EMD UK recognition for Places Leisure instructors

Places Leisure has partnered with EMD UK to provide professional recognition for all of its group exercise instructors, becoming the first UK public leisure operator to adopt the status across its entire instructor workforce.

“We are extremely proud of the group exercise programmes that we deliver across Places Leisure,” explains Sam Bryant, Head of Fitness at Places Leisure.

“We see the value in consistently providing opportunities for our colleagues to increase their knowledge and be able to provide better all-round customer experience.”

Under the partnership, every Places Leisure group exercise instructor will work towards EMD UK Professional Recognition status, formally recognising their qualifications while giving them access to training, resources and ongoing professional support.

Places Leisure delivers around 20,000 group exercise classes each month, supported by more than 1200 instructors across its leisure centres.

By the end of 2026, all instructors are expected to hold EMD UK membership. While professional recognition and membership remain optional across much of the group exercise sector, Places Leisure said its decision embeds a consistent professional standard across the organisation.

According to EMD UK’s Group Fitness Participant Survey, more than 5.4 million adults in England participate in classes each month. The research found that a positive personality, good coaching and instructor knowledge were among the most important qualities participants look for.