A Pivotal Moment for Health and Fitness: Bridging the Gap with Healthcare

Posted on 21 March 2025

By David Stalker: President of EuropeActive, Chartered Fellow at CIMSPA, Independent Advisor at Active IQ

The health and fitness industry has long understood the undeniable link between physical activity, wellbeing, and overall health. For decades, we have championed the importance of movement, lifestyle changes, and holistic wellness as key components to leading a healthier, longer life.

However, we are now witnessing a significant shift—one that has the potential to redefine the role of our industry in healthcare. It is an exciting time, not just for those of us within the sector but for society as a whole.

In my opinion the conversations around the integration of fitness and healthcare are gaining traction, and for good reason. The NHS continues to face demand that it can’t service, and our industry us embracing its responsibility to support it. There is an ongoing urgent need to bridge the gap between fitness professionals and medical practitioners, moving towards a future where exercise and lifestyle changes are not just encouraged but actively prescribed as part of the cure—not just alongside medication but as an alternative where possible.

We are already seeing progressive steps being taken. The introduction of weight loss medications such as GLP-1 inhibitors is shifting the landscape, and while these medications can be effective, they raise questions about their long-term effects on physical performance, body composition, and overall health. This is where fitness professionals have a critical role to play. Organisations like Active IQ, CIMSPA, and BodyLine are leading the way, providing educational webinars to ensure personal trainers and industry professionals are equipped with the knowledge to support their clients effectively. The industry must engage with these conversations and stay informed about the evolving relationship between medicine and movement.

In June, Active IQ is excited to be launching a new qualification that aligns with the needs of the sector by bridging fitness, health, and wellbeing together. This qualification is being created with input from industry experts, including Dr. Glenda Rivoallan, an inspiring and passionate international speaker, author, coach, and consultant known for her expertise in resilience, mindset, and wellbeing. Glenda is the Founder of We Talk Wellbeing and a serial award-winning entrepreneur in the digital health and fitness industries. This initiative marks another important step in equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to support this shift in the industry.

We must also take proactive steps in advocating for systemic change. It is time for fitness professionals, leisure operators, and healthcare providers to work more closely than ever before. Exercise referral schemes, partnerships with healthcare bodies, and increased awareness about the benefits of movement should all be at the forefront of our efforts. The more we integrate fitness into the public health agenda, the greater impact we can have on reducing strain on the NHS and improving lives on a national scale.

This is not just a moment of transformation; it is an opportunity. The role of the fitness sector has never been more important. The world is recognising what we have long known—fitness is a fundamental pillar of health. As professionals in this space, we must embrace this shift, educate ourselves, and actively contribute to the conversations shaping the future of health and wellbeing.

Now is the time to step up, engage, and lead. Together, we can make a lasting impact.