In such an image-conscious world, it would seem we are all searching for innovative new ways to defy the ageing process, to look and feel our best.

While the working out has always been an option, more people are choosing to adopt a more active lifestyle and healthier eating habits for aesthetic purposes.

Whatever route we choose however, it’s only natural we require faith in the products, services or people we enlist to help us along the path towards our goals.

Some weeks ago, I reported on some significant developments currently underway in the local fitness scene. A group of dedicated individuals representing key sectors and organisations within the local fitness industry came together to discuss the launch of a national register for exercise professionals. The creation of this register will have a direct impact on the quality of fitness provision to virtually everyone, so I’m all too happy to spread the good news.

I am pleased to report that work on REPS Malta is well under way, and last week a management board of true professionals willing to voluntarily offer time from their busy schedules was officially elected.

While this new board will get things off the ground, I have been asked to extend the invitation to anybody currently working in a managerial position in the local industry to get in contact and express their interest in being part of this project, and put their names forward to be voted onto the board should they wish to contribute their valued expertise.

So what exactly is this REPS Malta and why is it so important? Will it make any difference? Well, if other countries are anything to go by, the answer is a resounding yes. The same structure and standards as other registers all over the world are being used, including those operating in industry-leading countries such as the US, UK, and Australia.

Locally, the register will work alongside other existing organisations to support and assist in any areas related to improving standards. It should also be stressed that the organisation is strictly voluntary and not for profit.The main function of the register shall be the maintenance of a database of local fitness professionals dedicated towards professionalism and best practice.

Locally, the register will work alongside other existing organisations

The database will consist of various categories including, for example, a category for fitness instructors employed in gyms and clubs who conduct introductory sessions for new members, write programmes and offer support and assistance to members as they pursue their goals.

In order to be included in the database, instructors must adhere to a set of standards, a code of ethical practice and be suitably competent and qualified so that you, the consumer, can rest assured you are in good hands.

Another category recognises personal trainers who operate in clubs or freelance and deliver personalised fitness training to clients one on one. Registered personal trainers will also qualify for liability insurance, a service previously unavailable for local professionals.

Professionals will also be committed towards ongoing professional development, which means they will never stop learning through efforts of their own or indeed opportunities provided by the register itself. Categories will also include gyms and clubs themselves, who will adhere to various standards to ensure your safety and personal fitness success.

The database will be publicly accessible via the REPS Malta website due to launch shortly, so that anybody thinking about hiring a trainer or joining a gym can simply log on first to make a more informed decision.

One of the strengths of this pro-ject is the ability to offer better services to consumers, at little to no extra cost, because the disappointing truth is that prices at the moment tend not to vary all that much anyhow between professionals who choose to operate according to stringent standards and those who don’t. The register, therefore, will ultimately provide the industry with a mode of self-regulation.

If this all sounds a little like a policing agency, it shouldn’t, because policing the industry couldn’t be further from the register’s agenda. Professionals who would like to join the register in the various categories will be given all the assistance and support required to attain the necessary standards.

It’s about including and supporting those who want to be involved and certainly not about shutting out or penalising those who don’t. Professionals joining the register will benefit from a new stream of exposure, qualify for liability insurance and gain access to international opportunities to work or undertake further studies abroad, capitalising on the international links the register is currently building in countries with comparable registers and thriving fitness industries.

The register also has a few exciting and high-visibility events and activities up its sleeve that will help promote fitness and active living across the board, but there is plenty of time to talk about that as the register establishes its presence over the coming months.

In the meantime, local organisations interested in affiliating themselves with this new organisation through sponsorship or other partnerships are also urged to get in contact.

While the various infrastructures are being set up, I will be on hand over the coming weeks to happily handle any such queries myself by e-mail.

matthew.muscat.inglott@mcast.edu.mt

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