A Call for True Inclusivity at CIMSPA

As I prepare for my assessment to become a qualified personal trainer, I have realised there is a gap. This gap exists between CIMSPA’s inclusive promises and the reality many of us face. My training provider will not grant me reasonable adjustments.

CIMSPA recognises them as a training provider. This trainer provider says no to my requests.

Now consider that CIMSPA promotes itself as a “Disability Confident Committed” organisation. CIMSPA states that they commit to embrace diversity, create an open environment, and reduce discrimination.

Additionally, CIMSPA states that “No person will receive less favourable treatment or be disadvantaged by requirements or conditions which cannot be shown to be justifiable.”

Many people are struggling with assessments. Mental health and invisible disabilities don't matter.

For my personal training assessments, I requested reasonable adjustments due to social anxiety. For anyone who has it, you will know what a very real and often debilitating condition anxiety can be.

CIMSPA’s board of trustees “recognise and value people’s differences”. They have set ambitious diversity targets across gender, ethnicity, and disability.

True inclusion means more than just a diverse board. It’s about creating equitable pathways for all professionals, including those with invisible disabilities, to succeed within this field.

The EDI statement is inspiring, but words cannot create change. Actions do.

If CIMSPA truly values diversity and inclusivity, I think that they should go beyond representation and focus on accessibility. This looks like:

1. Offering Reasonable Adjustments for All Disabilities: If someone with a visible disability can receive accommodations, those with invisible disabilities should have equal access to support. The process needs to be inclusive of everyone’s needs.
2. Embedding Accessibility in Assessments: Flexibility in the structure and environment of assessments can help more people excel, regardless of mental health or disability status. This would demonstrate true commitment to equal opportunity.
3. Creating a Feedback System for Improvement: Ensuring that anyone who needs adjustments can have be heard. Make sure that systems work and are improved. This would benefit trainers and also strengthens CIMSPA’s reputation. CIMSPA can lead the way as a truly inclusive leader.

It’s time for CIMSPA to lead by example. We need real progress to create an industry genuinely inclusive in practice. It should not only be diverse on paper. We need to bridge the gap between promises and reality. This is how we can welcome diverse, talented, passionate people into the fitness industry.

I am questioning my ability to become a qualified personal trainer. Not because I don't know what I need to do, but because of this:

I have to partner up with another student. This means I have to be someone else's client for their assessment.

This thing which many would find the least stressful part of their assessment. This is huge for me.

I have anxiety about performing exercise in front of anyone else. It took me over 6 months of exercise to get my first personal trainer for this reason. I cried the first time I was asked to do a movement I'd never done before.

Maybe this is something that only makes sense if you experience anxiety.

This is my reality and it's ruining my confidence. Why is my ability to be someone else' client going to see me cancel my own assessment?

Yes, mental health sucks. But this shouldn't be happening. I question if I can do this. This is not how it should be. At all.

Read my related blog about how I have tackled my anxieties head on by clicking here.

Edited on 3rd Jan 2025 - I did it!

I am now a qualified personal trainer working at PureGym Wolverhampton South.

I did it!

My goal is closer than ever. I want to help anyone who suffers with anxiety. I also want to help those who worry about fitting in. As a qualified personal trainer, I can help you to be healthier. I can show you how to get fitter with someone who really gets it. With someone who lives it every day.