REPs’ newest member, Dame Kelly Holmes

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The REPs Journal 2012;24(Ma

The REPs Journal 2012;24(May):12-13

Celebrating 10 years of REPs

Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, has praised the work of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).

Mr Robertson was unable to attend a special celebratory evening to mark the 10th Anniversary, held in March at the British Olympic Association in London, but wrote: “There has never been a greater spotlight on physical activity and sport in this country. We are all keenly aware of the health and well- being benefits of exercise, but it can also help deliver a range of other Government priorities, such as reducing congestion, lowering carbon emissions and improving social engagement. It is essential that we take advantage of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire more people into a fit and active lifestyle.

“The work of REPs plays an important part in helping people make the transition into a more active lifestyle, which can often be an important first-step into more people taking up and enjoying sport – something that is very much a priority of mine.”

“I am also delighted to learn that REPs’ instructors will be providing a valuable service to competitors during the 2012 Games. I wish all of those volunteers well and, for everyone else associated with REPs, here’s to another successful 10 years.”

To help mark the 10th anniversary REPs presented double Olympic gold medal winner, former army Physical Training Instructor and training provider, Dame Kelly Holmes, with a special honorary membership of the Register.

Speaking at the event, Dame Kelly said she was delighted with the honour, adding: “REPs is the tick of quality that says this person can do what they say they can do.”

She was presented with the honorary membership by REPs’ President John Greenway and Technogym’s Tony Majekas who is heading up the equipment manufacturer’s Olympic team at the London 2012 games. Technogym staff will run the Olympic village gyms and have asked REPs’ registered trainers to apply to be part of the staffing roster there. To pledge your interest visit: http://www.movergy.com/joinourgreatestteam

John said: “REPs is about the credibility of the industry – it sends a guarantee to the public and other sectors, like the medical profession, that we are professionals.”

Registrar Jean-Ann Marnoch took the opportunity to outline plans for the future of REPs, saying she wanted to see the Register representing up to 80 per cent of the estimated fitness professionals working in the UK as opposed to the 65 per cent it currently lists.

She said: “I feel that to be able to truly call ourselves a professional sector we need to up that figure. If we are to build on the success of the last 10 years we need to take REPs to the next level. Our goal is to increase the credibility and professionalism of the sector and, ultimately, deliver greater health for consumers.”