Group Exercise Generates £5.3 Billion in Social Value — EMD UK Report Validates What Our Industry Has Known All Along

At Athleticum®, we’ve always believed in the power of group fitness to change lives. Now, for the first time, this belief has been quantified in a groundbreaking report from our partner and the National Governing Body of Group Exercise, EMD UK.

The Social Value of Group Exercise Report, commissioned with the Sport and Recreation Alliance and launched in Parliament this week, reveals the staggering contribution our industry makes to society:

• £5.3 billion in total social value.

• £511 million in NHS savings

• 1.6 million GP appointments saved.

• 10.6 million adults actively participating.

• 500,000 children and young people engaged.

These numbers speak volumes, but they only begin to describe the day-to-day impact that group fitness instructors and studio operators have in every corner of the UK. From improving mental well-being and physical health, to combating loneliness and offering inclusive spaces for all, group exercise is a lifeline for millions.

Sarah Morelli, Co-Founder and Director of Athleticum®, shared:

“This report is a vital recognition of something we see every single day: group fitness instructors and studio owners going above and beyond to serve their communities. Whether it’s an early morning Spinning® session or a small group Gun-eX® HIIT class, these moments are changing lives. Having this report validates not just the work we do, but the enormous ripple effect it has on health, well-being, and resilience across society.”

The timing of this release could not be more perfect. It lands just days before the PROS:2025 Spinning® and Fitness Conference, our flagship event taking place 28–30 March. This year’s conference theme is all about elevating impact, and now we can celebrate with hard evidence that what we do—what all of you do—really matters. At Athleticum®, we’ve spent decades equipping studios and instructors with premium-quality training and education solutions—from world-renowned brands like Spinning®, Gun-eX®, AntiGravity®, 4D PRO® and CrossCore®.

This report only deepens our commitment to helping professionals grow, innovate and reach the 85% of people who still feel traditional fitness isn’t for them. We encourage every studio, instructor and fitness leader to read the full report and share it widely. Let it fuel your passion, shape your conversations with local councils, and justify future investment in your programmes.

Download the full report from EMD UK here: https://emduk.org/socialvalue/

Together, we’re not just delivering workouts. We’re delivering outcomes that matter.

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