Active Health Group

Active Health Group We are a CIMSPA endorsed training provider partner, and also an Ofqual Regulated RSPH, TQUK, VTCT and ITEC approved school.

Founded in 2000, Active Health Group provides trusted training in health coaching, nutrition, and integrative wellbeing — supporting practitioners to build meaningful, confident careers in personalised health and lifestyle support.

“Early in the day, early in the week, early in the month — don’t prevaricate, just get it done.”Meet the Team – Marcus C...
20/04/2026

“Early in the day, early in the week, early in the month — don’t prevaricate, just get it done.”

Meet the Team – Marcus Cooper

At Active Health Group we recognise that behind every successful learning journey is a team working quietly and consistently to keep things running smoothly. Today we are introducing Marcus, who plays an important role in supporting both the team and our students through administration, organisation and practical guidance.

Marcus began his career working at Lloyds Bank before going on to run his own business for many years. Throughout his career, he has developed a strong reputation for efficiency, reliability and clear communication — guided by his long-standing philosophy of getting things done early and doing them well.

A natural people person, Marcus is known for his calm presence, ability to mediate when needed, and willingness to support others. He has a genuine interest in helping people do their best, offering practical advice and reassurance when challenges arise. His steady approach and wealth of life experience have made him someone many people turn to when they need guidance or support.

Sport has played an important role throughout Marcus’s life. Having competed at national level in football, hockey and tennis, he developed a strong appreciation for discipline, teamwork and resilience. While football remains a lifelong passion, these days he enjoys staying active through gym training, running and golf. Movement, outdoor activity and balanced living remain central to his personal approach to health and wellbeing.

Within Active Health Group, Marcus supports the team through administration and accounts, helping maintain the structure and organisation that allows teaching and student support to run effectively. His presence provides valuable grounding within a busy training environment, ensuring that processes remain clear, efficient and dependable.

Advice for someone starting out: "Early in the day, early in the week, early in the month — don’t prevaricate, just get it done."

Over the coming days we will be sharing the final introductions in our Meet the Team series, before bringing the series to a close with a final reflection from our Founders.

At Active Health Group, being not-for-profit is a conscious choice — one rooted in values, purpose, and a long-term comm...
18/04/2026

At Active Health Group, being not-for-profit is a conscious choice — one rooted in values, purpose, and a long-term commitment to education.

From the beginning, our focus has been on supporting people to build meaningful careers in health and wellbeing, while maintaining strong professional standards and delivering education that truly serves the profession.

Being not-for-profit means that any surplus we generate is reinvested directly back into what matters most — improving our courses, developing new learning resources, supporting our tutors, and strengthening the learning experience for our students.

It allows us to think long-term, to prioritise quality, and to continue developing programmes that support practitioners and the communities they go on to serve.

We are proud of the path we have chosen, and grateful to every student, graduate and practitioner who continues to place their trust in us.

“Don’t focus on the problem. Focus on the person navigating the problem — then clarity begins to emerge.”Meet the Team –...
17/04/2026

“Don’t focus on the problem. Focus on the person navigating the problem — then clarity begins to emerge.”

Meet the Team – Christo Tsiknakis

At Active Health Group we are proud to work with tutors whose journeys reflect both personal transformation and professional commitment. Today we are introducing Christo, Tutor at Active Health Group, whose work centres on integrative health, rehabilitation and men’s health.

Christo’s journey into health began at the age of 13, following a gym induction that sparked a deep curiosity about human potential. What began as a personal goal to improve fitness soon grew into a lifelong pursuit of understanding the physical, mental and emotional aspects of health.

Over nearly two decades, Christo has explored health from multiple perspectives — from competing as a strongman athlete, to completing a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and Strength & Conditioning, and later transitioning into clinical rehabilitation and integrative practice.

In 2018, after years of competitive training and pushing physical limits, Christo made the decision to step away from strongman competition and focus on restoring balance within his own health. This turning point led him to complete his Advanced Clinical Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy training with Active Health Group, before founding Connect2Correct, an integrative health centre supporting both athletes and members of the public.

Through his clinical work and community involvement, Christo has developed a strong interest in men’s health, recognising the importance of creating safe environments where men feel able to speak openly about health challenges. His work integrates physical rehabilitation, nervous system regulation and lifestyle support, helping individuals reconnect with their health and confidence.

Alongside his work in therapy and education, Christo has also been involved in developing community-based farming initiatives, promoting awareness around food quality, food security and the importance of reconnecting people with the origins of their food.
Christo plays a leading role in the development of Active Health Group’s Men’s Health Coaching programme, reflecting his passion for supporting men to improve their physical health, emotional wellbeing and overall resilience.

Advice for someone starting out - "Don’t focus on the problem. Focus on the person who is navigating a problem — then clarity begins to emerge."

Find our more about Christo's integrative health centre here: https://www.connect2correct.co.uk/

Real-World Challenges Men Face TodayAcross many communities, workplaces, and families, the pressures facing men today ar...
16/04/2026

Real-World Challenges Men Face Today

Across many communities, workplaces, and families, the pressures facing men today are complex and often layered.

Many men are navigating responsibilities that include work demands, financial pressures, family roles, relationship expectations, and personal health concerns — often at the same time.

For some, stress becomes a daily companion. For others, physical health challenges begin to emerge alongside fatigue, poor sleep, or lifestyle strain. Emotional wellbeing may be affected, yet conversations about these challenges do not always happen openly.

In professional settings, many practitioners notice that men often present with practical concerns first — work stress, relationship pressures, declining physical health, or loss of motivation — while deeper issues may remain unspoken for some time.

Modern life has introduced additional challenges.

Changing work patterns, financial uncertainty, social expectations, reduced community connection, and increasing digital isolation have all influenced how men experience health and wellbeing.

At the same time, many men want to improve their health, support their families, and feel a sense of purpose — but may lack the support structures or language to explore these changes safely.

For professionals working with men, recognising these real-world challenges is essential. It allows conversations to feel relevant, respectful, and grounded in the realities men face every day.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue exploring how professionals can better understand men’s lived experiences and support meaningful, sustainable change.

“Come in with an open mind and a keenness to explore — you may start on one path and be guided to another as you grow.”M...
15/04/2026

“Come in with an open mind and a keenness to explore — you may start on one path and be guided to another as you grow.”

Meet the Team – Karen Kitching

At Active Health Group we are proud to work with tutors who bring both practical experience and a genuine commitment to improving people’s lives. Today we are introducing Karen Kitching, Tutor at Active Health Group, whose work reflects a deep belief in lifelong learning and person-centred care.

Karen has worked within the fitness and therapy profession for over 18 years, including 13 years as a Sports Therapist and 8 years as an AHG Tutor, teaching subjects such as Pitch Side First Aid and Clinical Joint Assessment. As a proud graduate of Active Health Group, she understands the importance of structured learning and continuous professional development.

Throughout her career, Karen has trained across a wide range of areas, including Sport Rehabilitation, Oncology Massage and GP Referral Exercise, giving her a broad scope of practice and the ability to support clients from many different backgrounds and health needs.

For Karen, the central focus has always been improving quality of life — recognising that wellbeing means something different for every individual, whether through rehabilitation, exercise or therapeutic care.

Her current area of interest centres around Mindfulness and Mindful Practice, including the use of creative approaches such as Mindful Photography. Karen is trained through the British Academy of Photography and is a Licentiate of The Royal Photographic Society, reflecting her belief that creative expression can play a valuable role in supporting mental wellbeing.

Advice for someone starting out - "Come in with an open mind and a willingness to explore. Never discount new ideas or opportunities — you may begin on one path and discover another as you develop and grow in confidence and understanding."

Over the coming week we will be sharing the final introductions in our Meet the Team series.

Adapting Coaching Approaches When Working With MenMany professionals who work with men eventually notice something impor...
14/04/2026

Adapting Coaching Approaches When Working With Men

Many professionals who work with men eventually notice something important.
The same coaching approaches that work well in general settings do not always translate directly when working with male clients.

This does not mean men are unwilling to engage. In many cases, it simply means the approach needs to feel relevant, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.

Men often respond well to conversations that feel purposeful and structured. They may prefer discussions that lead to clear direction, defined actions, and measurable outcomes. Trust is often built through consistency and shared understanding rather than immediate emotional openness.

Some men may find purely reflective conversations uncomfortable at first. Others may be more willing to engage when discussions connect directly to challenges they are facing — work pressures, physical health, relationships, identity, or responsibility.
There is also an important distinction in how vulnerability is expressed.

For many men, vulnerability is not always verbal. It may show through behaviour, frustration, withdrawal, humour, or problem-solving. Recognising these patterns is an essential skill for professionals working in this space.

Understanding these differences does not require changing who you are as a practitioner. It requires expanding your awareness, adjusting communication styles, and learning how to create environments where men feel safe to engage.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue exploring the practical realities of working with men and why specialist knowledge and coaching approaches are becoming increasingly valuable in this area.

“Curiosity is the greatest nourishment for any learning or healing journey.”Meet the Team – Charlie BrittainAt Active He...
13/04/2026

“Curiosity is the greatest nourishment for any learning or healing journey.”

Meet the Team – Charlie Brittain

At Active Health Group we are proud to work with practitioners who combine strong clinical knowledge with real-world experience. Today we are introducing Charlie Brittain, Tutor and Assessor at Active Health Group, whose work bridges healthcare, movement science and education.

Charlie is a practising Clinical Sports Therapist, Movement Rehabilitator and Musculoskeletal Health Specialist, working across both clinical and educational environments in the UK and Europe. As both a tutor and assessor, he is passionate about supporting students to take ownership of their learning, develop confidence, and apply knowledge meaningfully within real-world practice.

A proud graduate of Active Health Group, Charlie qualified in Advanced Clinical Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation, alongside training in Mat-based Pilates and Human Biomechanics. He continues to expand his knowledge and is currently studying the Level 6 Diploma in Integrative Health Coaching and Nutritional Therapy, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and integrative practice.

Alongside his therapy and teaching work, Charlie remains active in pre-hospital emergency care, working on the frontline within UK ambulance and emergency care services. He holds an MSc in Acute Medicine, alongside qualifications in emergency and urgent care, and maintains a developing interest in humanitarian medicine.

Charlie also brings a unique perspective through his work as a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer, regularly performing and teaching across artistic and educational settings worldwide. His experience in movement, performance and rehabilitation informs his holistic understanding of the body and how it adapts, responds and heals.

Areas Charlie particularly enjoys teaching
Applied anatomy and physiology: Supporting students to understand complex topics in ways that are practical, meaningful and directly relevant to clinical work.
Movement and embodied awareness: Helping learners and clients reconnect with the body’s natural intelligence and recognise the role movement plays in long-term health and recovery.

Advice for someone starting out
"Curiosity is the greatest nourishment for any learning or healing journey. Cultivating curiosity in your own practice — and inspiring it in your clients — can lead to remarkable transformation. The healing potential of deep, embodied listening continues to be both humbling and inspiring."

Over the coming days we will be sharing the final introductions in our Meet the Team series.

Photo Credit: Sean Millar

A Free Weekend Resource — Understanding the ADHD BrainWeekends often give us a little more breathing space — a chance to...
11/04/2026

A Free Weekend Resource — Understanding the ADHD Brain

Weekends often give us a little more breathing space — a chance to pause, reflect, and make sense of things that feel confusing during the week.

For many people living with ADHD, everyday struggles can feel frustrating, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Tasks that seem simple for others can feel overwhelming, and emotional reactions can feel intense and difficult to manage. Over time, this can lead to self-doubt and the belief that something is wrong with you.

But ADHD is not a failure of character. It is a difference in how the brain processes motivation, attention, time, and emotion.
We have created a new free guide to help make sense of these experiences.

"You're Not Broken — Understanding the ADHD Brain" explores:
• Why executive functions like starting tasks and managing time can feel so difficult
• How emotional regulation and rejection sensitivity affect daily life
• Simple, practical strategies such as body doubling, dopamine supports, and micro-start techniques
• Reflective prompts to help you better understand your own patterns

Whether you are newly diagnosed, questioning whether ADHD may apply to you, or supporting someone who lives with it, this resource is designed to offer clarity, reassurance, and practical direction.

If you have a quiet moment this weekend, this may be a helpful place to start.

You can download the free guide here: https://www.activehealthgroup.co.uk/resources

“Creating safe spaces allows people to speak openly, feel supported, and grow with confidence.”Meet the Team – Sanam Iqb...
10/04/2026

“Creating safe spaces allows people to speak openly, feel supported, and grow with confidence.”

Meet the Team – Sanam Iqbal

At Active Health Group we recognise that learning is not only about knowledge and skill — it is also about wellbeing and emotional support. Today we are introducing Sanam Iqbal, who plays a vital role within Active Health Group through Student Support & Wellbeing and Workshop Facilitation.

Sanam supports students throughout their learning journey, helping create safe, supportive environments where individuals feel able to speak openly about the challenges that can arise within helping professions. Her work includes facilitating student inductions, peer support groups, and wellbeing workshops, covering areas such as mental health awareness and domestic abuse awareness.

Alongside her role at Active Health Group, Sanam is a BACP registered therapist with a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling & Psychotherapy. Her work is informed by both professional training and lived experience, giving her a compassionate and grounded approach to supporting others.

She specialises in supporting individuals navigating PMDD, menopause, domestic abuse and court-related support, bringing sensitivity and practical understanding into her work.

Sanam is also the founder of The Art of Joy Project, a non-profit community organisation dedicated to supporting mental health and individuals affected by domestic abuse. Through this work, she continues to contribute to community wellbeing and advocacy.

Within Active Health Group, Sanam offers dedicated wellbeing support to students, helping them feel heard, supported and confident as they progress through their training.

Areas Sanam particularly enjoys working with
Trauma-informed mental health support: Supporting students and practitioners to recognise the importance of emotional safety, awareness and compassionate communication within their work.
Domestic abuse awareness and recovery: Helping individuals understand the impact of trauma and providing supportive spaces that encourage healing, empowerment, and resilience.

You can find out more about Sanam's work here: https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/411438/sanam-iqbal/

Over the coming weeks we will be introducing more of the wonderful people who make up the Active Health Group team, including both our tutors and the administrative team who support our students behind the scenes.

09/04/2026

Please confirm you have the following and will bring with you on the day (all are required). For ARU students, please note your University are not able to supply or loan these items to you.

Why Men Often Struggle to Engage with Traditional Support Many professionals working with men notice a familiar pattern....
09/04/2026

Why Men Often Struggle to Engage with Traditional Support

Many professionals working with men notice a familiar pattern. Support is available. Services exist. Conversations are offered. Yet many men still hesitate to engage, delay seeking help, or withdraw before support has a chance to make a difference.

This can be frustrating for those who genuinely want to help.

But the challenge is rarely about men being unwilling. More often, it relates to how support is offered, how conversations are framed, and whether the environment feels safe, practical, and respectful.

For many men, traditional support models can feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Some men have grown up with expectations to remain strong, self-reliant, and emotionally contained. Others may have had past experiences where seeking help felt exposing, unhelpful, or misunderstood.

There are also practical factors to consider. Men may prefer action-focused conversations rather than purely reflective ones. They may respond better to solution-based dialogue, shared goals, and clear structure. Trust may take longer to build, especially when vulnerability feels risky.

When professionals understand these differences, engagement often improves.
It becomes easier to create conversations that feel relevant, supportive, and grounded in real-world experience.

This is one of the reasons men’s health coaching is becoming increasingly important. It offers structured ways to engage men in conversations that feel practical, respectful, and meaningful.

Over the coming weeks, we will continue exploring the realities of working with men, the barriers that exist, and the opportunities professionals have to improve engagement and outcomes.

These conversations matter — not only for professionals, but for the men, families, and communities they support.

“All challenges are stepping stones to greatness and self-growth.”Meet the Team – Dawn RothwellAt Active Health Group we...
08/04/2026

“All challenges are stepping stones to greatness and self-growth.”

Meet the Team – Dawn Rothwell

At Active Health Group we are proud to work with educators who bring both depth of experience and genuine passion into their teaching. Today we are introducing Dawn, our Lead Coach Trainer, whose work reflects more than 40 years of experience supporting health, wellbeing and personal development.

Dawn is a highly regarded Sports Therapist and Integrated Health Coach, specialising in the mind–body connection and the relationship between emotional wellbeing, physical health and performance. Qualifying as a Sports Therapist with Active Health Group in 2010, she progressed into teaching in 2013 and has since become a key figure in the development of coaching and practitioner training.

Driven by a lifelong curiosity about human behaviour and the factors that shape health and dysfunction, Dawn has continued to refine her work through advanced study in hypnotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) at Master Coach level, and Integrated Health Coaching. This breadth of training enables her to guide students in developing deeper awareness, observation skills and professional confidence.

As the founder of Pennine Therapy Group, Dawn has worked with a wide range of clients, including athletes, professionals and individuals navigating complex physical and emotional challenges. Her work focuses on helping people understand how life experiences influence patterns of health, behaviour and resilience.

Central to Dawn’s philosophy is the belief that transformation occurs when individuals reconnect with their own internal intelligence. She is particularly passionate about helping students move beyond technique-based learning and develop the insight and awareness needed to work safely and effectively with clients.

Dawn also integrates equine-assisted experiences into her work, using the natural responsiveness of horses to support reflection, awareness and personal growth. This experiential approach reflects her belief that meaningful learning often happens through direct experience rather than theory alone.

As Lead Coach Trainer, Dawn plays a vital role in guiding students as they develop both professional skill and personal awareness — helping them grow into thoughtful, confident practitioners.

Advice for someone starting out
"Stay curious. Your greatest growth will come from the questions you continue to ask. The most effective practitioners are those who take time to truly understand the person in front of them, not just the condition they present with."

Over the coming weeks we will be introducing more of the wonderful people who make up the Active Health Group team, including both our tutors and the administrative team who support our students behind the scenes.

Address

The Monastery Manchester, 89 Gorton Lane
Manchester
M125WF

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm

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Our Story

We are one of the longest established providers of Sports massage and Sports Therapy courses in the UK. Active Health Group is a recognised, professional and progressive training provider. Our unrivalled courses in Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports Therapy and Equine Sports Therapy take our students all the way up to degree-level. This enables Active Health Group graduates access to some of the best opportunities available and a lasting career in this exciting industry. We are the ONLY private training provider in the UK to not only cover ALL of the Sports Therapy National Occupational Standards, but we greatly exceed them! All of Active Health Group practitioner level courses meet Core Curricula and our Level 4 & 5 courses meet the minimum qualification requirement for working in ELITE SPORT. Active Health Group Practitioner Level Massage and Sports Therapy graduates are able to register with the Sports Therapy Organisation, the UK's premier membership organisation for qualified therapi sts and students. Through STO, our graduates are able to thereafter register with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the UK regulator of complementary healthcare. Active Health Group is therefore in a fantastic position to give our graduates support and access to the best jobs in sport in the industry.

Since 2010 we have also been running coaching courses, starting with Emotional Intelligence Coaching, and have created many different Psychology related courses.

In 2018 we developed the first truly Integrative Health & Nutrition Diploma course, and this is now one of our most popular programmes, alongside our Level 5 Advanced Sports Therapy course.