Training company YMCAfit has launched a £50,000 bursary in order to subsidise the cost of its specialist populations' courses.

By offering course subsidies worth up to 25 per cent, the charity is aiming to increase the number of fitness professionals who can safely teach groups such as pregnant women and new mothers, older adults and people with a range of disabilities.

Currently, many of these groups are often unable to take part in exercise as facilities or instructors are unable to cater for their needs.

This is most starkly demonstrated by research conducted by YMCAfit and Aspire, a national charity supporting people with spinal cord injuries, that shows that two and a half times fewer disabled people take part in sporting activities compared to non-disabled people.

Denise Page, head of YMCAfit, said: "We passionately believe that everyone should be able to take part in some form of exercise, regardless of age, physical condition or ability.

"It is important that we encourage fitness instructors to cater for the needs of groups that are often excluded from regular exercise such as older people, pregnant women and people with disabilities. This is the key driver for the launch of the specialist course bursary."

For more information on the bursary and YMCAfit click here for the YMCAfit website.