CYQ for India

UK awarding body steps into India’s booming fitness market

India now has in place its first internationally recognised fitness qualifications, reflecting the phenomenal growth of the fitness industry in the sub-continent, estimated to be currently generating more than £250 million a year. India’s burgeoning middle-classes who are investing more time and money into health and fitness are said to be behind the growth. And as health clubs and gyms mushroom all over the country, so the demand for professionally trained instructors with a recognised qualification is sharply rising.

The qualifications introduced into the Indian fitness market recognise high professional standards and a benchmark of quality fitness instruction. They are approved and accredited by Central YMCA Qualifications (Central YMCA Qualifications) who are the UK’s leading health and fitness qualifications awarding body.

CYQ entered the Indian fitness market earlier this year, with two training centres offering CYQ approved fitness training courses to staff at FitnessOne, south India’s leading chain of health clubs, and to instructors at Bodyfit gyms located in the country’s northern provinces. To date, more than 150 instructors have taken the CYQ approved Level 2 in Fitness Instructing course, with most now on route to training towards the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training.

Gaining a CYQ approved fitness qualification will also enable individuals in India to join the Register of Exercise Professionals, thus opening up to them job opportunities and mobility across countries around the world.

Jean-Ann Marnoch, Director of CYQ, explained the significance of their presence in India: “It’s a fantastic development for both those who are a part of India’s fitness industry and the consumer at large. Well-qualified and knowledgeable instructors can now be distinguished for their skills and abilities having achieving a trusted and quality assured qualification.”

Ms Marnoch adds: “While visiting our centres in India I was struck by the great diligence with which the learners applied themselves and their huge enthusiasm for the training being offered. With the fitness industry developing the way it is in India I’d say we can confidently expect this level of interest and competency on an ongoing basis.”

Gill Cummings-Bell is Director of Drummond Education who are delivering CYQ approved fitness training across the northern provinces in India . She notes that there are also ample learning opportunities afforded to British training providers through the establishment of the CYQ qualifications in India.

“This is a valuable and unique experience as it offers us the opportunity to learn about the cultural, health and fitness needs of people living in India. We aim to bring back that learning to the UK and incorporate it where appropriate, for example, in improving the way we communicate to the Indian community living in the UK,” says Ms Cummings-Bell.

Amanda Brewer is Director of Impact Training who are delivering CYQ approved fitness courses in India’s southern cities. She said: “India is developing in leaps and bounds and they only want the best to service their training needs. The diversity of modules available through CYQ and the support that Impact receives as an accredited centre will ensure the ongoing success in the region.”
          
CYQ is an operation of Central YMCA, the UK’s leading activity for health charity.