Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions:

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.

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:

Feature	Exercise Referral	Long-Term Conditions Qualification
Last Updated	2018	2020
Scope of Practice	Focused on referral schemes via GPs/local services	Broader, covering 10+ conditions (incl. cancer, neurological, chronic fatigue)
Client Types	Those referred via a scheme	Any clients managing controlled LTCs—including mental health, dementia, cancer survivors
Career Flexibility	Best for roles within referral programmes	Ideal 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.

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.”