Recent data from UK Active has revealed that a shocking 25% of the UK’s population is classed as ‘inactive,’ averaging less than 30 minutes of exercise a week.

In response to this pressing need for broader health and wellbeing coaching across the UK population, The Health and Fitness Institute (THFI), the UK’s leading education and training provider in the sector, is proud to unveil their groundbreaking Wellness Coaching qualification.

The course goes above and beyond traditional Personal Training content by providing learners with research, knowledge, and skills to understand the importance of a broader approach to health.

Learners will have the opportunity to explore long-term medical conditions, mental well-being, nourishment, sleep, rest, and recovery, alongside other lifestyle factors.

With Mike Farrar, chair of UK Active, claiming this week that “We’re losing the battle for the nation’s health,” he urged industry bodies to do more to address this pandemic of poor health and reduce the financial burden on an already overstretched NHS which is having to deal with illnesses associated with poor physical health, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular, and heart-related diseases.

Recognizing the imperative, THFI Managing Director, Dan Rees, said: “We know that people who seek the services of health and fitness professionals and personal trainers are looking for more than just learning how to perform a bench press correctly.”

“Clients want a holistic education on how to live a healthier life. This includes knowing how to manage potential long-term medical conditions through the benefits of physical activity and exercise, how to put together a sensible and sustainable eating plan, how to mitigate stress, how to rest, recover, and sleep better, as well as considerations for supplementation, where appropriate.”

“That is why I am absolutely delighted that we have launched our Wellness Coaching qualification - a truly groundbreaking course that will empower our learners to offer comprehensive support to their current clients, in and out of the gym. However, on a much broader perspective, it opens up the opportunity to expand their client base into the booming Health and Wellness sector.

“With the knowledge and expertise gained from our Wellness Coaching qualification, THFI learners can play a crucial role in improving health and well-being, leading to better health outcomes for their clients, and taking some of the burden off our NHS.”

By filling a crucial gap in the market for wellness-focused education, THFI aims to empower health and fitness professionals and personal trainers to play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of chronic diseases and promoting healthier communities.

The Wellness Coaching qualification features in-depth training across a range of areas relevant to health and wellness by looking into physical fitness, mental well-being, nutrition, management of long-term medical conditions, sleep as well as lifestyle factors. The theoretical knowledge is complemented by practical strategies for implementing holistic health principles into clients' training plans. It provides guidance on fostering long-term behaviour change, as well as offering access to cutting-edge resources and expert-led sessions to enhance learning and professional development.

“By offering this comprehensive Wellness Coaching qualification, THFI is setting a new standard for education excellence for health and fitness professionals and personal trainers.” Adds Dan Rees, “We believe that investing in wellness education will prove to be essential for improving healthcare outcomes and reducing the burden on our healthcare systems, as well as being beneficial for health and fitness professionals and personal trainers, and their clients.”

Find out more information about THFI’s Wellness Coaching qualification and other courses.