Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to plan, instruct, monitor and evaluate group exercise sessions, with or without music. It requires the ability to plan the selection, sequencing and progression of exercises and appropriate music to ensure safe participation in activities.
This unit applies to fitness instructors who work in a variety of fitness locations such as fitness, leisure and community centres. These individuals typically work independently with some level of autonomy in a controlled environment. Work is performed according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop session plans. | 1.1 Consider participant group characteristics and identify expected fitness outcomes and session type. 1.2 Determine appropriate phases, exercises or choreography to meet group needs. 1.3 Select and sequence music, as required, according to duration, concepts and phases of session. 1.4 Incorporate motivational techniques to maximise exercise program adherence. 1.5 Develop and document session plans that incorporate instructional information. |
2. Conduct session. | 2.1 Confirm availability of area, assemble resources and prepare environment appropriately. 2.2 Check equipment for maintenance requirements, as required. 2.3 Confirm capacity to independently participate in session and modify as required to suit specific needs. 2.4 Provide clear instructions using effective communication and instructional principles. 2.5 Demonstrate exercises, techniques and equipment, and monitor participation and performance of each participant. 2.6 Modify activity, as required to cater for a multi-level group. 2.7 Respond to participants experiencing difficulties and answer questions as required. 2.8 Encourage group cohesion and manage conflicts as they arise. |
3. Evaluate session. | 3.1 Seek and acknowledge feedback from participants. 3.2 Evaluate participant response and feedback. 3.3 Evaluate own performance and identify areas needing improvement. 3.4 Implement modifications to future sessions where relevant to meet participant needs. 3.5 Update session documentation. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
plan, instruct and evaluate at least five group exercise sessions
conduct sessions that individually or cumulatively incorporate:
pre-session instructions
safe and effective instructional techniques
modification of exercise options to meet individual needs
music to match participant needs
monitor exercise intensity during every session using at least one of the following methods:
heart rate response
perceived rate of exertion
talk test
use the following communication skills:
clear verbal communication
modelling and demonstration
use motivational techniques.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:
legislative and regulatory requirements regarding group exercise sessions and group circuit sessions:
work health and safety/occupational health and safety
duty of care
copyright
licensing
organisational policies and procedures in regards to:
pre-session screening
overcrowding
ventilation and/or climate control
hygiene
participant to instructor ratio
emergency
risk management
standards of personal presentation
participant’s clothing and footwear
use, care and maintenance of equipment
benefits of group exercise sessions
contraindications and precautions to participation in selected group exercise session, and suitable modification options for participants where the safety of the participant is not compromised
industry accepted guidelines and recommendations for determining contra-indications and precautions
potentially harmful practices to be avoided:
hyperextension of joints
exercising while sick
exercising in extremes of temperature
ballistic movements
high impact movements for clients with incontinence or musculoskeletal conditions
intervention strategies:
stopping or modifying the exercise
modifying equipment or its use
variations to group exercise sessions:
choreographed to music
with or without music
with equipment
without equipment
circuit style
freestyle
phases of group exercise sessions:
warm-up:
pulse raise
mobility
main cardiovascular workout:
using aerobic curve
pulse raise
main workout
build down
muscle strength and endurance
flexibility
function and safety of equipment suitable for group exercise to music
motivational techniques relevant to group exercise sessions
current industry guidelines relevant to group exercise sessions
principles of exercise program design:
muscle action
loading and volume
exercise selection and order
rest periods
repetition velocity
frequency
industry recognised repertoire for targeting cardiovascular, strength and conditioning and flexibility goals
the use of music in a group exercise to music session, with consideration of appropriate use of:
beats per minute
rhythm
phrasing
volume
realistic timings of original choreography for sessions, or parts of sessions, and sequencing of choreography to suit session type in regards to:
add on
32 count phrase
verse and chorus
layering
safe and effective exercises and combinations of exercises in group sessions to suit the needs of beginners, intermediate and advanced participants
group management techniques to assist individuals within the group to achieve desired outcomes.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in:
a fitness industry workplace or simulated environment with clients with real or simulated health and fitness goals.
Assessment must ensure access to:
legislation and organisational policies and procedures in relation to group exercise and circuit training
manufacturer guidelines regarding equipment usage and safety, as required.
Assessment must ensure use of:
equipment and resources required for the delivery of the session:
appropriate music and music equipment, as required
appropriate area for instruction of group exercise sessions
group exercise participants; these can be:
group exercise participants in the workplace, or
individuals who participate in project activities, role plays or simulated activities, set up for the purpose of assessment, within a workplace
Assessment activities that allow the individual to:
demonstrate the ability to instruct a variety of group exercise sessions:
with and without music
with and without equipment
using music for choreography or motivation, if required
catering for :
beginners, intermediate and advanced participants
low and high impact.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisation’s requirements for assessors, and:
have at least 2 years consecutive industry experience in the application of the skills and knowledge of this unit.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret manufacturer guidelines to maintain and use equipment. |
Numeracy skills to: | use the beat of the music to time sessions, ensure safety and enjoyment, as well as effective exercise monitor intensity of exercise using methods such as heart rate or rate of perceived exertion, if required. |
Learning skills to: | maintain current knowledge of group exercise training session methods. |
Problem-solving skills to: | manage participant conflicts and behavioural concerns identify participant problems during session and implement modifications required implement injury prevention strategies. |
Sectors
Fitness
Competency Field
Fitness