Recent updates to the Fitness Training Package have brought with it changes to the Group Exercise Leader Skillset as well.  

What’s different?

Whilst the GEL skillset has always contained group fitness, customer service and WHS units of competency (UOC), the current skillset also requires the completion of first aid as a compulsory element.

The requirements within each UOC have also evolved, with greater emphasis now placed on foundation skills like communication, teamwork and technology skills. A learner also needs to show the ability to perform a wider range of practical and knowledge tasks then previous versions.

The biggest change sits within the group fitness unit which now requires evidence of a learner’s ability to instruct group exercise sessions to at least six participants of all genders and ages, including seniors.

Regardless of the program a learner wishes to teach initially, they must now be able show their ability to competently instruct cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises, with and without equipment.

Graduates must also be able to show they can:

• prepare the environment and any equipment that is required
• brief participants on what to expect in each class
• pre-screen participants for known conditions and injuries
• identify situations needing precautions, modification and recommendations on exercise participation
• provide safety information tailored to the environment and type of exercise
• complete accurate session documentation and evaluation reports
• incorporate a range of instructional techniques i.e. instructor positioning, communication, voice projection, explaining and demonstrating safe exercise technique, verbal and visual cueing as well as motivational techniques
• respond to people showing signs of over exertion or difficulty and modify their activities.

So, what exactly is a skillset and who does the GEL course best suit?  

A skillset as a short course designed to meet a specific industry need. They consist of a defined number of units of competency or subjects taken from a recognised training package.

GEL has been developed for instructors wishing to lead predesigned group exercise sessions offered by recognised training providers like Les Mills, Zumba and MOSSA. These programs are specifically developed to be taught in fitness facilities, gyms, leisure, sport, recreation and community centres in a defined, consistent and predictable way.

The GEL Skillset is not designed to qualify people to prepare their own fitness classes. To be able to design and develop unique fitness experiences, a Certificate III in Fitness and Group Exercise Instructor qualification is required.

Learn more about the difference between Certificate III in Fitness qualified Group Exercise Instructors and GEL on a previous Fitness Institute blog: https://fitnessinstitute.com.au/group-exercise-instructor-or-leader/

All RTO’s delivering the GEL skillset are required to provide the assessment and learning materials as outlined on the nationally recognised training (NRT) register: https://training.gov.au/

A short history of the GEL skillset:

When the GEL skillset was first developed in 2013 in line with the Fitness Training package of the time, there were only a few training providers in the market for what was then known as “pre-choreographed” fitness classes.

Since then, many more types of programs have been developed and many more training providers have entered the market.

To meet the ever changing needs of fitness businesses and the public who participate in fitness programs, the GEL skillset was reviewed again for release in 2015 and 2021.

Then and now however there are clear guidelines around the differences between the scope of practice for Group Exercise Leaders delivering exercise sessions created by training providers and Group Exercise Instructors who are qualified to design and deliver their own classes.

Exercise and active health organisation AUSactive’s scope of practice for professional industry registration of GEL’s is limited to leading predesigned group exercise sessions in predictable settings.

Discover more about how and why training packages and skillsets are designed, check out our blog:

https://fitnessinstitute.com.au/how-are-training-courses-designed/

Find out more about Fitness Institute’s GEL course here:

https://fitnessinstitute.com.au/sisss00128-group-exercise-leader/

Learn more about assessment requirements of the 3 other GEL UOC’s on the following links:

• Deliver and monitor a service to customers
• Provide First Aid
• Participate in workplace health and safety

Ever asked why some subjects are in Fitness Qualifications, only to be told “It’s in the Training Package”?

If you’re keen to learn why and how this happens, read on as we outline how Training Packages are created and how Fitness Institute develops its training courses based on these requirements…..

Firstly, what is a “Training Package”?

A Training Package is best defined as a nationally endorsed qualification that is based on workplace standards, around which training and assessment activities can be developed.

So, why do Training Packages keep changing?

To ensure Training Packages remain up to date and relevant so graduates are prepared for the industry they’ll be working in, they are reviewed after a period of time.

This process includes a lot of industry consultation where feedback is invited from a range of invested parties.

In the Fitness industry, this includes business owners, managers, trainers, assessors and people for whom the qualifications are created such as Personal Trainers, Strength and Conditioning Professionals and Fitness Instructors.

After a period of consultation that often includes the creation of multiple drafts, feedback is collated and considered.

Decisions are made around the best way to recognise and assess the practical skills and knowledge identified as essential to the industry and equip learners for a career in sport, fitness and recreation.

Once a Training Package is fully developed, it is put forward to a Skills Minister to endorse, then it is released for RTO’s to develop the required training and assessment processes.

The Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness was reviewed in 2021 for implementation in 2022 / 2023, These qualifications are known as SIS30321 and SIS40221.

How did Fitness Institute approach developing the latest Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness?

Training packages are designed to show a graduate is competent and has a level of knowledge and practical skills. To this end, Fitness Institute’s development team emphasised practical delivery and foundation skills throughout the course, which in turn helps Instructors and Trainers gain much needed real world experience in an online learning environment.

While knowledge is important, it is essential to not lean too heavily on theory-only training and assessment.

Feedback from learners tells us they are better prepared with a balanced approach of theory and practice as this leads to being able to apply the skills learned throughout the courses quickly.

It’s also evident that completing courses with abilities and experiences gained through realistic, hands-on activities significantly increases a graduate’s confidence and long term success in the industry.

What goes into a Training package?

Each Training Package contains what is known as “Core” units that have to be included, as well as a set number of “Electives” an RTO adds at their discretion. Elective units must be selected from nominated training courses.

11 of the 15 units in the Cert 3 in Fitness are core units:

• Provide First Aid
• Deliver and monitor a service to customers
• Organise personal priorities
• Participate in workplace health and safety
• Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation
• Complete client fitness assessments
• Plan group exercise sessions
• Instruct group exercise sessions
• Develop and instruct gym based exercise programs for individual clients
• Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise
• Provide healthy eating information

Core units for Certificate IV in Fitness are:

• Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs and sessions for the general population, older and adolescent clients as well as body composition goals
• Establish and manage client relationships
• Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
• Support exercise behaviour change
• Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
• Support health eating for individual fitness clients

What electives did Fitness Institute choose?  

Based on Fitness Institute’s industry consultation and experience, the four additional units chosen to complement Cert 3 core units include applying business risk management processes and infection prevention and control to develop an understanding of safety practices in a modern workplace.

A sales unit was selected to complement and develop customer service skills and the unit on facilitating inclusion programs for people with disability will help develop a greater understanding of programming for diverse fitness needs.

For the Cert 4 in Fitness, Fitness Institute chose to include three exciting Strength and Conditioning and Fitness Business subjects to help budding Personal Trainers excel in their careers.

Subjects cover the use of technology for sport, fitness and recreation, developing and instructing long term strength and conditioning programs plus researching and developing business plans, establishing legal and risk management requirements and marketing a business venture.

Keen to learn more about Training Packages?

We recommend checking out the following links:

https://www.dewr.gov.au/training-package-assurance

https://www.dewr.gov.au/nci/training-packages

https://www.asqa.gov.au/about/vet-sector/training-packages

https://www.ncver.edu.au

About Alex Rojas:

Alex believes it is essential to know the history, in order to understand the origin of the pain or condition as well as the level of discomfort it is producing.

• Graduate Diploma in Exercise Rehabilitation (Exercise Physiology)
• Injury Management Adviser 2004 – present
• Fitness and Personal Training 1994 – present
• Senior Pre-employment Functional assessor 2004 – 2011
• Senior Lecturer at Swinburne University, Melbourne 1996 – 2006
  • Orthopaedic and Functional Testing
  • Anatomy and Physiology
• Lecturer at Victoria University, Melbourne 1998 – 2004
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Functional Anatomy

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If you’re keen to understand and incorporate these powerful training techniques into your fitness program, we’ve put together some information from our Diploma of Fitness learning materials to help…

Firstly, what is Plyometric Training?

Referred to as the “stretch-shortening cycle”, plyometrics is a method of strength and power training involving an eccentric contraction followed immediately by an explosive concentric contraction….

It’s often simpler to think of the eccentric phase as the muscles having to “put the brakes on” to stop moving too quickly. During this braking process, “elastic energy” is stored and this is then used to move quickly….. in the same way an elastic band or sling shot reacts when pulled back.

One of the best things about plyometric training is….you can get started without a lot of equipment!

Some other benefits of Plyo Training are:

• Improved muscle coordination and balance
• Improved speed, jumping ability and agility
• Increased strength in the entire ROM of each joint
• Increased muscle power and sport performance
• Assistance with recovery from tendon related injuries

Tips to getting started with plyometric training:

• Ask a qualified trainer or instructor for advice – they’re experts on training techniques!
• This is a high intensity training technique – be sure you are ready and have a good level of strength already
• Be sure to complete a pre-screen beforehand and ask your medical practitioner for advice
• Make sure you are fresh when performing plyo – do them before strength and cardio training
• Ensure you have good shock absorption with appropriate footwear and flooring
• Stay safe – use well maintained equipment and prepare yourself and your surroundings
• Warm up for 5-10 minutes before starting
• Select 1 to 2 lower-intensity plyo exercises for the upper and lower body to start with
• Master low intensity movements before progressing – e.g. squat jumps and low box steps and jumps
• Begin with 1 -3 sets of 6 – 10 repetitions
• Value quality of quantity – do as many as possible with good form, then stop
• Rest at least 4 times the amount of time it takes for the set e.g. if it takes 10 seconds to do, rest 40 seconds
• Rest and recovery is essential – so program twice a week on non-consecutive days
• Be prepared for some muscle soreness 24 to 48 hours after the session

What kind of activities are Plyometric?

• Jumping in place
• Standing jumps (split, scissor)
• Hops, jumps and bounds
• Box jumps
• Depth jumps
• Throwing
• Skipping
• Plyo or “clap” push ups

Check out Fitness Institute’s Strength and Conditioning page for more information, and get started with the following two Plyo exercises:

• Squat Jumps: https://fitnessinstitute.com.au/squat-jumps/
• Box Jumps and Step Ups: https://fitnessinstitute.com.au/box-jumps/

And also:

• Warmup ideas from the FIA 11+ program
• Fitness Australia’s Safety Guidelines for Strength Training

Additional references:

• William P Ebben, Practical Guidelines for Plyometric Intensity
• James Radcliffe, Form and safety in Plyometric Training

Find more FITNESS INSTITUTE FIT TIPS HERE.