Assessor Resource

SISFFIT308A
Plan and deliver gym programs

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to exercise instructors who work in facilities that provide a range of exercise programs and services such as aqua, group or gym-based to general populations including older clients and older adolescents who present with no major health conditions.

This unit is applicable to those working in fitness venues, gyms or other exercise environments and those working in community setting.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, demonstrate, supervise and monitor a range of gym programs customised for clients with specific fitness requirements and respond appropriately to the changing needs of clients.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

plans, demonstrates, supervises and adjusts gym programs incorporating safe and effective equipment use and exercise prescription for a range of clients, including older clients to address their fitness goals

communicates effectively with a range of clients to explain the exercise program, its expected benefits and safety considerations and provides constructive feedback

identifies individual client behaviours and applies appropriate motivational techniques and strategies to support exercise adherence

plans circuit class with interrelated components, monitors the progress of the session and applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the session, such as equipment failure or client overtraining, and makes adjustments in response to changing situations

instructs circuit class that meet client expectations, comply with legislative and organisational requirements, and are of sufficient duration to allow the candidate to demonstrate techniques to instruct and review a circuit class

evaluates and reflects on own work performance to identify ways in which session outcomes and benefits to clients can be improved.

manages the timing and conduct of gym programs to enable effective and efficient use of facilities, respecting the needs of other facility users.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure planning and delivery of gym programs including circuit sessions for multiple clients to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a fitness facility where equipment such as cardiovascular, free weight, pin-loaded and circuit is available

a range of clients, including older clients, with a range of real or simulated fitness goals and needs

relevant documentation such as programming cards relevant to the specific program format.

documentation such as circuit training session plans and manufacturer specifications for equipment use.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of client consultation

observation of effective training sessions, incorporating feedback and appropriate motivational techniques

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the structure and function of joints and muscles and their relationship to effective exercise planning

portfolio of customised training plans developed, monitored and adjusted in the workplace

third-party reports from supervisors detailing work performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Guidance information for assessment


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

ability to move in a controlled and efficient manner while demonstrating to clients

communication skills to:

consult, advise and monitor client performance

provide clear instruction and constructive feedback to clients

convey information to clients about circuit class or gym program objectives, safe exercise techniques and use of equipment

interact with clients during the circuit class or gym program

problem-solving skills to:

clarify client requirements and develop, monitor and adjust exercise programs to meet the changing needs and requirements of clients

identify client problems during the session and address these through appropriate intervention

identify improvements to energy, water and other resources for environmental sustainablity

organisational skills to enable the collection and analysis of information on fitness levels and exercises and to manage the effective use of facilities and equipment

planning and organisational skills to:

plan a circuit class

plan a gym program

prepare the exercise area and equipment

manage the time of clients and facility schedules time effectively.

make modifications to the session

language and literacy skills to produce and document a circuit training session plan for the session and gym programs for an individual client

technology skills to enable selection and correct use of applicable equipment

self-management to review and reflect on own work performance in effectively planning and instructing circuit classes and gym program according to client expectations

literacy and numeracy skills to complete workplace documentation such as client fitness records and plans.

Required knowledge

structure and function of joints and muscles to enable accurate identification of joints and muscles that require strengthening and stability and accurate assessment of the degree of difficulty in performing the proposed exercises

legislative and organisational requirements to enable safe and effective conduct of activities including safe use of equipment and managing facility schedules in the context of the requirements of other facility users

motivational techniques and strategies to support client adherence to programs

a range of resistance exercises and exercise programs to enable selection and implementation of appropriate programs to improve or maintain the fitness of clients

a range of suitable warm up and cool down activities

principles of exercise planning to enable sound planning for the circuit classes and gym programs

structure and function of the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory and metabolic body systems to determine the benefits and appropriateness of different exercise to meet client needs

health and other reasons affecting ability to participate in a circuit class to enable clients to be advised appropriately

organisational policies and procedures to enable safe planning and instruction of circuit classes and gym programs

conflict resolution strategies to support group cohesion and interaction

manufacturer-equipment specifications for use and techniques to check the safe use of session equipment

potentially harmful practices and the reasons why they are avoided in circuit training sessions to enable safe client participation in the circuit classes and gym programs

instructional and motivational techniques suitable for circuit classes and gym programs to enable use of strategies to produce positive outcomes for clients

physiological, psychological and biomechanical changes that occur with circuit and resistance training to enable informed planning and instruction of session and prompt response to client difficulties.

use, care and maintenance of gym equipment to maximise benefits for clients and enable safe conduct

environmental and resource efficiency practices related to the use of activity areas and gym equipment.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Specific fitness goals may include:

sports, cardio and muscle conditioning

increased strength or endurance

flexibility and mobility

decrease stress

increase functional capacity.

Client may include:

experienced or inexperienced

older adult

de-conditioned

older adolescents:

16 years and over

active or inactive

pre-natal

post-natal

menopausal.

Motivational techniques may include

arousal control techniques and theories

zone of optimal function.

Fitness plan may include:

long and short term goals

periodisation and training phases

time and commitment to training sessions

exercise adherence.

Aims may include:

competition or performance targets

self improvement

fitness targets

lifestyle adjustments.

Exercise repertoire may include:

cardio

strength and conditioning

flexibility.

Training programs may include:

warm up

cool down

resistance specification:

exercises

equipment

repetitions

sets

resistance

intensity

frequency

variations

cardiorespiratory specifications:

exercises

equipment

intensity

duration

frequency

heart-rate training zones

flexibility specifications:

target muscles

range of motion

duration

type of stretch

static

dynamic

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).

Exercise variables may include:

range of motion

speed of movement

source of resistance

level of impact on the body

equipment selection

exercise order

exercise selection - machines vs free weights.

Benefits may include:

physiological

psychological

social.

Program variables may include:

training frequency and session duration

exercise order

repetitions

sets

resistance

intensity

overload techniques:

cardiorespiratory and flexibility training.

Principles of training may include:

training thresholds

progressive overload

specificity

individuality

reversibility

recovery

variation

diminishing returns.

Exercise analysis may include:

identification of joints where movement is occurring

classification of the exercise as being isolation or compound

identification of working muscles and the joints on which they act

identification of joints and body parts that require stability - antagonists, agonists, stabilisers

identification of the muscles responsible for stabilising the joints and body parts

assessment of the degree of difficulty in performing the exercise

assessment of how well the exercise meets the functional requirements of the client.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Occupational Health and Safety

client supervision

communication protocols

privacy

records management and security

use, care and maintenance of equipment.

Resistance exercises may include:

bench and chest press

flye

cable crossover

shoulder press

lateral and front-arm raise

shrug

upright row

shoulder internal and external rotation

biceps, preacher and hammer curl

overhead triceps press

lying triceps extensions and press

triceps kickback

bent over and one-arm row

supported and t-bar row

pullover

wrist curl

bent over lateral raises and reverse flye

squat

lunge

deadlift - bent and stiff leg

calf raise

hip abduction and adduction

leg curl, extension and press

hack squat

back and hip extension (glute-ham raise)

abdominal, including oblique and reverse, crunch

abdominal isometric hold

basic core stability and proprioceptive exercises

lat pull-downs

seated row.

Misconceptions may include:

hypertrophy outcomes

slowness

reduced flexibility

spot reduction of body fat.

Instructional techniques may include:

clear and accurate explanation

demonstration of correct technique

observation of client performance

positive feedback

spotting techniques.

Resistance exercise equipment may include:

machines

free weights

body weight

benches

racks

exercise balls

elastic resistance

proprioception and stability training devices.

Circuit training session plan may include:

phases of:

preparation

conditioning

recovery

adaptation

rest intervals

required equipment

floor plan for equipment arrangement.

Principles of exercise planning may include:

frequency

intensity

duration

movement

environment

program type.

Common types of injuries may include:

muscle or soft tissue

back

heart condition

joint.

Re-evaluation criteria may include:

signs and symptoms of overtraining

loss of motivation

lifestyle factors

illness or injury

plateau in performance

time elapsed since last evaluation

client satisfaction

change in fitness goals.

Legislation and regulatory requirements may include:

Organisational Health and Safety

duty of care

privacy

anti-discrimination

copyright

licensing

child protection

trade practices

consumer protection

environmental

business registration and licences.

Industry guidelines may include:

Peak-body guidelines

national standards for the use of electrical equipment

number of machines on a single circuit.

Potentially harmful practices may include:

hyperextension

exercising while sick or in extremes of temperature

multiple repetitions

ballistic movements

spinal hyperextension

loaded knee hyperflexion

on-the-spot pounding

straight leg sit-ups

lever length

additional equipment.

Intervention strategies may include:

stopping or modifying the exercise

modifying equipment.

Equipment may include:

cardiovascular:

bikes

treadmills

elliptical trainers

steppers

rowing machines

free weight:

bars

dumbbells

collars

straps

barbells

benches

hydraulic

innovative

exercise, medicine and swiss balls

bars and body bars

steps

bands:

dyna

tethers

tubing

specific muscle targets:

abdominal assisters

rotator cuff

plyometric training systems

resistance

pin-loaded equipment

electronically braked

air-braked

pool-based

sound and microphone systems.

Overtraining may include:

fatigue

elevated resting heart rate

loss of motivation to exercise and exercise form

plateau or decrease in performance

development of over-use injuries.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the current fitness profile, training history, exercise preferences, exercise contraindications and specific fitness goals of the client. 
Establish the physical, psychological and social reasons for the client's participation in an exercise program. 
Use motivational techniques to help the client identify barriers to adherence and to set effective exercise goals. 
Relate the training requirements of the client to their long-term fitness plan. 
Integrate the client's resistance training program with their flexibility and cardiorespiratory programs as required. 
Customise exercise variables and program variables according to principles of training to create a training program to meet the client's specific fitness goals. 
Identify the joint movements and muscles that the client needs to target or strengthen. 
Perform an exercise analysis to determine suitable resistance exercises to meet specific needs of the client. 
Record the training program according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Demonstrate the correct technique for performing specific resistance exercises to the client and explain their purpose and expected results. 
Explain misconceptions that are commonly held about resistance training programs. 
Use instructional techniques to teach the correct technique for specific resistance exercises. 
Advise the client of safety considerations for specific resistance exercises and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Encourage feedback from the client to confirm their understanding of the program and to identify any foreseeable difficulties. 
Observe client training sessions to ensure all activities are performed according to organisational policies and procedures and with due consideration of other facility users. 
Adjust incorrect or unsafe exercise technique as required according to safety considerations. 
Apply spotting techniques to ensure safety and enhance performance. 
Supervise resistance exercise equipment usage to minimise conflict and maximise access for all clients. 
Identify aspects of client exercise behaviour to develop effective motivational strategies for the client. 
Identify the aims of the circuit training session. 
Define expected outcomes of the circuit training session. 
Identify a broad and varied exercise repertoire. 
Plan and document a circuit training session plan for clients using the principles of exercise planning according to legislation and regulatory requirements and industry guidelines. 
Design clear and structured forms or cards for use in a circuit training session. 
Confirm appropriate exercise area according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures. 
Check circuit equipment is in good working order prior to commencement of session. 
Use energy, water and other resources effectively when preparing and maintaining equipment and activity areas to reduce the environmental impact. 
Communicate session objectives and the principles and benefits of circuit training to clients. 
Explain common types of injuries that would prevent participation in the session and confirm that clients are not affected. 
Instruct session according to circuit training plan and legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures. 
Demonstrate and instruct correct use of equipment during circuit training session, according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions. 
Demonstrate exercises within the circuit training session using appropriate instructional techniques. 
Monitor client intensity, technique and safety during the session and suggest modifications where required. 
Recognise signs and symptoms of overtraining and potentially harmful practices and implement appropriate intervention strategies according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Seek and acknowledge feedback from clients. 
Identify relevant changes to address required improvements. 
Modify the circuit training session plan where relevant to meet client needs. 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 
Identify when a review of a client's exercise program and or overall fitness plan is necessary according to re-evaluation criteria. 
Recognise the signs and symptoms of overtraining. 
Reassess fitness levels of the client to determine the effectiveness of their current exercise program. 
Re-establish the specific fitness goals of the client. 
Modify the client's exercise program according to results of fitness reassessments and any changing requirements. 
Provide positive and constructive feedback to the client on their progress and any recommended changes. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISFFIT308A - Plan and deliver gym programs
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISFFIT308A - Plan and deliver gym programs

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