FROMEUROPEANPROJECTTOLASTINGIMPACT:HOW PORTUGUESEFITNESSCLUBSARESUPPORTINGHEALTHYAGEING
ACTIVELEADERSHIPFORUM2026: THECONVERSATIONSSHAPINGTHENEXTCHAPTEROFFITNESS
INVESTINGINPEOPLE:HOWAPOLLONEXTALIGNSBUSINESS GROWTHWITHEUROPEANFITNESSSTANDARDS
Thehealthandphysicalactivitysectoris evolvingfasterthanever,drivenbynew technologies,changingconsumer expectations,policydevelopments,anda growingrecognitionofthevitalrolemovement playsinhealthiersocieties
InthiseditionoftheHighlightsMagazine,we bringyouthelatestinsights,sectorupdates, inspiringstories,andkeydevelopments shapingthefutureoffitness,wellness,and physicalactivityacrossEurope.
Fromindustrytrendsandpolicymilestonesto education,innovation,andcommunityimpact, thisissuehighlightsthepeople,ideas,and initiativeshelpingtomoveoursectorforward Whetheryouareafitnessprofessional,industry leader,orpassionateadvocateforphysical activity,wehopethiseditionprovidesvaluable perspectivesandinspirationforthejourney ahead
Thankyouforbeingpartofourcommunity.We inviteyoutoexplorethelatestdevelopments andjoinusinshapingamoreactive,healthier Europe
MentalWellbeing AConversationwithAlexCorretja
ActiveLeadershipForum2026 ShapingtheNextChapter
E U A N D P U B L I C A F F A I R S
#BEACTIVEDAY 2026 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED DURING EUROPEAN MENTAL HEALTH WEEK ThousandsofFreeActivitiesAcross Europe
The2026editionof#BEACTIVEDAYwas officiallylaunchedon6Mayduring EuropeanMentalHealthWeek,kickstarting anotheryearofactiontoinspiremore peopleacrossEuropetoembracephysical activityandactivelifestyles
CoordinatedbyEuropeActive,#BEACTIVE DAYisaEurope-widecampaignthat encouragespeopleofallagesandabilities toparticipateinfreeandinclusivephysical activityeventsduringtheEuropeanWeek ofSport.
The2026#BEACTIVEDAYprojectiscofundedbytheErasmus+programmeofthe EuropeanUnionandimplementedin partnershipwithprojectpartnersfrom Belgium,Greece,Latvia,NorthMacedonia, Serbia,Spain,andSweden.
TogetherwithotherEuropeActive’sNational Associationparticipatingtothecampaign, theywillmobilisethousandsoffitness clubs,communityorganisations,schools, workplaces,publicauthorities,andsport providerstodeliveractivitiesinthelead-up toandaround23September,contributing directlytotheEuropeanCommission’s EuropeanWeekofSport.
BuildingCapacityThroughPractical Resources Duringthewebinarlaunchon6May, participantswereintroducedtothe campaign'supdatedvisualidentityand communicationtoolkit,providing organiserswiththeresourcesneededto beginpreparationsfortheirnationaland localactivities.Organiserscannowaccess arangeofcampaignmaterials,including promotionalassets,communication resources,andtheofficialcampaign promotionalvideoavailablethrough EuropeActive'sYouTubechannel.
Since2022,thecampaignhassupported organisersthroughaseriesoffreeInclusion Guidesdesignedtohelpfitnessand physicalactivityproviderscreate welcoming,accessible,andinclusive environments.
Previouseditionshaveaddressedkey societalprioritiesincludingtheinclusionof womenandgirls,intergenerational participation,accessibilityforpeoplewith disabilities,environmentalsustainability, andHealth-EnhancingPhysicalActivity (HEPA)withafocusonpeoplelivingwith non-communicablediseases.TheGuides areavailableonmultiplelanguageson EuropeActive’swebsite.
In2026,thisseriescontinueswithanew MentalHealthandWellbeingGuide, unveiledduringthewebinarandsoontobe availableinmultiplelanguagestosupport campaignorganisersandfitness professionalsacrossEurope.
MentalHealthandWellbeingGuide Oneofthekeyhighlightsofthewebinar wasDrRichardBailey'spresentationonthe 2026campaigntheme,whichexploredthe relationshipbetweenphysicalactivityand mentalhealth,withaparticularfocuson howthefitnessandphysicalactivitysector cansupportthewellbeingofyoungpeople.
Hispresentationhighlightedagrowing bodyofevidencedemonstratingthat regularphysicalactivitycanimprove mentalhealthoutcomesbyreducing symptomsofanxietyanddepression, enhancingsleepqualityandcognitive function,strengtheningemotional resilience,andfosteringmeaningfulsocial connections.
Thesebenefitsareparticularlyimportant giventhatoneinsixpeopleinEurope experiencesamentalhealthcondition, whilementalhealthchallengesremain amongtheleadingcausesofreduced wellbeingandqualityoflife,especially amongyoungergenerations
Dr.Baileyalsostressedthatthe positiveimpactofphysicalactivityis maximisedwhenparticipationtakes placeinenvironmentsthatareinclusive, supportive,andpsychologicallysafe. Tohelporganisationscreatesuch environments,thenewMentalHealthand WellbeingGuidehasbeendevelopedby Dr.Baileyandhisteam.
Theguideprovidespractical,evidenceinformedrecommendationstosupport fitnessandphysicalactivityprovidersin understandinghoweveryday environments,organisationalculture,and programmedesigncaninfluencemental wellbeing Itexploresthewaysfitness settingsshapewellbeing,examinesboth thebenefitsandpotentialrisksassociated withparticipationinphysicalactivity,and offersspecificguidanceforworkingwith children,adolescents,andyoungpeople.
Ultimately,theguideaimstohelpthe sectorcreatesafer,moreinclusive,and moreresponsiveenvironmentsthat supportmentalhealthandwellbeing forall.
TheGuideisavailableonEuropeActive website.Gocheckitout!
What'sNext? FollowingtheEuropeanlaunch,project partnersandNationalAssociationsare organisingnationalcampaignlaunch eventsacrossparticipatingcountrieswith theaimtoraisingawareness,recruiting localorganisers,andestablishingNational Associationsaskeycontactpointsforthe campaign.
#BEACTIVEDAYisopentoeveryone.From universitiesandcommunitycentresto gyms,outdoorsportspacesandpersonal trainers,anyorganisationorindividualcan takepartbyorganisingafreeandinclusive activity.Bybecominganorganiser, participantsjoinaEurope-widecampaign thatpromotesphysicalactivityasa powerfultoolformentalhealth,wellbeing andsocialconnection Organisationsand individualsinterestedinbecomingpartof the#BEACTIVEDAYcampaignand receivingthecampaigntoolkitareinvited tocontactAnnaHarvan,Campaign ManageratEuropeActive.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MENTAL WELLBEING: A CONVERSATION WITH ALEX CORRETJA The2026editionof#BEACTIVEDAYwasofficiallylaunchedon6MayduringEuropean MentalHealthWeek,markingthestartofanotheryearofactiontoencouragemore peopleacrossEuropetoembracephysicalactivityandactivelifestyles.
CoordinatedbyEuropeActive,#BEACTIVEDAYisaEurope-widecampaignthatbrings togetherthousandsoffreeandinclusivephysicalactivityeventsduringtheEuropean WeekofSport Everyyear,fitnessclubs,communityorganisations,schools,workplaces andpublicauthoritiesjoinforcestohelpmorepeoplebecomeactiveandexperiencethe benefitsofmovement.
AsanofficialpartneroftheEuropeanCommission'sEuropeanWeekofSport, EuropeActiveuses#BEACTIVEDAYtoshowcasethefitnessandphysicalactivity sector'scontributiontohealthierlifestylesandstrongercommunitiesacrossEurope.
MentalHealthandWellbeingattheHeart of2026
Thisyear'scampaignfocusesonMental HealthandWellbeing,highlightingthe importantrolephysicalactivitycanplay insupportingemotionalresilience, reducingstressandstrengtheningsocial connection.
AcrossEurope,manypeoplecontinueto facechallengesrelatedtoloneliness, anxietyandburnout.Regularphysical activityoffersasimpleandaccessibleway tosupportmentalwellbeing,helping peoplebuildhealthyroutines,improve moodandconnectwithothersinpositive environments
Tosupportthistheme,EuropeActivehas publishedanewMentalHealthand WellbeingGuide.DevelopedbyDrRichard Baileyandhisteam,theguideexplores howfitnessandphysicalactivity environmentscansupportmental wellbeing,whilealsoaddressingpotential risksandchallenges.Itprovidespractical recommendationsforcreatingsafe, inclusiveandsupportivespaces,with dedicatedguidanceforchildren, adolescentsandyoungpeople
TheguidecontinuesEuropeActive'sseries ofInclusionGuides,whichinprevious yearshavefocusedontopicssuchas womenandgirls,intergenerational participation,accessibility,sustainability andHealthEnhancingPhysicalActivity.
ANewPartnershipwithEurosport
The2026campaignisfurtherstrengthened throughanewcollaborationwith Eurosport,whosecommitmentto promotinghealthandwellbeingthrough sportalignscloselywiththeobjectivesof #BEACTIVEDAY.
ThroughitsWBDSportsTogether programme,Eurosportsupportsinitiatives thatusesportasacatalystforpositive socialchange,inclusionandhealthier lifestyles.Thepartnershipwillhelpamplify thecampaign'smessageandraise awarenessofthepositiveimpactphysical activitycanhaveonbothphysicaland mentalwellbeing
Aspartofthiscollaboration,formerworld numbertwotennisplayerandEurosport commentatorAlexCorretjahas contributedtheforewordtotheMental HealthandWellbeingGuide.
Inthefollowinginterview,AlexCorretja reflectsontheimportanceofmental health,hispersonaljourneyfrom professionalathletetobroadcaster,and therolephysicalactivitycontinuestoplay inhislife.
AEurosporttalentandcommentator,you kindlyendorsedthe#BEACTIVEDAY2026 MentalHealthandWellbeingGuide. Pleasesharewhythisisimportanttoyou?
Thisiskeyinlife,andIthinkwedon'tpay enoughattentiontoit I'mgladthat nowadaysmorepeopleareawareofitand concernedaboutit Wepracticesomany hoursinourlives,whetheritistennis, physicalconditioning,orotheractivities, thatweforgetalotaboutmentalhealth andemotionsandallthatmattersfora humanbeing.
Weareconcernedaboutcreatingbig champions–towinMajorsandwin Olympicmedals–butweforgetthatwedo havehumanbeingsbehindthat,andwe arenotmachines.
That'swhyIwasverythrilledtobepartof thisbecause,inmylife,thementalaspect hasbeenveryimportant Ihopethatwith myexperienceIcansharesomething valuable.I'mnottryingtoteachpeople whattheyneedtodo;I'mjusttryingto sharewhatI'vedoneandwhathasbeen goodforme.
Tellusaboutyourjourneyandhowit shapedyou,fromprofessionalathleteto whereyoustandtoday?
Well,itisaverytrickyprocessbecauseyou dreamaboutbeingasgoodasyoucanbe, andyoudreamaboutwinningasmany tournamentsasyoucanfromwhenyou areverylittle.WhenIwas10yearsold,Iwas practisingfourhoursaday.Iwasdoing threehoursoftennisinthemorningand onehouroffitness.Iwasthenstudyingin theafternoon–prettymuchallmylifeI've beeninvolvedintennis.
Iwasdreamingofbecomingnumberone intheworld.Ibecameworldnumbertwo, butIdon'thaveanyregretsbecauseI gaveeverythingIhad–Icansleepevery nightcalmlyandrelaxed,knowingthatI gaveeverything.
ButthenthedaycamewhenIhada problemwithmylefteyeandIneededto retirefromtennis.Iwasalready31years old,butfromthatmomenton,you'restill veryyoungandyoufeelabitscaredof what'scoming
Everysinglemorningyouhadwokenupto putonyourtracksuitandgoandpractise, andallofasudden,nowyouwakeupand youarewearingjeans!Youfeelstrange. Youfeelabitoutofbounds,Iwouldsay, becauseyoureallydon'tthinkthatyouwill findsomethingthatwillbeasexcitingas beingatennisplayer–theadrenalineof playingimportantmatches,important moments,winningthings,fightingfor trophies–andyoufeellikeyourlifeisgoing tobeemptyfromnowon
OnceIfoundsomethingthatIreallylove, likemypassionforcommentatingon tennis,IfeelashappyasIwasasaplayer, whichisvery,veryimportanttokeepon growingbecauseotherwiseyougetstuck inthepast,andyoudon'twanttodothat.
Weareconcernedaboutcreating bigchampions–towinMajors andwinOlympicmedals–butwe forgetthatwedohavehuman beingsbehindthat,andweare notmachines.
Alex Corretja
EurosportTennisExpert,FormerWorld NumberTwoandGrandSlamFinalist
Beyondyourprofessionalcareers,what instigatedyourmotivationtoactively promotementalhealth?
Irealised,throughTV,thatwecanhavean amazingimpactonpeoplebecause millionsofpeoplearelisteningtous,andI knowthatwhateverI'mgoingtosayonTV hasahugeimpact.WhenI'mwatchinga match,Ialwaystrytofindthepositiveparts fromthatmatch,evenifitmightnotbethe greatestmatchever Ialwaystrytofindthe goodsideofthestory,andIalwaysfeel whenI'mcommentatingthatthatmatchis thebestmatcheverinawaybecauseI alwaystrytoexplainwhythingsare happening.
Outsideofcommentating,Ialsodoalotof conferencesforcorporateclients,and thereIrealisethatlifeislikeatennis match–wegetthroughdifferentperiods duringthematchthatarelikeregularlife.
Sothat'swhatmotivatesmealot,and peopleappreciateitsomuch.Iamvery gratefulforthewaypeoplearewithme, butI'mtryingtobethesameinmynormal lifeaswhenI'monTV.
Irealisethatwhenyoudon'tdo fitness,youdon'twanttodoit.Butif youmakeitpartofyouragenda [...], itcanreallyhelp.Evenifit's20 or30minutesaday,itisgreatifyou canmoveyourbodyandmoveyour musclesbecausethenyourmind willthinkcompletelydifferently.
EuropeActiveandEurosport’s collaborationfortheEuropeanWeekof Sportoffersastrongplatformtopromote physicalactivityasatoolforhealth.How doyouseethesekindsofpartnerships andtheirroleinraisingawareness aroundmentalhealthandexercise?
Ifyoudon'tdoexercisealmostfourorfive timesaweek,thenyoudon'tknowwhat you 'remissing!Itisahabit.
Irealisethatwhenyoudon'tdofitness,you don'twanttodoit Butifyoumakeitpartof youragenda–andIknowsomepeople worksuchlonghoursandfinditdifficultto balancefamilylifewithfitness–itcan reallyhelp.Evenifit's20or30minutesa day,itisgreatifyoucanmoveyourbody andmoveyourmusclesbecausethenyour mindwillthinkcompletelydifferently.IfI amgoingtospeakataconferenceorgo tocommentateonamatch,Iliketogiveall myenergy,andexercisinghelpswiththat.
I'mreadingalotthesedays,andIhave realisedthatsometimeswepayalotof attentiontoothersbutnotenough attentiontoourselves.I'vebeen understandingalotofthingsoutsidetennis thatarehelpingmeunderstandlife.Since havingafamily,andwithmyworkandmy jobwithTV,I'mcombiningallthese experiences.That'swhyyouneedtodo fitnesstounderstandthesethingsbetter becauseifyouarestuckathomeandyou don'tdoanything,yourmindisgoingto explode.
LookingAhead Nationallauncheventsarenowtaking placeacrossparticipatingcountriesas organisersprepareforthisyear'sactivities around23September Asinpreviousyears, thousandsoffreeeventsareexpected acrossEurope,welcomingpeopleofall ages,backgroundsandabilities.
ByfocusingonMentalHealthand Wellbeing,#BEACTIVEDAY2026aimsto demonstratethatphysicalactivityisnot onlybeneficialforthebody,butalsoa powerfultoolforsupportingemotional wellbeing,socialconnectionandhealthier communities
Organisationsandindividualsinterestedin becomingpartofthe#BEACTIVE DAYcampaignandreceivingthe campaigntoolkitareinvitedto contactAnnaHarvan,CampaignManager atEuropeActive.
FROM EUROPEAN PROJECT TO LASTING IMPACT: HOW PORTUGUESE FITNESS CLUBS ARE SUPPORTING HEALTHY AGEING Ifwewereaskedhowwewouldliketo spendthelasttenyearsofourlives, regardlessofhowlongwelive,mostofus wouldprobablygivethesameanswer:in goodhealthandwithahighqualityoflife.
YetwhilemostPortuguesepeople recognisethatphysicalactivityisessential forhealthandwellbeing,therealitytellsa differentstory.Accordingtothelatest Eurobarometer,73%ofPortuguesecitizens reportthattheyneverexerciseor participateinsport,placingPortugal amongtheleastactivecountriesinEurope.
Thisisparticularlyconcerninggiventhe well-establishedlinksbetweenphysical inactivityandnon-communicable diseasessuchascardiovasculardisease, diabetesandcancer Physicalactivityis widelyrecognisedasoneofthemost effectivestrategiesforsupportinghealthy
AsEurope'spopulationcontinuestoage, findingeffectivewaystohelpolderadults remainactive,independentandsocially connectedisbecomingincreasingly important
TheActiveAgeingCommunitiesProject
Tohelpaddressthischallenge,theActive AgeingCommunities(AAC)projectwas aunchedbyEuropeActivein2022.
DevelopedbyexpertsfromtheUniversityof outhernDenmark,AACwasdesignedas aninnovativecommunity-based nterventiondeliveredthroughfitness lubsacrosssixEuropeancountries The programmecombinedexercise, behaviouralsupport,socialengagement andeducationalactivitiestohelpolder adultsadoptandmaintainanactive festyle.
CheckouttheAACGoodPracticeGuideto getinspiredbytheAACprogramme!
WhiletheEuropeanprojecthasnow concluded,itsimpactcontinues.In Portugal,twofitnessoperatorsthat participatedinAAChavesuccessfully integrateditsprinciplesintolong-term programmesthatcontinuetobenefitolder adultstoday.
Atitscore,+Activocombinesevidencebasedexercisewithhealtheducationand socialengagement.Participantsbenefitnot onlyfromstructuredphysicalactivitybut alsofromopportunitiestobuildmeaningful socialconnectionsandbecomepartofa supportivecommunity
Solinca ding Comm ing
Inspired ugh AAC,Solincadevelopedthe+Activo Programme,adedicatedinitiativefor adultsaged65andover
Initiallypilotedin2023atSolincaDragão andSolincaVianadoCastelo,the programmewasdesignedtocreatea scalablemodelthatcouldbe implementedacrossthewiderSolinca network.
Physicalactivityisacentralpillarofthe programme,withparticipantsattending threesupervisedsessionsperweek.These sessionscombinecardiovasculartraining, strengthdevelopment,balanceexercises, andmobilityandflexibilitywork.
Acomprehensiveassessmentprocess underpinstheprogramme.Beforestarting, participantscompleteadetailed evaluationcoveringmedicalhistory,body composition,vitalsignsandfunctional fitness.StandardisedtestssuchastheSixMinuteWalkTest,the30-SecondSit-toStandTestandtheTimedUpandGoTest areusedtotrackprogressandguide individualisedexerciseprescription throughoutparticipation.
Alongsideexercise,theprogramme includeseducationalsessionsonhealthy lifestyles,fallprevention,chronicdisease management,mobilityandhealthy ageing Theseactivitiesaimtostrengthen healthliteracyandempowerparticipants totakeanactiveroleinmanagingtheir wellbeing.
Thissocialdimensionisparticularly important.Socialisolationisincreasingly recognisedasamajorriskfactorforboth physicalandmentalhealthamongolder adults Bycreatingopportunitiesfor interaction,mutualsupportandfriendship, +Activohelpsparticipantsimprovenot onlytheirfitnesslevelsbutalsotheiroverall wellbeing.
LearnmoreaboutSolinca’s+Activo programmehere.
GymTónicoWellnessCenter:A MultidisciplinaryModelforActiveAgeing
InBraga,GymTónicoWellnessCenterhas takentheAACapproachfurtherby developingacomprehensiveActive AgeingProgrammedeliveredthrougha multidisciplinarypartnership.
AlongsideGymTónico,theinitiativebrings togetherFisioSaúde,theInstituto CardiovasculardeBraga(ICB)and home-careproviderAbraços&Mimos
Theprogramme'sobjectiveissimplebut ambitious:helpingadultsaged60+remain active,independentandengagedintheir communitiesforaslongaspossible.
Participantsundergocomprehensive medical,cardiovascularandfunctional assessmentsbeforebeginning individuallytailoredexercise programmes.Dependingontheirneeds, theymayparticipateinresistancetraining, aquaticexercise,walkingprogrammes, mobilitywork,groupfitnessactivitiesor individualexercisesessions.
Whatmakestheprogrammeparticularly innovativeisitsholisticapproach. Alongsidephysicalactivity,participants benefitfromnutritionalguidance, cognitivestimulationactivitiesand opportunitiesforsocialengagement.
Bycombininghealthcare,exercise, nutritionandcommunityparticipation,the programmeaddressesmultiple dimensionsofhealthyageing simultaneously,helpingolderadults maintaintheirphysicalcapacities,support cognitivefunctionandstrengthensocial connections.
LearnmoreabouttheActiveAgeing ProgrammeinBragahere.
AModelfortheFuture TheexperiencesofSolincaandGymTónico demonstratethelastingvalueoftheActive AgeingCommunitiesprojectandthe broaderrolethatfitnessclubscanplayin society.
Theseinitiativesshowhowfitnessclubs canevolvebeyondtraditionalexercise facilitiestobecomegenuinehealth promotionhubsthatsupportautonomy, independenceandqualityoflife throughouttheageingprocess.
ThelegacyofAACthereforeextends beyondthehundredsofparticipants reachedduringtheprojectitself.Itliveson throughthesustainableprogrammesit inspired:initiativesthatcontinuetohelp olderadultslivehealthier,moreactiveand moreconnectedlives.
FRUITFUL 12TH EDITION OF THE FITNESS CHALLENGES CONGRESS Paris’EspaceCharentonwelcomedclose to250stakeholders,including150club managersandownersfromFrance, BelgiumandSwitzerland,forthe12th editionoftheFitnessChallengesCongress (4-5June2026) Anofficialpartnerofthe event,EuropeActive’sfrancophones,Kiera Wason(EUAffairsManager)andHery Delaporte(EREPSCoordinator),werethrilled tohaveattendedtheeventandconnect witholdfacesandnew.
Thursday4Junesetthetone,withkeynotes divingintotopicssuchastheuseof relationalintelligenceforcustomer experience,establishingsystemstofoster customerloyalty,ordigitalpowerand leadershipcommunication
Theafternoonsaw‘expertbattles’hosted byPierre-JacquesDatcharryandBertrand Lataste,wheretheaudiencewasthejudge. Fourhottopics,tackledhead-on:
Seatedvs.Expressselling-two commercialculturesdebatingwhat buildslastingloyalty;
Thefutureoffitnesspricing-between low-costpressure,premiumisation, andnewusagepatterns;
Freelancersandemployees,andtheir impactonclientonboarding;
AndOpenaccess:opportunityor constraint?Themostdivisiveand thought-provokingtopics.
Friday5Juneopenedwithapresentation ofEuropeActive/Deloitte’sEuropean HealthandFitnessMarketReportby SteffenGausselmann,beforethestage wasgiventoEuropeActivedelegatesfora shortintroductionofitsEuropeanAffairs workandEREPS,andfinallytoNathalie Schwartz,onbehalfofourFrenchNational association(Active-FNEAPL),whocalledon theroomtojoinFrance’s#BEACTIVEDAY campaign!
JonasMertenclosedthedaywithan overviewoftheHYROXecosystemandits impactonclubattendance.Attendeesand exhibitorshadtheopportunitytoconnect throughoutthedayandparticularlyduring g angesflowedbetweensessions, gbreaksandthroughoutthelunches. anyattendees,theshowwasa cetodiscoverstrategicpartnersor ongoingprojectsforward years,theCongresshasstrivedto participantswithnewinsightsand sothattheyreturnhomeenergised eadytomakechangebyMonday ng-missionaccomplished!
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FOR EUROPE: BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR CROSS-SECTORAL ACTION After30monthsofcollaboration,research, stakeholderengagement,andpolicy dialogue,theHealthyLifestylesforEurope (HL4EU)projecthasofficiallycometoa close(January2024-June2026).
CoordinatedbyEuropeActiveandfunded throughtheErasmus+programme,HL4EU setoutwithanobjectivetostrengthen cross-sectoralapproachestohealthy lifestylesthroughphysicalactivityand demonstratehowgreatercollaboration canhelpaddresssomeofEurope'smost pressingpublichealthchallenges.
Whilethebenefitsofphysicalactivityfor health,wellbeing,socialinclusion,and economicsustainabilityarewell established,responsibilityforpromoting activelifestylesremainsfragmented acrosspolicyareas.Health,sportand physicalactivity,education,activemobility, environment,andcommunity developmentoftenworktowardssimilar goals,buttoorarelyinacoordinatedway. HL4EUsoughttobridgethesegapsand createstrongerconnectionsbetween sectorsthatshareacommoninterestin achievinghealthiersocieties.
Oneoftheproject'smostsignificant achievementsisthecreationoftheHL4EU GoodPracticePlatform,whichshowcases 136successfulexamplesofcross-sectoral collaborationfromacrossEuropeand beyond.
Thedatabasehighlightsinnovative initiativesthatbringtogetherdifferent sectorstopromotephysicalactivityand healthylifestyles,providingpolicymakers, practitioners,andorganisationswith practicalinspirationandevidenceofwhat canbeachievedthroughpartnership.
Buildingonextensivedeskresearch, analysisofgoodpractices,andaseriesof virtualfocusgroups,theprojectalso developeditsfinalPolicy RecommendationsonEnablingCrossSectoralApproachesforHealthyLifestyles inEurope Therecommendationscallfor strongergovernanceandcoordination mechanisms,moresustainablefunding models,greaterintegrationofphysical activityintohealthandprevention systems,improvedequityandinclusion, andbettermeasurementofimpactand outcomes.Together,theyofferaroadmap forpolicymakersseekingtomovebeyond isolatedinitiativesandtowardsmore integratedapproachestohealth promotion.
Theprojectculminatedinahigh-levelFinal ConferenceheldattheEuropean ParliamentInfoHubinBrussels,organised incollaborationwiththeEuropean ParliamentMultipliersOutreachUnitand theEuropeanPublicHealthAssociationas partofEuropeanPublicHealthWeek.
Bringingtogetherrepresentativesfrom Europeaninstitutions,governments, academia,civilsociety,andthehealthand physicalactivitysector,theevent showcasedboththeproject'sfindingsand real-worldexamplesofimplementation.
Discussionsfocusedonhowtotranslate policyambitionsintoaction,including integratingphysicalactivityinto healthcaresystemsandembeddingactive lifestylesacrossmultiplepolicyareas. Speakersandpanelistshighlighteda commonmessage:achievinghealthier andmoreactivesocietiesrequiresstronger alignmentbetweensectors,clearer ownershipofresponsibilities,andsustained politicalcommitment.
WhileHL4EUmayhavereachedits conclusion,itsimpactextendsfarbeyond theproject'slifetime.Throughitsgood practicedatabase,policy recommendations,andextensive stakeholdernetwork,theprojecthas createdvaluableresourcesand momentumforfutureaction The challengenowistobuildonthese foundationsandensurethatcrosssectoralcollaborationbecomesthenorm ratherthantheexceptionineffortsto promotehealthylifestylesthroughphysical activityacrossEurope.
Watchtheproject’sResults&Outcomes videotoexploreinmoredetailproject'skey achievementsandreflectionsfromexperts andpartners.
MAKING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COUNT FUTURE IN EUROPE’S HEALTH Asdiscussionsprogressonthefutureof Europeanhealthfunding,thefitnessand physicalactivitysectorhasanimportant opportunitytoensureitsvoiceisheard
TheEuropeanCommissionrecently consultedstakeholdersonprioritiesforthe 2027EU4HealthWorkProgramme.While consultationsmayseemtechnical,thisone carriesparticularsignificance.2027marks thefinalyearofthecurrentEUbudget cycle,andthefutureofEU4Healthbeyond thatdateremainsuncertain.Discussions areunderwayonthenextMulti-annual FinancialFramework(theEU’s7-yearlongtermbudget),includingwhetherhealth fundingwillcontinuethroughadedicated programmeorbeabsorbedintoabroader CompetitivenessFund.
Forthefitnesssector,thismattersbecause physicalactivitystilldoesnotreceivethe visibilityitdeserveswithinEuropean healthpolicy.Despiteoverwhelming evidenceofitsbenefits,physicalactivity oftenreceiveslessattentionthanotherrisk factorssuchasnutrition,tobaccouse,and alcoholconsumption.
Thisisamissedopportunity Physical activityisoneofthemosteffective, accessible,andcost-effectiveinterventions availableforpreventingandmanaging non-communicablediseases.Regular activityreducestheriskofcardiovascular disease,supportsmentalhealth,improves qualityoflife,andcontributestohealthy ageing.YetoneinthreeEuropeansstillfails tomeettheminimumrecommendedlevels ofphysicalactivity.
InEuropeActive’sresponsetothe consultation,wecalledforstronger recognitionofphysicalactivityacrossthe entirecontinuumofcare-from preventionandearlyinterventionto treatmentandrehabilitation.Wealso highlightedtheneedforgreatersupportfor exercisereferralschemes,physicalactivity counsellingwithinhealthcaresettings, community-basedprogrammes,and strongercollaborationbetweenhealthcare professionalsandfitnessandphysical activityproviders.
Importantly,physicalactivityshouldnotbe viewedsolelythroughasportpolicylens Creatingmoreactivesocietiesrequires coordinatedactionacrosshealth, education,urbanplanning,mobility,and environmentalpolicies.EU4Healthcanplay avaluableroleinsupportingthesecrosssectoralapproaches.
Theconsultationisnotonlyaboutshaping long-termpolicy.Itwillalsoinfluencethe prioritiesreflectedinthe2027fundingcalls. WhileEU4Healthfundingishighly competitive,recentexperienceshave shownthatopportunitiesforphysical activityprojectsdoexist
Ultimately,thisisaboutmorethanfunding. Itisaboutensuringthatprevention,health promotion,andphysicalactivityremain centraltoEuropeanhealthpolicy.Asa sector,wemustcontinuedemonstrating thatmovementisnotjustalifestylechoice, itisapublichealthinvestment.
Resultswillbecompiledintoasummary reportandpublishedhereinduetime.
ERASMUS+ 2028–2034: CALLING FOR GREATER AMBITION On3June,theEuropeanParliament's CommitteeonCultureandEducation (CULT)heldacrucialsessionwith rapporteurMEPBogdanZdrojewskito discussthedraftreportonthenext generationoftheErasmus+programme.
Thefinalparliamentaryvoteisexpectedto takeplaceinStrasbourgthisautumn,after whichthethefinalnegotiationsbetween theEuropeanParliament,theCounciland theCommissionwillbegin,withtheaimof reachinganagreementbytheendofthe year
EuropeActiveandthewiderSportand PhysicalActivityCoalitionwelcome severalpositivekeyelementsofthereport, including:
Standalonechaptersandearmarking persector,improvingpredictability, transparency,andlong-termplanning forbeneficiaries
Astrongrecognitionoftheimportance ofsportandphysicalactivity,supported byadedicatedbudgetline
Astrongerfocusoninclusion,solidarity andparticipation,alongside competitivenessandemployment
Simplificationmeasuresandimproved accessfornewcomersandgrassroots organisationswithlowercapacity
EnhancedsynergieswithotherEU programmesandnationalfunding instruments
Theproposed4.1%allocationforthesport andphysicalactivitystrandrepresentsan encouragingstepforward However, EuropeActivebelievesthenextErasmus+ programmeshouldmatchthegrowing demandandimpactofthesportand physicalactivitysectorbyallocating5%of theprogrammebudgettosportand physicalactivity.
Astrongersportbudgetwouldbetterkeep pacewithrisingdemand,inflationary pressures,andtheuntappedpotentialof thesportandphysicalactivitysector.It wouldalsoprovidegreatersupportto grassrootsorganisationsandensurethat physicalactivitycancontinuecontributing tomoreinclusive,healthierandmore democraticcommunitiesacrossEurope.
Finally,EuropeActivefurtherraisesconcern aboutthecurrentlackofreferencetoNotfor-profitsportevents,whichwillinevitably impactengagingindividualstobeactive throughcommunityimplemented campaignssuchas#BEACTIVEDAYand theEuropeanWeekofSport.
Advocacyeffortsacrossthesportand physicalactivitysectoraregathering momentumaroundasharedobjective: ensuringtherecognitionofsportand physicalactivityasstrategicinvestments inEurope'sfuture.
Thiswasclearlyreflectedduringtheevent "TheEnablingRoleofSporttoAchieveEU ObjectivesandFutureSupportviatheMFF 2028–2034",organisedbytheEuropean OlympicCommittees(EOC)EUOfficeand theEuropeanCommitteeoftheRegionson 4JuneinBrussels
Akeymessageemergingfromthe discussionswastheneedtomainstream sportandphysicalactivityacrossthe nextMFFandawiderrangeofEUfunding programmes.
TheRighttoStayStrategy:Recognising SportasaDriverofRegionalDevelopment
EuropeActivehasalsocontributedtothe EuropeanCommission'sconsultationon theRighttoStayStrategy,aninitiative aimedataddressingregionaldisparities, demographicdeclineandterritorial imbalancesacrosstheEuropeanUnion.
Initsresponse,EuropeActiveemphasised thatensuringfairandaccessible opportunitiesforsportandphysicalactivity shouldbeacrucialpartofthe Commission’sefforttoensurethatcitizens caneffectivelyexercisetheirrighttostayin theplacestheychoosetocallhome.
Sportandphysicalactivitydirectly contributetohealth,socialinclusion, communitycohesion,youthengagement, employment,activeageing,sustainability, regionaldevelopmentand competitiveness.Yettheirpotential remainsunderutilisedwhenconfinedto sport-specificprogrammesalone.
EuropeActivecontinuestoadvocatefor ensuringthatsportandphysicalactivity arerecognisedascross-sectoralenablers ofEUobjectivesandtobemainstreamed acrossthenextMultiannualFinancial Framework(MFF)andfutureEUfunding instruments.
E V E N T S
UPCOMING EUROPEACTIVE EVENTS #BEACTIVEDAYisanannualcampaignpromotingphysicalactivitythrough thousandsofinclusiveandsustainableeventsallaroundEurope
TheISMunitesacademics,employers,andeducationproviderstoaligntraining withworkforceneeds.Focusedonskills,standards,andcareerpathways,itfeatures insights,research,andcasestudiestodriveindustrycollaboration.
Focusedonensuringhigh-quality,standardisededucationfortrainingproviders,this forumfacilitatesupdates,discussions,andcollaborationsonaccreditationand industrystandards.
tsthefitnesssectorwithhealthandpublicpolicy ocietalhealth TBD
Theleadingeventforindustryleaders,EHFFsetsthestageforinnovationand collaborationastheopeningeventfortheFIBOInternationalTradeShow
ACTIVE LEADERSHIP FORUM ‘26: THE CONVERSATIONS SHAPING THE NEXT CHAPTER OF FITNESS FortwodaysinJune,thepeoplesteering Europe'sfitnessandphysicalactivitysector swappedtheirownboardroomsfora sharedone.The15thActiveLeadership Forum,heldinAmsterdamon17and18 June,gatheredthesector'sseniorleaders forthekindoffrank,off-the-record exchangethatonlyaclosedroomallows.
Whatstoodoutthisyearwashowfarthe conversationreachedbeyondthegym floor.Theagendaborroweddeliberately fromhospitality,finance,retailandlifestyle, reflectingasectorthatincreasinglysees itselfnotasaniche,butascentraltothe widereconomyofhealthandwellbeing.
TheActiveLeadershipForum existstobringoursector'sleaders intooneroomandintoone conversation.
Kai Troll CEOofEuropeActive
TheForumopenedwiththePresident's CouncilSummit,aclosed-doorsession whereleaderssharedwhattheyhave achieved,namedthechallengesahead andworkedtowardacommonagendafor thesector.Alignment,ratherthan competition,wastheprevailingmood.
Fromthere,threeideasshapedthetwo days.Thefirstwasconvergence.Michael Levie(citizenM)drewoutwhatfitnesscan learnfromhospitality,whileTim Cloosterman(Rituals)showedhow wellbeing,beautyandtechnologyare foldingintooneanother.
Thesecondwascredibilityasan investmentcase,withAnnaBarnfather (PanmureLiberum)readingthesignals frommergers,acquisitionsandthecapital markets.
Thethirdwasinnovationastheengineof engagement,embodiedwhenPaolo Gabrielli(Technogym)unveiledRunX,a newWorldTreadmillChampionshipbuiltto turnindividualworkoutsintoglobal community
Practitionersgroundedthebigideasin reality.ReneMoosandEricavan Vonderen-Hahn(Basic-Fit)openedupthe marketingandmemberengagement playbookbehindEurope'slargestoperator, whileCarolineFisher(ASICS)andEmma MasonZwiebler(WFSGI)widenedthelens tomovementandtheglobalsporting goodsindustry.
Thesectoralsoshoweditselfoff Aclub tourbyboatcarrieddelegatesacross AmsterdamtoHouseofRituals,fit20and SaintsandStars,threedistinctanswersto thesamequestionofhowtokeeppeople moving
Theclearesttakeawaywasnotanysingle statisticorstrategy,butaposture. Europe'sfitnessleadersaredone thinkingsmall Thegrowthaheadwillbe builtacrossindustriesandin collaboration,andALFremainswhere thoseconversationsstart.
EuropeActivethanksitsPresident'sCouncil, itsspeakersanditssponsorsBasic-Fit,FIBO andTechnogym,withadditionalsupport fromASICS,formakingthe2026edition possible.
Toexperiencetheatmosphereandenergy ofALF2026,watchtheofficialhighlights videoonourYouTubechannel.
WhatwesawinAmsterdamwas anindustrythinkingbiggerthan ever,drawingonhospitality, financeandtechnology,and increasinglywillingtoalignon theprioritiesthatwillshapeour sharedfuture.
Thatspiritofcollaborationis exactlywhatoursectorneedsas itcontinuestogrow.
Kai Troll CEOofEuropeActive
F I T N E S S F R O N T L I N E S
MEMBER UPDATES Basic-Fitbringsreformer-inspiredPilatestoawider audiencethroughfreedigitalworkouts.
Basic-FitismakingthepopularreformerPilatestrendmore accessiblebyofferingfreedigitalworkoutsinspiredbythe discipline.Throughitsonlineplatform,thefitnessoperatoraimsto helpmorepeoplediscoverthebenefitsofPilates-inspiredtraining, regardlessoftheirexperiencelevel
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LesMillslaunchesWorkoutfortheWorldinsupportof UNICEF.
LesMillshaslaunchedWorkoutfortheWorld,aglobalfitness initiativebringingcommunitiestogetherthroughmovementwhile supportingUNICEF’sworktoimprovechildren’slives.The campaign,launchedon20June,encouragespeopleworldwideto takepartinworkoutsthatmakeapositivesocialimpact.
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PurposeBrandsexpandsOrangetheoryFitnessinto Italywithfournewstudios.
PurposeBrandshasannouncedtheexpansionofitsOrangetheory FitnessbrandintoItaly,withfourstudiosplannedaspartofits Europeangrowthstrategy.Themovemarksanotherstepinthe brand’sinternationalexpansion,followingcontinuedgrowth acrossglobalmarkets.
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TechnogymandWorldAthleticslaunchRUNX™,the world’sfirst5Ktreadmillchampionship.
TechnogymandWorldAthleticshaveintroducedRUNX™,anew globaltreadmillcompetitionthatbringsthe5Kraceformat indoors Theworld’sfirsttreadmillchampionshipaimstocombine technology,performance,andaccessibility,allowingathletesand fitnessenthusiaststocompeteinanewdigitalracing environment.
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PEDALLING FOR PURPOSE: INSIDE THE ALPE D’HUZES INDOOR RIDE AT ROTTERDAM AHOY On4June,RotterdamAhoywas transformedintooneofthemost emotionallychargedcyclingvenuesinthe Netherlands.Fivehundredriderstookto stationarybikessimultaneously, completingsixconsecutive45-minute sessionsinsupportofAlped’HuZes–the Dutchfundraisinginitiativethatchallenges participantstocycleorhiketheAlped’Huez mountainmultipletimesinasingledayto raisefundsforcancerresearch.
TheIndoorRideistheevent’surban counterpart.Whiletheoutdooredition takesplaceontheiconicAlpineclimbin France,theRotterdameventbringsthe samespiritindoors–openingthe challengetoawideraudiencewhile preservingitsambition,enduranceand senseofcollectiveachievement
Akeypartnerinbringingtheeventtolife wasBasic-Fit,Europe’slargestlow-cost gymoperatorandamemberofthe EuropeActivePresident’sCouncil. Asco-organiser,Basic-Fitsupportedthe eventthroughitsoperationalexpertiseand network,helpingcreatetheinfrastructure neededforhundredsofparticipantstotake part.Itsinvolvementreflectedawider commitmentwithinthefitnesssectorto supportinitiativesthatconnectphysical activitywithmeaningfulsocialcauses
Thescaleoftheeventwasimmediately striking.FivehundredbikesacrosstheAhoy arenafloorcreatedascenemore reminiscentofamajorsporting competitionthanacharityride.
Theatmospherewasdefinedbyintensity, determinationandsharedpurpose.Music, lightingandencouragementfrom instructorscreatedapowerfulsenseof momentum,whilethepersonalstories throughouttheroomgavetheeventits deepermeaning.Namesonjerseys, photographsattachedtohandlebarsand messagesofdedicationonwristbands servedasremindersoftheindividual motivationsbehindeachrider’seffort. Formanyparticipants,theridewasnot simplyafitnesschallenge,butapersonal tributeandanexpressionofsolidarity withthoseaffectedbycancer.
Sinceitsfoundation,Alped’HuZeshas raisedmorethanEUR200millionforcancer researchthroughtheDutchCancerSociety (KWFKankerbestrijding).TheIndoorRide extendsthismissionbeyondtheAlpine event,allowingmorepeopletoparticipate whilemaintainingthecorevaluesof endurance,communityandcollective action.
Forthefitnessindustry,theeventhighlights thegrowingroleoperatorscanplay beyondprovidingaccesstoexercise facilities Withmorethan1,660clubsand 4.82millionmembers,Basic-Fit’s involvementdemonstrateshowlarge fitnessorganisationscanusetheirreachto supportinitiativesthatbringcommunities together.Increasingly,experiencesbuilt aroundsharedvaluesandsocialpurpose arebecominganimportantpartofhow o w
E D U C A T I O N A L S E R V I C E S 04
INVESTING IN PEOPLE: HOW APOLLO NEXT ALIGNS BUSINESS GROWTH WITH EUROPEAN FITNESS STANDARDS Sincelaunchingin2021,APOLLONEXThas experiencedsteadygrowth,reaching21 clubsbymid-2026withfurtherexpansion alreadyunderway.
Whileweareincrediblyproudofthis momentum,ourrealfocushasalways beenonwhathappensinsideourspaces Werecognisethehugepotentialwithinthe fitnessindustry,butwealsoknowthat state-of-the-artequipmentandstylish locationsareonlypartoftheequation.
Thetruedriverofanysuccessfulbusiness isitspeople.
Thatisexactlywhyweinvestsoheavilyin ourmostvaluableasset:ourteam,their education,andtheirongoingprofessional development.
TheAPOLLONEXTFitnessAcademywas bornfromasimplebusinessreality:ifyou wantthebestresults,youneedtoprovide yourpeoplewiththebesteducation.
Asournetworkexpands,maintainingan exceptionallyhighlevelofserviceacross everylocationrequiresaunifiedstandard.
Werelystrictlyonevidence-basedfitness methods whenitcomestopeople's health,thereissimplynoroomfor guesswork.WebuilttheAcademytogive ourtrainersasolid,dependablefoundation theycandrawoneverysingleday.
NEXT Fitness Academy
Kyiv,Ukraine
TheAPOLLONEXTFitnessAcademy wasbornfromasimplebusiness reality:ifyouwantthebestresults, youneedtoprovideyourpeople withthebesteducation.
AtAPOLLONEXT,ourtrainersoperateas independentcontractors.Thisisa deliberatechoice,itallowsthemtoseethe directimpactoftheirworkandfeela genuinesenseofownershipinthe company’sbroadersuccess
However,thrivingasanentrepreneurina highlycompetitivemarketrequiresstrong backing.Oureducationalstandards providethiscrucialsupportsystem.We wanttoequipourteamwiththeexact toolstheyneedtocompete,succeed consistently,andconfidentlyguidetheir clientsthroughsafe,evidence-based training.GainingEuropeActive accreditationwasanaturalnextstepfor us Itisfarmorethanjustabadgeof honour;itisapracticalframeworkthat validatesourentireapproach
Aligningourpersonaltrainingprogrammes withthesestandardsmeansourin-house educationisnowinternationally recognised.
APOLLO
RegisterofExerciseProfessionals(EREPS) providestheconfidenceofknowingthey meetthehighestEuropeanbenchmarks. Inturn,ourmemberscantrainwith completepeaceofmind,knowingtheyare inhighlycompetent,certifiedhands.
Lookingahead,ourstrategyremains practicalandentirelypeople-centric. Asweopennewclubs,wewillcontinueto investinourteam'sprofessional development.Inthefitnessindustry,you getoutexactlywhatyouputintoyour people
BypartneringwithEuropeActiveand upholdinguncompromisingstandards, APOLLONEXTisbuildingaresilientbusiness whereconfident,well-educatedtrainers naturallydeliverthebestoutcomes for theirclients,forthemselves,andforthe companyasawhole.
GainingEuropeActiveaccreditation wasanaturalnextstepforus.Itis farmorethanjustabadgeof honour;itisapracticalframework thatvalidatesourentireapproach.
BEST PRACTICE IN ADMINISTERING ONLINE INVIGILATED EXAMS Asfitnessindustryeducationacrossoursectorcontinuestomature,andreflectemerging trendsandusesofdigitalopportunities,weneedtoensurewearedoingeverything possibletobothprotecttheprofessionalstandardsandintegrityofaccompanying examsandassessments,andalsotheexperienceforthestudentsthemselves.
Thisarticleaimstosummarisethemost commonaspectsofbestpractice currentlyfoundwithintheonline assessmentlandscape,covering administration,security,authentication, environment,marking,qualityassurance approachesandmore.
Noteverythinglistedwillapplytowhata trainingprovideroreducationinstitution currentlyoffers,andobviouslynotwhere suchexaminationsarenotpartofaskillsbasedprogramme,whereobservationof skillsisthepredominantmethodof assessment.
1.AssessmentDesignFirst Whendesigningassessments, considerationshouldbemadeastothe purposeofthequalificationitself.Online invigilationshouldsupportassessment validityratherthanreplacegood assessmentdesign
Wheretheoretical(written)testsare selected,perhapsaspartofaholistic approachtocontentcoverage,thenbest practiceincludesscenario-based questions,application-focusedtasks, randomisedquestionbanks,and assessmentapproachesthatreduce opportunitiesforplagiarism orAImisuse
2.ClearInvigilationModels Therearecurrentlyvariousoptions available(sometimesviathirdparty softwaresuppliers)andtrainingproviders needtoconsiderthebestmodelwhichis notonlyfitforpurpose,butismanageable, deliverableandwithintheirownresource capability
Optionsinclude: liveremoteinvigilation(ahuman presentduringtheassessmentina remotecapacity,observingthe process)
record-and-review(aftertheevent, withtheopportunitytoreviewand revokewheresuspicionarises)
AI-assistedmonitoring(recordsnote behavioursandcomplianceduringthe event)orahybridapproachofthe above
Humanreviewshouldalwaysremainpart ofthequalityauditandreviewprocesses, andinanyfinalmisconductdecisions.
3.Candidate(student)Identity Verification Robustidentityverificationshouldinclude photoIDchecks,secureauthentication, candidatedeclarations,andproportionate useofbiometrictechnologieswhere available,affordableandlawful.
4.TechnicalReadiness Trainingprovidersshouldensuretheyhave suitablecapacity,capabilityand competencewhenchoosingtoofferonline assessments.Andwhereandwhenthey do,theyshouldbetested,robustandhave businesscontinuityplansinplacewhen thingsgowrong.Thisistoensure comparableandfairexperiencesforall studentsandavoidspossibleappeals.
Equallyclearguidanceandinformationon whatstudentsneedintermsofhardware, software,compatibility,bandwidthand securitytheirendtoo,againfora comparableandfairexperience
Toensurethisisthecase,studentsshould completemandatorytechnicalchecks beforetheassessment,includingwebcam, microphone,internetconnectivity,and browsercompatibilitytests.Oneofthe mostpracticalopportunitiestocomplete thesechecksinitially,isinadvanceofa practiceor“mock”assessment,theseare stronglyrecommended.
5.StandardisedInvigilatorProcedures Invigilators,whereused,shouldreceive formaltrainingcoveringtheirownroles andresponsibilities,suchasidentity checks,roomscans,safeguarding,incident escalation,accessibilityawareness,and dataprotectionresponsibilities.
Theyshouldbeprovidedwithtemplate checkliststoensuretherequirementsare followedandrecorded.
6.AccessibilityandReasonable Adjustments Onlineexamsmustremainaccessiblefor allstudents.Systemsshouldsupport assistivetechnologies,additionaltime,rest breaks,andalternativearrangements whereremoteinvigilationmay disadvantageastudent.
Theseshouldalwaysberequested,agreed andarrangedinadvanceofthe assessmentitself,inordertoavoidtherisk ofanappealbeingraised
7.SecurityControls Toavoidtheriskandopportunityfor cheatinginanonlineexam(malpractice), atrainingprovidershouldconsiderthe mostappropriateandeffectivestrategyto minimiseandpreventthisfromoccurring.
Onlinesecurityfeaturesvary,butthemost effectivesecurityuseslayeredcontrols suchassomeorallofthefollowing:
Lockdownbrowsers,preventingaccess towebsitesorotheronlineinformation duringtheexam
Questionrandomisation(thesame questionsinanexam,butdeliveredina differentorderoneachoccasion/for eachstudent)
Watermarkingmaterialsfor identification
Securestorageoflivematerials
Monitoringforsecondarydeviceuse
8.AIandAcademicIntegrity GenerativeAIisnowcommonplaceinthe worldofworkandlifeingeneral.UseofAI forthepurposesofattemptingtocheatin anexamisalsonowcommonplace,so risksareincreasinglyaddressedthrough assessmentredesign,authenticitychecks, oralvalidation,shorterassessment windows,andhumanreviewratherthan solerelianceonAIdetectiontools.
9.IncidentManagementandAppeals Trainingprovidersshoulddesign,share andmaintaintheirownclearpoliciesfor studentsandallstakeholderstofollow (andtocreateclearaudittrails),including
malpracticeprocedures,includinga clearscaleofsanctionstoapplywhen proven evidencereviewprocesses, appealsandcomplaints.
Technicalfailuresshouldbedistinguished fromgenuinemisconductwhen investigatinganypossiblebreachesor failuresinprocess.
10.DataProtectionandEthicsandthelaw Providersshouldimplementtransparent privacynotices,definedretention schedules,restrictedaccesstorecordings, anddataprotectionimpactassessments (DPIAs)orsimilar,whereappropriate.
Personaldatashouldalwaysbeprotected andcompliancewithlocal,nationaland internationallegislationisessential(and providersshouldbeabletoprove complianceifchallenged).
11.ContingencyPlanning Aspreviouslymentionedinrelationto businesscontinuity,processesshouldexist (andbefollowed)forinternetoutages, studentre-entryinrealtime,disruption (issueandimpactlogs),backup communications,anddeferredsittings whererequired.
Itisuptothetrainingproviderastowhat theywillallow,butanypolicyshouldbe consistentlyappliedwithoutbias
12.ContinuousQualityImprovement Aswithallactivitiesrelatingtoprofessional qualificationsandtheirassessments,a trainingprovidershouldkeepallprocesses andactivityunderreviewtoprovide assurancetotheircustomersstakeholders andthemselvesthattheyaremaintaining thequalitythresholdsexpected.
Someexamplesofbestpracticeinclude:
Requestingandreviewingstudent feedback
Monitoringandreportingoninvigilator andassessorperformance
Accessibilityrequestsorconcerns
Thematicreviewofincidentdata
EUROPEACTIVE UPDATES EQF LEVEL 3 STANDARD, STRENGTHENING THE ROLE OF FITNESS INSTRUCTORS IN A CHANGING SECTOR Reaffirmingthev frontlineprofessi
EuropeActivehas EQFLevel3Fitness FitnessInstructor changingneedso whilereinforcingt oftheseroleswith Thereviewforms ongoingcommitm ProfessionalStand withindustryprac expectationsand frameworks.While languageoftheS modernised,ther message:Fitness FitnessInstructors importantprofess ecosystem.
Theprofessionalswhodriveparticipation
AstheEuropeanfitnessmarketcontinues togrow,reachingarecord75.5million membersand€39.1billioninrevenuein 2025,thesector'ssuccessincreasingly dependsonitsabilitytoattract,engage andretainparticipants.FitnessInstructors andGroupFitnessInstructorsplayacritical roleinachievingthisobjective.Theyare oftenthefirstprofessionalsthatmembers encounterandareresponsibleforcreating safe,welcomingandmotivatingexercise experiences
TherevisedStandardclearlydefinesthe purposeoftheseroles:tobuild participationamongnewandexisting membersthroughfitnessexperiencesthat meettheirneeds.Whetherintroducinga newmembertoexercise,supporting confidenceonthegymfloor,leadinga groupexerciseclassorhelpingindividuals establishsustainableexercisehabits,these professionalsareatthefrontlineof participation.
Theyarenotsimplyexercisetechnicians; theyarerelationshipbuilders,motivators andambassadorsforactivelifestyles
Evolvingwithadigitalsector TheupdatedStandardrecognisesthat fitnessprofessionalsincreasinglyoperate withindigitallyenabledenvironments. FitnessInstructorsarenowexpectedto workalongsidemobileapplications,digital onboardingsystems,wearable technologies,onlinecoachingplatforms andhybridservicemodelsthatcombine face-to-faceandremotesupport.Group FitnessInstructorsmaydeliverexperiences throughliveclasses,virtualplatforms, streamingservicesanddigitallysupported formats Digitalcompetenceistherefore becominganessentialprofessional capability.
However,thereviewalsorecognisesan equallyimportantrealitythat,technology cannotreplacehumanconnection.While digitaltoolscandeliverprogrammes, monitoractivityandautomate communication,theycannotreplicate empathy,emotionalintelligence, encouragement,activelisteningorthe abilitytobuildtrust.Thesehumanskills remainfundamentaltohelpingindividuals overcomebarrierstoexercise,build confidenceandmaintainlong-term engagementinphysicalactivity
Asartificialintelligenceanddigital coachingcontinuetodevelop,theunique valueoftheFitnessInstructorandGroup FitnessInstructormayincreasinglylienotin deliveringinformation,butinprovidingthe humansupport,understandingand motivationthattechnologycannot.
Supportingthenextgenerationofhealthfocusedmembers
TheupdatedStandardreflectswider changesinhealthandsociety Across Europe,moreindividualsareseeking supportforweightmanagement,healthy ageing,stressmanagementandthe preventionofchronicdisease.The emergenceofGLP-1medicationshas acceleratedthistrend,creatingnew opportunitiesandresponsibilitiesforfitness professionals.
Recognisingthischanginglandscape,the revisedStandardplacesgreater emphasisonhealthylifestylepromotion, behaviourchangesupport,stress management,customercommunication andsustainableweightmanagement.It alsohighlightshowphysicalactivity, healthyeatinghabitsandlifestyle behaviourscansupportindividualsusing GLP-1medicationsaspartofawiderweight managementjourney.
Importantly,thisdoesnotchangethe scopeofpracticeoftheFitnessInstructor orGroupFitnessInstructor.Rather,it reflectsthegrowingexpectationthat frontlinefitnessprofessionalsunderstand thebroaderlifestyleandbehavioural factorsinfluencingparticipation, adherenceandhealthoutcomes.
Whethersupportingamemberreturningto exercise,helpingsomeoneregain confidenceafterweightloss,or encouraginghealthierhabits,Fitness InstructorsandGroupFitnessInstructors haveanincreasinglyimportantrolewithin thewiderhealthandwellbeingecosystem.
Morethanexerciseinstruction TheupdatedStandardplacessignificant emphasisoncommunication,customer serviceandprofessionalbehaviours
Today'sFitnessInstructorandGroup FitnessInstructormustbecapableof creatingpositiveexperiencesfor individualsfromawiderangeof backgrounds,abilitiesandmotivations. Thisrequiresstrongcommunicationskills, adaptability,professionalismandthe abilitytobuildrapportwithparticipants.
TheStandardhighlightscompetencies suchasactivelistening,empathetic communication,motivationalsupport, behaviourchangecoachingandbuilding inclusiveenvironmentswhereall participantsfeelwelcomedandsupported.
Themostsuccessfulprofessionals understandthatexerciseadherenceis influencedbyfarmorethanprogramme design.Confidence,socialconnection, enjoyment,belongingandbehavioural supportallplayacrucialroleinhelping peoplebecomemorephysicallyactive.
GroupFitnessInstructorsareparticularly importantinthisregard Groupexercise remainsoneofthestrongestdriversof exerciseadherenceandcommunity buildingwithinthesector,helping individualsfeelconnected,supportedand motivatedtocontinueexercising.
Workingwithinaprofessionalpathway TherevisedStandardreinforcesthe importanceofcollaborationacrossfitness professions FitnessInstructorsandGroup FitnessInstructorsarethefoundationofthe workforce,helpingindividualsbeginand sustaintheirphysicalactivityjourneywhile recognisingwhenadditionalsupportmay beneeded.
Throughastructuredprofessionalpathway, memberscanbeguidedtowardsPersonal Trainersformoreindividualisedsupportor ExerciseforHealthSpecialistswhenmore complexhealthneedsrequireadvanced expertise Thiscontinuumensuresthat customersreceivetherightsupportatthe rightstageoftheirjourney.
Lookingahead Asthesectorrespondstorisinginactivity, healthyageing,mentalwellbeing challengesandchanginghealthneeds,the roleofskilledfrontlineprofessionalswill becomeincreasinglyimportant.
TheupdatedEuropeActiveEQFLevel3 FitnessInstructorandGroupFitness InstructorStandardreflectsthisfutureby recognisingboththegrowingroleofdigital competenceandtheenduringvalueof humanconnection,empathyand professionalsupportinhelpingpeoplelead moreactivelives.
