FITNESS LEADERS DISTANCE LEARNING COURSE
"I have been involved in sport all my life and now have an in-depth look behind the scenes so to speak."- Comments from Judy on studying the Fitness Leader Certificate
Our Fitness Leaders Certificate has more human biology than many other fitness courses available. We believe human biology knowledge is essential for Fitness Leaders and we've made it easily available to you as part of our course. We know from experience how important it is for graduates to be armed with a range of knowledge to be distinguished in this career.
So how does studying online through ACS work? 1. Complete the Fitness Leader's Certificate Core Theory which incorporates key sections of Human Biology IA, Human Biology IB, and Health and Fitness I (and incorporates Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 1 & 2 requirements for the UK)
2. Obtain a current First Aid Certificate from the Red Cross or St. John's Ambulance (or equivalent) that includes resuscitation
3. Complete one additional specialist module chosen from Aquafitness, Resistance Gym Supervision or Advanced Aerobics (an additional S1 fee code applies when you come to this module - see course fees for amounts).
4. Sit and pass four examinations - one for each module
5. Complete 1 day practical assessment with London based Fitness Industry Education, on a day that suits you, to complete the practical component and achieve UK accreditation.
IMPORTANT: As with any government - accredited qualification, the conditions of accreditation can be changed without notice by government bodies. This is out of the control of any institution that is delivering a government accredited qualification.
Read on for information about the core part of the course:
The aim of the Core theory course is to elevate the standard of core knowledge and competency for people working in the field of fitness through the provision of a pre-service education program.
On successful completion of the core modules you will have developed:
abilities in describing the nature and extent of the health and fitness industry,
abilities in explaining exercise and its importance to health and fitness,
skills in preparation and delivery of basic fitness programs,
an ability to explain basic human anatomy and physiology, and
and ability to describe bioenergetics and environmental aspects of human biology.
LESSON CONTENT - THE CORE
All the lessons of the core theory are divided into 4 units, 2 units in Part 1 and 2 units in Part 2.
PART 1
UNIT ONE – Anatomy and Physiology and Exercise; UNIT TWO - Biomechanics
PART 2
UNIT THREE – Program Design and Performance; UNIT FOUR – Safety, Injury, and Body PhysiologyThe aim of specialty modules is to contextualise and expands the leaning process and competencies into one of the recognised registered categories.
BEYOND THE CORE
If you wish to complete and be awarded a Fitness Leaders Certificate by ACS, you must sit and pass Core exams, then complete a series of additional requirements after the core studies. See these requirements outlined at the top of this page.
MORE LESSON DETAIL AND AIMS:
LESSON 1 -INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH and FITNESS
AIM
a) To explain the nature of the health and fitness industries.
b) To explain the human body at a microscopic level, including the structure and function of cells, tissues, and membranes.
The components of fitness
Fitness
Physical fitness
Cardiovascular fitness
Muscular strength and muscular endurance
Flexibility
Motor fitness
LESSON 2 - EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
AIM
To explain the relationship between the body and health, fitness and exercise, with reference to physiological processes, including energy pathways during resting, work and recovery, and how energy is used in the human body to create work and power.
The cardio-respiratory system
The heart
The cardiac cycle
The vascular system
Circulation
Energy systems
Energy
The ATP cycle
The phosphocreatine, lactic acid and aerobic energy systems
LESSON 3 - EXERCISE PRINCIPLES and CARDIORESPIRATORY PROGRAMMING
AIM
To explain the relationship between the body and health, fitness and exercise, with respect to risk involved in exercise.
The cardio-respiratory system
LESSON 4 - PHYSIOLOGY SYSTEMS
AIM
a) To explain different physiological systems of the body.
b) To explain movement of materials in and out of living cells.
Osmosis and Diffusion
Digestive system
Urinary system
Endocrine system
Respiratory System
Breathing action
LESSON 5 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOMECHANICS
AIM
To explain features of the human skeletal system, and the human muscular system, in terms of structure and basic function.
Bones and joints and Muscles and muscle actions
The skeleton: Four types of bone; Factors affecting bone structure; The three types of joint; Synovial joints; Joint movement terms
Muscles: Muscle group actions; Muscle group actions on the joint(s)
LESSON 6 -BIOMECHANICS and RISK
AIM
a) To evaluate body movements during different exercises.
b) To explain the human nervous system, in terms of structure and basic functions.
Nervous system
Training and risk
Injury prevention tips
LESSON 7 - AQUAFITNESS
AIM
To develop an understanding of how aquafitness activities differ from other fitness activities.
Physiology of an aqua fitness session
Stretching
Types of exercises
The components of a warm up
Components of a cool down
LESSON 8 - FITNESS PROGRAM DESIGN
AIM
To design fitness programs, which are both safe and effective, to fulfil specified requirements of an individual.
Design process
Developing Physique
Basic Conditioning Exercises
Cardiorespiratory (Aerobic) Endurance
Structure of an aerobic training session
Weight Training
Qualities of A Professional
Leadership Communication
Communication Barriers
LESSON 9 - DELIVERING A FITNESS PROGRAM
AIM
To deliver a fitness program to a small group of clients.
Customer service
Communication skills
Dealing with customer complaints
Self Esteem
Communicating for effective relationships
Key communication strategies
LESSON 10 - ERGOGENIC AIDS TO PERFORMANCE
AIM
Explain ergogenic aids to body performance during activity/exercise.
Ergogenic aids are substances which improve performance which can include: Drugs, Vitamins, Water, Warm up activity, and Motivational talks.
LESSON 11 - REGULATING BODY PHYSIOLOGY
AIM:
Explain body regulation processes
The acid base balance
The effect of changing atmospheric pressure
Temperature regulation
Acid Base balance
Acidity
LESSON 12 - SAFETY, ETHICS, INJURY and GENERAL WELLBEING
AIM
To manage the wellbeing of participants in a fitness program, including safety and injury.
Ethical practice
Safety and injury
General wellbeing, which can cover psychological as well as physiological wellbeing.
Sample Screening Questionnaire
Sample Medical Clearance form
LESSON 13 - FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL GROUPS
AIM
To design fitness programs, which are both safe and effective, catering to needs of special populations (weight control programs, handicapped/disabled persons programs or for the elderly).
Program management
Exercise variables (frequency, duration, intensity)
Four zones of training
Programs for weight control and evaluation of cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength and endurance
WHY STUDY FITNESS THROUGH ACS?
SET YOUR SELF APART FROM THE COMPETITION! It is well known that the key to success in any career is to be different in some way to your competition. We offer just that to our graduates by designing a course that delivers to you a set of skills and knowledge that surpasses those of your “average fitness leader”. This course is for those who strive to be better than ordinary, and want to come out of their qualification with more specialised knowledge than other graduates. As with any career, a qualification will get you the interview, but it is your knowledge, attitude, capacity to do the job, and your uniqueness that will get you the job. Choose ACS and set yourself apart.
This course will provide credits towards IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council) accredited Certificates or Diplomas, including the Elite Fitness Certificate. The course incorporates
content of Exercise and Fitness Knowledge Level 1 and 2 in the U.K; most of Certificate III and IV in Fitness (accredited in Australia) components of the Pre Med Diploma and the Foundation Diploma in Natural HealthMore Information on ACS Distance Education and our courses
Who are our tutors?
Our tutors are all highly experienced and professional, knowledgeable in their field of study. We have staff from around the world, enabling us to gain a wide variety of perspectives. We have a school in the UK and in Australia. If you would like to have a look at our tutors, then click on the “The School” in the boxes above and choose “The Staff” option.
Sample Course Notes
Our courses are all written by highly qualified tutors and writers, who also teach on the courses, so know them well. We strive to update our courses and improve them with new information, methods and knowledge on an ongoing basis. If you would like to see examples of some of our courses, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, and then click on “Sample Course Notes”.
What learning method should I choose?
We offer three learning methods – e-learning, correspondence and online. If you are not sure which is the right choose for you, then click on the “Enrolment” box above, then “Learning Methods.”
How Long will it take to complete the course?
This obviously varies from student to student. Some students will have more time for study than others. Some students may work quicker than others, so it is an individual thing. We estimate that most students will take, for example, 4 – 6 months to complete a 100 hour individual module, but we allow up to 12 months for you to complete it.
Longer courses will obviously take longer. You can find more information on the length of time required and so on the “Enrolment” box, then selecting “Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.”
What Do Our Students think of us?
If you would like to read comments from our previous students, then choose the “Enrolment” option above, then “Student Testimonials”.
I don’t think this is the right course for me.
If you’re not sure about this course, then why not look at our wide range of other courses. Click on the “Courses” box above.
You may also wish to design your own course to fit in with exactly what YOU want. To do so, click on the “Enrolment” box, then “Design your Own Course”.
If you would like more advice on a course, then you can contact us and ask a tutor about the courses. You can contact us by calling 0800 328 4723 or +44(0) 384 442752 or emailing info@acsedu.co.uk
Recognition and Accreditation
For more information on our recognition and accreditation, click on “The School”, then “Recognition”.
Who is ACS Distance Education?
If you want to know more about ACS and our history, then please click on “The School”, then “About us.”
This fantastic Fitness Leaders Certificate is aimed at anyone who would love to work in a gymnasium or health club as a qualified Fitness Leader.
Accreditations
This course will provide credits towards ACS Advanced Certificates or Diplomas, including the new Elite Fitness Certificate, all of which are accredited by IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council).
ACS has a fantastic affiliate based in London, Fitness Industry Education, who work with us to enable our graduates to obtain accredited fitness leader qualifications - a Central YMCA Qualification! Only one extra day of practical assessment and a small fee applies to upgrade and obtain additional, accredited qualifications. (Please note that although this course is available online to students in any location, UK accredited qualifications can only be awarded if studying in the UK).
