European Health & Fitness Association Report 2012

European Health & Fitness Association An n u al Report 2012

“

Health and fitness is a dynamic and growing sector.

Increasingly policy makers are realizing the value of the sector for key public health priorities.

�

More People | More Active | More Often

Contents Background ......................................................................................................................................................2 Message from the President ..........................................................................................................................3 EHFA Vision, Mission and Strategy ................................................................................................................4 EHFA Structure and Organisation ...................................................................................................................5 EHFA Organogram ...........................................................................................................................................6 EHFA Standards Council ..................................................................................................................................7 The European Health & Fitness Market..........................................................................................................8 National Association Partners .........................................................................................................................9 How EHFA is Funded .......................................................................................................................................9 EHFA & the EU ...........................................................................................................................................10/11 EHFA Projects.............................................................................................................................................12/13 Upcoming EHFA Events 2012 - 4th Quarter .................................................................................................14 EHFA Events planned for 2013 ......................................................................................................................14 EHFA Activities & Events .....................................................................................................................15/16/17 EHFA Fitnessconnexions ...........................................................................................................................18/19 The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).....................................................................20/21 EHFA Partners & Sponsors ........................................................................................................................22/23

1

Background EHFA was created in 2001 from a revamp of the European Network of Fitness Associations (ENFA), which was formed in 1996. Up to April 2007, EHFA operated mainly from the UK and membership consisted primarily of academics, training standards experts and training providers. There was very little contact with employers (operators) beyond a small group of national fitness associations.

With some funding from the European Commission, DG Education and Culture (DG EAC) - Leonardo da Vinci Lifelong Learning Programme - during 2004-2007, EHFA was able to develop some agreed pan-European standards of competence for exercise professionals. The standards were revised in 2010 to reference with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

These standards became EHFA’s “diamond in the rough” and had the embryonic potential to launch the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).

However, with limited financial and operational capacity ambitious targets such as the establishment of EREPS or the instigation of a European affairs campaign were far beyond EHFA’s reach.

2

A new era for EHFA started in 2007 with the election of Harm Tegelaars as President in April and the appointment of Herman Rutgers as Executive Director in September.

EHFA opened its modest office at the “Maison des Associations Internationales” in Brussels on 1 December 2007, and was registered under number 898.584.937 as an international not-for-profit association (AISBL) in Belgium (officially published in the Moniteur Belge on 25 June 2008).

In 2008 and 2009 EHFA secured EU funding in the form two operating grants from DG EAC to further develop its activities.

Further project grants were secured in 2010 ("The Hub Project") and in 2011/12 ("The Fitness Against Doping Project").

The Annual Report covers the activities in 2011 and to September 2012.

More People | More Active | More Often

Message from the President As the European Health and Fitness Association, EHFA represents the European fitness industry in Brussels and seeks to promote its interests as well as to defend it against the negative forces that are forever present. It seeks to position the Association as a force for good through its source: Body Biz International “More People, More Active, More Often” program. It stands to reason and the evidence is overwhelming that people who take regular moderate exercise significantly enhance their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

But EHFA can only be as good as the collective work and output of its members and all its collaborators in the sector in order to achieve the key objective of getting “More People, More Active, More Often”. I am therefore proud and pleased with the accomplishments of our Board, our Working Groups and our Staff. On page 5 you will find the names and the photographs of my fellow EHFA board members as well as the Committees that they are engaged in.

EHFA representation has grown to more than 10.000 fitness facilities in 27 European countries. Despite the difficult economic circumstances over the last few years the European fitness industry has grown to 44 million members from 40 million in 2010. This keeps us all very busy and you will see in this Annual Report all the areas in which EHFA are working in the pursuance of its objectives so as to ensure the continuing growth and standing of the sector.

As you can see from the EHFA Strategy, one of the roles of the Association is be a facilitator, to build bridges, to open communication lines to and from the sector, to help solve any problems and to create new opportunities for the sector.

In this context our relationship with the European institutions and especially the European Commission is very important. It is good to see that they are increasingly supportive as they begin to see the fitness sector as an important potential delivery partner of their strategies to help combat the increasing danger of a number of prevalent life style diseases.

I have been in office as the President of EHFA since 2007 and I am currently serving my third term, which comes to an end in May 2014. I shall do everything in my power to make the importance of the fitness industry ever better understood by our counterparts in the political and the media world and to make sure that my successor in 2014 will be taking over the lead of a strong and well respected Association.

I wish all of you who read this report “Good Health” and an enjoyable time in your daily fitness industry work.

Harm B. Tegelaars, EHFA President Brussels October 2012

3

EHFA Vision

EHFA Strategy

EHFA is a not-for-profit association created to represent the interests of the health and fitness sector across Europe. It acts to bridge the gap between industry, academia, governments, science, and importantly, the public at the European level. EHFA promotes the benefits of an active lifestyle and the use of safe and reliable health and fitness facilities as a venue for health enhancing physical activity under the supervision of highly qualified professionals.

1. Contribute to an optimal European policy agenda for physical activity, health and fitness

“

EHFA needs to speak with one voice to EU Institutions to get ‘More People, More Active, More Often.

EHFA Mission

”

The EHFA mission is to bring together the health and fitness sector in Europe and forge a collective EU affairs effort in order to represent the interests of the sector at the European level:

More People | More Active | More Often

4

2. Drive professionalism through the development and promotion of quality standards and certification

3. Build the European Register for Exercise Professionals (EREPS)

4. Improve the perception/image of our sector by politicians, media, consumers and other key stakeholders

5. Increase participation in health and fitness centres

6. Positively influence public health – meaning “More people, More active, More often.”

7. Seek cooperation possibilities for the sector with EU Institutions in order to boost funding for the encouragement of greater physical activity

8. Fully document the European fitness industry and drive the need and funding for research

9. Create opportunities for education, exchange of best practices and networking for the sector

More People | More Active | More Often

EHFA Structure & Organization of the EHFA Standards Council.

EHFA is governed strictly according to its Statutes, which are available on www.ehfa.eu.

The Board sets the overall strategy for the Association and supervises the execution of same. It meets 4 times per annum. Elections for EHFA board positions take place at the annual General Assembly of the Association.

EHFA Board The 14 member EHFA Board represents the varied stakeholders of the EHFA membership: Employers and club operators, training providers, national associations, fitness equipment suppliers, accreditation bodies and certification organisations. It also includes the Chairman

TEGELAARS Harm, NL President (Former Chief Executive for Cannons Group PLC.)

DASE Joanna, UK (VP International Operations Curves International)

STALKER David, FIA, UK (Director Fitness Industry Association)

GUEGUEN Franck, FR (CEO of Club Med Gym/ Silhouette)

Following the General Assembly on 24th May 2012 the current board composition is as follows:

GREENWAY John, UK (Chairman of Register of Exercise Professionals UK)

VAN DE VEN Frank, NL (Vice President International Life Fitness Inc.)

MAJAKAS Tony, UK (Technogym, UK Project Director)

ANATOLI Grigorenko PhD, SE (YLAB Sweden, R&D Director)

RUTGERS Herman, NL (CEO Global Growth Partners BV)

KIENSTRA Paul, NL Treasurer (CEO r High Five Health Promotions & Intenz)

BERRIMAN Julian, UK (Premier Global Ltd, R&D Director)

RUIZ Pedro, PT (Board Member of AGAP, Portugal and CEO of Vivafit)

Drs MIDDELKAMP Jan, NL (CEO HDD Group)

Dr RIEGER Thomas, DE (Chair of EHFA Standards Council)

The day-to-day management of EHFA is handled by the EHFA Secretariat.

EHFA Secretariat

Cliff Collins, Director of EREPS, Projects and Programmes

Robbie McGregor, Systems Manager

Susan Butler, Accreditation administrator and EREPS admin manager

5

EHFA Organogram

COMMUNICATIONS Websites Newsletters Reports

EHFA MEMBERSHIP

EREPS PROGRAMME

ereps

European Register of Exercise Professionals

SECRETARIAT & EXECUTIVE

WORKING GROUPS VAT and tax Music licensing Social dialogue etc

6

EHFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD COMMITTEES Selection/appointments Events & fundraising Strategic alliances

EHFA STANDARDS COUNCIL

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Advisory groups and experts as required in support function of SC

TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUPS (TEGS) Sector Qualification EQF level 6 Pilates instructing Social responsibilities inc. anti-doping NCD’s – cardiac disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.

More People | More Active | More Often

EHFA Standards Council Prof. Alfonso Jimenez led the Standards Council of EHFA from 2009 until 2012 and the standards development process of the professional roles and occupations of a fully developed Sector Qualifications Framework for our industry.

When Alfonso Jimenez stepped down as Standards Council Chairman, the EHFA board made a call for applicants to fill the prestigious position of Chairman of the Standards Council, which is a position that requires an academic background, solid research/science experience and extensive experience of the fitness sector. After reviewing and shortlisting applicants, the board’s Selection & Appointments Committee decided to offer Prof. Thomas Rieger of BiTS the position as Chairman for a period of three years.

Mr Andreas Paulsen, Vice Chairman for Organization, Communication & Dissemination

Prof. Rita Santos Rocha, Vice Chairman for Standards Development.

Strategic priorities of the Standards Council over the next three years include standards development – the most essential task of the Standards Council, organizational objectives, as well as objectives concerning communication/ dissemination where a new and essential focal point of the Standards Council will be to connect directly with the professionals of the European health & fitness industry who utilize EHFA’s professional standards on a daily basis, and finally objectives concerning the expansion of the financial resources of the Standards Council. The work program concerning standards development include: • Anti-Doping Standards • Additional Competences for Group Exercise • Standards for Cardiovascular Disorders • Standards for Metabolic Disorders

Prof. Thomas Rieger, Chairman of the Standards Council

Prior to stepping down as Chairman, Prof. Alfonso Jimenez had been working on a strategic development plan and reformation for the Standards Council with Vice Chair Mr. Andreas Paulsen. The prime responsibility for the ambitious objectives of the strategic development of the Standards Council that will run until 2015 now rests with the new Chairman, Prof. Thomas Rieger, as well as Vice Chairman for Organization, Communication & Dissemination, Mr. Andreas Paulsen and Vice Chairman for Standards Development, Prof. Rita Santos Rocha.

• Standards for Musculoskeletal Disorders • Standards for Pilates • Standards for full Sector Qualifications Framework (SQF) • Standards for Pre-diabetes

For his dedicated commitment as appointed Leader for the TEG on Exercise Referral, Dr. Christoffer Andersen, PhD will given the Standards Council’s Annual Special Award at the ISM, in November 2012.

7

The European Health & Fitness Market The European health and fitness sector generates an estimated €22 billion in annual revenues throughout Europe. By way of comparison, professional football’s economic vale is around €12 billion (source: Deloitte).

However, the industry’s contribution is not simply economic. Aside from providing employment to 400,000 people, Europe’s 40,000 public and private health and fitness facilities play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of more than 44 million members.

The Eurobarometer Survey on Sport and Physical Activity published by the EU Commission in March 2010, reported fitness to be the favourite form of “sport” for 11% of the EU population. This number is not evenly spread throughout the EU however. There are big differences in the participation levels in sport and fitness among different population groups, with Northern Europe having the highest penetration and Eastern Europe the lowest (a copy of the Eurobarometer can be downloaded from the EHFA website).

Health and fitness is a dynamic and growing sector.

Increasingly, policy makers are realising the value of the sector for key public health priorities; exercise is central to combating certain prevalent lifestyle diseases.

The European health and fitness market held itself remarkably well in spite of the difficult economic situation. Although some companies have felt an effect on their business, others have seen opportunities to expand and have taken advantage of lower property values and gaps in the market.

8

The market in the UK is the biggest fitness market by value in Europe with over 7.6 million health club members, 5,900 public and private sector facilities and an estimated total revenue of almost 5 billion Euros (source: “2012 State of the UK Fitness Industry Report”

by The Leisure Database Company).

The 2nd largest market is Germany with 7.6 million members (+4% versus 2010), 7,300 facilities and revenues of almost 4 billion Euros ( source:” Der Deutsche Fitnessmarkt 2011” DSSV/Deloitte), 3rd and 4th are Spain and Italy with estimated revenues around 3.8 billion Euros, followed by France with approx 2.4 billion Euros. Other top markets are the Netherlands and Russia both around 1 billion Euros. The sector is also expanding and developing in other parts of Europe and as it becomes more organised it is developing new concepts and attracting new customers. Therefore the future looks bright for the health and fitness sector in Europe.

“

We have put a bold stake in the ground: our goal is to grow from 44 million members to 80 million members by 2020.

”

More People | More Active | More Often

National Association Partners

How EHFA is Funded

Strong cooperation with national health and fitness associations is crucial to EHFA’s success and we are proud to have a partnership with the national associations listed below.

EHFA is a not-for-profit association and obtains its funds to run the association and to perform its activities through the following sources: European project grants, membership and partnership fees, sponsorship, events income and donations.

EHFA is in regular contact with the national associations.

Once a year EHFA organise the “National Associations Forum”, the 4th edition of which took place on 23rd May 2012.

The objectives of the Forum are to promote and encourage:

This enables EHFA to continuously improve its activities in a number of key areas. Instrumental in order to achieve these ambitious goals is, of course, the ongoing and increasing financial support from the members, partners and sponsors. EHFA would like to once again thank them for their support.

During 2011 and 2012 significant investments have been made in EHFA's IT structure and its online capabilities.

• Best practice learning • Exchange ideas • Help shape the EHFA strategy

The financial statements for 2011 were presented and approved by the General Assembly of EHFA on 24th May 2012.

Belgium - DFO

Bulgaria - BAHF

Croatia - WUH

Czech Rep. FISAF

Denmark - DFHO

Finland - SKY

Germany DSSV

Hungary - HFHA

Latvia - LFVVNA

Malta - MEHFA

Netherlands FIT!VAK

Norway - VIRKE

Poland - PZFW

Portugal - AGAP

Spain - FNEID

Sweden - FRISK

Serbia - SRFS

UK - FIA

9

EHFA & the EU EHFA opened its offices in Brussels on 1 December 2007,

This will be achieved by:

with one of its main objectives to represent the sector at

• Promoting and protecting the sector

the European level. EHFA embraces a variety of members:

• Seeking to cooperate with the EU in the promotion of

operators, suppliers, training providers, private and public

exercise and physical activity

organisations, as well as national associations, and their

• Involvement in EU funded projects and events

members. EHFA needs to speak with one voice to the

• Developing partnerships with European Institutions to meet

EU Institutions to get “More People, More Active, More Often”. This can only be done with a clear and focussed European Affairs and Communications strategy and an

mutual objectives; and, • Providing EHFA members with a unique insight into developments at the European level

effective implementation not only at the European level but also at the national level through our partners.

Where does EHFA currently stand?

Over the past three years EHFA managed to establish good

• Education

relationships with various EU actors, which resulted in EHFA being successfully positioned as a partner of the EU Institutions on a number of key initiatives.

In 2010, EHFA upgraded its EU Affairs strategy with the objective of further strengthening its efficiency in influencing

EHFA has a strong relationship with DG Education and Culture

the EU in the best interests of its members.

(DG EAC). Following the Lisbon Treaty and new calls for proposals within the Preparatory Actions in the Field of Sport,

The revised EU Affairs strategy has a more focused approach

EHFA was successfully awarded two projects: “Becoming the

while building on past achievements. The core goal is to raise

Hub” in 2009 and “Fitness Against Doping” in 2010 (for more

the visibility and importance of the health and fitness sector in

details, please refer to the EHFA Projects section).

Europe and get more involved in initiatives and opportunities of interest to EHFA both in terms of policies and of funding.

The evidence based EHFA PR & Communications plan, in support of the EU Affairs strategy, has been upgraded in 2011 so as to embrace the recommendations from EHFA different EU funded projects, especially, from "Becoming the Hub" and "Fitness Against Doping" projects.

EHFA EU Affairs activities are implemented through team work and with the support of industry experts grouped in various task forces and working groups.

In summary, EHFA’s European Affairs strategy is the effort to

10

Handing over the FAD Report to DG EAC

elevate the value, importance and levels of respect for the

EHFA has been attending and presenting regularly at the EU

European health and fitness sector in the eyes of the European

SPORT FORUM, which are organised annually by the DG

Institutions.

EAC, Sport Unit, since 2009. The 4th EU Sport Forum took

More People | More Active | More Often

place in Cyprus in September 2012 , where EHFA presented its Fitness Against Doping Project ( FAD) and where Cliff Collins, the EHFA Projects Director, had the opportunity to present to Mme Vassiliou, the European Commissioner a copy of Anti Doping Code of Conduct, on behalf of the fitness industry.

Mme Despina Spanou of EU Commission speaking at ISM Brussels, November 2011

• Internal Market At the beginning of 2011, EHFA met with DG Internal Market - DG Markt - concerning the revision of the Professional Qualifications Directive, and submitted a position paper on the issue.

• Health

• Research Initial contacts were also developed in 2010 with DG Research which will be further advanced in 2013.

EU Platform on Diet, Physical Activity and Health

EHFA is building stronger links with DG Health and Consumers - DG Sanco - and is a key member of the EU Platform on Diet, Physical Activity and Health, an initiative promoted by DG Sanco. In the past two years EHFA presented advantages of fitness training to this Platform on several occasions.

In December 2010, EHFA participated in a conference organized by DG Sanco on the evaluation of EU and Member States strategies on nutrition, overweight and obesity related health issues, combined with a meeting of the High Level Group that included representatives of health ministries from 27 Member States. The meeting resulted in closer ties with DG Sanco’s Health Determinants Unit.

EHFA also submitted a position paper in response to the DG Sanco’s consultation on “Active Ageing”.

• Employment EHFA supported DG Employment in their study related to Social Dialogue in the Sport sector and the initiative was echoed positively by EHFA members. The employers in the fitness sector, as a sub sector of Sports, now needs to positively engage in the Social Dialogue process, which has now entered a trial phase of 2 years from late 2012 to end 2014. In order to have their voice heard in this trial phase the fitness employers need to form a strong working group that can engage with EASE, who are the chosen agency to represent the Sport sector (inc fitness) to the EU Commission. EHFA strongly encourages its members to engage in this process.

• VAT EHFA continues its EU Affairs activities in 2012 with our response to DG TAX UD consultation on the revision of VAT. A position paper was submitted in May 2011, which was based on members and experts input. EHFA will continue a dialogue with the EU Commission on the issue of VAT in our sector.

11

EHFA Projects An integral part of EHFA’s work is undertaking projects, which are principally funded by the European Commission.

These projects are delivered in association with partner organisations across Europe. In the report period, EHFA was involved in four EU-funded projects: EHFA was lead partner in two projects “Fitness Against Doping” and “Becoming the HUB” and in the third project as an associate partner “MOVE” which runs until 2014. In the fourth EHFA was part of a project on social dialogue which completed in early 2012 and was called “IMPACT”.

The Becoming the HUB concluded in 2011 but the outcomes are being increasingly reflected in policy development and actions. The HUB project reviewed campaigns and policies where the fitness sector could improve its position and opportunities with promoting health-enhancing physical activity now commonly abbreviated to “HEPA”.

As an outcome EHFA has completed new standards for training exercise professionals to work in active ageing and with children and adolescents and now with the Exercise for Health Specialist at EQF level 5. New guidelines and targets from the Commission on HEPA are expected in 2013 following their review of activities and expectations and where EHFA has contributed through the HUB project.

FAD Partners at final meeting in Copenhagen, February 2012

The Fitness Against Doping (FAD) project has enabled the fitness sector to make its claim for effective and practical

12

interventions to help reduce levels of doping practices in recreational sport. The full findings can be downloaded at www.ehfa-programmes.eu

The FAD research showed much lower levels of doping – in banned substances as well as recreational drug us – than previous surveys revealed. The evidence gathered has changed policy thinking both within the Council of Europe and with the Commission. The emphasis has turned towards better education and information rather than further control, testing and even criminalisation.

A key outcome is the development of new standards for exercise professionals to better understand the issues surrounding performance and image enhancing substances and how to work with clients to ensure they effectively exercise in structured programmes without the need for any form of doping or stimulants.

More People | More Active | More Often

The underlying principle of the fitness sector’s position of social responsibility on anti-doping is that all users and workers in fitness centres have the right to use and work in a doping-free environment, where they are free from any intimidation, criminal activities, or witness to people who are causing physical harm to themselves by taking doping substances.

EHFA will continue its work in anti-doping to help protect the sector from unwarranted regulation and to create networks to promote actions to help reduce levels of doping – wherever it occurs. As a result of the FAD recommendations, EHFA and key stakeholders have drafted the Fitness Anti-Doping Code of Conduct which addresses four areas of activities:

The Code can be downloaded from www.ehfa-programmes.eu

13

Upcoming EHFA Events 2012 - 4th Quarter

EHFA Events planned for 2013

International Standards Meeting in Barcelona 8/9 November 2012

(Dates and venues to be confirmed. See www.ehfa.eu events for latest schedule)

Board Strategy Seminar in Barcelona 10/11 December 2012

Forum Club Congress, Bologna Italy General Assembly

April 2013

Executive Leadership Forum

May 2013

Fitness Forum

June 2013

EHFA University, IESE Barcelona

June 2013

SAPE ( summer academy of fitness professionals)

14

21 February 2013

Summer 2013

National Associations Forum

November 2013

International Standards Meeting

November 2013

More People | More Active | More Often

EHFA Activities & Events 2011/2012 General Assembly, Essen, April 2011 At EHFA’s General Assembly in Essen, the EHFA leadership were able to present a status for EHFA’s members that showed general progress, not least with regards to cooperation with EU actors in Brussels, and increasingly becoming a partner in projects that will benefit EHFA and the entire industry.

The recent standards development work of the Standards Council was recognized as EHFA’s official professional standards for the professions of Fitness Assistant, Fitness Instructor, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer were adopted by the assembly. The approval of these four sets of professional standards by the General Assembly not only marked a culmination of the hitherto ambitious work the Standards Council had been conducting under the leadership of Prof. Alfonso Jimenez, but it also demonstrated EHFA’s ambition and ability to deliver professional standards of an exceptionally high quality, based on comprehensive dialogue between a range of experts and our industry at large, with the overall intend to constantly assist in professionalizing and strengthening the European health & fitness sector.

industry. The ELF was attended by more than forty fitness industry leaders from all over the EU.

Sector Qualifications Framework TEG meeting, London, July 2011 Chairman of the Standards Council, Prof. Alfonso Jimenez, took initiative to call the first meeting of the Sector Qualifications Framework (SQF) Technical Expert Group (TEG) in July of 2011. The primary purpose was to define common job roles and occupations in the European health & fitness sector, in order to develop a full European Sector Qualifications framework, ultimately with EHFA professional standards covering EQF level 1 – 8, in which system levels 6 – 8 equal bachelor – PhD level.

TEG Verifiers meeting, London, October, 2011

4th Executive Leadership Forum, Barcelona, June 2011 The invitation-only 4th ELF was held in June of 2011 at the IESE Business School, University of Navarra, in Barcelona, with prominent professors and business leaders from around Europe and the US addressing issues from social media strategies to mergers and acquisitions in the European fitness

A very important part of EHFAs work, in terms of implementing and improving the professional standards of the industry, is the accreditation of training providers (TPs).

In 2011, a new and improved platform for the accreditation process was tested, a special TEG Verifiers meeting was called consisting primarily of experts with a strong academic background. Their role would be to assess the applications from TPs seeking EHFA accreditation. EHFA tendered for an external quality-assuring unit, and BlueSkies from the UK was eventually selected to carry out the continuous independent audit of the accreditation process. After ending the trial phase of the new accreditation process in early 2012 it was concluded by the external quality assurance provider that EHFA’s new accreditation process was effective and properly

15

run, and could thus continue in a reinitiated format after the ending of the trial period.

EHFA Summit incl. the 4th EHFA Fitness Forum, Brussels, November 2011

The second International Standards Meeting was called to meet in conjunction with the EHFA Summit in November of 2011. The overall purpose of the ISM was to further advance the common agenda from the first ISM, to additionally develop the participants’ global partnership in professional standardization of the health and fitness industry, and to develop common methodology for future standards development.

The fourth EHFA Fitness Forum that was held during the EHFA Summit brought together senior policy makers, industry leaders, and academics to discuss challenges and current opportunities facing the fitness sector. Also, preliminary results from the large-scale and EHFA-coordinated Fitness Against Doping (FAD) program were presented to the many participants, representing many different countries – within and outside the EU.

4th National Associations Forum & General Assembly, Brussels, May 2012 The fourth EHFA National Associations Forum gathered national associations from throughout Europe to exchange views and experiences. The fundamental idea of the forum is to spread and coordinate good practice amongst our European industry’s national associations and to discuss with the national association partners the EU policy agenda

16

and strategy. The forum is also a tool for the development of existing associations, and a stimulus to develop new associations. The forum was attended by guest speakers who updated national association representatives on topics of special importance to the European health & fitness industry.

EHFA’s General Assembly was marked by change and renewal, as Prof. Alfonso Jimenez and Herman Rutgers, who have both served EHFA very consistently, ambitiously and honorably over several years, stepped down from their respective positions – although without leaving EHFA altogether, as both will keep associated positions with EHFA into the future. Both Alfonso Jimenez and Herman Rutgers received the assembly’s standing applause for their work for and dedication to EHFA and the industry. The new sets of standards for “Exercise for Health Specialist”, “Active Ageing Trainer” as well as "Children and Adolescence" were submitted by the Standards Council and recognized by the General Assembly.

The EHFA Research Forum was held on May 24 in Brussels in order to present the new book “The State of Research in the Global Fitness Industry”. The authors of the book were present (among them the new EHFA board member Drs Jan Middelkamp) and discussed in detail their findings. It became clear that there is a strong need for better and more regularly updated information on the size and scope of the EU fitness market. The EHFA board in the coming months is to consider how best to go about achieving that ambition.

5th Executive Leadership Forum, Brussels, September 2012

More People | More Active | More Often

Under the title of “Innovate or die!�, the 5th annual EHFA Executive Leadership Forum was held in Brussels at the Conrad Hotel on September 4 and 5. Over 30 leaders from the European fitness sector came together to discuss innovation in times of crisis, under the leadership of Dr. Fons Trompenaars, recently voted into the top 50 global management thinkers by Harvard Business Review.

Participants came from 15 countries and represented over 1,500 facilities.

3rd International Standards Meeting, Barcelona, November 2012

Sector Qualifications Framework TEG meeting, Brussels, September 2012

A reconstituted and revitalized SQF TEG was called to meet in Brussels in September in order to catch up on the progress of the former SQF TEG and to continue the process of building a full Sector Qualifications Framework for the European health and fitness industry. The SQF TEG was presented with the ambitious new standards development goals of the Standards Council, and specific targets and timeframes for the development of the different parts of the SQF were set.

The third International Standards Meeting will be held at the Olympic & Sports Museum of Barcelona on November 8/9, 2012, and like the two former ISMs, it will gather international experts (from Europe, USA and Australia) in the field of developing professional standards, as well as running professional registers, for the fitness and health sector from around the world. The ISM is hosted by the Standards Council of EHFA and EREPS, and in addition to building global partnership, it is a clear objective of the ISM to develop common methodology and set common global goals, in order to move closer towards each other in our respective standards development and implementation work around the world.

EHFA are delighted to welcome a number of standard setting bodies from around the world to participate in this ISM in Barcelona. We are grateful to ACE, NASM, NSCA, NCSF and ACSM for their valuable contributions to date.

17

EHFA Fitnessconnexions A NEW WEB COMMUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES IN THE EUROPEAN HEALTH AND FITNESS SECTOR HAS BEEN LAUNCHED fitnessconnexions.eu

1. WHAT fitnessconnexions.eu WILL DO FOR YOU The principle objectives of fitnessconnexions.eu are to: • Create the first international/European web community for everyone involved in fitness • Provide an easy way for offering information, news, products, tips , best practices and services from and to fitness professionals • Create a database for information and research on the fitness sector in Europe • Create an international job market for fitness professionals and other key workers • Encourage existing workers towards achieving international certification/qualification standards and then entry to the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).

Through these activities we can all contribute in raising the overall quality of the fitness sector to simply get …. MORE PEOPLE | MORE ACTIVE | MORE OFTEN And very importantly fitnessconnexions.eu is free !

2. THE MAIN BENEFITS OF fitnessconnexions.eu • For Club Operators : An opportunity to differentiate themselves through a free listing with information and photos of their facilities, the range of equipment available, the expertise of their trainers, timetables, Google map locator and full contact details.

• For Trainers : Fitness trainers, specialists and all workers can create their own unique profiles on fitnessconnexions.eu where they can upload photographs, blogs, links to where they work, and what they do, and connect to Twitter, Facebook and

18

other social media networks to expand the fitness community.

Trainers who meet agreed international certification standards (through EREPS registration) will have a priority listing on the fitnessconnexions.eu directory with a direct link to the EREPS portal.

Industry journals, e-zines, web-learning solutions, research findings and sources will all become part of the fitnessconnexions.eu network and library of information.

• For Training Providers : A direct route to communicate and promote their programmes to the largest group of exercise professionals through fitnessconnexions.eu.

• For Suppliers : Promote and sell their products and services direct to trainers, workers, operators and millions of consumers • For Consumers: To be the main website for searching, locating, reviewing and contacting fitness centres and the services of specialised exercise professionals.

To build a library and resource for information on training and nutrition tips.

• Market Research : Collect and provide unique data and insights in the fitness sector which will help support the drive for improving standards of professionalism, quality and accountability and generating higher revenues.

• For Everyone : To be the No.1 free communication network for everyone interested in the European fitness community.

Any revenue raised through fitnessconnexions.eu will be reinvested for the benefit of the European health and fitness sector through the development of the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).

More People | More Active | More Often

3. WHY fitnessconnexions.eu IS SO IMPORTANT EHFA has an objective and ambition to get MORE PEOPLE | MORE ACTIVE | MORE OFTEN and as the standards setting body of the health and fitness sector in Europe it promotes best practice in instruction and training. As a member of the influential European Platform on Diet Physical Activity and Health, EHFA is committed to the drive and energy required to meet the challenges that help to reverse the trend towards inactivity and to create conditions across the Europe in which people can strengthen their health by making physical exercise part of their everyday lives. See www.ehfa.eu The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) is an independent process for the registering of all instructors, trainers and teachers working across Europe in the exercise and fitness industry. It is a pan-European system, based on independent national registers, culminating in a central European database.

EREPS is regulated and works as part of EHFA. See www.ereps. eu By launching a third component - fitnessconnexions.eu - EHFA and EREPS are opening up the market and communication channels as brand new way for connecting everyone who has an interest in fitness. EHFA and its partners want to improve the professionalism of the sector and to capture the range and diversity of the workforce in Europe.

There are an estimated 44 million fitness consumers who are looking for a modern way to learn about the health and fitness offerings and services in their countries around Europe, and nearly 400,000 trainers, specialists, and other workers who need to be better connected.

19

The European Register of Exercise Professionals

ereps

European Register of Exercise Professionals

As the Europe-wide scheme for registering instructors, trainers

crisis and has become a unique public directory of qualified

and teachers in the exercise and fitness sector, EREPS fulfils a

exercise professionals. Higher skilled exercise professionals

key objective of EHFA. It helps to coordinate the development of

help to improve business performance and to motivate their

national registers, within an agreed set of common procedures

customers. Through the registration process EREPS is creating a

and framework. Through its quality assurance process EREPS

greater level of credibility and accountability for the European

recognizes that exercise professionals are qualified to do

fitness industry. It is helping to raise standards and to improve

their job thus giving consumers, employers and partners in

workforce skills and is a key driver to professionalizing in the

the medical and health professions the necessary level of

sector. Ultimately, it is a simple equation in that great clubs need

confidence in their professionalism and it gives a structure for

great staff.

increased mobility of workers. The central European database is based upon the integration of individual national registers.

What do members get?

Inclusion on the European register guarantees that an exercise

Upon meeting the necessary requirements, members of EREPS

professional meets prescribed minimum standards of good

are issued with a unique certificate of registration which

practice, including the adoption of a Code of Ethical Practice,

explains their status of registration. They become members of

and that he or she is committed to continuous professional

their national register as well as of the European Register of

development through a process of lifelong learning.

Exercise Professionals.

What EREPS has to offer

THE EURO

PEAN RE GI

EREPS provides an independent process of registration for qualified European exercise professionals. This is sometimes called a ‘license to practice’ and is clearly understood by health and fitness operators and consumers and recognised by the EU Commission as a good example of a sector developed “professional card”.

Exercise professionals deserve to know that their skills will be recognised by employers across Europe, regardless of where they undertake their training. The recognition of personal achievement is valued by exercise professionals.

STER OF

EXERCISE

WILLIAM

EXERCIS

SHAKES

With the

E FOR H

The holder

status of

EALTH

EQF LE

VEL 5

SPECIA

LIST

THIS BSITE AT MEMBER CAN BE WW

EREPS WE

VERIFIED W.EREPS.E EREPS U.COM accepted is regulated by the official Euro Europea n Health pean qua and Fitn lification ess exercise professionaframework which Association (EHFA) describe ls need to Stan dard s the s Council have ach using an ieved for knowledge, skil ls their regi stration and competencie s

Expiry Dat e:

31 Aug

t Admitte

20

PEARE

of this cer tificate, which of an exe determines the as a member of the Registe rights, resp rcise pro fess r, is onsibilitie their pro ional, and their s and prin bound by a Cod nee fession thr e of Ethical ciples req ough the d to continue to uired by ir person meet the the conduc Practice al commit THE FUL standards t ment to L REGIST that are lifelong set for learning THROUGH RATION STATUS FOR THE

d:

EHFA Pre

is very high in Europe especially as a result of the economic

NALS

The Europe profession an Register of Exe als rcis regular exe are suitably kno e Professionals (ER wledgeabl rcise and e and qua EPS) aims to ens to protec ure that lified to t the inte The foll all pro rests of owing per the people mote the benefit exercise son has s of safe who use me Fitness their ser Associatio t the criteria vices. and n and has been adm standards of the Eur itted to the Europe opean Health and an Registe r

Country Firs

EREPS helps strengthen the mobility of fitness workers which

PROFESSIO

sident:

EREPs Dir ect Members

Belgium

or:

hip Num

ber:

123456

2013

More People | More Active | More Often

The name and status of the registered members are available for

EREPS was launched in July 2008 and currently has in excess

search and validation by consumers and operators via the EREPS

of 31.000 fitness professionals within the EREPS Programme,

website. This transparency helps to promote the achievements

which includes national registers in Ireland, the Netherlands and

of exercise professionals and it aids mobility, recruitment and

the UK.

employment in the industry.

The relevance of EREPS is demonstrated by the success of an Members of the register are bound by a Code of Ethical Practice

advertising campaign by Fitness First in Germany which states

that defines the rights, responsibilities and principles of being

that their trainers are of the highest quality and as a token of

an exercise professional. The EREPS members also benefit from

proof are registered with EREPS.

a number of specific advantages including a specially developed liability insurance scheme with extremely attractive coverage

In addition there are a number of other European companies

and fee-structure, career guidance, high quality training

that are engaged in registering their fitness personnel on EREPS,

solutions, regular communications featuring industry related

and they are:

news and events, as well as access to Europe’s leading journals on fitness.

• David Lloyd Leisure • Club Med Gym

UK, Belgium, Holland and Ireland France

Members can also add personal statements, contact details,

• Aspria

Germany, Belgium and Italy

location and details of their services on the EREPS directory, link to

• Marriott Hotels

Europe wide

other social media and are also listed with “FitnessConnexions.

• Curves Europe

Europe wide

eu” - the brand new EHFA website to promote connectivity and

• Les Mills International

Europe wide

communication across the European fitness sector – for everyone involved in fitness. See page 18 for further details.

How to join EREPS Applications for registration are usually made online via the multilingual EREPS website. Full details, information about the EREPS and links to national registers can be found at: www. ereps.eu EREPS requires that applications provide full supporting documentation before registration status for an individual can be awarded and this requires copies of certifications, CVs and other supporting documentation which is simply loaded onto the application website.. The final decision regarding status is based on an assessment against the European Qualification Framework and the agreed standards. Individual certificates of registration and the website directory of members display the highest level of competency attained for each member. The annual registration or re-registration fee is €30.

21

Partner

EHFA Partners & Sponsors EHFA Partnership Base As of October 2012, there are almost 100 organisations registered as members of EHFA, which include national associations, operators, suppliers, training providers and other stakeholders. In total, EHFA represents in excess of 10.000 health and fitness facilities in 27 countries.

EHFA would like to thank the following Partners for their support: Vanguard Partners:

• • • • • • •

Curves International Fitness Industry Association HealtCity International Life Fitness Matrix SATS Holding AB Virgin Active

Platinum Partners:

• • • • • • •

22

Elixia Fit for Free Fitness First PLC Les Mills International Pelikaan Startrac SportCity

Gold Partners:

• Lifetime • Technogym Silver Partner:

• Aspria • Milon Bronze Partners:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Achmea Health Club Med Gym/Silhouette Cybex David Lloyd Leisure FitLane High Five Health Promotion/Intenz Injoy Maxinutrition Precor Qualicert VNU Exhibitions YANGO

More People | More Active | More Often

Vanguard

Platinium

Gold

Silver

Bronze

23

EHFA, the European Health & Fitness Association, is a not-for-profit organization representing both the public and private sector with the European Union and other international organizations.

With its objective to get “More people, More active, More often”, EHFA is looking for possibilities to cooperate with organizations that promote physical activity in Europe.

EHFA is also the standards setting body of the health and fitness sector and promotes best practice in training and instruction , with the ultimate objective to raise the quality of service and the customers exercise experience and results.

EHFA currently represents 19 national associations, and approximately 10, 000 facilities spread across 25 countries in Europe.

Membership is open to all stakeholders - public or private – including; national associations, operators, suppliers, training providers, higher education and accreditation institutions.

EHFA fully supports the strategic principles and objectives of the EU Lifelong Learning Programme.

Following the “Becoming the Hub” recommendations announced at the EHFA London Summit, seventy representatives of the European health & fitness industry signed the following pledge for action:

Based on the evidence that now exists, the health and fitness sector believes it can provide a crucial role to use its extensive range of resources and skills to engage and stimulate citizens to achieve the EU Guidelines on Physical Activity. The European fitness industry will build a framework of action to encourage mass participation in exercise and activity. This will be based on the highest levels of professional collaboration and inter-agency coordination to develop integrated policies, campaigns and recommendations of best practice to get:

More People | More Active | More Often 24

“

The role of EHFA is to be a facilitator: to build bridges, open the communication lines and help solve problems.

�

EHFA - The European Health & Fitness Association Rue Washington 40 B-1050 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 (0) 2 649 90 44 Fax: +32 (0) 2 642 90 44 e-mail: thesecretariat@ehfa.eu

w w w. e h f a . e u With the support of :