A new European Standard for fitness clubs, EN 17229:2025, has been approved by the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) and is set to take effect later this year. It merges and updates the two previous parts of EN 17229, incorporating best practices from across Europe and reflecting the increasing role of digital technologies and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
EN 17229:2025 significantly broadens the scope of the standard. It now includes clubs that supervise and deliver exercise sessions outside their premises, including exercising in the outdoors. While health and safety remain central, the new standard also places greater emphasis on personal security and user experience—areas not typically addressed in national codes or standards. It also introduces service delivery requirements to ensure a consistent quality of care and engagement for club members and users.
The standard has been developed with input from over 12 countries, along with other industry experts, many of whom were connected through EuropeActive’s network of national associations. It sets clear requirements for club operations and outlines the qualification standards for fitness professionals, aligning closely with EuropeActive’s well-developed educational framework. This supports the ongoing progress of the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS).
EN 17229:2025 reflects best practice in the management and operation of fitness facilities and will apply to nearly all clubs across Europe. As the sector continues to evolve, the standard will be reviewed and updated to remain relevant, acting as a practical guide for operators. It also underpins the FITcert® certification scheme, which will be updated accordingly. To date, more than 2,200 clubs have achieved certification through FITcert®, demonstrating compliance with the current European standards.
Standards such as EN 17229:2025 play a vital role in protecting consumers and providing clarity in legal contexts. They help benchmark clubs, offering transparency for both users and regulators. They also signal to governments and policymakers that the fitness sector is committed to professionalism and in promoting active, healthy lifestyles.
Kai Troll (CEO of EuropeActive) commented: “This is a remarkable achievement for the European fitness sector. It reinforces EuropeActive’s mission to support the growth and professionalisation of the industry through standards for both people and places.”
