MEHFA
Malta Exercise Health &Fitness Association

What is MEHFA?
MEHFA is a not for profit organisation, based in Malta at 8 Magazines street Floriana. It was set up in November 2007 and officially launched on 22nd March 2008. It is owned by the paid members and the MEHFA executive committee together with its partners.

Who is on the MEHFA board?
Please view the About Us section.

What is our strategy?
MEHFA hopes to count on the support of all Maltese Health and Fitness industry as members. Anyone can become a member including businesses and individuals. The strategy is to have More people More active More often through activities and the website at www.mehfa.eu.

What is MEHFA’s involvement in Brussels?
MEHFA is instrumental in setting the standards for the fitness industry and this is done also in line with the European guidelines. MEHFA has a representation in the European Health and Fitness association based in Brussels . EHFA is a member of DG Sanco Platform for Action on Health and Physical Activity and Diet.

How can a training provider become accredited by MEHFA?

MEHFA will be working with several partners including the Malta Qualifications Council in the near future as the Standards setting body. Each submission will be considered on its own merits, but the standards have to be in line with those set down by EHFA.

What is MEHFA’s public policy strategy for the future?

MEHFA’s public policy mission is very straightforward

• To protect MEHFA members from policy , legislation or new regulation.
• To identify new opportunities for its members by keeping them aware of new policy developments
• To build support for the health and fitness sector among politicians and civil servants for policy development.
• To raise the profile of the health and fitness sector among decision makers.


How is MEHFA funded?

Funding is coming from sponsors and from the Commissioner of NGO's with possibilities from the Malta Sport Council and other government entities or local coucils.

In addition to sponsors MEHFA has strategic partnerships with some fitness centres in the industry.

What are the key area of activities for MEHFA?

• Set the Maltese agenda re: physical activity and fitness
• Drive for quality standards in certification
• Improve perception of the industry by politicians/media/consumer
• Increase participation in our clubs, fitness centres and outdoor activity to influence public health( for good reasons)
• Increase influence with the EU and to obtain EU funding to help us increase participation.
• Drive for fitness research.


What is the European Register of Exercise professionals?

EREPS is a scheme for the licensing of all instructors, trainers and teachers working across Europe in the Exercise and Fitness industry. MEHFA will co-ordinate the work for Malta with the EREPS. This gives consumers, employers and partners in medical professions confidence in the professionalism of exercise, health and fitness instructors and provides a process for assisting in the mobility of workers. Once registered an exercise professional would have met prescribed minimum standards to practice safely.


THE European Health and Fitness Industry
1. Includes almost 40 million consumers across Europe.
2. Employs over 370,000 people
3. Comprises almost 40,000 sites
4. Is worth over 20 billion Euros, almost twice the value of the professional European football industry.