A founding member of the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), YMCA Fitness Industry Training (YMCAfit), has increased its level of support for the register by offering free membership to graduates of its training scheme in their first year of work.

Fifteen hundred new graduates will be registered this year and will be offered on-going REPs-recognised professional development opportunities including further training, seminars and industry training products as part of the YMCAfit graduate association.

Robin Gargrave, director of YMCAfit, said: “YMCAfit believes passionately in the principle of registration for exercise professionals.

“We will work tirelessly with the REPs to raise the standards of professional practice and build the confidence of employers, health professionals and the general public in the ability of REPs registered, qualified instructors to deliver safe and effective exercise, activity or fitness programmes to their clients.”

YMCAfit is one of the leading fitness training organisations in the UK. It offers courses for personal training, gym training, GP referral and studio/aerobics at all levels.