european health & fitness association report 2012
DESCRIPTION
The Annual Report covers the activities in 2011 and to September 2012.TRANSCRIPT
Annua l Repo r t 2 0 1 2
European Health & Fitness Association
Health and fi tness 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
1
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
Contents
2
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 fi tness
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 Qualifi cations 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 fi nancial 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.
Background
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 offi ce 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-profi t association (AISBL) in
Belgium (offi cially 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
3
As the European Health and
Fitness Association, EHFA
represents the European
fi tness 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
“More People, More Active,
More Often” program. It stands to reason and the
evidence is overwhelming that people who take regular
moderate exercise signifi cantly 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 fi nd 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
fi tness facilities in 27 European countries. Despite the
diffi cult economic circumstances over the last few years
the European fi tness 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 fi tness 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 offi ce 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 fi tness 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 fi tness industry work.
Message from the President
Harm B. Tegelaars, EHFA PresidentBrussels October 2012
source: Body Biz International
4
EHFA is a not-for-profi t association created to represent
the interests of the health and fi tness 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
benefi ts of an active lifestyle and the use of safe and
reliable health and fi tness facilities as a venue for health
enhancing physical activity under the supervision of
highly qualifi ed professionals.
The EHFA mission is to bring together the health and
fi tness sector in Europe and forge a collective EU affairs
effort in order to represent the interests of the sector at
the European level:
1. Contribute to an optimal European policy agenda
for physical activity, health and fi tness
2. Drive professionalism through the development and
promotion of quality standards and certifi cation
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 fi tness centres
6. Positively infl uence 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 fi tness industry and
drive the need and funding for research
9. Create opportunities for education, exchange of best
practices and networking for the sector
EHFA Vision
EHFA Mission
EHFA Strategy
More People | More Active | More Often
EHFA needs to speak with one voice to EU Institutions to get ‘More People, More Active,
More Often.
“”
More People | More Active | More Often
5
EHFA Board The 14 member EHFA Board represents the varied
stakeholders of the EHFA membership: Employers and
club operators, training providers, national associations,
fi tness equipment suppliers, accreditation bodies and
certifi cation organisations. It also includes the Chairman
EHFA Secretariat
EHFA Structure & Organization
of the EHFA Standards Council.
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.
Following the General Assembly on 24th May 2012 the
current board composition is as follows:
Cliff Collins,Director of EREPS,
Projects and Programmes
Susan Butler,Accreditation administrator and EREPS admin manager
Robbie McGregor,Systems Manager
TEGELAARS Harm, NL President
(Former Chief Executive for Cannons Group PLC.)
DASE Joanna, UK (VP International Operations
Curves International)
KIENSTRA Paul, NL Treasurer (CEO r High Five
Health Promotions & Intenz)
GUEGUEN Franck,FR
(CEO of Club Med Gym/Silhouette)
GREENWAY John, UK(Chairman of Register of
Exercise Professionals UK)
STALKER David, FIA, UK(Director Fitness Industry
Association)
MAJAKAS Tony, UK(Technogym, UK Project
Director)
VAN DE VEN Frank, NL(Vice President International
Life Fitness Inc.)
The day-to-day management of EHFA is handled by the EHFA Secretariat.
EHFA is governed strictly according to its Statutes, which
are available on www.ehfa.eu.
RUIZ Pedro, PT(Board Member of AGAP,
Portugal and CEO of Vivafi t)
BERRIMAN Julian, UK (Premier Global Ltd, R&D
Director)
Drs MIDDELKAMP Jan, NL (CEO HDD Group)
ANATOLI Grigorenko PhD, SE (YLAB Sweden, R&D
Director)
RUTGERS Herman, NL (CEO Global Growth
Partners BV)
Dr RIEGER Thomas, DE (Chair of EHFA Standards
Council)
6
COMMUNICATIONSWebsitesNewsletters Reports
TECHNICAL SUPPORTAdvisory groups and experts as required in support function of SC
TECHNICAL EXPERT GROUPS (TEGS)
Sector Qualifi cationEQF level 6Pilates instructingSocial responsibilities inc. anti-dopingNCD’s – cardiac disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.
SECRETARIAT & EXECUTIVE
WORKING GROUPSVAT and taxMusic licensingSocial dialogue etc
EHFA Organogram
Reports
EHFA MEMBERSHIP
BOARD COMMITTEESSelection/appointmentsEvents & fundraisingStrategic alliances
EREPS PROGRAMME
repseEuropean Register of Exercise Professionals
EHFA STANDARDS COUNCIL
EHFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
More People | More Active | More Often
7
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 Qualifi cations Framework for our industry.
When Alfonso Jimenez stepped down as Standards Council
Chairman, the EHFA board made a call for applicants to
fi ll 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 fi tness 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.
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.
EHFA Standards Council
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 & fi tness industry who
utilize EHFA’s professional standards on a daily basis, and
fi nally objectives concerning the expansion of the fi nancial
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
• Standards for Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Standards for Pilates
• Standards for full Sector Qualifi cations 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.
Prof. Thomas Rieger, Chairman of the Standards Council
Mr Andreas Paulsen, Vice Chairman for Organization,
Communication & Dissemination
Prof. Rita Santos Rocha, Vice Chairman
for Standards Development.
8
The European health and fi tness 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
fi tness 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
fi tness 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 fi tness 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 fi tness 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 fi tness market held itself
remarkably well in spite of the diffi cult 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.
The market in the UK is the biggest fi tness 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 fi tness 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.
“
”
The European Health & Fitness Market
More People | More Active | More Often
9
Strong cooperation with national health and fi tness
associations is crucial to EHFA’s success and we are proud
to have a partnership with the national associations
listed below.
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:
• Best practice learning
• Exchange ideas
• Help shape the EHFA strategy
National Association Partners How EHFA is Funded
EHFA is a not-for-profi t 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.
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 fi nancial support from the members,
partners and sponsors. EHFA would like to once again
thank them for their support.
During 2011 and 2012 signifi cant investments have been
made in EHFA's IT structure and its online capabilities.
The fi nancial statements for 2011 were presented and
approved by the General Assembly of EHFA on 24th May
2012.
Bulgaria - BAHFBelgium - DFO
Denmark - DFHO
Croatia - WUH
Finland - SKY
Czech Rep. - FISAF
Germany - DSSV
Norway - VIRKELatvia - LFVVNA Malta - MEHFA
Portugal - AGAP
Serbia - SRFS
Netherlands - FIT!VAK
Spain - FNEID
UK - FIA
Sweden - FRISK
Hungary - HFHA
Poland - PZFW
10
EHFA & the EU
EHFA opened its offi ces in Brussels on 1 December 2007,
with one of its main objectives to represent the sector at
the European level. EHFA embraces a variety of members:
operators, suppliers, training providers, private and public
organisations, as well as national associations, and their
members. EHFA needs to speak with one voice to the
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
effective implementation not only at the European level but
also at the national level through our partners.
Over the past three years EHFA managed to establish good
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 effi ciency in infl uencing
the EU in the best interests of its members.
The revised EU Affairs strategy has a more focused approach
while building on past achievements. The core goal is to raise
the visibility and importance of the health and fi tness sector in
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
elevate the value, importance and levels of respect for the
European health and fi tness sector in the eyes of the European
Institutions.
This will be achieved by:
• Promoting and protecting the sector
• Seeking to cooperate with the EU in the promotion of
exercise and physical activity
• Involvement in EU funded projects and events
• Developing partnerships with European Institutions to meet
mutual objectives; and,
• Providing EHFA members with a unique insight into
developments at the European level
Where does EHFA currently stand?
• Education
EHFA has a strong relationship with DG Education and Culture
(DG EAC). Following the Lisbon Treaty and new calls for
proposals within the Preparatory Actions in the Field of Sport,
EHFA was successfully awarded two projects: “Becoming the
Hub” in 2009 and “Fitness Against Doping” in 2010 (for more
details, please refer to the EHFA Projects section).
EHFA has been attending and presenting regularly at the EU
SPORT FORUM, which are organised annually by the DG
EAC, Sport Unit, since 2009. The 4th EU Sport Forum took
Handing over the FAD Report to DG EAC
More People | More Active | More Often
11
EU Platform on Diet,Physical Activity and Health
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 fi tness industry.
• 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 fi tness 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”.
• Internal Market
At the beginning of 2011, EHFA met with DG Internal Market
- DG Markt - concerning the revision of the Professional
Qualifi cations Directive, and submitted a position paper on
the issue.
• Research
Initial contacts were also developed in 2010 with DG Research
which will be further advanced in 2013.
• 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
fi tness 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 fi tness employers
need to form a strong working group that can engage with
EASE, who are the chosen agency to represent the Sport sector
(inc fi tness) 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.
Mme Despina Spanou of EU Commission speaking at ISM Brussels, November 2011
12
interventions to help reduce levels of doping practices in
recreational sport. The full fi ndings 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.
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 refl ected in policy development and
actions. The HUB project reviewed campaigns and policies
where the fi tness 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.
The Fitness Against Doping (FAD) project has enabled the
fi tness sector to make its claim for effective and practical
FAD Partners at fi nal meeting in Copenhagen, February 2012
More People | More Active | More Often
13
The underlying principle of the fi tness sector’s position of
social responsibility on anti-doping is that all users and
workers in fi tness 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
14
Upcoming EHFA Events 2012 - 4th Quarter
International Standards Meeting in Barcelona 8/9 November 2012
Board Strategy Seminar in Barcelona 10/11 December 2012
EHFA Eventsplanned for 2013
(Dates and venues to be confi rmed. See www.ehfa.eu events for latest schedule)
Forum Club Congress, Bologna Italy 21 February 2013
General Assembly April 2013 Executive Leadership Forum May 2013
Fitness Forum June 2013
EHFA University, IESE Barcelona June 2013
SAPE ( summer academy of fi tness professionals) Summer 2013
National Associations Forum November 2013
International Standards Meeting November 2013
More People | More Active | More Often
15
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 benefi t EHFA and the entire industry.
The recent standards development work of the Standards
Council was recognized as EHFA’s offi cial 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 & fi tness sector.
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 fi tness
EHFA Activities & Events 2011/2012
industry. The ELF was attended by more than forty fi tness
industry leaders from all over the EU.
Sector Qualifi cations Framework TEG meeting, London, July 2011
Chairman of the Standards Council, Prof. Alfonso Jimenez,
took initiative to call the fi rst meeting of the Sector
Qualifi cations Framework (SQF) Technical Expert Group
(TEG) in July of 2011. The primary purpose was to defi ne
common job roles and occupations in the European health
& fi tness sector, in order to develop a full European Sector
Qualifi cations framework, ultimately with EHFA professional
standards covering EQF level 1 – 8, in which system levels
6 – 8 equal bachelor – PhD level.
TEG Verifi ers meeting, London, October, 2011
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 Verifi ers 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
16
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 fi rst ISM, to additionally
develop the participants’ global partnership in professional
standardization of the health and fi tness 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 fi tness 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
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 & fi tness 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 fi ndings. It became
clear that there is a strong need for better and more regularly
updated information on the size and scope of the EU fi tness
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
17
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 fi tness 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.
Sector Qualifi cations 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 Qualifi cations Framework for the European
health and fi tness industry. The SQF TEG was presented
with the ambitious new standards development goals of the
Standards Council, and specifi c targets and timeframes for
the development of the different parts of the SQF were set.
3rd International Standards Meeting, Barcelona, November 2012
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 fi eld of developing professional standards, as well as
running professional registers, for the fi tness 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.
18
EHFA Fitnessconnexions
A NEW WEB COMMUNITY FOR ALL PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES IN THE EUROPEAN HEALTH AND FITNESS SECTOR HAS BEEN LAUNCHED fi tnessconnexions.eu
1. WHAT fi tnessconnexions.eu WILL DO FOR YOU
The principle objectives of fi tnessconnexions.eu are to:
• Create the fi rst international/European web community for everyone involved in fi tness
• Provide an easy way for offering information, news, products, tips , best practices and services from and to fi tness professionals
• Create a database for information and research on the fi tness sector in Europe
• Create an international job market for fi tness professionals and other key workers
• Encourage existing workers towards achieving international certifi cation/qualifi cation 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 fi tness sector to simply get …. MORE PEOPLE | MORE ACTIVE | MORE OFTEN
And very importantly fi tnessconnexions.eu is free !
2. THE MAIN BENEFITS OF fi tnessconnexions.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 profi les on fi tnessconnexions.eu where they can upload photographs, blogs, links to where they work, and what they do, and connect to Twitter, Facebook and
other social media networks to expand the fi tness community.
Trainers who meet agreed international certifi cation standards (through EREPS registration) will have a priority
listing on the fi tnessconnexions.eu directory with a direct link to the EREPS portal.
Industry journals, e-zines, web-learning solutions,
research fi ndings and sources will all become part of the
fi tnessconnexions.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 fi tnessconnexions.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 fi tness 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 fi tness 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 fi tness community.
Any revenue raised through fi tnessconnexions.eu will be re-invested for the benefi t of the European health and fi tness sector through the development of the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA).
More People | More Active | More Often
19
3. WHY fi tnessconnexions.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 fi tness sector in Europe it promotes best practice in instruction and training. As a member of the infl uential 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 fi tness 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 - fi tnessconnexions.eu - EHFA and EREPS are opening up the market and communication channels as brand new way for connecting everyone who has an interest in fi tness. 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 fi tness consumers who are looking for a modern way to learn about the health and fi tness offerings and services in their countries around Europe, and nearly 400,000 trainers, specialists, and other workers who need to be better connected.
20
As the Europe-wide scheme for registering instructors, trainers
and teachers in the exercise and fi tness sector, EREPS fulfi ls a
key objective of EHFA. It helps to coordinate the development of
national registers, within an agreed set of common procedures
and framework. Through its quality assurance process EREPS
recognizes that exercise professionals are qualifi ed to do
their job thus giving consumers, employers and partners in
the medical and health professions the necessary level of
confi dence in their professionalism and it gives a structure for
increased mobility of workers. The central European database
is based upon the integration of individual national registers.
Inclusion on the European register guarantees that an exercise
professional meets prescribed minimum standards of good
practice, including the adoption of a Code of Ethical Practice,
and that he or she is committed to continuous professional
development through a process of lifelong learning.
What EREPS has to offerEREPS provides an independent process of registration for
qualifi ed European exercise professionals. This is sometimes
called a ‘license to practice’ and is clearly understood by health
and fi tness 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.
EREPS helps strengthen the mobility of fi tness workers which
is very high in Europe especially as a result of the economic
crisis and has become a unique public directory of qualifi ed
exercise professionals. Higher skilled exercise professionals
help to improve business performance and to motivate their
customers. Through the registration process EREPS is creating a
greater level of credibility and accountability for the European
fi tness industry. It is helping to raise standards and to improve
workforce skills and is a key driver to professionalizing in the
sector. Ultimately, it is a simple equation in that great clubs need
great staff.
What do members get?Upon meeting the necessary requirements, members of EREPS
are issued with a unique certifi cate of registration which
explains their status of registration. They become members of
their national register as well as of the European Register of
Exercise Professionals.
The European Register of Exercise Professionals
repseEuropean Register of Exercise Professionals
THE EUROPEAN REGISTER OF EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS
The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) aims to ensure that all exercise
professionals are suitably knowledgeable and qualified to promote the benefits of safe
regular exercise and to protect the interests of the people who use their services.
The following person has met the criteria and standards of the European Health and
Fitness Association and has been admitted to the European Register
The holder of this certificate, as a member of the Register, is bound by a Code of Ethical Practice
which determines the rights, responsibilities and principles required by the conduct
of an exercise professional, and their need to continue to meet the standards that are set for
their profession through their personal commitment to lifelong learning
THE FULL REGISTRATION STATUS FOR THIS MEMBER CAN BE VERIFIED
THROUGH THE EREPS WEBSITE AT WWW.EREPS.EU.COM
EREPS is regulated by the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA) Standards Council using an
accepted official European qualification framework which describes the knowledge, skills and competencies
exercise professionals need to have achieved for their registration
Expiry Date: 31 Aug 2013 Country First Admitted: Belgium EHFA President:
EREPs Director: Membership Number: 123456
With the status of
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE EXERCISE FOR HEALTH SPECIALIST EQF LEVEL 5
More People | More Active | More Often
21
The name and status of the registered members are available for
search and validation by consumers and operators via the EREPS
website. This transparency helps to promote the achievements
of exercise professionals and it aids mobility, recruitment and
employment in the industry.
Members of the register are bound by a Code of Ethical Practice
that defi nes the rights, responsibilities and principles of being
an exercise professional. The EREPS members also benefi t from
a number of specifi c advantages including a specially developed
liability insurance scheme with extremely attractive coverage
and fee-structure, career guidance, high quality training
solutions, regular communications featuring industry related
news and events, as well as access to Europe’s leading journals
on fi tness.
Members can also add personal statements, contact details,
location and details of their services on the EREPS directory, link to
other social media and are also listed with “FitnessConnexions.
eu” - the brand new EHFA website to promote connectivity and
communication across the European fi tness sector – for everyone
involved in fi tness. See page 18 for further details.
How to join EREPSApplications 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 certifi cations, CVs and
other supporting documentation which is simply loaded onto
the application website.. The fi nal decision regarding status is
based on an assessment against the European Qualifi cation
Framework and the agreed standards. Individual certifi cates
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.
EREPS was launched in July 2008 and currently has in excess
of 31.000 fi tness professionals within the EREPS Programme,
which includes national registers in Ireland, the Netherlands and
the UK.
The relevance of EREPS is demonstrated by the success of an
advertising campaign by Fitness First in Germany which states
that their trainers are of the highest quality and as a token of
proof are registered with EREPS.
In addition there are a number of other European companies
that are engaged in registering their fi tness personnel on EREPS,
and they are:
• David Lloyd Leisure UK, Belgium, Holland and Ireland
• Club Med Gym France
• Aspria Germany, Belgium and Italy
• Marriott Hotels Europe wide
• Curves Europe Europe wide
• Les Mills International Europe wide
22
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 fi tness 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:
• Elixia
• Fit for Free
• Fitness First PLC
• Les Mills International
• Pelikaan
• Startrac
• SportCity
EHFA Partners & Sponsors
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
Partner
More People | More Active | More Often
23
Vanguard
Platinium
Gold
Silver
Bronze
24
EHFA, the European Health & Fitness Association, is a not-for-profi t 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 fi tness 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 & fi tness industry
signed the following pledge for action:
Based on the evidence that now exists, the health and fi tness 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 fi tness 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
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 40B-1050 Brussels
Belgium
Tel: +32 (0) 2 649 90 44 Fax: +32 (0) 2 642 90 44
e-mail: [email protected]
w w w . e h f a . e u
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