As the world's first YMCA, we are a charity that advances the education, health and wellbeing of our communities. We break down barriers to create improved access to life-changing opportunities.
YMCA Club
Because we believe people are happier when they’re healthier, we provide high-quality exercise facilities.
YMCA Club is our London gym and as the site of the very first YMCA, it’s also our innovation hub. The gym remains the largest in the capital and it’s where we develop our pioneering new techniques and ideas.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity get healthier. That's why we built our first gym in 1881 and why today we welcome around 3,500 concessionary members to our gym. They range from elite athletes training for the Olympics, to cancer rehabilitation patients.
In April 2015, we also opened YMCA at One KX, London's dedicated centre for enriching mind, body and spirit. It features an inspiring range of Pilates and yoga classes for all abilities and is the UK's only Licenced Training Centre for STOTT PILATES® – the professionals' choice for combining a contemporary approach with the Joseph Pilates original method.
YMCAfit
Because we believe in helping people become more fulfilled, we give people the opportunity to develop their career – or find a rewarding new career – by training as a health and fitness professional.
YMCAfit is our fitness training provider. Through YMCAfit we want to produce outstanding instructors who go the extra mile and inspire everyone to improve their health and fitness.
We founded the award-winning company in 1984 and back then created the first Exercise to Music course. Since then, we’ve trained more than 120,000 people in subjects as diverse as sports massage therapy, exercise for older adults and postnatal exercise.
Education and Training
Because we believe every young person has something to offer society, we provide opportunities for them to discover and fulfil their potential.
We deliver training courses and apprenticeships across a number of sectors. We take the time to help them find their niche.
We established YMCA Training in the late 1970s, and this merged with Central YMCA in 2012 – we work closely with individuals and employers supporting them by delivering tailored courses to suit their needs and requirements.
YMCA Awards
Because we believe in ensuring high standards in health and fitness, we are helping to develop the industry.
YMCA Awards is our awarding organisation offering professional qualifications and learning resources for those starting or developing their careers in health and fitness. Seen as the gold standard across the globe, our qualifications are delivered by more than 400 education providers.
We established YMCA Awards in 1998. Today we award around 30,000 certificates every year and 96% of existing customers would recommend us. Now we’re building on this amazing achievement by looking to the future and developing our digital learning.
More from Central YMCA
More from Central YMCA
Our collaborations
Collaboration is in our blood at Central YMCA. To find new ways of making people happier, healthier and more fulfilled, we often team up with other charities and organisations.