Fitness Leaders Certificate VRE004

Develop a foundation to work in the field of fitness! This course focuses on teaching the theory and practical skills needed to work successfully in the fitness field.It was developed by fitness leaders with experience in different countries, so it is globally relevant and can be adapted to any fitness context. It isaimed at students who wish to work as fitness leaders in gymnasiums, health clubs, etc. Students should check with potential employers prior to enrolling as to their qualification/registration requirements. Kick Start an Exciting Career as a fitness leader.

To obtain a Fitness Leaders Certificate, students must meet the following five requirements:

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 EFK Level 1 & 2 requirements for the UK)
2. Undertake 40 hours of practical at an approved fitness centre (under the supervision of a reputable instructor).
3. Obtain a current First Aid Certificate that includes resuscitation (Red Cross, St. John\'s Ambulance for example).
4. Sit and pass four examinations.
5. Complete one additional specialist course chosen from either Aquafitness, Resistance & Gym Supervision, or Advanced Aerobics.

Aims 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.

The aim of specialty modules is to contextualise and expands the leaning process and competencies into one of the recognised registered categories.

On successful completion of this module 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,
• anability to explain basic human anatomy and physiology, and
• and ability to describe bioenergetics and environmental aspects of human biology.

Course Content

Parts I and II are made up of two units each with several lessons in each unit.

Part 1

Unit One: Anatomy and Physiology

• Lesson 1. Introduction to Health and Fitness
• Lesson 2. Exercise Physiology
• Lesson 3. Exercise Principles and Cardio-respiratory Programming
• Lesson 4. Physiology: Digestion, Excretion, Physiological Systems

Unit Two: Biomechanics

• Lesson 5. Introduction to Biomechanics: The skeleton and muscles
• Lesson 6. Biomechanics and Risk
• Lesson 7. Aquafitness, exercise, routines, and equipment

Part II Unit Three: Program Design and Performance

• Lesson 8. Fitness Program Design
• Lesson 9. Delivering A Fitness Program
• Lesson 10. Ergogenic Aids to Performance

Unit Four: Safety, Injury, and Body Physiology

• Lesson 11. Regulating Body Physiology
• Lesson 12. Safety, Injury and General Wellbeing
• Lesson 13. Fitness Programs for Special Groups

Introduction to Health and Fitness

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.

LESSON 2.

Exercise and Physiology

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.

LESSON 3.

Exercise Principles and Cardiorespiratory Programming

To explain the relationship between the body and health, fitness and exercise, with respect to risk involved in exercise.

LESSON 4

Physiology Systems

a) To explain different physiological systems of the body.

b) To explain movement of materials in and out of living cells.

LESSON 5

Introduction to Biomechanics

To explain features of the human skeletal system, and the human muscular system, in terms of structure and basic function.

LESSON 6.

Biomechanics at Risk

a) To evaluate body movements during different exercises.

b) To explain the human nervous system, in terms of structure and basic functions.

Lesson 7.

Aqua Fitness

To develop an understanding of how aquafitness activities differ from other fitness activities.

LESSON 8.

Fitness Program Disign

To design fitness programs, which are both safe and effective, to fulfil specified requirements of an individual.

LESSON 9.

Delivering A Fitness Program

To deliver a fitness program to a small group of clients.

Lesson 10.

Ergogenic Aids to Performance

Explain ergogenic aids to body performance during activity/exercise.

Lesson 11.

Regulating Body Physiology

Explain body regulation processes

LESSON 12.

Safety, Ethics Injury and General Wellbeing

To manage the wellbeing of participants in a fitness program, including safety and injury.

LESSON 13.

Fitness Programs For Special Groups

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).

• The components of fitness
• Fitness
• Physical fitness
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Muscular strength and muscular endurance
• Flexibility
• Motor fitness
• 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
• The cardio-respiratory system
• The heart
• The cardiac cycle
• The vascular system
• Circulation
• Osmosis and Diffusion
• Digestive system
• Urinary system
• Endocrine system
• Respiratory System
• Breathing action
• 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)
• Nervous system
• Training and risk
• Injury prevention tips
• Physiology of an aqua fitness session
• Stretching
• Types of exercises
• The components of a warm up
• Components of a cool down
• 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
• Customer service
• Communication skills
• Dealing with customer complaints
• Self Esteem
• Communicating for effective relationships
• Key communication strategies
• Ergogenic aids are substances which improve performance which can include: Drugs, Vitamins, Water, Warm up activity, and Motivational talks.
• The acid base balance
• The effect of changing atmospheric pressure
• Temperature regulation
• Acid Base balance
• Acidity
• Ethical practice
• Safety and injury
• General wellbeing, which can cover psychological as well as physiological wellbeing.
• Sample Screening Questionnaire
• Sample Medical Clearance form
• 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

Beyond the Core

Upon successful completion of the course, the UK student can sit the Exercise and Fitness Knowledge I and II examinations via CYQ.

If you are studying this course from outside the UK you can still be awarded the Fitness Leaders Certificate (which is nonetheless valuable training), but the YMCA endorsed qualification cannot be awarded unless you sit your exam in the UK.

If you wish to complete and be awarded a Fitness Leaders Certificate by Warnborough College, you must sit and pass a core examination, then complete a series of additional requirements after the core studies. See these requirements outlined at the top of this page.

Note: Examination fees are extra and not included in the standard tuition fee.

Accreditations

This course will provide credits towards IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council) accredited Certificates or Diplomas, including the new Elite Fitness Certificate.

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 partner 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 additiona, accredited qualifications). (Note: Though this course can be undertaken and a certificate awarded anywhere in the world; the UK accredited qualification can only be awarded if studying in the UK).

This course goes beyond what is required by any one country. It has more human biology than many other fitness courses -maybe not an essential requirement; but armed with a greater knowledge of biology is a sure fire way to distinguish yourself in this career and give yourself the edge on your competition.

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 Health

Graduates can achieve additional qualifications and fitness leader registration in either (or both) the U.K. and Australia, by undertaking a small amount of additional study with one of our partner colleges: in the U.K., or (in Australia).