Regulated

I don’t often talk about my training but thought it was a good opportunity to share as I’ve just become a member of CIMSPA. CIMSPA is like a Governing body or H.R. department for fitness professionals.

You may not know that the yoga industry in the UK is not regulated. There is no requirement to be a member of a professional organisation, like CIMSPA, and there is no legal requirement to hold insurance.

I used to teach in lots of health clubs before the pandemic and was a member of REPs (register of exercise professionals), which is a similar body to CIMSPA. This is a requirement if you teach in most health clubs and gyms. Equally if you have you have an 'ongoing membership' with the British Wheel of Yoga or Yoga Alliance they offer similar.

I stopped my REPs membership when I no longer worked in gyms post the pandemic.

Having done some training recently and become a member of CIMSPA it feels like a good place to be. It feels like things are moving forward in the fitness industry and better regulations are being put into place. CIMSPA have recently developed a new code of conduct designed to improve industry standards.

They say ‘CIMSPA supports, safeguards and regulates the workforce to allow all participants to enjoy safe and high quality experiences’.

Being a member of CIMSPA works two ways. It supports teachers and encourages us to be more responsible and accountable for our own training and to share this with our clients. They are partnered with many other recognisable organisations. Secondly our clients are reassured that they are in safe hands and their best interest and wellbeing are of utmost importance.

CIMSPA’s aim is that the fitness industry will be better aligned with other health services and together will improve well being across the U.K. with Government support.

My yoga teacher training with the British Wheel of Yoga took over 3 and ½ years and I’ve done lots more over my 2 decades of teaching. Being a CIMSPA member (like other governing bodies) you have to keep on top of your training for the areas we teach, with a minimum amount of CPD points accrued each year. It wants its members to inspire, and be the best they can, even offering a Chartered status.

Interestingly too, CIMSPA talk about more complaints being recorded within the sector with many poor practices are being called out.

This is all really good practice and I would recommend any other fitness professional to do the same, as it’s all too easy to fall out of properly regulated system, especially if you work for yourself.

I’m keen to continue learning and will be do some more training in December, which I will share more with you then.

If you ever have any questions please do reach out.