Group fitness has seen a tremendous rise in popularity over the years, becoming a staple in many fitness enthusiasts' routines. However, a significant number of group exercise instructors lack formal qualifications, which can limit their employability and professional development. EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise, has recognised this gap and launched an innovative initiative called "The Bridge" to support these instructors.

This initiative, in collaboration with Active IQ & YMCA Awards, aims to elevate the professional standards of group exercise instructors and ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed.

Who Are EMD UK?

EMD UK (Exercise, Movement, and Dance UK) is the national governing body for group exercise. As the national governing body for group exercise, EMD UK is dedicated to achieving its vision of healthier communities through group exercise. They work with instructors, operators, and organisations across the sector to provide help, support, and advice, ensuring that group exercise continues to inspire people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity.

EMD UK's Role and Objectives

As the governing body, EMD UK has several key roles and objectives:

1. Support and Development: EMD UK provides support and development opportunities for group exercise instructors, helping them enhance their skills and advance their careers. This includes offering accredited training courses, continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities, and resources to improve teaching techniques and class management.
2. Advocacy and Representation: EMD UK represents the interests of group exercise instructors at a national level, advocating for their needs and promoting the benefits of group exercise to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
3. Standards and Accreditation: EMD UK sets and maintains high standards for group exercise instruction. They offer accreditation to training providers and ensure that courses meet rigorous quality criteria, giving instructors confidence in their qualifications.
4. Research and Innovation: EMD UK conducts research to understand trends, challenges, and opportunities within the group exercise sector. This research informs their initiatives and helps them develop innovative solutions to support instructors and participants.
5. Community and Networking: EMD UK fosters a sense of community among group exercise instructors, providing platforms for networking, sharing best practices, and supporting each other. This includes organising events, workshops, and online forums where instructors can connect and collaborate.

The Purpose of The Bridge

Recognising the need to support instructors without formal qualifications, EMD UK introduced "The Bridge" initiative. This programme provides essential additional learning and certification to non-qualified learners, helping them achieve professional recognition and enhancing their employability.

The Bridge aims to address the employability gap for group exercise instructors who lack formal qualifications but have specific discipline training such as Zumba, Clubbercise or HIIT Step. By offering targeted learning and certification, The Bridge ensures that these instructors gain the fundamental knowledge and skills required to teach group exercise classes safely and effectively.

Key components of The Bridge include:

• Anatomy and Physiology: Instructors learn about the structure and function of the human body, gaining a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology. This knowledge is crucial for designing safe and effective exercise programmes.
• Exercise and Fitness Knowledge: The programme covers essential concepts related to exercise and fitness, including principles of training, exercise programming, and health and safety considerations. This ensures that instructors can deliver high-quality classes that meet the needs of their participants.
• Professional Recognition: Completing The Bridge provides instructors with professional recognition in a scope of practice. This enhances their credibility and employability, opening new career opportunities within the fitness industry.

Active IQ's Role in The Bridge

Active IQ, a leading awarding organisation for the active leisure sector, supports The Bridge initiative by offering the updated Level 2 Principles of Anatomy, Physiology, and Fitness unit. This unit is a core component of both Active IQ’s Level 2 Certificate in Group Training and Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing.

Level 2 Principles of Anatomy, Physiology, and Fitness

The Level 2 Principles of Anatomy, Physiology, and Fitness unit provides learners with a robust foundation in understanding the human body’s structure and function. Topics covered include:

• The Skeletal System
• The Muscular System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Respiratory System
• The Nervous System
• The Endocrine System
• Components of Fitness

By completing this unit, instructors gain a comprehensive understanding of how the body works.

Motion Fitness Education: Leading The Way

At Motion Fitness Education, we are proud to be one of the very first training providers in the UK to offer The Bridge certification. Our commitment to excellence and innovation in fitness education aligns perfectly with EMD UK's mission to elevate the group fitness sector.

Our founders are passionate about group fitness, with a combined 30 years of experience teaching group fitness classes. This passion drives our dedication to providing high-quality education and support to our learners, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed as group exercise instructors.

Why Study with Motion Fitness Education

• Expert Instructors: Our courses are delivered by experienced and qualified instructors who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom. Their extensive background in the fitness industry ensures that learners receive practical, real-world insights and guidance.
• Flexible Learning Options: We offer flexible learning options to accommodate the diverse needs of our learners. The training for The Bridge is delivered via the Active IQ e-learning platform, which can be accessed anytime, allowing learners to fit their studies around their teaching schedules.
• Supportive Environment: We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, encouraging learners to ask questions, share ideas, and collaborate with their peers. Our dedicated student support team is available every step of the way, offering guidance and assistance to ensure our learners succeed.

Completing The Bridge certification with Motion Fitness Education offers several benefits:

• Enhanced Employability: With professional recognition and a solid foundation in anatomy and physiology, instructors are better positioned to secure employment and advance their careers.
• Improved Confidence: The comprehensive training and support provided through The Bridge boost instructors’ confidence in their abilities, enabling them to deliver high-quality group exercise classes.
• Ongoing Support: We offer ongoing support and resources to our learners, helping them stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the fitness industry.

For more information about The Bridge certification and how it can enhance your career as a group exercise instructor, click here to fill out our enquiry form.