November 2023 | PT Courses - Fit Education International

International student? Click here.

fitness trends

Age is No Barrier: Discover the New Era of Fitness for the Elderly!

It’s a universally known fact by now that the global population is living longer thanks to the remarkable strides and advancements made in medicine and health technology to sustain healthier and longer lives. While it can be a good sign to humanity in general, this trend leads to an increase in the proportions of the size of the older population on top of a decreasing birth rate. The ageing population brings about a myriad of concerns for the public, especially around the global economy and healthcare. However, at the same time, it allows for new job opportunities to open up in a new niche, such as fitness coaching for older adults to be able to help the ageing group make healthier lifestyle choices.

Why exercise matters for seniors

Whether globally or locally, the ageing population all need to exercise for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it is a great benefit to older adults to prevent sickness and disability. As you age, your mobility may start to deteriorate, which can lead to more injuries and illnesses. However, with regular exercise, the deterioration can be slowed if not stopped. While debilitating illnesses from old age including Alzheimer’s may not be preventable, sicknesses like the flu and other mobility issues such as falling and muscle injury can be staved off for much longer.

Other than that, exercising regularly is an excellent way to maintain and improve one’s cognitive and mental health. Allowing your mind to focus on simple tasks like walking around the neighbourhood can improve your memory, and boost your problem-solving ability as well as your emotional and mental health. Exercise is also a great excuse to be able to be outside in nature, which can be highly invigorating for people of all ages.

A fitness routine or an exercise class can also serve as a place for socialisation for some older adults. Once people retire, opportunities to meet new people and create new social routines can be fewer and farther between. There is a lot of news about solitary people in their older age without essential human interaction, which can lead to depression and anxiety among other health issues, so having a fitness routine may help keep these problems at bay, and improve the overall quality of life for older adults.

Why tailored fitness programmes for the elderly are a necessity

It is not a surprise that an ageing population will lead to an increase in demand for fitness programmes for the elderly. Most readily available exercise programmes, be it online or offline, do not cater to the older age group. Some can be too physically challenging, while others simply do not serve their needs. Gym equipment is also made for the active and competent younger demographic, targeting intensive muscle-building and strength training. This may limit the number of gym supplies that are inclusive and accessible to older gym customers. These factors alone can lead to higher risks for injuries during exercise. As the body ages, hormone issues and slower recovery can also be a huge contributing factor to numerous body changes that can be hard to understand for trainers who are not specialising in elderly healthcare.

Ways to adapt fitness programmes for the ageing population

The key to an inclusive fitness programme for an ageing population is to start slowly and steadily. The body of a regular adult may need some time to adapt to a new exercise routine, and older adults will need even more than that. It is of course advisable to have your fitness sessions monitored by a professional in order to mitigate injury as best as possible. A certified fitness professional will also be able to correct your postures to improve your workout and optimise your energy levels. On top of that, remember to always use slow and consistent movements in the workouts so you do not overexert your body.

Other than gym workouts, specialised home workout programmes and home exercise equipment are also available for use in the market. Home workouts are often favoured due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience, so if you are looking to take your workouts to the next level, it may be worth a shot to look into some subscriptions or video classes targeted at your age group. On top of that, there are many home workout equipment you can get at an affordable price to add more to your home workout. Overall, these strategies can be a great beginning in finding and incorporating a well-rounded regimen into your everyday life from as early as possible.

In a nutshell

Health is truly wealth. The global population is now seeing a significant ageing trend which can bring about a butterfly effect in the future. It is important now more than ever to make sure that the health of the ageing community continues to be taken care of. Making exercising inclusive to the older population is one easy step to ensure the community maintains a sense of independence and avoids further strain on their lives. If you would like to be a part of the movement to promote a healthier lifestyle for the elderly, get certification via our PT courses.

Useful links:

International student? Click here.

What are the differences between the different types of certificates in fitness education?

Australia provides a multitude of different fitness certifications if you are looking for opportunities to study in the country. At the same time, many other countries, like the UK as well as most of Europe, recognise the fitness certificates from Australia which makes the country a great option for you to consider. However, at first glance, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the different levels of fitness education offered. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between the most common fitness certifications in Australia and which one would suit your fitness education journey.

Australia’s education is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and follows the guidelines outlined by the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF). This framework defines the standards such as learning outcomes of training and courses in the Australian higher education system, which structures the certification levels between 1 and 10. These standards are determined by the average knowledge and achievement expected of the average graduate.

Different training centres across Australia may offer a different variety of certifications to suit different demands. For instance, in Fit Education, some of our certifications include Certificate III and IV in Fitness as well as the Diploma of Sport, which are all offered to international students. For ease of understanding, we will focus on these 3 certifications to compare and contrast the similarities and differences of the certifications in fitness education specifically.

Entry requirements for fitness certification

The AQF certificate levels are ranked from 1 being the lowest in complexity and 10 being the the highest complexity. In short, the higher the certificate level, the more entry requirements you will need. To begin as a fitness instructor, the level 3 certification (Certificate III in Fitness) is the Australian minimum standard which encompasses some theoretical knowledge in a very specific area. This level is made for prospective students who want to kickstart their career in fitness education in Australia. Generally, the entry requirement for Certificate III in Fitness is an IELTS result of 5.5 or a minimum of Certification IV in any other field, which makes it a perfect starting point for beginners.

Meanwhile, Certificate IV in Fitness is a step up from Certificate III, as this is the Australian standard for personal trainers who are allowed to start a business of consulting with clients on a one-to-one basis. Understandably, in Fit Education, the entry requirements include a Certificate III in Fitness or an equivalent of competencies in several courses as outlined here. On the other hand, the Diploma of Sports, which is categorically a level 5 certification, offers a broader knowledge of a wider range of topics in sports and performance. The course requires the foundational knowledge found in Certificates III and IV in Fitness and is made for individuals looking to be leaders in sports and developmental fitness. This course is also a great choice for those who plan to further their studies.

Course description: Fitness education in Australia

As one of the introductory courses to fitness, Certificate III in Fitness covers essential knowledge of fitness education by combining theoretical education and hands-on experience. The module at Fit Education, for example, includes classes on health screening, nutrition, as well as the design of exercise programs to fully prepare graduates with the ability to be fully qualified fitness instructors.

Meanwhile, Certificate IV in Fitness prepares graduates with the right tools and knowledge to become competent and dynamic personal trainers. The course at Fit Education explores strength and conditioning, personal training, and group training while also providing skill development in small business management to start their own personal training business.

In the Diploma of Sports course, instructors are more focused on educating fitness industry professionals on strength and conditioning. This course allows its graduates to widen their knowledge to increase job opportunities and foster a long-term career in the industry. Graduates are expected to be equipped with the right information on training athletes, especially in high-performance training and performance development.

Skills acquisition

With Certificate III in Fitness, you will learn how to conduct a health screening for your clients. Qualified graduates will also learn more about human anatomy and physiology which is essential to designing exercise programs and a better understanding when testing a client’s fitness level, both of which you will learn in the course as well. With your certificate, you will also be able to instruct community fitness programs and be a source of motivation for your clients to help them achieve their fitness and nutrition goals.

On the other hand, Certificate IV in Fitness prepares you for more skills as a personal trainer. You will be able to prepare long-term fitness plans for personal training clients and evaluate their performance over time. You will also be exposed to more teaching methods, both for indoor and outdoor exercises, and will be able to start your own personal training business with relevant work experience as part of the certification. Additionally, the course will teach you how to develop your sales and marketing skills in order to continue a sustainable long-term personal training business.

On top of these skills, a diploma in sports graduate will also have the knowledge of ethics and integrity in sports, as well as drug usage or doping in sports. Diploma graduates are also knowledgeable in sports technology, fitness and recreational work as well as sports development, leadership and coaching. The typical graduate is expected to not only understand sports in general but to also be able to manage their athletes as well as their relationship with other key stakeholders.

Job prospects after fitness certification in Australia

Fitness graduates with Certificate III will be able to venture out as fitness or gym instructors, and group fitness instructors in Australia and most countries abroad. Most of those with Certificate III are associated with working with gyms rather than doing freelance work, which is more popular with personal trainers. Fitness instructors and gym instructors are the same job positions used interchangeably. They are distinct from personal trainers, as the former are only trained to create exercise regimens for a generalised group of people. Hence, in order to become a personal trainer, you will have to be certified with the Certification IV in Fitness. Meanwhile, a Diploma in Sports graduate can do all of the above on top of other jobs in athletic performance and development. This includes sports coaches, sports development officers and the like.

With that information, the next step you can take is to decide your objectives in the future: Are you looking to pursue a long-term career in fitness? Will you be pursuing a freelance career or are you looking for something more stable? At the end of the day, what fitness certification you go for will depend on your end goals. Ready to get your fitness journey started? Check our PT courses to find out more about the certifications and how you can expand your horizons and explore your fitness career.

Find out about our PT courses:

International student? Click here.

The importance of accreditation: Choosing the right fitness education institution in Australia

Before enrolling in a college or university or committing any funds to one, it is critical to know whether it is “accredited.” This is especially true for non-traditional forms of education.

Accreditation is a quality assurance procedure that colleges, universities, and educational institutions or programmes go through to ensure they meet a set of strict and recognised service and operational standards. For fitness education institutions, accreditation of certification programmes is based on the program’s quality, validity, and dependability, as well as its competency-based examinations and capacity to distinguish between those who are qualified to practise in this industry and those who are not.

Because the health and fitness sector is highly unregulated, anyone can call themselves a fitness professional or a health coach. Hence, earning an authorised certification verifies that you have met the qualifications to work as a competent professional.

Types of accreditation

According to the Australian Qualifications Framework, qualifications in the vocational education and training sector in Australia are accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), or the Western Australian Training Accreditation Council (TAC).

Generally, there are two types of accreditation: institutional and programme accreditation. Most accreditation is institutional meaning that an entire college is accredited, lending legitimacy to the college as a whole. This accreditation might be granted by a regional accreditation agency or a national accreditation agency.

On the other hand, program accreditation is specific to the programmes offered by a university or college. It is a review procedure conducted by an external team of experts from academia or industry to decide whether professional programmes, such as engineering, business, and law, fulfil defined quality standards.

Now that we know the types of accreditation let’s look at the benefits and importance of accreditation.

Benefits and importance of accreditation

Provides quality education

At its most fundamental, accreditation implies that a school provides high-quality education. Accreditation acts as a quality assurance system, ensuring that the institution’s curriculum, faculty, and resources meet the defined criteria. An accredited fitness education institution would provide comprehensive curricula covering a wide range of areas such as physiology, exercise science, nutrition, and others. These courses are designed to give you a well-rounded education, providing you with the knowledge and expertise you need to succeed in the fitness industry.

Career opportunities

The primary benefit of choosing accredited colleges or universities is the peace of mind of knowing that the degree or certification earned will be valid and recognised by current and future employers. A degree from an accredited college or university does more than enhance your resume: it is an invaluable tool for opening doors to better work offers. Employers frequently prefer fitness professionals with recognised certificates and qualifications. Completing an accredited course or any other fitness-related course indicates passion, knowledge, and a commitment to professional development. It opens doors to a variety of job paths, including personal training, group fitness instruction, sports coaching, and others.

Safety and ethics

Accredited programmes emphasise the need to adhere to ethical standards and safety measures when engaging in physical activities or dealing with customers. Accredited fitness education institutions always emphasise proper form, technique, and safety standards when participating in physical exercise. Understanding proper posture, breathing methods, and range of motion will help you avoid injuries and ensure an effective workout. Moreover, fitness professionals who have received the right training can also spot potential hazards and direct their clients towards routines suitable for their fitness level and health concerns. Hence, accredited college graduates are not only competent but also ethically responsible professionals.

Access to better instructors and resources

Enrolling at an approved institution ensures that you will be taught by highly competent professors who have met rigid accrediting body standards. These instructors frequently have advanced degrees, professional expertise, and a vital academic background. Their knowledge guarantees more than just a strong education; it also offers insightful advice and guidance that can help you advance your career and gain a significant edge in a cutthroat employment market.

Taking the next steps: Choosing the right fitness education institution

The Australian fitness market is expected to grow at an 11.09% annual rate (CAGR 2022-2027), translating into a projected market volume of USD 171.50 million by 2027. With this, getting your fitness certification from an accredited fitness education institution is crucial in this competitive industry.

Choosing a recognised fitness education institution ensures a more significant and impactful learning environment. Students who enrol in accredited fitness education institutions can expect to have access to top-notch resources, such as state-of-the-art facilities, up-to-date equipment, and experienced faculty. Along with having access to excellent resources, you’ll receive guidance from highly experienced instructors who adhere to strict standards. This guarantees that your education is of the best calibre and designed to match or surpass industry standards. These elements work together to create a well-rounded learning environment that supports students’ academic performance, personal development, and future professional success.

If you’re serious about making a long-term difference in the health and well-being of people while also boosting your career, then, a fitness certificate from an accredited institution is all you need. So, what are you waiting for? Read about our PT courses and embark on a road towards a successful career in the fitness business with the assurance of a recognised fitness education institution.

Other PT courses we offer: