EMD UK, the national body for group exercise, has unveiled a no-nonsense, free online hub called Reach Up, aimed at smashing barriers and getting more women moving through group exercise.
It’s a bold move that underscores a simple fact: more than 4.9 million women in England already take part in fitness classes – that’s more than those who run, swim, or cycle – but many still feel they’re on the outside looking in.
With a focus on practical solutions, Reach Up was crafted in partnership with Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign to address the real reasons women hesitate to join in.
As EMD UK’s Shelley Meyern put it: “Instructors play a crucial role in helping women lead active lives, with 4.8 million adults attending group exercise classes every week.
Reach Up makes it much easier than ever before for instructors, whether working in leisure centres or community halls, to upskill and make an even greater impact.”
The hub is built on input from fitness professionals and experts, delivering bite-sized modules instructors can put to work right away.
Fear of judgment and concerns about fitness levels have long kept women from classes. Reach Up confronts these worries head-on with strategies for creating safe, welcoming spaces. There’s no fluff here – just straightforward advice on how to make every woman feel she belongs.
Claire Edwards, Head of Campaign Activation at Sport England, was clear on the mission: “We’re proud to launch Reach Up alongside EMD UK. This resource equips instructors with the tools they need to engage with and retain women who often feel that group exercise isn’t for them.
The This Girl Can campaign has already helped nearly 4 million women become more active. This latest launch continues our mission to break down inequalities in women’s activity levels and drive the change needed so that all women, regardless of background, feel they truly belong in sport and physical activity.”
Reach Up also tackles the challenge of inclusion, paying particular attention to women with long-term health conditions, Muslim women, and those returning to exercise after a break. It’s about real change, not just ticking boxes.
The hub doesn’t stop with instructors in fancy studios. Reach Up’s materials can be used by community groups, Active Partnerships, and operators across the country – from local halls to multi-site chains. And with over 18,000 instructors in the EMD UK membership base alone, the potential impact is as big as it gets.
In a sector where everyone’s been talking the talk, EMD UK is walking the walk. Reach Up is live now and open to all instructors and community partners – no membership fees, no catch.
For more on EMD UK and the Reach Up hub, visit: emduk.org and to access the Reach Up platform directly, visit: https://emduk.org/reachup/
