Image: Clubs will be encouraged to introduce meditation

The UK's Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has signed a partnership deal with the Meditation Foundation.

As a result, the Meditation Foundation will become a FIA Vanguard member and will support the association's initiatives with GPs, healthcare providers, educational institutions and social/community groups.

The partnership will look to provide FIA members with the opportunity to experience a core "Meditation and Mindfulness for Health and Wellbeing" programme that can be used as an additional revenue income to traditional group exercise sessions. There will also be an accredited teacher training programmes for members of staff.

FIA chief executive David Stalker said: "This partnership highlights our extending role to work across all aspects of health and wellbeing.

"Evidence based research supports the benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness in public health and we are looking forward to working closely with the foundation to establish core programmes and teacher training initiatives to help us create a healthier nation."

The long term programme will also tie in with National Stress Awareness Day in November, on which taster sessions will be offered with trained Meditation Foundation teachers.

Stuart Bold, CEO of the Meditation Foundation, said: "The partnership presents exciting, timely and extensive opportunity for all involved to significantly improve the health and wellbeing (physical and mental) of a very wide array of the UK population.

"It also provides FIA and REPs members with the ability to offer innovative, relevant and attractive programmes as a new and sustainable source of revenue generation. We very much look forward to collaborating with the FIA, its members and partners".

For more information on the Meditation Foundation, click here.