Live Training Events: Your Competitive Edge as a Group Exercise Instructor

In a world where virtual training dominates, live training events often get overlooked.

Sure, online courses are convenient, but nothing compares to the experience of learning face-to-face.

For group exercise instructors, in-person training offers unique benefits that can transform your teaching practice and elevate your career.

Live events are the way to go if you’re looking to grow as an instructor, connect with experts, and gain practical skills.

Speaking of live events, the EMD UK Official Pre-Con at IFS 2025 is just around the corner—an unmissable opportunity to advance your teaching.

Let’s explore five reasons why live training events are invaluable for group exercise instructors and how the EMD UK Pre-Con fits perfectly into your professional development plan.

Key Takeaways

• Meet industry experts face-to-face and get your questions answered in real-time.
• Gain hands-on experience that you can’t get from online courses.
• Network with other instructors and build valuable connections.
• Expand your knowledge to help more clients, including those with back pain or long-term conditions.
• Step out of your comfort zone and refresh your approach to teaching.

5 Reasons Group Exercise Instructors Should Attend In-Person Events Over Online

1. Meet Experts Face-to-Face and Get Your Questions Answered

Ever watched an online webinar and wished you could ask follow-up questions? That’s one of the biggest advantages of live training events—you’re learning directly from experts who are right there in the room with you.

Take the EMD UK Pre-Con, for example. You’ll have the chance to learn from two highly respected educators:

• Alex Drummond, a clinical physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience, will help you understand how to manage lower back pain in group exercise settings.
• Gill Cummings-Bell, a clinical exercise physiologist and CEO of EMD UK, brings over 40 years of expertise in adapting classes for participants with long-term health conditions.

These sessions aren’t just lectures—they’re interactive workshops where you can ask questions, clarify concepts, and leave feeling confident in your new skills.

2. Get Hands-On Experience

Let’s face it: some things just can’t be learned through a screen.

Whether perfecting a movement pattern or adapting exercises for specific conditions, hands-on experience is invaluable for group exercise instructors.

At live events like the EMD UK Pre-Con, you’ll engage in practical activities that deepen your understanding far beyond what’s possible online. For example:

• In Alex Drummond’s session on back pain, you’ll explore biomechanics and movement strategies that can prevent injuries and alleviate discomfort for your participants.
• In Gill Cummings-Bell’s workshop, you’ll practice adapting exercises for clients with conditions like diabetes or arthritis, ensuring inclusivity without compromising effectiveness.

These experiences give you tools you can apply immediately in your classes—making a real difference for your participants.

3. Meet and Network with Other Instructors

Group exercise can sometimes feel like a solo endeavour—you’re leading classes, but who’s supporting you?

Live training events are an excellent way to meet other instructors who share your passion for fitness and community impact.

Networking at events like the EMD UK Pre-Con allows you to:

• Share ideas and best practices with peers.
• Build professional relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
• Gain inspiration from others’ experiences and challenges.

Who knows? The connections you make could become long-term friendships or even open doors to new opportunities.

4. Build Knowledge to Reach More Clients

Did you know that around 80% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives? Or that millions of people in the UK live with long-term health conditions?

Expanding your knowledge in these areas as an instructor can help you better serve your current participants and attract new ones.

The EMD UK Pre-Con is specifically designed to address these needs:

• Alex Drummond will teach you how to confidently work with participants experiencing back pain—a skill that’s highly sought after by clients looking for safe exercise options.
• Gill Cummings-Bell will guide you through adapting classes for long-term conditions, empowering you to create inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome.

By attending live events like this, you’re not just learning—you’re positioning yourself as an expert who can meet the diverse needs of today’s fitness community.

5. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

It’s easy to fall into routines as an instructor—teaching the same formats week after week without much variation.

Live training events push you out of your comfort zone and challenge you to think differently about how you teach.

At the EMD UK Pre-Con, for example:

• You’ll dive into topics that may feel unfamiliar or even intimidating at first (like anatomy or chronic conditions).
• You’ll leave with fresh ideas and strategies that reinvigorate your classes and keep participants coming back for more.

Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always easy—but it’s where growth happens.

Why Choose the EMD UK Pre-Con?

The EMD UK Official Pre-Con at IFS 2025 combines all these benefits into one unforgettable afternoon:

• Expert-Led Workshops: Learn directly from Alex Drummond and Gill Cummings-Bell—two of the most respected names in fitness education.
• Practical Skills: Gain tools you can use immediately in your classes.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other passionate instructors.
• Affordable CPD: At just £59.99, this event offers exceptional value for Continuing Professional Development.
• Kickstart Your IFS Experience: Start your weekend early with this exclusive pre-conference event.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out!

Live training events are more than just learning opportunities, they’re investments in yourself and your career as a group exercise instructor.

From gaining hands-on experience to building connections with industry experts and peers, there’s no substitute for the value they provide.

Ready to take the next step? Join us on 27^th March from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Winter Gardens, Blackpool. But be quick, as spaces are limited!

Secure your spot at the EMD Pre-Con at IFS 2025 for just £59.99, and start transforming your teaching practice now!