SISFFIT036 - Instruct group exercise sessions

Unit code: SISFFIT036 | Study level: TAFE

Credit points

N/A

Location

Footscray Park

Werribee

Prerequisites

N/A

Overview

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare for and deliver land-based group exercise sessions according to predesigned session plans which may have been developed by self or others.
It requires the ability to use exercise instructional techniques, and cater for different participant needs, in a mixed ability group situation within the confines of session guidelines.
Skills for planning group exercise sessions are covered in a complementary unit.
Exercise sessions are diverse in nature. They could combine or specifically concentrate on cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises, and be delivered with or without music.This unit applies to group fitness instructors who work unsupervised when instructing groups, using discretion and judgement to solve routine problems and are guided by policies and procedures. It also applies to personal trainers working independently with groups. Instructors practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and other locations, depending on their role.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce & extend knowledge and skill competence within set & controlled parameters in accordance with each unit’s learning outcomes & performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

instruct three predesigned group exercise sessions:

each with a minimum duration of 45 minutes
each with at least six participants
one group that is predominately comprised of female adults
one group that is predominately comprised of male adults
one group that is predominately comprised of participants aged 55 years or over

across the above three sessions collectively, instruct:

cardiovascular exercises
resistance exercises
flexibility exercises
exercises with and without equipment

for each of the above three sessions:

prepare environment and equipment
pre-screen participants for current condition
brief participants and provide safety information tailored to the environment and types of exercises

incorporate the following techniques:

optimal instructor positioning
clear verbal communication
optimal voice projection
combined explanation and demonstration of safe exercise technique
verbal and visual cueing
motivational communication
complete accurate session documentation and evaluation reports

according to actual client interactions or case studies:

identify two situations from pre-session screenings that require recommendations on exercise participation, explain exercise precautions and provide recommendations for modifications
respond to two individuals showing signs of over exertion or difficulty, and modify their activities.

Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge:
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

procedures for:

pre-exercise screening of group participants
maintaining records for session delivery and evaluation

environmental factors that may impact session delivery and how to respond:

noise
venue climate control and ventilation

safety and serviceability checks for equipment used with cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises
considerations for the use of music in instruction of group exercise sessions:

type and operation of music equipment
volume and instructor positioning in relation to sound system
types of observations and verbal screening questions that can be used to assess suitability of individuals for participation

safety considerations for group exercise sessions and importance of clear and accurate briefing information:

appropriate spacing for group numbers and exercise types
importance of participants working within own capability and tailoring intensity
dangers of exercising while sick
common medical conditions and injuries, contraindications and precautions for exercises, and how exercises, intensity and loads can be modified to allow safe participation by individuals with low risk injuries and health conditions
participant clothing and footwear appropriate for comfort and safety, and how this may vary according to different cultural backgrounds

established phases of exercise sessions and their underpinning rationale:

warm up
main workout
cool down and stretches

types of exercises, equipment that can used and safe techniques for their completion:
cardiovascular exercises:

continuous
interval

resistance exercises using:

free weights
gym equipment including weight machines
body weight

flexibility exercises:

dynamic
static

benefits and impacts on the body of different types of exercises and specific injury prevention strategies
physical differences that need to be considered and ways that exercises can be modified for:

adults of different sexes
older people with low risk health conditions
antenatal, postnatal, menopausal and post-menopausal women with low risk health conditions
factors that affect selection of equipment to suit participants

group exercise instructional techniques and how they impact effectiveness of instruction:

optimum positioning of instructor
physical formation of group
movement breakdown and combination
combining explanation and demonstration
verbal and visual cueing
mirror imaging

ways of varying instruction:

to meet the needs different participant characteristics
to cater for individual abilities within a group

group communication techniques used for the following, and how they may vary depending on participant profile:

voice projection with and without the use of a sound system
establishing rapport with group
providing clear instruction in group environment
motivating and encouraging participants of different abilities to keep them engaged and challenged
maintaining group cohesion
providing constructive feedback and positive reinforcement

key considerations for monitoring participant comfort and safety during group exercise sessions:

common indicators of over exertion that can be observed in a group situation
how the talk test and rated perceived exertion (RPE) scale can be applied in a group situation
when exercise intensity and technique should be modified for individuals and how to instruct individuals while maintaining group momentum
situations that indicate individuals should stop exercising

factors to consider in session evaluation:

suitability of physical environment and availability of suitable equipment
structure and timing
suitability of exercises and equipment for session objectives
participant feedback
trainer communication and instruction.

Required reading

The qualified trainer and assessor will provide teaching and learning materials as required in the form of workbooks produced by the VUPolytechnic and/or via the VU Polytechnic e-learning system.