EUROPEACTIVE AND EDUCATION

Julian Berriman MA
Chair of the Professional Standards Committee

Julian Berriman, MA in Leisure Management and BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy, brings 25+ years of fitness industry experience. He's a certified teacher and trainer, mentoring individuals across all skill levels.

For over 20 years, Julian led Research and Development at a prominent UK training provider. He authored fitness qualifications and oversaw their quality at a leading Awarding Organisation.

As EuropeActive’s Professional Standards Committee Director, Julian drives the development of EuropeActive’s Sector Qualifications Framework. These standards shape accreditation for trainers across Europe.

Committed to forging global partnerships, Julian leads the PSC’s mission to advance fitness professionals' roles in Europe, aligned with EuropeActive’s vision for increased physical activity participation. 

Dr. Anna Szumilewicz PhD
Deputy Chair

Anna Szumilewicz, PhD in Exercise Science, is an Associate Professor at Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS). Collaborating with EuropeActive since 2011, she shapes EA’s Standards across EQF levels and contributes to projects focusing on qualifications' relevance to the EQF and Skills Cooperation in Active Leisure.

In Poland, Anna advises the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, contributes to vocational education and research institutes, and has earned prestigious awards for her contributions. Her research delves into exercise professionals' competencies within the European Qualification System and the impact of exercise on women’s health, particularly during the pre- and postnatal phases. Anna has developed the "FemFit Mama" training program for pregnant and postpartum women, implemented in Polish fitness clubs. Her numerous scientific papers on women's health-related physical activity reflect her dedication to advancing fitness education and women’s health.

Dr. Espen Arntzen

Espen is a Dr of Naprapathy from the Scandinavian College of Manual Medicine in Stockholm as well as having multiple certifications in Personal Training and Performance. He has worked with both national teams and athletes in numerous sports as well as clients in health and fitness and has been doing education since 1994.

In 2024 he founded the Norwegian Academy For Personal Training (AFPT) and have educated over 10.000 students in personal training over the last 20 years and has proudly been building AFPT to become the largest private school in personal training in Scandinavia.

He is also CEO of Wellness Education and Technology where he is in charge of a team of over 70 people striving to provide quality education within health and fitness in Norway and Sweden and looking to expand both the company and its´influence and educations to new countries.

Ben Pratt MSc

Ben has been actively working in health, fitness, nutrition, and wellbeing since 1995, moving into related education in 2003.  He elevated his expertise and gained significant industry experience working for leading training providers, awarding organisations, charities, and fitness associations over more than two decades.

Ben is a seasoned presenter, tutor, assessor, and educator. A sought-after consultant and education developer, his training programmes, both in-person and online, have been delivered to thousands of students across the United Kingdom, Europe, and further afield.

Ben continues to influence the wider health and fitness industry and advocates for positive change and an increase in the quality of education and the standards of practice and professionalism needed in our industry.

George Xiros

George Xiros has been involved in the fitness industry for almost 30 years. He has perform many including running his own fitness education provider, gyms and online fitness platforms. As an international  speaker George has presented on some of the biggest fitness industry stages across Europe and beyond. George is a true fitness entrepreneur and his list of achievements include:

• Official Ambassador of the European Register of Exercise Professionals - EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) since 2020.
• International presenter -  speaker in more than 20 countries worldwide and appearances on various TV shows, magazines, radios, awards in Greece and abroad
• Founder of the Fitness Training Organisation XAGON FITNESS.
• Founder and Director of Calisthenics Elite Training School.

​ ​... and more!

Kelby Jongen-Middelkamp

Kelby is an entrepreneur, speaker and expert in the fitness and health industry. With more than twenty years of experience as a personal trainer, coach and consultant, she has built a strong reputation in coaching, behavioural change, personal training and fitness entrepreneurship.

She is the CEO of BlackBox Academy and LAPT International, where she is involved in the development of education programmes, research and innovation within the fitness sector. Kelby also plays an active role in supporting the growth and professional development of fitness and health professionals across Europe.

As a national and international speaker, she is known for translating market trends, research findings and industry data into practical insights for fitness professionals and entrepreneurs. She is also the author of several books on personal branding, coaching, group exercise and entrepreneurship, with a mission to inspire and equip professionals to succeed in a rapidly evolving fitness industry.

Dipanda Vilhena e Silva

Dipanda Vilhena e Silva is Iberia Personal Training Director at VivaGym and a highly experienced fitness professional with more than 20 years in the health and fitness industry.

Throughout his career, he has worked as a personal trainer, educator, master trainer and fitness club manager, supporting both recreational exercisers and professional athletes. He has also played a key role in the development of fitness brands and services, contributing to the growth of the sector in Portugal and Spain.

Today, Dipanda leads personal training operations across the Iberian market, overseeing a large network of fitness professionals. He is also a regular presenter at industry conferences and is committed to advancing professional standards and career development within the fitness industry.

Hugh Hanley

Hugh Hanley is Group Director of Personal Training at PureGym and a fitness industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in personal training, operations and business leadership.

Beginning his career as a personal trainer, Hugh has gone on to lead some of the largest personal training teams in Europe and has held senior positions across the fitness and technology sectors. His previous roles include Chief Operating Officer at Elite Sports Performance, Chief Information Officer at My PT Hub, Fitness and Wellness Consultant for WeWork EMEA, and Head of Fitness and Personal Training at Virgin Active.

Hugh is passionate about developing fitness professionals, driving innovation and helping organisations create high-performing teams and sustainable growth.

Myriam Morin de Cointet

Myriam Morin de Cointet is a pedagogical engineer and manager at ENCP Training School, part of the l’Orange bleue Group. With more than 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, she has dedicated her career to the education and development of fitness professionals.

After managing a successful fitness club in Tahiti, she returned to France to focus on coach education. For the past 14 years, she has held various leadership roles within the l’Orange bleue Group and is currently responsible for six ENCP schools across France. She oversees the development of training programmes and certifications, as well as continuing education opportunities for fitness professionals.

Myriam is passionate about raising educational standards and supporting the next generation of fitness professionals through innovative and high-quality training.

Steve Barrett

Steve Barrett is Director of Global Fitness Programming at Matrix Fitness (Johnson Health Tech.) and a recognised expert in fitness product development, programming and industry trends.

With more than 30 years of international experience across over 50 countries, Steve works with operators, trainers and consumers to develop science-based fitness solutions for the commercial health and fitness sector. His work spans cardio, strength, functional training, group exercise and wellness, helping shape the future of fitness products and experiences worldwide.

Prior to joining Matrix Fitness, Steve worked in product and programme development and as a global brand ambassador for leading organisations including Reebok, Adidas, Nestlé and Escape Fitness. He is passionate about innovation, education and the continued evolution of the global fitness industry.

Gabriel Vasilescu Hnyatek

Gabriel Vasilescu Hnyatek is Director of Development and Asset Management at World Class Romania and Director of Move On Fitness Education School. With more than 25 years of experience in the health and fitness sector, he has built an international career spanning operations, business development, education and leadership.

Having started as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Gabriel has progressed through a range of senior management roles and has contributed to the development and optimisation of more than 100 fitness clubs across 10 countries. Alongside his operational responsibilities, he remains strongly committed to education and professional development through his work with Move On Fitness Education School.

As a member of the EuropeActive Professional Standards Committee, he supports initiatives that strengthen professional standards and advance the fitness profession across Europe.