With the inaugural presentation of the European Fitness Awards (EFA) on November 18 in the exclusive ambience of Soho House Berlin, the RSG Group sent out a powerful signal for the social importance of fitness, exercise and preventative health. The glamorous premiere, to which around 100 selected guests from the worlds of sport, politics, business and the media were invited, impressively demonstrated the extent to which physical activity is perceived today as a driver of well-being, performance and social integration.
The EFA, which will be awarded annually in the future, is intended to honor personalities, organizations and projects that contribute to establishing fitness as an integral part of European culture with innovative ideas and exceptional commitment. The launch event made it clear that this award is far more than just an honor - it is an appeal to politicians and society to no longer view fitness as a leisure option, but as an indispensable resource for the future.
An exclusive evening at Soho House Berlin
Soho House Berlin - a place that stands for creativity, sophisticated events and cultural exchange - provided the perfect setting for an event that reflects the diversity and dynamism of the fitness community. Guests were treated to a mixture of networking, inspiring success stories, live musical moments and visionary impulses for the future.
The evening was hosted by TV presenter Laura Wontorra, whose mixture of professionalism, charisma and closeness to the sporting world created an energetic atmosphere. The presentation of the nominated projects and initiatives highlighted a common thread: Fitness can not only shape bodies, but also change lives and break down social barriers.
Prominent personalities set an example
The guest list underlined the great appeal of the award. The well-known faces who helped shape the evening included:
Franziska van Almsick, former world-class swimmer and committed ambassador for swimming promotion
Ralf Moeller, Hollywood actor and bodybuilding world champion
Britta Heidemann, Olympic champion in fencing
Dorothee Bär, member of the Bundestag and long-time supporter of digital and health policy innovations
André Schürrle, soccer world champion and advocate of a holistic lifestyle
Members of the band The BossHoss, who stand for energy, fun and movement with their lifestyle
Their presence not only lent the event a glamorous sheen, but also clearly demonstrated the many ways in which fitness acts as a cultural link. Sports icons, politicians, artists and entrepreneurs are united by the conviction that exercise forms a foundation for a healthy, resilient and socially connected society.
The RSG Group as a driving force in the industry
The initiator of the award ceremony is the RSG Group, Europe's largest fitness provider and operator of brands such as McFIT, John Reed Fitness, Gold's Gym, High5 and many other concepts. The company, which has more than six million members worldwide, sees itself not only as a provider of training opportunities, but also as a global shaper of an active lifestyle.
In his opening speech,Dr. Gerd Schaller, Co-CEO and owner of the RSG Group, emphasized the vision behind the award: "With the European Fitness Award, we want to put the spotlight on people and initiatives that are committed to the social relevance of fitness and exercise on a daily basis."
In recent years, the RSG Group has increasingly worked towards democratizing fitness and getting new target groups excited about exercise. The company has been setting trends for decades with innovative studio formats, rebranding projects, digital training solutions and international collaborations. The EFA is a logical continuation of this commitment.
What is the significance of the European Fitness Award?
The newly created award pursues ambitious goals that extend far beyond the fitness industry. These include
1. increasing visibility
Although many health-promoting projects are successful locally, they remain largely unknown to the public. The award offers them a stage that extends beyond national borders.
2. actively involving politics and society
In times of increasing physical inactivity and growing health challenges - keyword prevention of common diseases - it is becoming more and more important to establish fitness as a strategic component of health policy.
3. create inspiration
The award-winning projects should serve as role models for cities, schools, companies and clubs. They show the power of small initiatives when they are implemented consistently.
4. networking the industry
The EFA brings together decision-makers, trainers, scientists, politicians and media representatives to jointly develop new impulses for the European fitness landscape.
Support from the scientific community and associations
The DSSV, the employers' association of German fitness and health facilities, the most important institution in the industry in German-speaking countries, also expressly welcomes the new award. Its chairman, Prof. Dr. Thomas Wessinghage, emphasized: "The European Fitness Award sends out a strong signal. It shows how crucial fitness has become for the health of our society - and how necessary it is to visibly recognize this commitment. As the DSSV, we welcome any initiative that strengthens the importance of physical activity politically, socially and in the media." Wessinghage, himself a doctor and Olympic middle-distance runner, has been considered one of the most knowledgeable experts on health training for decades. His assessment underlines the extent to which fitness has developed from a lifestyle trend to a scientifically backed health component in recent years.
Inspiring projects - a look behind the scenes
During the event, various initiatives were presented that demonstrate the power of exercise in different ways. Examples from the categories shown:
Social integration through sport - projects that open up new perspectives for refugees or young people from difficult circumstances.
Physical activity in education - programs that use sport as an integral part of teaching and learning support.
Health in the working environment - innovative models for occupational health prevention that motivate employees to be more active in the long term.
Urban fitness - creative urban exercise spaces that make fitness accessible free of charge and around the clock.
This diversity shows that fitness is much more than weight training or cardio sessions - it is a social engine that connects people.
Musical finale and intensive networking
The official award ceremony was followed by a relaxed finale with live music by artist Levent Geiger, whose performance rounded off the evening in an atmospheric way. Many guests then had the opportunity to discuss new trends in the European fitness market - from digitalization and boutique concepts to sustainable studio models.
The informal networking part showed once again what characterizes the fitness sector: a strong sense of community and the will to take responsibility for the future together.
A strong signal for an active future
The premiere of the European Fitness Awards was a complete success, not only as an event, but also as the starting signal for a movement that sees fitness as an elementary component of a modern, healthy and resilient society. With this award, the RSG Group has set a new standard that will inspire and strengthen the industry.
If the EFA continues to grow in the coming years, it could become one of the most important awards in the European health and fitness landscape and a symbol that physical activity not only improves individual quality of life, but can also have a lasting impact on society as a whole.
Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de
Source and image source: DSSV e. V.
Published on: 5 December 2025