Since 2016, fitness education has shifted from classroom-based delivery toward blended learning models, while specialisms like older adult training and behaviour change psychology have become professionalised. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, fundamentally reshaping both education delivery and service provision.
Today, traditional qualifications face challenges from unregulated online coaching and social media influencers, creating a trust crisis while employers demand professionals with both technical expertise and digital literacy. Learners increasingly seek flexible, accessible pathways that accommodate diverse circumstances and career aspirations.
Looking toward 2035, fitness education must prepare professionals for AI-assisted programming, wearable technology, and the convergence of fitness with nutrition, sleep science, and mental health. The challenge is maintaining rigorous standards and public trust while embracing modular, specialised qualifications that respond to rapid industry evolution.
JP Consulting
Jenny brings over 35 years of experience in physical activity and education, having led the development and growth of specialist health and fitness awarding organisations, including her most recent role as MD of Active IQ over the last 12 years. With a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, she has also worked across education provider and operator environments, and she is committed to supporting individuals as they enter and progress through the sector. Over the past three decades, Jenny has witnessed—and helped shape—the evolution of fitness education from traditional instructor training to a more comprehensive, evidence informed and wellbeing focused ecosystem. Her passion for lifelong learning continues to drive her mission to equip physical activity professionals with the skills needed to meaningfully enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Internationally, Jenny has played a pivotal role in shaping accreditation and quality assurance standards for organisations including the European Health and Fitness Association (now Europe Active), the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) Ireland, and the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs). Jenny now runs her own consultancy business, JP Consulting, which provides strategic advisory services for training providers, employers, sector stakeholders and awarding organisations.
EMD UK
Dan began his career as an instructor and has since held senior leadership and advisory roles across some of the UK’s leading education, awarding and community provision providers.
Dan has extensive expertise in the fitness sector including education, training, regulatory development and public health. He is recognised for his passion for scaling organisations, building commercial success, and championing equal access to physical activity. Dan consults nationally and internationally, supporting the sector through strategic development and initiatives that improve the opportunities for both professionals and communities.
Create PT
Future Fit Group
| Mark is a seasoned curriculum and training specialist in the world of active leisure and fitness education, with over two decades of experience. Since stepping into his current role as Curriculum Manager, he’s been the driving force behind upgrading vocational fitness programmes into high-quality, industry-leading offerings. Working closely with awarding bodies and sector partners, he’s not just met standards, he’s helped raise them. Mark is far from a behind-the-scenes operator. He has played a key role in achieving excellent Ofsted outcomes and has a real knack for making learning both impactful and enjoyable. Just as importantly, he stays actively involved on the front line, teaching classes, working with personal training clients, and delivering strength and conditioning. At heart, he’s all about helping others grow, integrating new innovations, building strong teams, and keeping the world of fitness education lively, practical, and motivating. |
Everyone Active
Stephanie has loved sport and exercise from a young age and played multiple sports over the years. In 2003 she qualified as a sports coach specialising in field athletics, football and classical dance. In 2005 she moved into PT and group exercise
She ran coaching and PT training business in the UK, Egypt and the USA before returning to the UK in 2009 to work in the private gym sector, taking a variety of roles for LA Fitness. During this time, she focused on education development, colleague training pathways and member journey experience.
In 2013 Stephanie worked on the development of boutique fitness spaces and programming at LA Fitness and within independent companies.
She started working at Everyone Active in 2017 where she has been leading on training and development for fitness colleagues and product design. More recently she has been developing a new wellbeing product You+ which focuses on the behaviours of wellbeing.
Stephanie is passionate about making change and influencing other fitness professionals to reach their potential and to deliver excellent products and service.
