness, health and wellness events to get recognised. 
  • Try to get speaking opportunities at events to show off your knowledge and expertise. 
  • Use client testimonials to support good results. 

Use SEO (search engine optimisation) to expand your reach through blogs like this! 

Helping you find your place… 

Our regulated health, fitness and wellbeing qualifications are designed with industry experts and employers. 

Whether you’re a learner looking to take your first steps into the industry or you’re an established fitness professional, we have a qualification to help you get ahead. Find out more about our qualifications here.  

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Why Emergency First Aid Should Be Non-Negotiable for Every Fitness Professional

A Tutors Perspective

Meet Trevor Clarke, one of our expert Tutors who has helped shape the fitness industry for almost 40 years.  

Trevor Clarke has been a Personal Training Tutor, training thousands of PTs and Gym Instructors with YMCAfit since 1988. Initially starting his career as a TfL ticket salesperson, he has gone on to make a significant impact in the fitness industry breaking down barriers, leading inspiring projects, and even gaining national attention through interviews on the BBC.  

Our Tutors are at the heart of everything we do, and Trevor’s contribution to our courses and our history is both vast and remarkable. He is, without doubt, one of the best Fitness Tutors in the country, and a true legend of the industry. 

Read on as Trevor tells us, in his own words, what he’s learned over the years—because when it comes to working in fitness, it’s not just about sets, reps and results. It’s about being ready for the unexpected. And if there’s one thing Trevor is passionate about passing on, it’s why emergency first aid training should be a non-negotiable part of every fitness professional’s toolkit.  

 

A Tutor’s Perspective: Why First Aid Still Matters 

After more than 30 years teaching gym instructor, personal trainer, and first aid qualifications, I’ve seen the fitness industry evolve in countless ways. New trends come and go, training techniques advance, and technology reshapes how we coach. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed—and frankly, shouldn’t: the absolute necessity for every fitness professional to be trained in emergency first aid. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard fitness professionals say, “I’ve never had to use it.” My response is always the same: Yet. Because when that moment does come—and it can come in a quiet studio, a busy gym floor, or a weekend bootcamp—you need to be ready. Lives can change in seconds. 

How can you get emergency first aid trained? 

That’s why I believe so strongly in the YMCA Awards Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work qualification (603/1902/1), and why I’ve had the privilege of delivering it to thousands of learners over the years. Yes, it’s a one-day course—but it’s an incredibly impactful one. 

We cover: 

How to assess an emergency situation quickly and calmly

  • How to assess an emergency situation quickly and calmly
  • CPR and AED use
  • Recovery position
  • Managing wounds, bleeding, choking and shock
  •  

This course isn’t just ticking a box. It’s about developing confidence—so that in a real-life emergency, you don’t panic or freeze. You act. 

What Learners Can Expect On Course Day? 

All the assessments are integrated throughout the day, which makes the experience practical, engaging, and realistic. The course is accessible to all fitness professionals; no formal qualifications are needed. We do ask for full attendance, not for formality’s sake, but because every session is packed with practical, potentially life-saving knowledge. Every moment is designed to build your confidence and capability, so you can step up when it counts. 
And yes, we do role-play. It might feel a bit silly at first, but it’s often the part people remember and learn from the most. 

Why It Matters—Now More Than Ever? 

In my experience, those who train others physically are often the first people on the scene when something goes wrong. Whether it’s a fall, a faint, or something far more serious, you become the first responder. That responsibility is something we should take seriously as professionals. 

Beyond that, staying current is critical. Procedures, guidelines, and best practices evolve. That’s why re-certification is required every three years—and why I encourage fitness professionals to treat it as they would any other CPD (Continuing Professional Development). 

A Personal Note

 Over the decades, I’ve seen many of my former students use their training in real emergencies. Some have resuscitated gym members. Others have calmly supported injured clients until paramedics arrived. Many have shared that their first aid training gave them the confidence to respond, not just in the gym, but in everyday life. 

It’s moments like those that remind me why I keep teaching this qualification. Because while most of what we do in fitness is about helping people live better, first aid is about helping people stay alive. 

So if you’re serious about being a well-rounded, responsible, and respected fitness professional, make this qualification a priority. It’s not just a course. It’s a life skill. 

Ready to ensure you have your clients’ safety and emergency wellbeing in hand? Check out our Emergency First Aid in the Workplace course page for more details and more information on upcoming course dates!  

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How To Train Hybrid Athletes

Inside the World of a HYROX Champion

This June, all roads lead to Chicago as the Windy City prepares to host the HYROX World Championships 2025. The event will bring together the world’s fittest hybrid athletes for a showdown that promises to be both brutal and breath-taking, with over 10,000 athletes and fans expected to attend, this championship isn’t just a race — it’s a declaration that hybrid fitness has arrived on the world stage.  
What is Hybrid Fitness?

Hybrid fitness is all about combining strength and endurance training in one powerful session. It means mixing things like running, rowing, or cycling with functional movements like squats, lunges, and carries. The goal is to build all-round fitness—so you’re not training your clients to just be strong or fit, but also capable, athletic, and resilient.
Now that you’ve got a feel for what hybrid fitness is all about, it’s time to see it in action.  

Some of the world’s top HYROX athletes have taken this training style to the next level, creating unique programmes and developing strategy to dominate on race day. By exploring how these elite competitors structure their training, you can gain valuable insights into how hybrid programming can be adapted for different goals, abilities, and performance outcomes. 

Take a look at some of the standout athletes to watch in this year’s HYROX World Championships and how they train for success!

  

Hunter McIntyre Hunter McIntyre Instagram Hybrid athlete

Hunter McIntyre

Men’s HYROX Champion

Training Overview 

Hunter’s programme balances interval-based conditioning (think sled pushes, running, and ergs) with Olympic lifting and hypertrophy work to build both power and resilience. 

PT Takeaway

Hunters training style highlights periodising hybrid fitness training, focusing not just on capacity, but also movement efficiency, recovery, and event-specific prep. 

James Kelly

Current HYROX WR Holder 

Training Overview 

His plan typically includes zone-based running, erg efficiency (particularly SkiErg and rower), and targeted strength work for movements like wall balls, lunges, and sleds 

PT Takeaway

Quality over volume! Practice consistent progress tracking and sport-specific technique to help clients improve both their race-day performance and overall hybrid fitness. 

James Kelly Hybrid athlete
jake dearden hybrid athlete running in new york city

Jake Dearden

HYROX Elite 15 – UK Top Male Athlete

Training Overview  

Jake’s programming typically includes mixed-modality workouts that mimic race conditions, blending running intervals with station work like sled pushes, burpees, and carries. He also integrates mobility, recovery protocols, and movement quality into his plan to support longevity and performance. 

PT Takeaway

Consider sport-specific conditioning, strategic pacing, and recovery as part of a well-rounded hybrid training model. 

Lauren Weeks

Current Women’s HYROX Champion 

Training overview  

Lauren’s plan often combines high-intensity running with functional strength circuits, focusing on transitions, pacing, and technical execution. She prioritises smart workload management, balancing intensity with recovery and includes cross-training elements to build versatility. 

PT Takeaway

This training style demonstrates how hybrid athletes can thrive through intelligent programming, energy system development, and refining movement economy across all stations.

Joanna Wietrzyk 

HYROX Breakout Star 

Training Overview

Joanna’s approach places a strong emphasis on technical consistency across all stations, with a particular focus on sled technique, wall balls, and running form. She balances aerobic conditioning with strength and skill-based sessions, often using time trials and data tracking to monitor performance gains. 

PT Takeaway

Understand the value of measurable progress, event-specific technique work, and tailoring training cycles to peak on race day. 

Understand the value of measurable progress, event-specific technique work, and tailoring training cycles to peak on race day.

Sinéad Bent  

HYROX Elite 15  – UK Top Female Athlete

Training Overview 

Sinead’s programming combines high-quality running sessions with functional strength work, paying close attention to pacing, transitions, and technical efficiency across all stations. She incorporates mobility and recovery as non-negotiables and favours training blocks that build aerobic capacity while sharpening race-specific execution. 

PT Takeaway

This training format underscores the importance of discipline, recovery planning, and blending endurance with controlled intensity to maximise hybrid performance.  



With the HYROX World Championships just around the corner, these top athletes are showing what hybrid fitness is all about, strength, endurance, and smart training combined. Their programmes are a great reminder of how effective and exciting this style of training can be. Whether your clients want to compete or just get fitter, now’s the perfect time to bring hybrid fitness into your coaching. It’s growing fast, and it’s here to stay! 

This summer, we’re launching THREE brand-new CPD courses designed to help you level up your skills, deliver more impactful sessions, and futureproof your business. Get ready for: Hybrid Fitness Coaching, Olympic Lifting, and Marketing for Fitness Professionals. Stay tuned for all the details—these are game-changers you won’t want to miss! 

Keep an eye out for updates on new course launches, by following us on our socials!

Ready to step into the future of fitness?

Explore our current CPD courses and start your journey toward becoming a confident, in-demand hybrid fitness training pro!

CPD fitness courses to boost your career – YMCAfit

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