Three Years at the Top: CIMSPA Rates Move it or Lose it “Enhancing” Again
We’re delighted to share that Move it or Lose it has been rated “Enhancing” by CIMSPA for the third year in a row. That’s the highest rating CIMSPA gives its Education Partners, and it carries three stars.
CIMSPA is the professional development body for the UK’s sport and physical activity sector. Each year it reviews its Education Partners against a detailed quality framework. It looks at the quality of the training, the learner’s journey from enquiry to certificate, and how the training is marketed. This year’s review, held in October 2026, focused on our FABS Fast Track Training Programme.
What the review said
The reviewer’s overall verdict was that our training is “showcasing very good practice throughout all review elements.”
Some highlights:
- Training built around real needs. FABS is mapped to the Core Group Exercise Instructor Professional Standards. It was developed in-house with support from the Centre for Healthy Ageing Research at the University of Birmingham.
- Making a difference across the country. The review noted our work with Active Lincolnshire. With Sport England Skills Fund support, they upskilled 12 fitness professionals through a bespoke Fast Track course so they can reach older adults in their leisure centres. Everybody Health and Leisure in Cheshire has also trained 14 of its fitness professionals, who now run classes for older people in community and leisure settings.
- Engaging, accessible learning. The e-learning was praised for its mix of video, interactive activities, audio with transcripts and varied knowledge checks. Content was described as “accurate, up-to-date” and signposted to research.
- Teaching you can learn from. The reviewer singled out our founder, Julie Robinson: “Julie is a great communicator throughout videos and uses clear visual demonstrations and instructions,” and “provides an excellent example of delivering each exercise, displaying great competence and knowledge throughout.”
- Practical, thorough assessment. Our SPACE model of delivery (Show, Purpose, Adaptations, Corrections, Encouragement) means every graduate leaves practically competent and confident to lead sessions.
What our learners told CIMSPA
As part of the review, CIMSPA looked at feedback from learners trained by different tutors. Its conclusion: “The feedback demonstrates exceptionally high satisfaction with both the training course and the support provided throughout the learner journey.”
Learners described the practical days as “intensive, but highly rewarding,” with trainers balancing rigorous assessment with “encouragement, humour, and individual support.” They said trainers built their confidence, reduced anxiety and catered for a wide range of needs and abilities.
Support every step of the way
The review noted how closely we stay in touch with learners:
- a welcome phone call two weeks after enrolling
- weekly progress tracking
- reminder emails in the run-up to practical days
- a monthly Q&A Zoom, which we added because learners asked for it
Successful learners receive their certificate within three days of passing. They can then go on to become Licensed Move it or Lose it Instructors, with marketing support, choreography, exercise tutorials, our instructor community and monthly Power Up sessions.
Thank you
Getting this rating three years running is down to our Master Trainers, our team and every instructor who has trained with us. It’s also down to the older adults in our classes, who remind us every week why getting this right matters.
The reviewer also commended Julie’s “conscientious approach” to the review process. Well done, Julie!
Want to train with us?
FABS is CIMSPA endorsed, carries 10 CIMSPA CPD points and is supported by an EMD UK bursary. When you finish, you’ll be a certified exercise instructor for older adults.