Ross Cowie, Senior Training Manager, InterContinental Hotels Group “For me, the greatest change has been the

need and opportunity for operators to develop a digital strategy to support new member acquisition and internal member communications (e.g. websites, website

member areas, HTML mail shots, and SMS text messaging

and social media). Also, regulation of the industry as demonstrated through REPs membership, the framework of endorsed training qualifications and the FIA Code of Practice.

“The increase in referral schemes demonstrates the medical profession is recognising there is sometimes a greater degree of expertise and preventative care than can be offered by GPs. Whilst there is still much work to do, and much being done, the way in which the industry is perceived has improved significantly over the last 10 years.

“REPs has helped to raise the credibility of the industry amongst the general public, as well as giving assurance to operators that their team members have qualifications that are accredited and fit for purpose. Furthermore, the requirement for all REPs members to complete CPD every year helps to ensure that knowledge and skills are kept up to date.

“Within group exercise, there have been many new concepts over the last 10 years (remember Slide?) with the most recent example being Zumba. However, nothing has proved to have more longevity than spinning which is likely to be a prerequisite of any club’s group exercise programming for years to come. Also, it has been good to see the demise of the misconception that business is driven purely by new member sales without any commercial focus on retention.”

Debbie Lawrence, writer, teacher and consultant Fitness Wales “The ever increasing range of

qualifications (and CPD) available has been the greatest change I have seen over the last ten years. I remember

many years ago, when the very first RSA exercise to music course was the only real qualification around. Now we have all sorts of qualifications, at different levels and in different areas of expertise (personal training, exercise referral etc), which offers greater opportunities to develop a career in different ways.

“The industry is becoming more structured in terms of qualifications and careers and a lot more work is being done to connect with other sectors by REPs and the FIA to build the profile of our sector. Having said this, I think we (as exercise professionals) should keep our ‘grass roots’ approach, we don’t have to be medical experts or professionals, nor do we have to know everything they know (that is crossing a boundary). What we do need is to respect the knowledge, unique talent and people skills we have and our passion and spirit, to collaborate with others who have expertise, skills, passion and knowledge in these other areas; working with them, rather than trying to become them and vice versa (I think this is team work - unity).

“I’d like to see any unqualified instructors (for example those taking one day courses to deliver franchised dance sessions) investing some of their earnings into getting qualified and learning more about (and engaging with) the exercise and fitness sector. I’d love to see more

collaboration, sharing and working together and seeing the value in every contribution (big or small) - respect for self and others. Let’s keep the fun spirit and passion alive and possibly bring back disco??”

16

The REPs Journal 2012;23(January):13-17 The REPS Journal 2009;00(Month):00-00

Mark Sesnan, MD Greenwich Leisure Limited

“REPs has achieved exactly what it said on the tin and has ‘safe guarded’ the industry and the industry professionals. From an employer point of view if an instructor is REPs

registered it is a guarantee that they have a recognised and approved qualifications that meet all the occupational standards. It also helps remove the training providers that used to be able to offer courses that had little or no accreditation.

“For me the greatest change over the last 10 years has been the diversification of our market which now sees all ages using gyms as well as a whole range of price points from budget to ‘full fat’ . However I think the fitness industry needs to be integrated back into the wider leisure centre industry. There should be less demarcation between gyms and other sports and healthy activities (such as swimming) so that the customers are offered a wider and more interesting range of ways to keep fit and active and staff revert to being much more multi-skilled.”