Powering Prevention Through Movement: EMD UK’s Impact on Health, Community and Connection.

Few organisations bring the same level of energy, purpose and people-power to the physical activity sector as EMD UK. As the National Governing Body for Group Exercise, EMD UK continues to champion movement that is inclusive, accessible and rooted in community connection — and we’re proud to welcome them back as Headline Sponsor of the Why Sports 2026 Conference.

Their continued support underlines a shared commitment: strengthening the relationship between physical activity and healthcare professionals to improve the health and well-being of the nation.

A National Force for Group Exercise.

EMD UK represents thousands of qualified fitness instructors across the country, delivering everything from high-intensity workouts to chair-based exercise in community centres, leisure facilities, workplaces, care settings and public spaces.

This diverse and skilled workforce is uniquely positioned to meet people where they are — supporting individuals of all ages, abilities and health conditions to move more, feel better and stay connected.

Group exercise isn’t just about fitness. It’s about confidence, inclusion, motivation and belonging — and EMD UK ensures instructors are trained, qualified and supported to deliver safe, effective and engaging sessions that align with national health priorities.

Supporting Health, Wellbeing and National Priorities.

With prevention now firmly embedded in government and NHS strategies, the role of physical activity has never been more important. EMD UK’s instructor network plays a vital role in:

• Supporting physical and mental well-being

• Encouraging long-term behaviour change

• Reducing health inequalities

• Improving social connection

• Enhancing community resilience

  
  

From managing long-term conditions to supporting older adults, improving confidence in inactive populations, and promoting active lifestyles in everyday settings, group exercise offers scalable, cost-effective solutions that directly support the national prevention agenda.

The Social Value of Moving Together.

One of the most powerful aspects of group exercise is its social impact.

People don’t just turn up to move — they turn up to connect. Group sessions create safe, welcoming environments where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and isolation is reduced. For many participants, these sessions are as much about mental well-being and social connections as they are about physical fitness.

This social value is especially important in communities where loneliness, inactivity and health inequalities intersect. EMD UK’s work ensures group exercise remains a trusted, inclusive and accessible option for all.

Headline Sponsors with Purpose.

As Headline Sponsor of the Why Sports 2026 Conference, EMD UK once again demonstrates its commitment to uniting the physical activity and healthcare sectors. Their presence helps bring together professionals from across sport, leisure, public health and the NHS — creating a platform for collaboration, learning and shared action.

This partnership reflects a shared ambition:

To use movement as a tool for prevention, connection, and long-term health improvement.

Leading the Conversation: Shelley Meyern at Why Sports 2026.

We’re delighted that Shelley Meyern, Chief Operating Officer of EMD UK, will lead the conversation at the conference with her keynote presentation:

“Scaling Prevention: How Group Exercise Can Deliver Health Outcomes at the Population Level.”

Shelley will explore how group exercise can be scaled to support national prevention goals, improve population health, and deliver measurable outcomes — while maintaining the human connection that makes group exercise so powerful.

Her session will highlight:

• The public health challenge and the need for prevention through physical activity.

• The evidence for group exercise as an effective, inclusive, and scalable health intervention.

• Embedding group exercise into NHS referral pathways and social prescribing to deliver measurable impact and value.

  
  

Shelley will also be joined by Pauline Cockburn, a member of the Keep Fit Association, one of EMD UK’s founding partners. Pauline, who lives with neuroendocrine cancers and Addison’s disease, will be sharing her story of how joining the KFA has allowed her to maintain her love of movement, given her a supportive, holistic community and has helped her to feel stronger both physically and mentally.

This keynote will bring energy, insight, personal reflection and practical inspiration — setting the tone for a conference focused on impact, collaboration and real-world solutions.

Moving Forward, Together.

EMD UK continues to show what’s possible when passion, professionalism and purpose come together. Through their national leadership, dedicated instructor network and unwavering commitment to community wellbeing, they are helping to shape a healthier, more connected future for the UK.

We’re proud to have them at the heart of Why Sports 2026 — and excited for the conversations, connections and collective momentum their involvement will inspire.