My YMCA expérience was made very positive primarily due to the superb Tutor Abbee Cole. The face to face days and her support justified the time and cost I invested. I would however suggest the actu... See more
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I had an amazing time on this course. It really changed the way I practice yoga and I learnt so much! My teacher Annie was so supportive and patient and I had full confidence in her from the moment... See more
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YMCA Fit is an incredible organisation! They pride themselves in supporting students to becoming qualified trainers. I felt I always had the support of the teachers and they created a beautiful... See more
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The course tutors and content were fabulous. I would say the initial ‘sales’ call was a little misleading . I was not informed that I wouldn’t be issued my certificate until the student loan was fully... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Personal trainer & fitness instructor courses run across UK. REPS & CIMSPA points. UK's only STOTT PILATES® Licensed Training Centre. Flexible learning.
Contact info
120 Cromer Street, WC1H 8BS, London, United Kingdom
- www.ymcafit.org.uk
4.4
Excellent
409 reviews
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Replied to 100% of negative reviews
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Excellent course delivered in person by…
Excellent course delivered in person by Trevor Clarke. The course covered recovery position, CPR, bandaging and bleeding as well as minor injuries including burns. Trevor makes the course entertaining while ensuring you understand the guidance. Would definitely recommend
29 October 2026
Unprompted review
Today I had Emergency First Aid with Trevor Clarke
Today I had Emergency First Aid training with Trevor Clarke. The course was really well delivered and he was a lot fun and very engaging in putting across the material. Very informative and i learnt a lot today filling my First Aid knowledge gaps. Would definitely recommend.
29 October 2026
Unprompted review
Had my 1 day first aid course with…
Had my 1 day first aid course with Trevor and Victor.
Very knowledgeable, clear and I could understand everything clearly. Practical exercises were very helpful and the pace of the class was good
29 October 2026
Unprompted review
YMCA diploma
The instructor Trevor Clarke was excellent, really personable, informative and knowledgeable.
The group size was too large for the amenities, the gym is quite small with reduced numbers of equipment so difficult to plan.
Over all enjoyed the course.
8 October 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your review. We're so pleased to hear you enjoyed the course and found Trevor knowledgeable, informative and personable. We'll be sure to pass your feedback on to him.
We also appreciate your comments about the group size and facilities. Your feedback is valuable and will be shared with the team as we continue to improve our learner experience.
Best wishes,
The YMCAfit Team
My experience doing the level 2…
My experience doing the level 2 personal training course has been brilliant I’ve learned loads of new things and become confident in my teaching ability. Trevor my tutor was brilliant, a good teacher and made sure he go to know everyone in the group. The receptionists are friendly and welcoming. The facilities are good. Overall my experience doing this course has been amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
8 October 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that you had such a positive experience with YMCAfit and found the course content insightful and valuable. It is fantastic to know that the teaching exercises helped build your confidence and develop your teaching skills.
We are especially pleased to hear your kind words about Trevor. His interactive approach and commitment to supporting learners are qualities we value greatly, and we will be sure to pass on your feedback.
Thank you for choosing YMCAfit, and we wish you every success in your fitness career.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit team
My tutor trevor (T dawg) was…
My tutor trevor (T dawg) was incredible, couldn’t recommend him enough! He made the course a lot of fun and massively helped my confidence in speaking/teaching.
8 October 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review. We're delighted to hear that Trevor Clarke made such a positive impact on your learning experience. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him!
It's great to know that his support, energy and teaching style helped build your confidence and made the course both enjoyable and rewarding.
Best wishes,
The YMCAfit Team
Level 2 gym Instructing
Trevor delivered a clear and concise level 2 gym instructing course. He was detailed with his delivery and I was able to get personalized feedback regularly. All the course content was easy to understand and I felt like i learnt a good amount.
8 October 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Level 2 Gym Instructing course and found Trevor's delivery clear, concise and detailed. Providing learners with regular, personalised feedback is something we place great importance on, so it is fantastic to hear that this supported your learning throughout the course.
It is also wonderful to know that you found the course content easy to understand and that you came away feeling you had gained valuable knowledge and skills.
We will be sure to pass your feedback on to Trevor, who will be pleased to hear that he made such a positive impact on your learning experience.
Thank you for choosing YMCAfit, and we wish you every success in your future fitness career.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
I had a great experience at the YMCA…
I had a great experience at the YMCA and have successfully completed the Music to Exercise course.
Throughout the course, Adrian was always supportive, patient, and very responsive to all my emails. Whenever I needed information or clarification about the course or my exam, he was always helpful and provided positive feedback and encouragement. Although he was not my mentor, he was still very encouraging and motivated all the learners throughout the course.
My teachers, Lesley and Hannah, were also very supportive and knowledgeable. They have great experience in dancing and exercise and were always happy to guide and encourage us.
Overall, I had a very positive and enjoyable experience. It was a great introduction to dancing and exercising with music, and I feel it is a very good first step for anyone who wants to begin their journey in this area.
Thank you to everyone at the YMCA for making the course such an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
2 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your wonderful feedback and for taking the time to share your experience.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Exercise to Music course and successfully completed your qualification. It's fantastic to know that Adrian's support, encouragement and responsiveness helped make your learning journey such a positive one. Although he was not your mentor, we are pleased that his guidance and motivation had such a meaningful impact throughout the course.
We are also grateful for your kind comments about Lesley and Hannah. Their knowledge, experience and passion for helping learners succeed are highly valued, and we're delighted to hear that they provided the support and encouragement you needed throughout your studies.
It is especially rewarding to hear that the course provided an enjoyable introduction to exercise and movement to music, and that you feel it is a great first step for others looking to begin their journey in this area. Creating positive, engaging and supportive learning experiences is at the heart of what we do.
Thank you for choosing YMCAfit. We wish you every success in your future fitness career and look forward to supporting your continued professional development.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY — MY EXPERIENCE WITH YMCAFIT
I honestly cannot put into words how disappointed I am with my experience with YMCAfit.
From the very beginning, the communication has been poor. We were told we would receive clear information before our ETM assessment — we didn’t. Then we arrived at the assessment and the running order was constantly changing, things were unclear, and equipment I had specifically prepared to use, including hand weights, wasn’t available.
But honestly, the assessment day is not even the biggest issue.
It is what happened afterwards.
I raised my concerns. I communicated properly. I tried to handle everything professionally and give YMCAfit the opportunity to sort the situation out.
Instead, I have been met with slow communication, poor customer service and a complete lack of clarity.
And the worst part?
I have seen other learners from the SAME assessment day being offered different solutions, including free reassessments or refunds, while I have been told that I have to pay the full reassessment fee.
How is that supposed to make a learner feel?
I have passed all of my written work. I have put in the hours. I have worked hard. I have spent my money. I am ready to complete the practical element and qualify.
Instead of feeling supported, encouraged and valued as a learner, this experience has completely knocked my confidence.
And that matters.
When someone is trying to start a career in fitness, the last thing they should need is to fight just to be heard by the organisation they have paid to train with.
I genuinely went into this wanting to qualify, progress and build something for myself. I was excited about my future in fitness.
YMCAfit has turned what should have been an exciting achievement into an incredibly stressful and upsetting experience.
**This is not the level of customer service or learner support I expected after investing my time, money and trust into this organisation.**
So if you're considering YMCAfit, **please think very carefully before handing over your money.**
Look at the communication. Look at the support. Look at what happens when something goes wrong.
Because based on MY experience, **I would not recommend YMCAfit and I will not be putting my money into them again.**
There are plenty of organisations out there that deserve people's time, money and trust.
**For me, YMCAfit isn't one of them.**
26 September 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We're sorry to hear that your experience has left you feeling disappointed, particularly after the time, effort and commitment you have invested in your qualification.
We have received and reviewed your complaint and appreciate you taking the time to raise your concerns with us. We always aim to support learners fairly and consistently. If you have evidence that other learners from the same assessment day were offered different arrangements regarding reassessment fees, we would be happy to review this further.
Best wishes
YMCAfit Team
Concern Regarding ETM Assessment
My experience with Leslie Smith during my ETM assessment was extremely disappointing and raised concerns for me regarding professionalism and a safe learning environment. I found her behaviour aggressive and intimidating, particularly when she pointed towards my face and raised her voice at me in front of others. I believe concerns relating to an assessment should be addressed privately, calmly and respectfully. This experience left me feeling humiliated, uncomfortable and unsupported during what should have been a professional assessment process.
27 September 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.
We are sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with your experience during the assessment and that this left you feeling uncomfortable and unsupported.
We understand that you have submitted a complaint and the matter was reviewed in line with YMCAfit's complaints and quality assurance procedures. A full investigation was undertaken by our Quality Team, and the findings and outcome were communicated directly to you through the formal complaints process.
As this matter has already been fully investigated and responded to, we would respectfully refer you to the correspondence you have received from our Quality Team, which outlines the outcome of the review in detail.
We take all learner feedback seriously and are committed to maintaining a professional, fair and supportive learning environment for all learners. Feedback and complaints form an important part of our continuous quality improvement processes, and we appreciate you bringing your concerns to our attention.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Brilliant teaching team, room for improvement in administrative support
I have recently completed my Combined Diploma in Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal Training, alongside several CPD courses with YMCAfit.
Looking back at the course delivery itself, I had a very positive experience. The practical instructors with special credit to Trish, Tim, Trevor, and Glenn were exceptionally knowledgeable, supportive, and approachable throughout both the main qualifications and CPD modules. As English is my second language, the workload often felt doubled, but the tutors showed great patience and understanding (even when minor language mix-ups turned into unintentional comic relief!). The practical workshops were engaging, and the tutor feedback on case studies and practical assessments was genuinely constructive and hands-on.
Where there is room for improvement is the administrative support. While the Student Support team always replied promptly, the email responses were often quite generic and template-based when dealing with exam queries and unexpected session invalidations, which at times made resolving issues more stressful and drawn-out than necessary.
A couple of practical observations from my study period (though please note these policies and platform setups may have evolved since):
Resource access: Online learning resources do not include ongoing access. Having extended or lifetime access to the portal would add enormous value, as newly qualified trainers inevitably need to revisit key programming materials when starting out with real clients.
Course materials: Printed textbooks were treated as an optional extra rather than being included as standard, so physical copies had to be ordered and purchased separately.
Platform stability: The student portal used during my study period experienced occasional technical glitches.
Overall, it’s still a solid 4/5 for me. I am very glad to have crossed the finish line and earned my qualifications, thanks in large part to the excellent practical teaching team. If YMCAfit can offer more tailored communication during administrative hurdles and provide more flexible learning resource access, the student experience would be second to none.
1 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your experience with YMCAfit.
We are delighted to hear that you had a positive experience completing your Combined Diploma in Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal Training, as well as your additional CPD courses. Congratulations on achieving your qualifications.
It is especially rewarding to read your comments about Trish, Tim, Trevor and Glenn. Our tutors are passionate about supporting learners throughout their journey, and we are pleased that their knowledge, encouragement and constructive feedback helped you succeed. We also appreciate your recognition of the support they provided while studying in a second language. We know this can add an additional challenge to the learning process, and it is wonderful to hear that the practical workshops and feedback helped build your confidence and skills along the way.
We also appreciate your balanced and thoughtful feedback regarding the areas where we can improve. While we are pleased that our Student Support team responded promptly, we recognise the importance of providing clear, personalised communication, particularly when learners are dealing with assessment queries or unexpected administrative issues. Your comments have been noted and will be shared with the relevant teams as part of our ongoing commitment to improving the learner experience.
Thank you also for your observations regarding resource access, printed course materials and platform stability. Feedback such as this is invaluable in helping us review and develop our products, services and systems to better support learners both during and after their studies.
We are delighted that, despite these challenges, your overall experience was a positive one and that you felt well supported by our teaching team. Thank you for choosing YMCAfit and for recommending ways we can improve further.
We wish you every success in your fitness career and look forward to supporting your future professional development.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Trish is an absolute LEGEND!
L2 and L3 PT qualification with Trish - she is an absolute Legend! She is so knowledgeable, inclusive, she challenged us but made it fun..I really enjoyed the in person days led expertly by her. I would gladly do any other courses she was delivering
31 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your Level 2 and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications with Trish. Trish's knowledge, enthusiasm and ability to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment make Trish a real asset to YMCAfit, so it is wonderful to hear that such a positive impact was made on your learning journey.
It is great to know that you found the in-person training days both enjoyable and challenging, and that the sessions were delivered in a way that made learning both rewarding and enjoyable.
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation. We will be sure to pass your feedback on to Trish.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Teaching Exercise for the Older Adult (EOA)
I started my PT journey with the YMCA, where I found the trainers to be 1st Class. Due to this I took up the EOA with the YMCA and I wasn't disappointed. I had to work hard but was supported by an excellent trainer - Lesley - who was always at hand to provide D&G for my case studies and assignments.
I will endeavour to progress through my PT CPD journey via YMCA wherever possible, and will certainly give YMCA a shoutout to my colleagues.
1 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We are delighted to hear that you chose YMCAfit to begin your Personal Training journey and that your experience encouraged you to return for the Exercise for Older Adults qualification.
It is wonderful to hear that Lesley's knowledge, guidance and support helped you throughout the course, particularly with your case studies and assignments. We pride ourselves on providing learners with the support they need to succeed whilst maintaining high standards, so it is great to know this made a positive difference to your learning experience.
Thank you for your kind recommendation and for considering YMCAfit for your future CPD. We wish you every success as you continue to develop your career, and we look forward to supporting you on the next stage of your journey.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Level 3 PT and level 2 gym instructing
Great opportunities given for practical experience along with theory based learning. A good qualification to have as a gateway into personal training and gym instructing. Taught by experienced tutors. Well organised.
30 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your great review!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Level 2 Gym Instructing and Level 3 Personal Training qualifications. Combining practical experience with theory is a key part of our approach, so it's fantastic to know you found this valuable and that it helped prepare you for a career in the fitness industry.
We're also pleased that our experienced tutors and course organisation contributed to such a positive learning experience.
Thank you for choosing YMCAfit, and we wish you every success in your fitness career.
YMCAfit Team
Emergency First Aid at Work course
Good 'Emergency First Aid at Work' course - lots of practical elements throughout the day and Trevor was an engaging tutor!
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the First Aid course and had such a positive learning experience. Trevor is a highly valued member of our team, and we're pleased to know that his knowledge, enthusiasm and teaching style helped make the course engaging and informative.
Thank you for your recommendation. We'll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to Trevor.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Trevor was brilliant for the first aid…
Trevor was brilliant for the first aid course! Would highly reccomend x
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the First Aid course and had such a positive learning experience. Trevor is a highly valued member of our team, and we're pleased to know that his knowledge, enthusiasm and teaching style helped make the course engaging and informative.
Thank you for your recommendation. We'll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to Trevor.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
1st aid was amazing
1st aid was amazing , I learned so much! Trevor was brilliant
20 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your fantastic review!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your First Aid course and found it so valuable. It's great to know that Trevor's expertise and delivery helped make the learning experience both enjoyable and informative.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’ll be sure to pass your kind comments on to Trevor.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Absolutely amazing Supporting Clients…
Absolutely amazing Supporting Clients with long term conditions course with Phillip and Sarah. So in depth, so much experience and so so well delivered l.
I cannot recommend them enough.
Thank you so so much!!!
19 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for your wonderful feedback!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Supporting Clients with Long Term Conditions course. Philip and Sarah bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, and it's fantastic to know that their expertise and delivery made such a positive impact on your learning experience.
We greatly appreciate your recommendation and are pleased that you found the course both informative and engaging.
Thank you for choosing YMCAfit, and we wish you every success in your future career.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit Team
Namaste … excellent L3Yoga teaching…
Namaste … excellent Yoga teaching course
I have not long completed the 9 consecutive weeks practical element of the Level 3 Yoga Teaching course. This ends with an observed practical class assessment a few weeks after the 9 weeks. This was alongside extensive coursework.
The teacher Smita Raja was excellent professional knowledgable empathetic to different needs and with a strong can do attitude.
From day one she pulled us out of our comfort zones getting us to teach and be vocal. While this was initially intimidating she created a safe fun interactive environment.
She was empathetic to people’s needs however this didn’t mean steering away from what is needed or being professional.
By the time it came to the practical class assessment the class was well prepared. Nervous yes but well prepared.
I absolutely recommend this yoga teaching course. It is thorough for its level and well taught.
23 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your experience on the Level 3 Yoga Teaching course.
We are delighted to hear that you found the course thorough, well structured, and valuable in preparing you for your assessment and future teaching practice.
Your comments about Smita are particularly appreciated. She is an exceptionally knowledgeable and dedicated tutor who is passionate about helping learners develop both their technical understanding and their confidence as teachers. It is wonderful to hear that she created a supportive and engaging learning environment, challenging learners to step outside their comfort zones while ensuring everyone felt safe, included, and encouraged throughout the process.
Yoga teaching requires not only knowledge and practical skills, but also the confidence to lead and communicate effectively. It is therefore especially rewarding to hear that, although initially daunting, the gradual introduction to teaching helped you feel well prepared for your practical assessment.
Thank you for recommending the course. We are proud of the learning experience our tutors provide and are pleased that your journey with YMCAfit has been such a positive one.
We wish you every success as you begin your career as a yoga teacher and look forward to supporting your continued professional development in the future.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit team
Incredibly frustrating
Incredibly frustrating!
I did my original PT course with YMCA Fit three years ago and really enjoyed it. The tutors were great and the course itself was really good.
The problem came afterwards. It took me months of chasing to actually get my certificates for my PT qualification, First Aid and all my CPDs.
Fast forward three years and my First Aid expired, so I went back to YMCA Fit to renew it. Big mistake!
I did the course in March. It’s now August and I still don’t have my certificate.
I’ve chased them, been told it’s all sorted and the certificate is on its way… aaaand still nothing. There’s been no communication unless I contact them myself.
Obviously I need a valid First Aid certificate for my insurance and to work as a PT, so it can genuinely affect my livelihood.
I don’t know why this keeps happening, but after going through the same thing twice, I really wouldn’t recommend YMCA Fit. Happy to take your money, but actually getting the certificate you worked for seems to be another story.
Update:
For transparency purposes, this issue is now resolved.
In the response to this, it is implied that action was taken as soon as the issue was discovered.
That discovery was by me when I called and told them it had been months since I hadn't received my certificate.
In the meantime, there was no communication at all to say it was going through "quality assurance" nor any communication regarding further delays.
Every step of the way required prompting from the paying customer.
YMCAfit have a right to feel like it was unfair and out of their hands. But customer service and communication were and the ball was dropped.
Thanks for the reply.
17 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from YMCAfit
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're pleased to hear that you found the tutors and the course itself to be of a high standard, both on your original Personal Training qualification and your recent First Aid renewal.
However, we do feel that this review is unfairly directed at YMCAfit as a training provider. We delivered the training as scheduled and successfully completed all the requirements necessary to claim your qualification. The delay in issuing your certificate was due to technical issues with the Awarding Organisation's certification platform, which was unfortunately outside of our control.
As an accredited qualification, certificates cannot be issued until the required quality assurance processes have been completed, including Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) where applicable. Once we became aware of the delays, we escalated the matter with the Awarding Organisation and kept you updated on the progress. We understand your frustration, particularly as your certificate is important for maintaining insurance and professional practice, which is why we continued to pursue the matter until it was resolved.
Importantly, you have now received your certificate.
We appreciate that delays can be frustrating, and we always strive to provide timely updates and support throughout the process. While we regret the inconvenience caused by the Awarding Organisation's technical issues, we do not believe this reflects the quality of training or service provided by YMCAfit.
We wish you every success in your continued career as a Personal Trainer.
Best wishes,
YMCAfit team
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