So today I’m completing my final prep ahead of attending REPs Ireland’s first annual convention in UCD tomorrow. I am helping out with the twitter casting of the event and also have an exhibitors stand to promote Corner Shop Gym’s services. I will however be doing my best to get to as many sessions as possible while there (if only I could clone myself!) Anyway, I’m writing this blog because many people have asked me over the past few days what is REPs Ireland and why is it important so I thought I should share this info with you –
REPs Ireland is the Register of Exercise Professionals and will accept and acknowledge exercise professionals who meet 4 specific criteria:
- Achieve qualifications and awards that meet industry standards & have been independently Quality Assured
- Maintain professional standing by ongoing CPD
- Maintain appropraite insurance cover
- Adhere to a code of ethical practice
and currently this is from across 4 categories of expertise:
- Personal Trainers
- Fitness Instructors
- Group Fitness Instructors
- Pilates Trainers
As with any professional body their function serves to protect both consumers and professionals within the industry. REPs Ireland, an independent body, recognises standards developed and set out by the European Health & Fitness Association. They are also a member of ICREPs (the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals) meaning members can apply for a “letter of portability” to facilitate a movement of country and allow membership of the relevant national register in their new location.
So why join? Well firstly, its part of being a professional, you should always take out membership with the relevant professional body in your sector. It makes you appear more professional in your customers eyes, it facilitates involvement on cutting edge industry developments and promotes and recognises continuing profession development. I believe, that in order for our industry to grow safely and successfully we need a centralised point whereby standards are set out and recognised, codes of ethics are adhered to across the board and ongoing mapping of qualifications and quality assurance can be ensured. I always recommend strongly that any fitness professionals I work with apply for membership if they meet the criteria. If they do not meet the criteria we explore the gaps and how to close this to facilitate membership.
The conference tomorrow, Friday 27th June, is the first of its kind in Ireland and in my mind is of the upmost importance. Obviously, due to the nature of my business and the training I deliver, I am passionate about raising the standards within our profession and helping improve public opinion regarding our industry. However, I am one small cog in a very large wheel and without a progressive Registrar and team at REPs Ireland we will never achieve this. They are driving forward this mission by bringing sector professionals together to challenge performance, recognise standards and promote engagement and debate as well as networking.
My final thought – don’t be someone who stands on the sidelines moaning, ask yourself this one question: do you want to be there when it happens or do you want to make it happen?
Note: My comments above are my professional and personal opinions. I have not been asked to endorse this body nor have I been incentivised to do so. As with all CSG Blog posts they are focused on issues, topics and current events that affect my clients and peers in the Fitness Sector.
For more info, to join the register or book a place at conference please visit the REPs Ireland Website www.repsireland.ie