Last Thursday, May 22nd, I had the privilege of attending a truly inspiring webinar hosted by EMD UK, the governing body for exercise professionals in the UK (where I also hold my Public Liability Insurance – ensuring I’m always covered to bring you the best and safest classes!). The session, titled ‘Group Exercise: More Than Just Fitness’, was delivered by their insightful CEO, Gill Cummings-Bell, and it offered a powerful reminder of the incredible value we create together in our community classes.
The webinar presented some compelling, recent research that really underlines just how vital group exercise is, extending far beyond the physical benefits we often focus on.
Consider these remarkable findings:
- Massive Social Value: Group exercise generates over £5.3 billion in social value annually, delivering benefits to both individuals and their wider communities. Think about the ripple effect!
- NHS Relief: It saves more than 1.6 million NHS appointments every single year. That’s a significant impact on our healthcare system.
- Disease Prevention: It helps prevent 26,000 cases of Type II diabetes, saving the NHS an astounding £511 million in costs.
- Tackling Inequalities: Group exercise champions inclusivity, engaging 7.1 million women, 1.6 million people over 65, 4.1 million people with characteristics of inequality, and 1.3 million people living with a disability and/or long-term health condition. It truly is for everyone.
- Supporting Professionals: It provides work for 60,000 instructors – like me! – all playing a critical role in improving community health and wellbeing.
- Widespread Participation: Group exercise engages 10.6 million adult participants, making it more popular than cycling, swimming, or football, plus 500,000 children and young people, helping to develop healthy habits for life.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent healthier lives, stronger communities, and a more resilient society.
What Does This Mean For You, Personally?
While the national impact is huge, the most real benefits are often felt right here, by you, in every class.
Primarily, your participation in group exercise helps you to:
- Support your quality of life: Move better, feel better, live better.
- Support your emotional and cognitive health: Exercise is a powerful mood booster and keeps the brain sharp.
- Support your mental wellbeing and stress management: Our classes offer a dedicated space to de-stress, focus, and find calm.
Secondarily, consistent engagement significantly helps to reduce the risk of:
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Depression
- Falls prevention and hip fractures
- Back pain
- GP visits
- Mental health service usage
The Unique Power of In-Person Classes
While virtual options (like my online membership!) offer incredible flexibility, there’s a special magic that happens in an in-person group class that truly amplifies these benefits:
- The Energy of Shared Space: There’s an undeniable collective energy when we move together in the same room. It’s motivating, inspiring, and creates a unique atmosphere you can’t quite replicate elsewhere.
- Immediate & Personal Feedback: As your instructor, I can see your whole body, offer instant adjustments, and provide personalised cues right there and then. This ensures you’re moving safely and effectively, deepening your practice in ways that aren’t always possible online.
- Genuine Connection: Our in-person classes foster real community. It’s a place to connect with like-minded individuals, share a smile, and build friendships. This social interaction is incredibly powerful for mental wellbeing.
- Accountability & Routine: Showing up to a dedicated time and place builds powerful habits. It creates a routine that makes it easier to prioritise your health, even on days when motivation might be low.
- A Dedicated Wellness Zone: Stepping into our class venues provides a clear space between your daily life and your time for self-care. It’s a space specifically designed for you to focus purely on your movement and wellbeing.
Every time you step onto your mat in Potton, Letchworth, St Neots, or Sandy, you’re not just exercising; you’re contributing to a larger movement of health, wellbeing, and community support. You’re part of something truly significant.
I’m incredibly proud to be an EMD UK-accredited instructor and to bring these invaluable classes to our local areas. Thank you for being a vital part of this positive impact.
