The L4 Nutrition course uses digital education platform Suada to make the learning process as flexible and accessible as possible. Dave said it allowed him and his students to go into greater depth on the topic in comparison to other online learning tools, including Y-Mark.

The qualification is broken up into learning and assessment modules, covering a variety of nutrition topics such as how to calculate detailed body fat measurements and sweat loss testing. It also includes a variety of thorough case studies, which the group especially enjoyed. Although they were challenging, the learners felt a real sense of accomplishment upon completing them and gained confidence to be able to complete similar tasks with their own clients.

Dave also mentioned that the course helped him gain “a much better understanding of nutrition overall and how it applies to different client goals, including health, weight management, and sports/activity.” He found the experience quite challenging, but in a good way. According to him, it pushes learners to work hard and in turn will truly prepare them for the challenges they’ll face in the real working world.

The L4 Nutrition course is designed for the learners who enjoy a challenge and are looking to gain solid understanding of advanced nutrition in the focus area. Due to the depth of the course, the group greatly benefited from having a tutor with a strong base of knowledge and daily hands-on work experience with clients to help them reach their health and performance goals. Dave’s main piece of advice for centres looking to deliver this qualification is to ensure they have a tutor with a wide base of knowledge but who also works directly with clients to reach their health and performance goals.

Once they completed the trial run of the course, Dave’s learners said they’re excited to continue their nutrition studies. Some will be immediately applying what they learned into their own business and client base; others are looking to continue their studies by moving on to a degree in nutrition.

Together, YMCA Awards and UK Women in Action are creating a transformative qualification that promises to revolutionise the role of personal trainers in supporting and empowering individuals transitioning into menopause. 

The qualification, YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Menopause, is expected to launch in January 2024 and will equip personal trainers with a deep understanding of: 

The Menopausal Experience 

Personal trainers will explore the stages and effects of menopause, delving into the physiological and psychological impacts of decreasing hormone levels. 

Overcoming Barriers  

Menopause often introduces barriers to physical activity, particularly for individuals navigating the perimenopausal and post-menopausal phases. The qualification will provide personal trainers with insights into identifying health risk factors and considerations for training, ensuring the safety of their clients. 

Empowerment Through Intervention  

A critical aspect of this qualification is the introduction of interventions and strategies designed to offset the effects of menopause. These encourage individuals to engage in physical activity confidently and with the knowledge that they are being supported in their wellness journey. 

This qualification will utilise YMCA Awards’ next generation qualification principles to empower learners to build strong links between knowledge and skills and prepare them for the real world. It will also utilise UK Women in Actions’ ‘Midlife-Friendly™’ approach, to redefine personal training, prioritising the well-being of women in midlife through effective communication and empathy. 

Co-founder of UK Women in Action, Emily Walters, says, “We are delighted to be collaborating with YMCA Awards to reimagine personal training for women in midlife. This partnership underscores the importance of comprehending the nuances of midlife. It’s not merely a chronological milestone but a profound shift in a woman’s life. To truly support and empower these women, a holistic understanding of the whole journey is essential.” 
 
This is just the start of our journey together and we look forward to sharing more information about our partnership in the coming weeks. If you are interested in or would like to learn more about the YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Menopause, please click here to register your interest.