HOME STUDY COURSE FITNESS LEADERS
This course develops your ability to prepare and deliver basic fitness programs, based on a solid understanding of the body's energy and movements. The core theory will develop a high standard of essential knowledge and competency while the specialty modules contextualise and expand on key skills in chosen areas.
Recognition:
- The qualification awarded by ACS is accredited internationally by the International Accreditation & Recognition Council
- Articulation arrangements with partner colleges in both Australia and the UK, allow our graduates to easily upgrade their qualification to nationally recognised qualifications in either or both of these countries. ie. The course incorporates Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 1 and 2 in the U.K; and ALSO the Australian certificates III and IV in Fitness. ACS has articulation arrangements with affiliated colleges in both Australia and the UK which allows graduates to obtain accredited fitness leader qualifications in either country (A small amount of additional work and extra fees will apply to upgrade and obtain additional, accredited qualifications).
(Note: Though this course can be undertaken and a certificate awarded anywhere in the world; the UK or Australian accredited qualifications can only be completed if studying in the UK or Australia).
COURSE STRUCTURE
1. Stages 1 and 2 of Core Studies
These are studies undertaken through distance education.
“Health and Fitness”, “Recreation Management” and “Physiology and Anatomy” are partly covered in stage 1, and completed in stage 2.
Stage 1
This stage covers twelve topics:
- Introduction to Health and Fitness
- Exercise Physiology
- Exercise Principles and Cardio-respiratory Programming
- Introduction to Biomechanics: The skeleton and muscles
- Biomechanics and Risk
- Fitness Program Design
- Delivering A Fitness Program
- Physiology: Digestion, Excretion, Physiological Systems
- Regulating Body Physiology
- Ergogenic Aids to Performance
- Safety, Injury and General Wellbeing
- Fitness Programs for Special Groups
Stage 2
This covers seven topics:
- Nerves and Motor Skills
- Skeletal Muscle
- Muscle Organisation and Movement
- Muscle Flexibility and Posture
- Managing Diet
- Managing an Exercise Program
- Writing an Exercise Program
2. Elective Specialist Module
The student will normally choose to study from Advanced Aerobics, Aquafitness or Resistance and Gym Supervision (see our handbook for outlines). Other options may occasionally be accepted.
3. Basic Pathophysiology
This is a stand alone course which is studied with Health Schools Australia, a partner school in the delivery of this Elite Fitness Certificate. You will be automatically enrolled in Pathophysiology when you enrol in the Elite Fitness Certificate with ACS. The Pathophysiology course will be sent to you to undertake during the second half of your studies.
4. Psychology and Counselling Module
The module “Psychology and Counselling” will be sent to you unless you arrange otherwise. Alternative psychology modules offered by the school may be accepted (eg. Sports Psychology), but a special arrangement must be made in advance of the course being sent.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
1. First Aid
The student must complete a First Aid Certificate with either the Red Cross, or an equivalent course with a reputable body that holds good standing both nationally and internationally (eg. St. John’s Ambulance in Australia).
2. Practical
Part 1 - Practical work - in a health and fitness workplace (e.g. a gymnasium or health club) under supervision of a qualified consultant or instructor. An instructor is considered qualified if:
-They hold a degree or diploma in Fitness or human movement; or
-They were registered as a Fitness Leader under the old Fitness Leader registration scheme conducted by AFAC; or
-They studied a “reputable and relevant” course, of 200 hrs or more duration; and have the equivalent of 2 years or more (part time or full time) industry experience, within a reputable gymnasium or health club.
This practical must be documented in detail for 40 hours by your supervisor, in a log book supplied by the school.
Part 2 - Work Experience - in a reputable and relevant situation for a period of 150 hours. This may be paid or unpaid work, in self employment, or in the employ of someone else. Either way, you must validate the nature and scope of this work by supplying two references (eg. from employers, supervisors, colleagues or clients).
The references need to be letters which provide the following information:
-Name and contact details of the writer.
-Your relationship with the writer, and their interest in the fitness industry
-The hours that you have worked, and the dates between which that work was undertaken.
-What you actually did
-Their opinion of the quality of the work you undertook.
Accredited internationally through IARC
Before you enrol in this course, we recommend that you check with potential employers as to their qualification/registration requirements.
Fitness Leadership
Working as a Fitness Leader
Fitness Leaders are people who instruct and/or otherwise facilitate other people to undertake activities intended to improve or maintain individuals level of physical (and sometimes mental) wellbeing.
The job of being a Fitness Leader has changed greatly over the past few decades, and looks certain to continue changing.
In the mid 20th century, fitness leaders were fewer in number, and often just amateur fitness enthusiasts conducting exercise classes in a community centre or hall. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, public interest in fitness increased, as did the capacity of people in more affluent countries to pay people to help them improve their level of fitness.
Growth in interest, demand and economic potential has led the industry to develop in different ways in different countries. What was once dominated by amateurs and volunteers, has blossomed into an industry that employs people in a wide range of roles (eg. "Gym Managers", "Life Coaches", Personal Trainers, "Health Consultants", "Fitness Leaders", "Recreation Officers" etc.). Concerns over legal liability have made it important for these "professionals" and their employers to be protected against legal action from disgruntled clients.
Appropriate legal protection may be achieved through various means:
1. By acquiring skills and knowledge which show an unchallengeable capacity to do the job.
2. Insurance -A professional indemnity policy to protect against any impact from a law suit.
3. Statements relating to Liability -Displayed notices or membership contracts which clients are clearly advised of limited liability prior to using any offered services.
4. Registrations and Memberships-Joining an appropriate professional association and/or registering as a fitness leader under an accreditation scheme can provide an indication that the leader is maintaining professional standing.
CAUTION: Registration as a Fitness Leader alone may not provide adequate legal protection. Registration simply means you have satisfied what a government or industry body has determined as being required for their registration; but if the courts determine you were still not competent to have done something you may still lose a legal challenge.
