Research and Insight

As a national governing body, we’re proud to be at the forefront of industry research.

EMD UK has access to the largest pool of data on the group exercise sector. We use this data to promote the physical, social and mental benefits of group exercise and to support the growth of the group exercise industry.  This data driven approach means we can track current trends in the market and ensure our partners have the right tools to meet the needs of participants.

EMD UK Research and Insight

EMD UK National Surveys

The National Survey aims to gain insight into group exercise as nationally representative across the population. Click below to download the surveys.

COVID-19 instructor surveys

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed instructors to understand the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and how we as their national governing body could support them.

EMD UK Participant Surveys

Our annual Participant Survey aims to provide information from the people that attend group exercise classes. This survey tracks satisfaction levels, key trends, barriers and more. Click on the links below to download the surveys.

EMD UK Working in Fitness Surveys

Our Working in Fitness survey takes a look at the issues that matter to the industry’s workforce. This includes satisfaction rates across a wide range of subjects, career patterns and industry trends. Click below to download the surveys.

Sport England Research and Insight

Sport for All Report

‘Sport for all – why ethnicity and culture matters in sport and physical activity’, published by Sport England today, is the most comprehensive ever picture of how people from BAME communities are taking part in sport and physical activity.

Sector-wide Research and Insight

Activity Alliance Research and Insight

Activity Alliance is the leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity. Established in 1998 as a national charity, we were previously known as the English Federation of Disability Sport.

Mind Get Set to Go Report

Get Set to Go is funded by Mind, Sport England and the National Lottery. Funding was awarded in October 2014 for a three-year programme to support people with mental health problems to get physically active in their local communities.

Fitness Trends

Les Mills Global Fitness Reports

Trends for 2018 CREP Edition

This annual survey of worldwide fitness trends is now in its 12th year. It includes some member organizations of the Coalition for the Registration of Exercise Professionals (CREP). Participating organizations included the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), and The Cooper Institute®.

2017 Active Leisure Trends

Data Hub and ukactive report showing the growth of group fitness in 2017.

Research on Group Exercise

If you require any further information on any of our research and insight, please contact insight@emduk.org