Highlights - July by EuropeActive

Magazine introduction

As the health and physical activity industry undergoes rapid and dynamic changes, we are excited to presentthelatestinsights,trends,andeventsshapingthesector InourHighlightsMagazine,webringyoua comprehensive overview of key industry developments, policy updates, educational services, and exciting new innovations that are moving the industry ahead Whether you ' re a fitness professional, enthusiast, or advocate,thiseditionoffersvaluableperspectivestailoredtoyourinterests

We appreciate your continued engagement and invite you to explore the evolving future of health and fitnesswithus

01 E v e n t s E v e n t s

4December2025

TheExerciseforHealthSummit connectsthefitnesssectorwith healthandpublicpolicytomake physicalactivityessentialto societalhealth

23SEPTEMBER2025

#BEACTIVEDAYisanannual campaignpromotingphysical activitythroughthousandsof inclusiveandsustainableevents allaroundEurope

5DECEMBER2025

Thein-personmeetinginBrusselswill serveasayear-endopportunityforour nationalassociationpartnerstoreflect ontheyear’sprogressanddefine prioritiesfortheyearahead.

SettingtheScene:WhereEuropeStands

The macro outlook session, led by Ignacio de la Torre (Chief Economist, Arcano Partners), offered a sharp lens on Europe’s economic position in a shiftinggloballandscape.

Ignacio walked participants through a detailed view of short-term stability and long-term structuralpotential especiallywhencomparedto growing risks in the US, including political uncertainty, trade volatility, and widening fiscal gaps.

ALF2025inBarcelona: ConversationsThatMove theSectorForward

From 25–27 June, EuropeActive gathered industry leaders and key partners for the 14th Active LeadershipForum(ALF)inBarcelona threedaysof conversation, exploration, and connection across the wider European fitness and physical activity landscape

Now a fixture in the EuropeActive calendar, ALF brings together President’s Council members, sector experts and invited guests to take stock of where we are and moreimportantly wherewe’reheading.

Opening the event, Kai Troll, CEO of EuropeActive, underlined the value of trust and long-term relationships:

“Our industry’s strength lies in the connections we build.ALFcontinuestoprovideaninvaluablespaceto nurturethoserelationships.”

This year also marked the first forum under the leadership of Marcel Boots, EuropeActive’s new President and Strategic Advisor at Basic-Fit His messagetotheroomwasclear:ifwewanttogrowour impact, innovation and collective direction must go handinhand

MarketFocus:Spain’sUniqueModel

One of the most data-driven sessions came from Patricia López Cuenca (2Playbook), joined by StevenWard(GO fit), who guided a deep dive into Spain’sfitnessandsportsmarket Spain’smodelisunique: 14% of the market is made up of public and concessionalclubs,thehighestinEurope

Just1.2%ofclubsareinthepremiumsegment

The top10operators,includingVivaGym,BasicFit and GO fit, account for 63% of the top 25 marketshare

Ward pointed to the value of strong public policy support and shared infrastructure, calling Spain “a k t h d b i ti b t l b

Culture,Nutrition&AI:Lifesum’sPerspective

ChrisSeth,ChiefBusinessOfficeratLifesum,offereda refreshingly human take on how AI and tech can supportbetterhabits startingwithnutrition.

“Forus,itwasallaboutnutrition.That’sthefoundation ofwellbeing.”

LeadershipasaPractice:IESEBusinessSchool

The leadership session, hosted at IESE Business School and led by Miquel Lladó, was a clear standout Part case study, part reflection, it challenged attendees to think differently aboutvisibility,valuesandadaptability

Retention&Engagement:GettingtheBalanceRight

The Customer Journey & Retention Panel looked at how operators are managing member engagement in an increasinglydigitalenvironment

AndersGran(BRPSystems),TinoTsolakis(EGYM),andPeter Croft (Sport Alliance) explored the tension between automationandauthenticity

Tsolakisnoted:

“You can scale a fully digital model, but you have to be meticulousinhowandwhenyouengage”

The consensus was clear: digital tools are powerful but humanconnectionstillmakesthedifference

He traced the evolution of food tracking from early calorie charts to AI-powered platforms that support real behavioural change His point? Healthy eating doesn’t need to be clinical or isolating it can be intuitive,enjoyable,andsociallyembedded

SiteVisits:SeeingStrategyinPractice

Participants visited three Barcelona-based clubs to seesectorinnovationinrealtime: Eurofitness(PiscinaCanDragó):astrongexample of public-private collaboration in a community setting.

Fitness Park (Rosselló): low-cost, digital-first, and focusedonscale

David Lloyd Turó: premium wellness, hospitality integration,andstandoutmemberexperience

FitTech&ForwardPlanning

DuringtheFitTechMemberMeeting,technologypartnersand PC members mapped out upcoming projects, data challenges and shared innovation goals from AI-guided fitnessjourneystomoreintegrateddigitalecosystems

The final strategy session with Kai Troll and Marcel Boots reemphasised what many attendees had already felt throughouttheweek:ifwewanttoleadasasector,wehave tobeclearonwhatwe’reaskingfor andloudenoughtobe heard.

LookingAhead:Amsterdam2026

As Barcelona wrapped up, it was announced that ALF 2026 willtakeplaceinAmsterdam,from17–18June2026 Afitting next step for the ongoing conversation on leadership, sector unityandpublicimpact

E U a n d P u b l i c A f f a i r s E U a n d P u b l i c A f f a i r s 02 02

AllEyesontheEU’sNext Long-TermBudget: PhysicalActivityasa StrategicInvestment inEurope’sFuture

EuropeActiveleadsaSectoralCallfromEuropeanFitnessandPhysicalActivityStakeholderstoSafeguard EUFundingintheNextEUBudget

In May, EuropeActive in partnership with its National Association Members participated in the European Commission’spublicconsultationon the EU’s next long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework - MFF), whichiscurrentlyundernegotiationandwillstartin2028 TheconsultationcoveredallEUfundingprogrammesand specificallyareasvitaltooursectorsuchasErasmus+

We called on the European Commission to safeguard and increase EU funding that enables physical activity and fitness providers to collaborate across borders in sight of making more people, more active, more often We underlined that EU funding is key in supporting sector stakeholders collaborate and learn from their peers, which directly benefits the general population by increasing the offer, quality, and relevance of our sector’s fitness and physical activities Physical activity is proven to be one of the most cost-effective tools to improve individual’s health, social well-being and their productivity - yet its potential to drastically diminish healthcare costs through integrated prevention remains untapped The Commission’s commitment to ensure a resilient and thriving future forallEuropeansrequiresaparadigmshifttowardshealthierlifestylesforall,andcross-sectoralcollaborationsto makethisareality.

OurGeneralEUFundingRequests:

Increase EU funding and initiatives, and their accessibility, that support multisectoral collaboration and coordination platforms dedicated to healthy lifestyles promotion and access;

Provide Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) the financial resources and political attention it deserves across policies and funding programmes to address physical inactivity, poor health projections, and their consequent economic outcomes

As part of Erasmus+ specific requests, EuropeActive urged the reconsideration of Erasmus+ eligibility criteria and funding formats that currently limit the potential of European Week of Sport (EWoS) and its sub-campaigns such as #BEACTIVE DAY. We called for the inclusion of Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries and the UK in Erasmus+ funding as well as asked for an extension of project durations to24–36monthstoreduceadministrativeburdenand support long-term impact. These adjustments would allow proven campaigns to grow their outreach and better promote physical activity and EU values across thecontinent

EuropeActive Reaches Out to MEPs to Elevate Health and Physical Activity in the Parliament’s Budget Report

EuropeActive, together with six partner organisations from across the European sport and physical activity ecosystem, has submitted joint amendments to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) for the European Parliament’s report on a revamped longterm EU budget. The goal: to ensure health and physicalactivityreceivetheattentionandfundingthey deserve in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

In light of increased pressures on EU spending, driven by geopolitical tensions and rising defence priorities, the coalition voiced strong concerns about the risk of deprioritising essential areas like health-enhancing physical activity, sport, public health, and the promotionofandaccesstohealthylifestyles

The group issued a united call to preserve and strengthen investment in these areas, which are key to improving public health, fostering inclusion, building resilient communities, and driving economic growth alignedwithEuropeanvalues

Thisjointeffortincluded: CommonGoal

EuropeanPlatformforSportInnovation(EPSI) EuroHockey

Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI)

InternationalSportandCultureAssociation(ISCA) SportandCitizenshipThinkTank

These contributions aim to form a solid foundation for further dialogue and to help shape amendments to the Commission’s forthcoming MFF proposal, expected in July.

EuropeActive Joins Call to Protect Sport and Physical ActivityFundingintheEU’sFutureBudget

As part of a broader wave of actions around the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), EuropeActive was proud to stand alongside over 150 organisations from across Europe and beyond in cosigningajointstatementurgingtheEUtoprioritisesport andphysicalactivityinthenextMFF(2028–2034)

This powerful collective appeal reinforced the vital contributionofsportandphysicalactivityto:

Improvingpublichealth

Promotinginclusionandsocialcohesion

Drivingeconomicgrowthandjobcreation

Supportingeducationandyouthempowerment

The statement sets out five key demands, with a central call for increased investment through flagship EU programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and EU4Health.

Backed by compelling data - every €1 invested in grassroots sport delivers €5 in return - the message is clear: physicalactivityisnotacost,butasolutionand aninvestment. At a decisive moment for the EU’s longterm investment planning, this joint call amplified the voice of the sport and physical activity sector and highlighted its value as a strategic priority for Europe’s future

EU AFFAIRS

ACampa Healthier, ActiveCom

The #BEACTIVE DAY 2025 campaign is now officially underway! With the launch webinar on 27 May 2025, the fifth edition of the initiative sets a clear focus on the prevention and management of noncommunicablediseases(NCDs)throughHealth-EnhancingPhysicalActivity(HEPA).

Building on a well-established structure and supported by experienced partners, #BEACTIVE DAY continuestogrowintoarecognisedEuropeaninitiativethatleveragesstrategicpartnerships,scientific insights,andcommunity-orientedactiontofosterhealthiercommunitiesacrossEurope

On 23–24 April 2025, project partners from Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Serbia, and Sweden gathered in Belgrade for the annual campaign workshop Hosted by the Serbian Association for Recreation and Fitness (SRFS), the workshop provided a platform to share knowledge, align strategies, and prepare for the campaign’s next phase

Academic experts, including Prof Sanja Mažić and Dr Duško Spasovski from the University of Belgrade, reinforcedthecampaign’sthemebypresentingevidencethatphysicalactivitycanserveasapowerful “magicpill”forpublichealth

Building on this scientific foundation, partners engaged in collaborative discussions on how to bridge thegapbetweenknowledgeandimplementation,withthegoalofembeddingtheconceptof"exercise ismedicine"intopractice-andintegratingitintothisyear’s #BEACTIVEDAYcampaignevents.

Campaign Workshop: Building Momentum in Belgrade

OfficialLaunchandExpertContributions

The campaign officially launched with a webinar on 27 May 2025, introducing a refreshed set of campaign visuals and resources tailored for this year’s edition. The event featured expert speakers including Dr. Viktor Oliva and Marian Brennan from IDF Europe, who explored the link between Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) and conditions such as cancer and diabetesreinforcing the campaign’s core message: exercise is a vital, evidence-based tool for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Val Sizychas, Market & Communications Officer at Ireland Active, also delivered a presentation showcasing Ireland Active’s standout marketing strategy for the campaign

TheHEPAGuide:AFlagshipResource

As a key campaign deliverable, the HEPA Guide has being developed to equip professionals in the physical activity and health sectors with the tools needed to promote inclusive and accessible exercise programmes - particularly for individuals living with or at risk of noncommunicablediseases(NCDs).

Tailored for fitness providers, healthcare stakeholders, and those affected by NCDs, the guide presents evidence-based strategies to overcome barriers to physical activity and foster supportive environments for all InitiallypublishedinEnglish,itwillsoonbeavailablein eight additional languages - Bulgarian, Finnish, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Serbian, and Swedish - to ensurewiderreachandapplicabilityacrossEurope

Coordinated by EuropeActive and Dr Viktor Oliva, the contenthasbeenshapedthroughcollaborationwithkey patient organisations, including the Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), European Heart Network (EHN), International Diabetes Federation Europe (IDF Europe), and the Organisation for RespiratoryHealthinFinland.

PartnerActivities:FromPlanningtoAction

As part of the EU-funded project, partners produced teaser videos in their national languages to engage local audiences and build momentum for #BEACTIVE DAY. These short, engaging clips highlight the campaign’s goals and are tailored to reflect each country’suniquecontextandmessaging

Beyondvideoproduction,eachpartnerisalsohostinga national Campaign Launch Event, positioning themselves as the key contact point for the initiative in their country These events bring together stakeholders fromthefitness,health,privateandpublicsectors They serve as platforms to present the campaign’s mission, highlight its relevance in addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and showcase resources such as the HEPA Guide to support effective

With its growing reputation and clear health-focused mission, #BEACTIVEDAY 2025isuniquelypositionedto deepen collaborations between the fitness and the healthsectors

By combining evidence-based messaging with community-driven approaches, the campaign is positioned as a powerful tool to promote physical activity as a recognised, cost-effective, and accessible solution for preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) - which account for 90% of deaths and 80% of healthcare costs across Europe.

Through the integration of expert knowledge, national engagement, and coordinated European action, #BEACTIVE DAY 2025 aims to inspire individuals, empower professionals, and foster healthier, more activecommunitiesacrossthecontinent

EU AFFAIRS

HealthyLifestylesfor Europe:Progress, Collaborationandthe RoadAhead

In May, the Healthy Lifestyles for Europe (HL4EU) project convened in Aegina, Greece, for a productive in-person meeting hosted by partner EPIONI,duringtheArtsandMentalHealthFestival

The setting provided a unique and timely space to reflect on the connection between mental health and physicalactivity-fittinglyalignedwithEuropeanMentalHealthWeek.

At the halfway point of the project, partners took stock of progress and renewed their shared commitment to fosteringcross-sectorcollaborationforhealthier,moreactivecommunities.HL4EUisnotonlyaboutsupporting healthy lifestyles, it is also a strategic effort to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and advance healthequityacrossEuropeansocieties.

A major achievement to date is the launch of the HL4EU Good Practice Platform, now featuring over 90 initiativesfromacrossEuropeandbeyond Theseexamplesreflectthediversityandcreativityoforganisations working across sectors (public health, education, transport, urban planning, and physical activity) to support activelifestylesandimprovedhealthoutcomes

To further expand this knowledge base, EuropeActive and the HL4EU consortium are reinforcing the Call for Good Practice Sharing Organisations are warmly invited to submit their relevant projects and initiatives, followingthecriteria This is not just an opportunity to gain visibility- it is a chance to directlycontributeto shaping EU-level policy recommendations, ensuring they reflect the breadth and depth of on-the-ground experience.

Lookingahead,theprojectwillhostaseriesof focus groups to explore the drivers and barriers of successful cross-sector collaboration These insights will feed into the project’sfinalrecommendations,whichaimto support more coherent, collaborative and impactful policies on health and physical activity

From highlighting large-scale community initiativesliketheGreeceRacefortheCure,to engaging with arts-based mental health workshops, the gathering reinforced the project's central belief: healthy lifestyles require collaborative action, innovative thinking,andasystemsapproach.

EuropeActive is proud to coordinate this ambitious project and thanks all partners for their ongoing contributions We call on professionals and organisations in the health and fitness sectors across Europe to get involved by submitting good practice examples – help us shape a future where healthy lifestyles, health equity, and NCD preventionareatthecoreofEuropeanpolicy.

F i t n e s s F r o n t l i n e s F i t n e s s F r o n t l i n e s 03 03

Updatesfrom Members

ELEIKORENEWSPARTNERSHIPWITH INTERNATIONALWEIGHTLIFTING FEDERATIONTHROUGH2028

Eleiko will continue to provide equipment for the sport’s most prestigiousevents includingtheOlympicGames,YouthOlympic Games,qualificationevents,IWFWorldChampionships,GrandPrix events,andotherIWF-sanctionedcompetitions

BEYONDBUDGET:WELLHUBREPORT REVEALSEMPLOYEEENGAGEMENT ISCEOS'#1WELLNESSPROGRAM CONCERN

Anewin-depthstudyfrom Wellhub,theglobalcorporatewellness platform,unveilsasurprisingtruthaboutexecutiveprioritieswhen it comes to workplace wellness: CEOs are most concerned with employeeengagementandutilization,notprogramcosts

TECHNOGYMREPORTSSTRONGESG PERFORMANCEIN2024: INNOVATION,CIRCULARITY,AND WELLNESSATTHECORE

In 2024, MSCI ESG Research upgraded Technogym's ESG rating to A level, and EcoVadis awarded the company a Gold Medal, reflecting its performance across environmental, social and ethicaldimensions.

AUSTRIA

AccordingtotheKeyDataoftheAustrianFitnessIndustry2025,Austria’sfitness market continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with memberships rising 64% to 1,3 million people. Growth was particularly strong among under-20s, who view gym-going as part of a healthy lifestyle, and the 50+ demographic due to their high purchasing power. The study highlights the sector’s growing role in health and prevention, and its success in tapping into diverse market segments. With clear industry metrics, the report empowers operators to assess trends, seize opportunities,andbettertailortheirofferingstoevolvingcustomerneeds.

"The fitness industry has further consolidated its role as a healthcare provider –with growing membership numbers, a high willingness to invest, and a clear focus on prevention, it is an indispensable pillar of healthcare in Austria”, said ChristianHörl,PresidentoftheAustrianProfessionalAssociationofSportsand LeisureEnterprises(WKÖ).

GERMANY

According to the Key Data of the German Fitness Industry 2025, Germany’s fitnesssectorhitanewmilestonein2024,surpassingpre-pandemiclevelswitha record 1171 million members - 138% of the population Growth was led by fitness chains, which gained 55% more members and accounted for nearly half of the industry’s €582 billion in revenue Membership also rose among the key 15–65 age group, highlighting a growing desire to actively support personal health Fitness remains the country’s most popular form of training, ahead of football andgymnastics Althoughthetotalnumberoffacilitiesremainedstable,theshift toward chains and niche offerings (eg EMS, personal training) signals a dynamic,health-orientedmarketevolution

PORTUGAL

Portugal’s Fitness Barometer 2024 reveals strong market growth, with a 21.4% increaseinthenumberoffitnesscentres,reaching1,282nationwide,anda27.6%rise inturnoverto€345million.Thenumberofpractitionersincreasedby10.1%compared to2023,reachingtheincrediblemarkof780,000practitioners(members)in2024. The average monthly fee climbed by 10.5% to €37.69, reflecting a shift of members towardhigher-valueofferings.Retentionhitarecord58.4%,withnotablegainsinthe low-cost segment, while premium clubs saw a steep drop. The mid-market dominatesthelandscape,accountingforover85%ofmembersandturnover Market penetrationroseto76%,neartheEuropeanaverage,andemploymentinthesector grew by 84% The data signals a recovering and increasingly stable market, with greatermemberloyaltyandcontinuedinvestmentinqualityandservices

PortugalActivoPresidentJoséJúlioValeCastroshares

“WearepleasedtoseeanincreaseinthepenetrationrateinPortugal,approachingtheEuropeanaveragebutstill far from the Western European countries, where we are included However, we believe that this year we will continuetheupwardtrajectory”

SWITZERLAND

According to the Key Data of the Swiss Fitness Industry 2025, Switzerland’s fitness industry reached historic highs in 2024, with 1.37 million members - 15.2% of the population - and record figures for centres (1,395) and revenue (CHF 1.3 billion). Growth spanned all market segments, driven by the fitness centres’ strong focus on health promotion and higher training frequency of members (1.4 sessions/week). Investmentisalsobooming,withCHF249millionplannedfor2025andrepresenting a28%increase Thesectorisbecomingmoreprofessionalised,withrisingpermanent employment and near-universal staff training Among DACH countries, Switzerland leadsinmarketpenetrationandfrequency,confirmingitskeyroleinpublichealth

“Theeconomicmoodintheindustryisextremelypositive,thewillingnesstoinvestis high, and confidence in its own future is strong”, said Marcus Schwedhelm, Presidentofswissactive.

UNITEDKINGDOM

According to the UK Health and Fitness Market Report 2025, the fitness sector showedstronggrowthin2024,withmembershipsrising61%toreach115millionand total income increasing by 88% to £57 billion With a penetration rate of 169%, the UK now rivals Europe’s top-performing markets Low-cost operators expanded rapidly, while mid- and premium-tier clubs enhanced their value offerings The sector is increasingly tech-enabled, delivering personalised, data-driven experiences Younger generations are driving membership growth, viewing fitness as essential to their health and wellbeing High M&A activity signals investor confidence, despite ongoing cost pressures The industry’s contribution to public health and its evolution into a vibrant, community-focused experience economy continuestogrow.

“These findings provide irrefutable evidence that our sector is essential for the UK’s health, happiness and prosperity, offering a major opportunity for further growth andinvestment”,saidHuwEdwards,CEOofukactive.

CentralandEasternEuropeComes Together:ARegionalSummit FocusedonProgressandPartnership

The4theditionoftheCentralandEasternEuropeanHealth &FitnessSummit(CEEHFS)tookplacefrom1–3July2025in Timișoara, Romania, bringing together industry leaders, national associations, suppliers, and policymakers from across the region. Organised by RomaniaActive in partnership with EuropeActive and supported by UPfit.cloud, the summit provided a clear reflection of the sector’s ongoing evolution and its shared ambition to grow strongerthroughcollaboration.

AGrowingPlatformforRegionalConnection

CEEHFS continues to build its reputation as a key event on the European fitness calendar With over 100 participants, this year’s summit focused on challenges and opportunities specific to Central and Eastern Europe, offering a forum where national-level discussions can connect with wider Europeangoals

From public health to automation, and digital transformation to leadership development, the agenda reflected both local realities and global trends This year’s theme “TheHealth&FitnessEvolution:ShapingTomorrow, Today” captured a forward-looking spirit shared by speakersanddelegatesalike.

FromFitnesstoPrevention

In the opening keynote, EuropeActive CEO Kai Troll spokeontheimportanceofshiftingthenarrativefrom fitness to prevention. His address highlighted EuropeActive’s ongoing work to strengthen national associations, improve public affairs capacity, and position the sector as an essential part of healthcare andpublicpolicydiscussionsacrossEurope

OtherkeysessionsexploredhowAIandautomationare being used to improve operational efficiency, how regional trends compare with mature markets, and the importance of clear standards and professionalisation inbuildingtrustandlong-termsustainability

InsightswerealsosharedfromEuropeActive’sEuropean Health & Fitness Market Report, Wellhub’s workplace wellbeing experience, and a variety of operators and suppliersleadinginnovationacrosstheregion

BuildingRegionalDialogue

One of the summit’s most anticipated sessions, “One Industry, One Voice” , brought together leaders from national associations in Hungary, Latvia, Croatia, and Romania The discussion focused on the need for alignment, cooperation, and greater recognition of the sector’simpactatnationalandEUlevels

Across the full-day programme, roundtables, informal networking sessions, and evening events provided space for genuine dialogue reinforcing CEEFHS’s unique character as both a content-driven and community-led event.

EuropeActive believes strongly in the value of regional initiativeslikeCEEFHS Theyallowfordeeperengagement with local priorities, provide a platform for national associations to grow, and create opportunities for the sectortospeakwithamoreunitedvoice

We would like to thank RomaniaActive and UPfit.cloud for their dedication in delivering a well-organised and forward-looking event. EuropeActive is proud to have supported this initiative and looks forward to continuing themomentumintonextyearandbeyond.

Ifyou'reinterestedinbecominga memberorexploringsponsorship opportunitiesforournewsletter andmagazine,pleasecontactour PartnershipManager,Emilia Happel,formoreinformationand availablepackages: emiliahappel@europeactiveeu

E d u c a t i o n a l S e r v i c e s E d u c a t i o n a l S e r v i c e s 04 04

This article is a personal reflection written by Dr.LászlóZopcsákPhD, founder and CEO of IWI, on the 25-year journey of the International Wellness Institute. In his own words, he recounts how a vision became a pioneering institution in Hungarian and European fitness education. From its early beginnings to becoming a EuropeActive-accredited leader, this is both his story and the story of IWI told by the person who lived and shapedit.

TrainingProviderintheSpotlight:

IWIFitnessSchool Celebrates25Years ofImpact

EuropeActiveAccreditedSince2009–16YearsofTrustedQuality inFitnessEducation

I’m proud to share the story of IWI Fitness School, a Hungarybased institution I founded and continue to lead as CEO, now marking its 25th anniversary A key part of this journey has been our longstanding partnership with EuropeActive, which began in 2009. For 16 years, we’ve proudly held EuropeActive accreditation (originally through EHFA), a collaboration that has been central to ourgrowthandreputation.

My personal path has been closely tied to IWI’s evolution. I began asaphysicaleducationteacher,thenworkedasapersonaltrainer in Cyprus. When I returned to Hungary where personal training was then largely unknown I built a client base in Budapest and dreamed of launching Hungary’s first personal training course In 1999,ItraveledtotheUnitedStates,earnedcertificationfromISSA, and spent three months in California observing personal trainers at work Upon returning, I launched the country’s first PT course, whichquicklybecameasuccess

That early momentum led to the foundingoftheInternationalWellnessInstitute(IWI) At the same time, I workedonseveralfitnessclubconstructionandmanagementprojects Adefiningmomentcamein2009at an EHFAforuminPrague, which reshaped how I saw the fitness sector It was there that I decided to align fullywithEuropeanprofessionalstandardsandvalues

EuropeActiveplayedanessentialroleinourdevelopmentandhelpedsolidifyourleadershipintheHungarian market Its accreditation partners at the time Active IQ and YMCA visited our operations, thoroughly auditing our programs and offering practical guidance to raise the standard of professional training The adoption of European standards, EREPS registration, and collaborative marketing campaigns helped us riseabovethefragmentedandunregulatedlocaltraininglandscape.Overtime,wemovedfrombeingone ofmanyproviderstoarecognisedleaderininnovation,impact,scale,andrevenue

In 2010, I joined the EuropeActive Professional Standards Council and served until 2017, including a term as Deputy Director in 2015 Contributing to sector-wide development was a privilege, and I was proud to help shape several professionalprograms In2013,IWIco-hostedthe 4th International Standards Meeting (ISM) in Budapest. During my keynote, I compared regional market differences and proposed a Central European Summit to address the challengesuniquetoourregion.

Since 2016, we’ve proudly served as FIBO Ambassadors,helpingbringmoreHungarian

professionals to this flagship international event We arepartnersoftheEuropeanHealth&FitnessMarket Reportsince2019.

Over the years, I’ve taken part in numerous meetings and conferences in Brussels and beyond frequently presenting or moderating at ISMs. We also launched HUREPS (the Hungarian Register of Exercise Professionals), and I served as President of the Hungarian Health and Fitness Association, partnering with EuropeActive on various EU-funded projects. These roles offered rich professional experiences and builtlastingEuropeanconnections.

ttransformedmyperspectiveonthefitnesssector

IWIinstructorteamservingasFIBOAmbassadors

In recent years, the environment in Hungary has made it increasingly difficult for civil organisations to operateindependently Asaresult,Isteppedbackfromrepresentativeroles,unwillingtoworkunderpolitical pressure

Despite this, IWI remains strong We are official education partners of ACE and NASM two of the world’s largestproviders andwecontinuetolaunchnewprogramseachyear Ourcoursecatalogueincludesover 80 programs, many available online Beyond core fitness education, we offer training in wellness, spa and fitnessmanagement,sportrehabilitation,performanceenhancement,aerialyoga,Pilates,andmore serving bothprofessionalsandthegeneralpublic.Ourflagshipprogramtodayis MedicalFitness,afieldI’mdeeply involved in as I co-author and edit a new textbook. We are also proud founding members of the Prevention Platform,focusedontacklingobesityinHungary.

Oneofmygreatestpersonalrewardsisseeingthenextgenerationcontinuethework.MysonZalán,asports management graduate from the Netherlands, has been working at IWI for six years. He now leads Sales & Marketingandplaysanessentialroleinshapingourfuture.

Ourslogan,“PassiontoCareer”trulyreflectswhatdrivesme andthethousandsoftrainerswe’veeducated whonowmakeadifferencebothinHungaryandabroad SharingthestoryofIWI’s25-yearjourneywiththe EuropeActivecommunityisespeciallymeaningful,asthispartnershiphasbeenfoundationaltooursuccess

Ihopeourstoryencouragesotherstostriveforexcellenceandembracecollaborationacrossborders.

DrLaszloZopcsakPhD

IWIFounder,CEO

ThefirstmembersofHUREPSinHungary,withCliffCollinsin2010

Zalán, my son, carrying forward the IWIlegacywithpassionandpurpose. PragueCEHFS,2022

EREPS BroadensIts Reachand Influencein 2025

The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) is experiencing impressive momentum in 2025, with new members, strategic partnerships, and a growing global presence. Having established itself as the gold standard for fitness professionalism, EREPS is now setting the pace for the industryacrossbordersanddisciplines.

RECORDGROWTHINMEMBERSHIP

As of mid-2025, EREPS reports a membership of 15,800 professionals, reflecting a 14% rise since January. That’s an increase of 2,800 members in just six months, outpacing previous trends and underlining EREPS’ growing relevance in the fitness sector

This growth is a direct result of focused outreach and registration efforts, as well as increasing awareness of the value and credibility that EREPS affiliationbrings

GLOBALREACH:SPANNING98COUNTRIES

EREPSnowcovers98countries anindicationofitsbroadandimpactfulglobalpresence Importantly,halfof all EREPS members are concentrated in Scandinavia, mainland, and Eastern Europe, with substantial emerging markets in Asia This consistency reflects both sustained interest in established regions and strong opportunitiesforgrowthinnewones.

EDUCATIONPARTNERSHIPSREMAINSTRONG

EuropeActive continues to work with a robust network of 153accreditedtrainingproviders a figure that has remainedstablesincethestartoftheyear.Thisconsistencyhighlightshighre-accreditationratesandstrong institutional trust in EuropeActive’s Professional Standards, of which there are now 16, including the recently launchedLevel4StrengthandConditioningCoachstandard.

Theseaccreditedprovidersplayavitalroleinmaintainingeducationqualityandassessmentintegrityacross theEREPSecosystem,ensuringthateveryregisteredprofessionalisfullypreparedtomeetindustrydemands.

CONTINUING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE

EREPS’ trajectory in 2025 is not only markedbygrowthinnumbersbutalso by increasing influence, innovation, and professionalism in the fitness sector. With new regions coming on board and key partnerships developing, the remainder of the year promises to build on a solid and scalablefoundation.

From expanding its member base to strengthening global alliances, EREPS continues to serve as a unifying force for fitness professionals shaping a future where quality, recognition, and opportunitygohandinhand

SARAHEDMONDS

Director,Education&Standards

“We are really pleased to see this consistent growth monthonmonth:itisatestamenttotheteam’shardwork and recognition from EuropeActive, its board members and the wider sector buying in to the notion of selfregulation,highqualityandrigorousstandards,withEREPS membershipservingastheguaranteeofemployabilityfor operators, and credible benchmarking of the fitness and wellness industry to our wider stakeholders,” said EuropeActive’s Director of Education and Standards. “We have some fantastic projects and plans for growth at scale,includingimportantpartnershipsandcollaborations tobeannouncedinthenearfuture.”

ClubsAcrossEurope RaisetheBar withFITcert®

EVONorwayandMACfitLeadtheWayinCertificationSuccess

EuropeActiveisproudtocelebratetwomajormilestonesintheadvancementoffitnessqualitystandards acrossEurope BothEVONorwayandMACfitTurkeyhaverecentlyachievedhigh-levelcertificationsunder the FITcert® scheme, reinforcing their dedication to delivering safe, high-quality experiences for their members

EVONorwayAchieves FITcert®Level4Across74Clubs

In a standout achievement, EVO Norway has become one of the first operators in Europe to reach FITcert® Level 4 – the highest level in the scheme – across all 74 of its clubs. This certification, is a testament to EVO’s rigorous operational standardsandclearcommitmenttomemberwell-being.

"At EVO, we are strongly committed to delivering high-quality training experiences to our members. Safety and quality are the cornerstones of success. FITcert has helped us structure our work in this respect FITcert requires that we focus on all aspects of our operations, from facilities to equipment and personnel For us at EVO, FITcert is a valued part of our offering to our customer base Finally, we can assureourmembersthatwedeliversafetyandqualityinallourclubs"

MortenHellevang,CEOofEVO

ThisachievementsetsanewbenchmarkfortheScandinavian market and demonstrates how FITcert can support operationalexcellenceatscale

MACfitTurkeyEarns FITcert®Level3in109Locations

Meanwhile,inTurkey,MACfithassuccessfullycertified109sitesatFITcert®Level3 Asoneofthelargestfitness operators in the country, MACfit’s participation in FITcert reinforces their commitment to structured, consistentqualityandsafetyacrossavastnetwork

This Level 3 certification indicates that MACfit has adopted advanced internal quality management processesalignedwithEN17229,theofficialEuropeanstandardforfitnesscentres Theaccomplishmentisnot only impressive in its scale but also highlights the value of FITcert for operators seeking to enhance and harmonisetheirservicedeliverynationwide.