Elite Fitness Leaders Certificate

The nature and variety of work in the fitness industry has been in a rapid state of change for several years.  The Elite Fitness Leaders Certificate was developed and endorsed through the board of the IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council).

The following needs to be completed in order for students to be awarded the Elite Fitness Leader Certificate:

MODULES

1. Stages 1 and 2 of Core Studies

“Health and Fitness”, “Recreation Management” and “Physiology and Anatomy” are partly covered in stage 1, and completed in stage 2.

Stage 1
There are 12 lessons in this module as follows:
1. Introduction to Health & Fitness
2. Exercise Physiology
3. Exercise Principles & Cardio Respiratory Programming
4. Introduction to Biomechanics: The skeleton & muscles
5. Biomechanics & Risk
6. Fitness Program Design
7. Delivering a Fitness Program
8. Physiology: Digestion, excretion, physiological systems
9. Regulating Body Physiology
10. Ergogenic Aids to Performance
11. Safety, Injury & General Wellbeing
12. Fitness Programs for Special Groups

Stage 2
There are 7 lessons in this module as follows:
1.   Nerves & Motor Skills
2. Skeletal Muscle
3.   Muscle Organisation & Movement
4.  Muscle Flexibility & Posture
5.  Managing Diet
6.  Managing an Exercise Program
7.  Writing an Exercise Program

2. Elective Specialist Module
The student will normally choose to study from Advanced Aerobics, Aquafitness or Resistance & 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.

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.