REPs Magazine Fitness Matters Issue 2 | Page 9

BUSINESS TRAIN COACH EAT WORK Thoermer/Shutterstock.com EMD UK: THE REBRAND THE ALTERNATIVE IS ALTERNATIVE Following Yell’s report that they saw 50 per cent more searches for ‘jive classes’ in 2016 than the year before, with spikes between August and October, there could be no time like the present to “go alternative” with your fitness classes. With apparently left-field classes such as pole fitness now judged as veterans in “ the field, branching into the likes of hoop fitness, pound fitness or VOGA could be a sensible next step. A new class doesn’t have to be born from a new idea: Well Fit has taken the jive class boom and broadened that into Strictly Fit, an exercise class combining a smorgasboard of dancing styles. London’s sassiest exercise option.” Buzzfeed were enchanted by ‘alternative’ dance workout company Seen On Screen. This is more than just a new lick of paint for the national governing body of group exercise. As EMD UK Chief Executive Ross Perriam pointed out, this change is also a reflection on the increase in investment from Sport England. “As many as 3.8 million people take part in group exercise on a weekly basis. The funding will focus on maintaining that core market by supporting our instructors and member organisations to deliver excellence in every class.” EMD UK is establishing a voice “ for the group exercise sector with a key aim to support instructors. Emma Forward, EMD UK Chief Operating Officer explains: “We want to make being a group exercise instructor an enjoyable and fulfilling career for thousands of people. Since the rebrand, we have been able to connect with many more instructors as the word spreads. EMD UK is the place to go for all the tools and support you need as a fitness professional.” The Class Finder website will see further development.” @REPsUK FM 9