Latest Industry News

Exercise to beat depression
There has been a significant rise in the number of GPs prescribing exercise to people with mild to moderate depression. According to research from the Mental Health Foundation, 22%t of GPs now prescribe exercise therapy as 1 of their 3 most common treatments for depression, compared with only 5% 3 years ago. Nearly two-thirds of GPs (61%) also believe that a supervised programme of exercise is 'very effective' or 'quite effective' in treating mild to moderate depression.

Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "There is a real need for increased availability of exercise on prescription so that it is accessible alongside antidepressant medication and psychological therapies.”

Re-registration record
From October to December 2007, the Register (REPs) saw a record 90% re-registration rate. The previous year saw an average of just over 70%, but the trend has been continuing upwards, a clear indication that members are committing to the Industry as a career and professional choice.

The number of new members joining the Register has been falling. This has been expected as REPs penetrates deeper into the Industry. More than 90% of REPs members now say they expect to be working in the Industry in more than 3 years time

EHFA appoints Cliff Collins to develop European REPs
Cliff Collins, registrar, UK Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), has been selected to oversee the development of the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs). Collins was seconded by SkillsActive Training and will take up the position immediately on behalf of the European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA). Collins, who has been with the Register since its inception in 2001, will be based at the EHFA Brussels Office and will drive forward the roll-out of EREPS in 2008, as well as oversee the link between the autonomous UK Register and the over-arching European structure. The news follows the appointment of Harm Tegelaars, former chair of the UK’s Fitness Industry Association (FIA), as president of the European Health and Fitness Association in April 2007.

Speaking of his appointment, Collins said, "We have a massive job on our hands. There are over 400,000 exercise professionals in our industry, trained to a variety of standards and through a complex web of different systems. Having experienced the benefits of the Register of Exercise Professionals in the UK, I bring a wealth of knowledge of what works, and what doesn't. I can't wait to get started." EHFA will launch the European Register of Exercise Professionals at a special, invitation only 2-day meeting in Copenhagen in April.