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 loose a legal challenge.

 

What Do You Need to Be a Good Fitness Leader

 

a/ The best training you can get

 

b/ Professional Indemnity Insurance

 

c/ In some countries and some situations, it may be desirable to gain registration through an accreditation scheme. Accreditation in one country does not mean accreditation in other countries. Accreditation usually is a result of meeting "minimum" standards set by either industry or government; but be aware that this does not mean you have the best training.

 

You may often need to do one course to "qualify" for being registered or accredited as a fitness leader; and other courses to develop knowledge and skills that will enable you to do the best job, and offer employers things that your industry colleagues cannot match