Origym Personal Training
When I signed up for a personal training course with Origym, I felt hopeful and optimistic. Their website is polished. Their sales team is spot on, responsive, and enthusiastic. They make bold promises about innovation, accessibility, and support.
On their site, Origym states:
“We are dedicated to redefining the standard for training course providers by offering exceptional, accessible education to all aspiring fitness professionals.”
So, they claim that they “care” about students and that they are a “top priority." Additionally, they say that there here to open doors in the fitness industry.
Yet, my experience has shown a different reality. My experience has not been good.
Qualifications lacking support and inclusion
I’m a student with social anxiety and unique mental health needs, and the one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working. The Origym website has nothing on EDI, inclusion or accessibility.
There’s no policies or guidance in the FAQs. In fact, there is no evidence that Origym understand or the needs of students with disabilities or mental health concerns. The reality is that Origym seem to speak solely about financial barriers opening doors.
Silence on Accessibility and Inclusivity
Origym’s message seems polished. But when it comes to supporting students with disabilities there was no messaging at all. But for me, it was just silence.
I sent an email expressing my concerns about my assessment. I also mentioned the lack of clear policies on inclusivity. Well, it went unanswered which is beyond disappointing.
I paid for a course and before doing so, I disclosed that I was autistic and had ADHD. Their response had me expecting support and understanding. But there was no guidance or response.
I have lots of questions for Origym. Their website says they have:
“exceptional, accessible education to all aspiring fitness professionals,”
but where is the infrastructure in place to support students with non typical needs.
True accessibility doesn’t stop at flexible schedules or multiple learning approaches. It needs to extend to providing reasonable adjustments. It should also include mental health support. This ensures every student has a fair chance to succeed.
Missed Opportunity for Inclusivity
CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, endorses Origyms personal training qualifications. This partnership should show a commitment to accessibility.
Additionally, in their own EDI statement, CIMSPA emphasises the importance of diversity and disability inclusion, outlining goals for a welcoming environment and promising that:
“no person will receive less favourable treatment or be disadvantaged by requirements or conditions which cannot be shown to be justifiable.”
This commitment should extend to all CIMSPA partners, yet Origym’s approach to inclusivity feels performative at best.
cimspa's edi Policy
- “An Inclusive Workplace: We believe in embracing difference, and we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We know that our diversity creates successful teams and delivers success, meaning all applicants will be treated fairly without regard to race, religion, sex, nationality, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression.”
- “We Ensure Representation: CIMSPA’s board of trustees aim to ensure that fellow trustees, committee members, and CIMSPA’s employees are representative of all sections of society that they serve. CIMSPA will also ensure that no person receives less favourable treatment or disadvantaged by requirements or conditions, which cannot be shown to be justifiable.”
- “We Appoint Equality Champions: CIMSPA has appointed a board trustee who will act as the ‘equality champion.’ This role supports the board of directors and CIMSPA’s senior management team in achieving targets related to gender parity and diversity.”
You would think that CIMSPA’s partnership with Origym means that the same inclusive standards apply but you're wrong.
Unfortunately, my personal training qualifications and accessibility story with Origym tells something different.
who is being accountable?
There has been a failure here and it's disappointing. It doesn’t align with CIMSPA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion despite being a recommended training provider.
Origym - Uphold your Values
Origym claims to
"go above and beyond”
in providing high standards of teaching and support. Let's be honest, they don't.
In my experience, they leave students in the dark when they need support.
Read more about what Origym need to do:
- Establish a Comprehensive EDI Policy
Firstly, they need an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy that reflects CIMSPA’s values and guidelines. Have clear commitments to disability support, mental health accommodations, and inclusivity. - Provide Clear Information on Disability and Mental Health Support
Secondly, the website needs to include dedicated information on reasonable adjustments. Along with how to ask for accommodations. FAQs should handle accessibility and outline how students with disabilities or mental health concerns can seek support. - Implement a Responsive Student Support System
Thirdly, responding promptly to student concerns about accessibility is essential. All students, including those with non-typical needs, deserve to feel valued and heard.
Accessibility in Fitness Education
Personal training educational providers can't get around poor accessibility just with a well-designed website. A smooth enrolment process is also not enough. Real inclusion requires a commitment that goes beyond words on a screen. It requires action and accountability.
The fitness industry should be a place where anyone, regardless of background or need, can thrive and succeed.
To Origym, and all other educational providers: value your students and show it. Support all aspiring trainers. Include those with mental health concerns or disabilities. Make inclusivity more than just a selling point.
Education opens doors. Not create barriers.
Within personal training, accessibility should be as standard and not an afterthought. Read more about my vision and why I will make waves in the fitness world here.
