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GROUP EXERCISE

INSTRUCTOR

An Exercise Professional is responsible for

leading a planned exercise class with or without music

Range (includes but is not

limited to)

Aerobic‐based, Indoor Cycling, Yoga‐based, Pilates mat‐based, Dance‐

based, Aqua, Boxing‐based, Martial Arts‐based, etc.

Competency and scope of practice

UNIT STANDARDS:

ID, title, NQF level and credits

A.   Choreograph Classes: 
1.   Apply basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, according to exercise modality

243297: Apply KO anatomy &

Physiology

NQF level 4; 5 credits

2.   Select, interpret and use appropriate music according to class

type and exercise modality

258725: Instruct exercise to individuals and groups, NQF level 4; 10 credits

OR

10222 : Lead and instruct exercise programs for individuals and groups to music NQF level 5; 10 credits

3.   Lead exercise class according to plan and club timetable
4.   Provide safe and effective warm up and cool down
5.   Regress and progress exercises and exercise classes
B.   Leadership and Communication

1.   Instruct class with the use of effective motivation and

leadership skills

2.   Lead and instruct exercise with the use of effective visual and

verbal communication skills

3.   Use voice, microphone and music equipment in accordance

with class type and class goals

4.   Use voice, microphone and music equipment in consideration

of own vocal safety and effective voice projection

5.   Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner
C.   Health & Safety:

1.   Provide safe and effective exercises according to exercise

modality

2.   Ensure health & safety of the exercise environment

3.   Ensure safe use of exercise accessories and equipment during

exercise classes

Outside scope of practiceTotal credits: 15
Personalized exercise programs and/or one‐on‐one personal training
Risk screening, assessment and fitness testing
Providing nutritional advice/guidelines
Rehabilitation programs
Exercise for Special populations
   

FITNESS

INSTRUCTOR

An Exercise Professional responsible for orientating members into an exercise setting; able to induct members and supervise

members exercise sessions from a pre‐designed exercise programme

Competency and scope of practice

UNIT STANDARDS:

ID, title, NQF level and credits

A.          Plan and Instruct Classes: 
1.           Apply basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, according to exercise modality

243297: Apply knowledge of

anatomy and physiology to exercise training

NQF level 4; 5 credits

2.           Lead exercise session according to pre‐designed plan

and/or club timetable

258725: Instruct exercise to individuals and groups

NQF level 4; 10 credits

3.           Provide safe and effective warm up and cool down
4.           Regress and progress exercises and sessions

5.           Select appropriate pre‐designed exercise programmes in

accordance with client’s abilities, needs and goals

B.          Leadership and Communication:

1.           Instruct exercise with the use of effective motivation and

leadership skills

2.           Lead and instruct exercise with the use of effective visual

and verbal communication skills

3.           Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner
C.          Risk Screening:243294: Recommend an exercise programme or activity NQF level 4: 5 credits
1.           Conduct basic risk screening with PAR‐Q process
2.           Interpret a PAR‐Q
D.          Health & Safety:

1.           Provide safe and effective exercises according to exercise

modality

254459: Supervise the use of a fitness facility and equipment NQF level 5; 8 credits
2.           Ensure health & safety of the exercise environment
3.           Manage self and members in a fitness facility environment

4.           Maintain the fitness environment and equipment

according to safety requirements

Outside scope of practiceTotal credits: 28
Personalised exercise programmes and/or one‐on‐one personal training
Assessment and fitness testing
Rehabilitation programmes
Exercise for Special populations
Providing nutritional advice/guidelines
   

PILATES

INSTRUCTOR

An exercise professional /fitness practitioner qualified to instruct Pilates mat‐based and/or Pilates equipment‐based exercise sessions to apparently‐healthy populations.
Competency and scope of practice 
  A.   Choreograph Classes/exercise sessions: 
1.   Apply knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to exercise

10213: Apply Anatomical & Biomechanical Principles to Physical Activity;

NQF level 5, 15 credits

2.   Apply knowledge of physiology to exercise

10210: Apply principles of Sport and Exercise

Physiology

NQF level 5, 15 credits

3.   Lead mat and/or equipment-based Pilates

exercise session according to plan

258725: Instruct exercise to individuals and groups, NQF level 4; 10 credits

4.   Provide safe and effective warm up and cool

down

5.   Regress and progress exercises and sessions

6.   Plan mat and/or equipment‐based Pilates

exercise sessions based on clients’ abilities,

needs and goals

B.   Leadership and Communication
1.   Instruct exercise with the use of effective motivation and leadership skills

2.   Lead and instruct exercise with the use of

effective visual and verbal communication skills

3.   Conduct oneself in a confident and professional

manner

  C.   Risk Screening 
1.   Conduct client screening

243294: Recommend an exercise programme or

activity, NQF level 4: 5 credits

2.   Interpret a PAR‐Q

3.   Conduct health evaluation and postural

assessment

10216 Test and evaluate health related fitness, NQF

level 5, 4 credits

4.   Identify clients that are outside of scope of

practice and refer accordingly

5.   Work only with apparently‐healthy clients,

within scope of practice

6.   Provide generic nutritional guidelines

10214: Promote an awareness of nutritional

principles, NQF level 5, 6 credits

  D.   Health & Safety 

1.   Provide safe and effective exercises according to

Pilates exercise modality

This is covered with US 258725,
2.   Ensure health & safety of the exercise environmentThis is covered with US 258725,
  E.    Business management and administration: 
1.   Maintain confidentiality of clients’ records10216, SO 4 and AC 2. “Confidentiality and integrity of information is maintained”
2.   Ensure systematic records management

US 10216, SO 4 and AC 1. Information is accurately

recorded and stored systematically

  Outside scope of practiceTotal credits:

Working with special populations; pregnant clients, children and adolescents, athletes and/or clients

who fall within moderate and high risk factors based on ACSM guidelines.)

Working in rehabilitation, providing therapeutic exercises and providing exercise for the correction of

faulty motor patterns

Working with acutely injured clients or members
Working with clients that experience chronic pain
   
PERSONAL TRAINER

An exercise professional /fitness practitioner qualified to provide advice and a range of exercise training programmes to apparently‐healthy populations.

Professional scope of practice includes: pre‐participation risk screening, assessment and sub‐maximal fitness testing, evaluation of clients’ needs and goals, exercise programme design and instructing safe and effective exercise sessions.

Competency and scope of practice

UNIT STANDARDS:

ID, title, NQF level and credits

  A.   Plan and instruct classes/exercise sessions: 
1.   Apply knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics to exercise programmes and training sessions

10213: Apply Anatomical &

Biomechanical Principles to Physical

Activity; NQF level 5, 15 credits

2.   Apply knowledge of physiology to exercise programmes and training sessions

10210: Apply principles of Sport and

Exercise Physiology

NQF level 5, 15 credits

3.   Lead exercise session according to a designed plan

10217: Design exercise programmes, NQF level 5, 5 credits

4.   Provide safe and effective warm up and cool down
5.   Regress and progress exercises and sessions

6.   Design exercise programmes based on clients’ needs,

abilities and goals

7.   Plan exercise sessions based on clients’ abilities, needs and

goals

  B.   Leadership and communication 

1.   Instruct exercise with the use of effective motivation

and leadership skills

258725: Instruct exercise to individuals and groups; NQF level 4; 10 credits

2.   Lead and instruct exercise with the use of effective

visual and verbal communication skills

3.   Motivate clients through agreed exercise session/s

10218: Motivate and encourage

participation in physical activity, NQF

level 5, 3 credits

4.   Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner

258724: Operate professionally in a sport, recreation or fitness environment, NQF

level 4, 3 credits

  C.   Risk screening, assessment and fitness testing: 
1.   Conduct client screening and assessment

10215 Conduct screening procedure

NQF level 5, 5 credits

10216 Test and evaluate health related fitness, NQF level 5, 4 credits

2.   Interpret a PAR‐Q
3.   Conduct health evaluation and postural assessment
4.   Conduct sub maximal fitness testing

5.   Identify clients who are outside scope of practice and refer

appropriately

6.   Work only with apparently‐healthy clients, within scope of

practice

7.   Provide generic nutritional guidelines

10214: Promote an awareness of

nutritional principles, NQF level 5, 6 credits

   

1.   Provide safe and effective exercises according to exercise

modality

254459: Supervise the use of a fitness facility and equipment; NQF level 5; 8 credits
2.   Ensure health & safety of the exercise environment
3.   Manage self and clients in a fitness facility environment

4.   Maintain own fitness environment and equipment

according to safety requirements

10212: Maintain fitness environment and

equipment, level 4, 2 credits

5.   Ensure injury prevention measures

10208: Provide for safety & risk

management in sport, fitness or

recreation, NQF level 5, 5 credits

  F.    Business management and administration: 

1.   Manage a fitness business in compliance with legislative

requirements

14483: Apply entrepreneurship to administration of S&F Business, NQF level 5, 5 credits
2.   Maintain confidentiality of clients’ records
3.   Ensure systematic records management
Outside scope of practiceTOTAL CREDITS86 

·    Working with special populations; pregnant clients, children and adolescents and/or clients who

fall within moderate and high-risk factors based on ACSM guidelines.)

·    Working with or designing programmes for athletic conditioning

Working in rehabilitation, providing therapeutic exercises and providing exercise for the correction

of faulty motor patterns

Working with acutely injured clients or members
Working with clients that experience chronic pain
Prescribing dietary intervention and supplementation
  E.    Health & Safety: 

1.   Provide safe and effective exercises according to exercise

modality

254459: Supervise the use of a fitness facility and equipment; NQF level 5; 8 credits
2.   Ensure health & safety of the exercise environment
3.   Manage self and clients in a fitness facility environment

4.   Maintain own fitness environment and equipment

according to safety requirements

10212: Maintain fitness environment and

equipment, level 4, 2 credits

5.   Ensure injury prevention measures

10208: Provide for safety & risk

management in sport, fitness or

recreation, NQF level 5, 5 credits

  F.    Business management and administration: 

1.   Manage a fitness business in compliance with legislative

requirements

14483: Apply entrepreneurship to administration of S&F Business, NQF level 5, 5 credits
2.   Maintain confidentiality of clients’ records
3.   Ensure systematic records management
Outside scope of practiceTOTAL CREDITS86 

·    Working with special populations; pregnant clients, children and adolescents and/or clients who

fall within moderate and high risk factors based on ACSM guidelines.)

·    Working with or designing programmes for athletic conditioning

Working in rehabilitation, providing therapeutic exercises and providing exercise for the correction

of faulty motor patterns

Working with acutely injured clients or members
Working with clients that experience chronic pain
Prescribing dietary intervention and supplementation

Exercise

Specialist

An exercise professional /fitness practitioner qualified to provide advice and a range of exercise training to apparently‐healthy populations including special

populations defined as pregnant clients, children and youth and/or older adults that have been cleared for exercise.

Professional scope of practice includes: pre‐participation risk screening, assessment and fitness testing, evaluation of clients’ needs and goals, exercise programme design and instructing safe and effective exercise sessions.

Competency and scope of practice

UNIT STANDARDS:

ID, title, NQF level and credits

MINIMUM PRE‐REQUISITE: CERTIFICATE PERSONAL TRAINING
A.   Plan and instruct classes/exercise sessions: 

1.   Apply knowledge of anatomy and

biomechanics to exercise programmes and training sessions

13921: Identify and describe the anatomical &

bio‐mechanical differences unique to special populations, NQF level 5, 10 credits

2.   Apply knowledge of physiology to exercise programmes and training sessions

13920: Identify and describe the physiological characteristics unique to special populations,

NQF level 5, 5 credits

3.   Lead exercise session according to designed plan

14487: Design implement and instruct exercise for pregnancy, level 5, 20 credits

14501: Design implement and instruct exercise for children and youth, level 5, 20 credits

14484: Design implement and instruct exercise for older adults and increased risk, level 5, 20 credits

4.   Provide safe and effective warm up and cool down
5.   Regress and progress exercises and sessions

6.   Design exercise programmes based on clients’

needs, abilities and goals

7.   Plan exercise sessions based on clients’

abilities, needs and goals

  B.   Leadership and Communication:

1.   Instruct exercise with the use of effective

motivation and leadership skills

2.   Lead and instruct exercise with the use of

effective visual and verbal communication skills

3.   Motivate clients through agreed exercise session/s
4.   Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner

C.   Risk Screening, assessment and fitness

testing:

 
1.   Conduct client screening and assessment13922: Perform assessment and fitness tests for special populations, Level 5, 20 credits
2.   Interpret a PAR‐Q

3.   Conduct health assessment and postural

assessment

4.   Conduct fitness testing, according to needs and

ability of client

   
5.  Identify clients who are outside scope of      practice and refer appropriately 
 

6.   Work only with apparently‐healthy clients and

special populations, within scope of practice

 
 7.   Provide generic nutritional guidelines

13923: Advise special populations on

nutritional requirements and ergogenic aids,

NQF level 5, 5 credits

 D.   Health & Safety: 
 

1.   Provide safe and effective exercises according

to exercise modality

13924: Deal with common injuries, illness and special considerations in the context of special populations, Level 5, 10 credits
 

2.   Ensure health & safety of the exercise

environment

 

3.   Manage self and clients in a fitness facility

environment

 

4.   Maintain own fitness environment and

equipment according to safety requirements

 5.   Ensure injury prevention measures
 Outside Scope of Practice TotalTOTAL CREDITS 90
      Working in rehabilitation, providing therapeutic exercises and providing exercise for the correction of faulty motor patterns
     Working with acutely injured clients or members
     Prescribing dietary intervention and supplementation
     Working with clients that experience chronic pain
     

 

Sport Science

Conditioning Specialist

 

An exercise professional /fitness practitioner qualified in the context of sport performance and athletic conditioning that is able to provide advice, evaluation, assessment and testing for a range of conditioning programmes to apparently-healthy populations.

Professional scope of practice (SOP) can include but is not limited to:  evaluation of needs and goals, pre-participation screening, assessment and evaluation in the context of sport conditioning and sport preparedness, testing for a range of sport specific skills and or sport conditioning needs, programme design, instruction in safe and effective exercise and movement patterns for sport related outcomes.

 

Qualification

 

This is an advanced practitioner in the field of sport science who has a relevant industry specific undergraduate degree or diploma PLUS a post graduate degree specialising in Sport Science at minimum level 8 on the HEQSF.
Competency and scope of practice:  The Sport Science Conditioning Specialist is at the forefront of their field, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding and ability to: 
Sport Science theory
1.       Use theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the academic discipline of sport science.
2.       Conduct comprehensive anatomical and biomechanical analyses of movement relating to sport and sport programmes.
3.       Use a range of scientific theory relating to physiological principles of sport performance.
4.       Problem solve in a range of sport science and sport contexts to inform sport practice.
5.       Interrogate options and choose from a multiple range of sources to inform sport practice.
Application of sport science
1.       Critically review data and evaluate information to develop sport programmes.
2.       Produce and communicate information relating to sport science and according to needs and goals of athletes.
3.       Design sport conditioning programmes based on current abilities, needs and goals of athletes.
4.       Supervise the provision of or provide a range of training sessions based on abilities, needs and goals of athletes and in accordance with a periodised plan.
Assessment, evaluation and Testing
1.       Use scientifically accepted theory, methods and procedures in familiar and unfamiliar sport contexts.
2.       Call upon a range of screening, assessment and testing tools based on current scientific principles
3.       Conduct comprehensive screening, assessment and testing using accepted sport scientific principles, techniques, methods and procedures.
4.       Conduct postural/movement/sport evaluations according to current scientific principles.
5.       Use outcomes of assessments, evaluations and tests to advise and to improve sport performance.
Health and Safety
1.       Provide safe and effective sport conditioning programmes according to exercise or sport modality
2.       Ensure the health & safety of the exercise or sport environment
3.       Manage self and clients or athletes in a sport or exercise environment
4.       Maintain own environment and equipment according to safety requirements
5.       Ensure injury prevention measures
Scope of practice
1.       Ensure ethical practice, working within the professional scope of practice of sport science.
2.       Identify clients/athletes who are outside scope of practice and refer appropriately, working with multi-disciplinary teams where relevant
3.       Provide generic nutritional guidelines, working with dietician or sport nutritionist in the context of client/athlete needs and goals
Leadership
1.       Lead sport programmes and training sessions with the use of effective motivation and communication skills.
2.       Motivate clients or athletes through agreed sport conditioning session/s
3.       Conduct professional practice in a confident and professional manner
Outside Scope of Practice
·         Working in rehabilitation, providing therapeutic exercises
·         Working with acutely injured clients or members
·         Prescribing dietary intervention and supplementation
·         Working with clients that experience chronic pain