Course overview
Supporting Participation in Physical Activity City of Bristol CollegeSupporting Participation in Physical Activity: Long-Term Health Conditions
Empower individuals living with long-term health conditions to lead healthier, more active lives. The YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Long-Term Health Conditions is a specialist qualification designed for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in community health, exercise referral, and condition-specific physical activity support. This diploma equips you with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to design and deliver safe, effective, and person‑centred physical activity programmes for people managing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, respiratory conditions, and mental health challenges.
Additional information
Who is this course for?
This qualification is ideal for:
- Fitness professionals looking to specialise in long-term health conditions
- Exercise referral practitioners
- Community health and wellbeing coaches
- Anyone passionate about supporting people with additional health needs to become more active
What you'll learn
Learners will cover the following content over a period of 34 weeks 1 day a a week (5 hours):
- Anatomy and physiology: Long-term health conditions
- The role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and management of long-term health conditions
- Programming, adapting and delivering exercise for adults with long-term health conditions
Course entry requirements
This qualification has been designed for learners who: Are 16+ years old.
Hold an appropriate sport/exercise or fitness occupation entry qualification, mapped to one of the following CIMSPA professional standards: gym instructor; core group exercise instructor; personal trainer; Pilates matwork instructor; strength and conditioning (trainer). Are able to communicate effectively with individuals and groups. In order to have developed teaching skills and confidence, it is recommended that learners have at least six months’ experience planning and delivering exercise sessions before taking this qualification.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
This course is assessed as follows: Questions and answers on anatomy and physiology Long-term health conditions worksheet and professional discussion Applied case study worksheets, professional discussion and observed practical task Consultation and assessment Planning and programming Implementation and evaluation Showcase presentation Professional discussion
Future career and study opportunities
This qualification is a population specialism. This means it is designed to support existing exercise and fitness instructors to expand their scope of practice to work with adults with long-term health conditions. This qualification can also lead to further training at other levels to specialise and further increase scope of practice.
Additional costs
Please note that some courses may incur additional costs. Where applicable, details of any such expenses will be provided by your Course Lead during the application process or at the start of the programme.
