Last Updated on July 18, 2025 by Laura Jensen
As the only recognised National Governing Body (NGB) for group exercise, EMD UK is proud to offer instructors true professional recognition through our comprehensive membership programme.
Our role as the governing body for group exercise
At EMD UK, our mission is clear. We are dedicated to achieving our vision of healthier communities through group exercise. We work with instructors, operators and organisations across the sector to provide help, support and advice and to ensure that group exercise continues to inspire people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity.
Why recognition matters
In a competitive industry, professional recognition of your qualifications and professional status can set you apart. But it’s important to understand that not all “professional status” schemes are equal.
EMD UK, as the only NGB for group exercise, can:
- Professionally recognise Group Exercise instructors against a current and relevant Scope of Practice
- Add qualified professionals to the official NGB Group Exercise Instructor Workforce Register
- Issue professional certificates of recognition backed by an NGB
These are not just regular membership benefits, they are specific recognitions only EMD UK, as the NGB, can provide, rooted in our governance, our remit, and our partnerships across the sector.
Crucially, as identified by Sport England in the Workforce Governance and Coaching Road Map, “NGBs maintain their own registers under a shared national standard.” This means, as the only NGB for group exercise, EMD UK can officially professionally recognise an instructor’s status, something we’re uniquely positioned to do for group exercise professionals.
This is especially important considering a national independent, impartial, workforce register is currently being tested and piloted, strategically led by Sport England. This will operate as a tool to view all coaches and instructors in sport and physical activity who are registered against the shared national standards with their respective National Governing Body. For group exercise, EMD UK is that NGB.
The EMD UK membership
Today, over 19,000 committed members and partners are part of EMD UK, spanning our three membership tiers uniting the group exercise workforce under a shared vision of shared professionalism, teacher/coach development and support of group exercise.
From those just starting their journey to seasoned professionals, our membership provides year-round access to career-enhancing tools, education that expands your scope of practice, insights, insurance, CPD opportunities and more.
We’ve recently welcomed leading organisations into joint membership partnerships, including British Wheel of Yoga (BWY), Places Leisure, and the Society for the Pilates Method (SPM). They value the credibility, support and recognition that EMD UK’s workforce governance and registration road map can offer, as the only NGB for group exercise.
Our membership tiers
Whether you’re just beginning or you’re ready to elevate your career, our tiered memberships offer the tools and recognition to help you thrive:
FREE membership – A perfect entry point with access to key insights, business and class content resources.
PRO membership – A step up from Free membership and available to anyone with a recognised qualification or equivalent. This membership provides professional recognition against a scope of practice, including a certificate of recognition and inclusion on EMD UK’s register.
Plus, they receive all the resources from free membership, discounted PPL, CPD opportunities, additional content – such as our Reach Up resource hub – enabling instructors to widen their scope, and more.
PRO Enhanced membership – Our most comprehensive package, offering all the benefits of PRO plus enhanced insurance, with £10 million public liability, covering group ex, yoga, Pilates, PT and more. This tier also offers additional discounts, and an individual assistance programme.
In a crowded market, it’s easy to be drawn to new schemes promising membership and recognition.” But if it isn’t backed by a national governing body, it isn’t true professional recognition against a scope of practice.
With EMD UK, you’re not just joining a membership, you’re becoming part of a national movement to raise standards, build credibility, and champion the group exercise sector.
Join the only NGB for group exercise – and be recognised the right way.
EMD UK is the only governing body dedicated solely to the group exercise community. Our members benefit from our guidance, CPD-accredited courses and over 250 resources. Pro membership with insurance starts from just £51 annually.
