About EFWA
October 20, 2020 2026-09-02 16:50About EFWA
About EFWA®
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EFWA® Opens Its Doors to Hundreds of Students Across Europe — Expanding Beyond the United Kingdom
With an academic team of instructors holding over 20 years of professional experience, EFWA® offers accredited qualifications that are recognised not only throughout the United Kingdom but also across all member states of the Council of Europe. These qualifications are fully aligned with the core values promoted by the Council, including accessibility, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
With an academic team of instructors holding over 20 years’ professional experience, EFWA® offers CPD-accredited qualifications recognised not only throughout the United Kingdom but across European countries. Our programmes align with the Council of Europe’s core values—accessibility, inclusion and lifelong learning.
Established in the UK in 2018, EFWA® delivers 15 diploma and certificate programmes in both 100% online and blended formats. Through these pathways, you can earn internationally recognised titles such as Level 3 Pilates Instructor, Level 3–4 Personal Trainer, Level 3 Massage Therapist, Sports Massage Therapist, and Strength & Conditioning Coach—supporting your professional development on a global scale.
Internationally Recognised Diplomas and Certificates – Accepted in 64 Countries
Learners Enrolled Worldwide
Highly Qualified Educators and Academic Experts Behind EFWA®
Certificate Programmes Across Multiple Disciplines
What Makes Us Special?
EFWA® exists to promote physical and mental wellbeing through scientifically grounded, accessible and internationally recognised education. Our aim is simple: to give every learner a meaningful, high-quality and genuinely innovative learning experience—wherever they are in the world.
We deliver programmes 100% online and in blended formats across fitness, wellness, Pilates, massage therapy, personal training and sports health, removing geographical and socio-economic barriers to study. Our CPD-accredited programmes—designed in line with the Council of Europe’s values of accessibility, inclusion and lifelong learning—help graduates earn professional qualifications and pursue opportunities recognised in 64+ countries.
At the same time, EFWA® is pioneering a fully online MetaUniversity® model, using digital learning technologies to turn education into an exceptional life experience.
Ultimately, we aim not only to educate but to develop globally minded, ethically grounded professionals who embrace lifelong learning and personal growth.
What is EFWA?
EFWA (European Fitness and Wellness Academy) is a UK-based online education provider offering certificate programmes in Pilates, Yoga, massage therapy and personal training.
Founded in 2018, EFWA delivers self-paced online learning built on applied anatomy, exercise physiology and biomechanics, with tutor support and unlimited access to course materials. Our programmes are studied by learners in more than 60 countries.
EFWA is an independent provider. Our certificates are issued by EFWA and evidence the knowledge and competence a learner has demonstrated; they are not regulated qualifications. Requirements for professional teaching vary by country, and we encourage learners to check what applies where they intend to work.
What makes EFWA different?
Most instructor courses show you the exercise. EFWA programmes show you what is happening inside the body while you perform it.
Every practical demonstration runs alongside an anatomical panel prepared by Dr Mert Eray Onen, author of Anatomy of the Locomotor System: the joints involved, the movement occurring at each, the muscles producing it, the muscles stabilising isometrically, and the muscles being lengthened.
Every programme also includes the same academic foundation — locomotor system anatomy, exercise physiology, and systems anatomy and physiology, each with knowledge assessments. The practical modules build on that foundation rather than replacing it.
Who Teaches at EFWA?
Dr Mert Eray Onen has taught human anatomy and kinesiology at university level since 2004, at the Faculty of Sport Sciences, Kocaeli University. He holds a PhD in Sport Health Sciences and is the author of Anatomy of the Locomotor System, as well as editor and contributing author of Training Physiology. In 2011–2012 he delivered the anatomy, kinesiology and exercise physiology curriculum across all International Pilates Federation instructor programmes and served as the Federation’s Vice President for Education. In 2025 he received the Best Educator award at the 9th International Achievement and Career Award.
Melisa Arslan is a Master Instructor with the International Pilates Federation, holding master-level certification in both Pilates and Yoga. She delivers the practical demonstrations across EFWA’s programmes.
