Certified Personal Trainer

Certified Personal Trainer

The FSSA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) is one of the most sought after courses in the world.

It is fully accredited by EHFA (European Health and Fitness Association) and the FSSA CPT graduates can register themselves on to the EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals).

The FSSA CPT is a distinction of excellence. It is recognised all over the world; It represents quality professionals with documented expertise and symbolise the industry standards.

Job Role

A personal trainer’s role includes designing, implementing and evaluating exercise/physical activity programmes for a range of individual clients by collecting and analyzing client information to ensure the effectiveness of personal exercise programmes. A personal trainer should also actively encourage potential clients/members to participate in and adhere to regular exercise/physical activity programmes, employing appropriate motivational strategies to achieve this and to assist them with behavioural change as a result.

Pre Requisites / Eligibility

• Personal Training Certification Examination candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be able to read, understand and write English
• Should have Fitness trainer experience/certification (Equivalent to EQF Level 3)
• Should have NSQF Level 4 Skill India Certification
• Although not required, it is beneficial if you have a minimum level of practical experience working in the health and fitness field

Note: If you do not meet, any of the above mentioned pre-requisites, please speak to our advisor or your training coordinator.

Category:

Syllabus

Learning Objectives:

Demonstrate a professional attitude
Demonstrate responsibility and professional duty of care to clients which will include communication skills and a focus of customer care orientation

Select and maintain a safe exercise environment
Select the correct training environment and assess risks to ensure it provides a safe, clean and friendly fitness environment and that it will be the best use of the environment in which clients are exercising

Motivate clients
Capability to develop rapport in order to motivate individuals to begin, adhere and /or return to exercise

Collect information
Identify client information, which is to be collected and advise clients of correct procedures, protocols and risks prior to commencing physical assessment and exercising

Assess and analyze information
Carry out fitness assessments to establish fitness and skill level and analyze information relating to individual clients

Use current technology
Use appropriate technological developments to help clients increase general activity levels and be motivated to adhere to exercise programmes

Plan and prepare for an exercise session
Prepare equipment and facilities for the session ensuring compliance with industry and national guidelines for normal operating procedures and plan timings and sequences for the session

Identify customer motives and goals
Identify individual motives and resulting short, medium and long term fitness goals

Provide exercise prescription
Provide a range of exercise programmes in accordance with the needs of the clients by applying principles of exercise programming

Integrate the principles of training
Apply the knowledge of principles of training and components of health related fitness to the design of an individual programme to meet client’s abilities, needs, and lifestyle and exercise preferences

Adapt exercise
Suggest relevant exercise adaptations or options to allow for individual client differences or needs and provide participants with advice on intensity and how to progress their individual performance and results

Offer motivation
Positively interact and motivate clients/members using appropriate strategies in order to promote adherence to exercise

Integrate Exercise Science to the design of the programme
Apply the knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, biomechanical concepts as they relate to movement and exercise, the knowledge of related physiological concepts, the knowledge of the cardio-respiratory system and energy systems, to programme design

Inform clients of benefits of a healthy lifestyle
Provide participants with accurate information on principles of nutrition and weight management

Promote a healthy lifestyle
Provide information about the role of physical activity, modes of exercise and related services and the importance of healthy activities for daily living to clients

Demonstrate professional conduct
Understanding your scope of practice i.e. recognizing the standards and professional limitations that this provides, and ensuring essential personal skills and knowledge to be a personal trainer are maintained and updated and to be a positive role model at all times and keep up to date with industry developments

Apply business and marketing skills
Apply business, marketing, and selling strategies and best practices to achieve success as an employee, independent contractor or entrepreneur

Demonstrate professional responsibility
To ensure that other workers and clients are treated with respect and that appropriate civil liability insurance is in place at all times of instructing

Scheme of Study:

SCHEME / PLAN FOR PERSONAL TRAINING CERTIFICATION

MODULE 1

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF THE PERSONAL TRAINER

This unit is about preparing the personal trainer for the client. The following areas will be emphasized in this unit.

• Communicating in a clear and polite manner with clients when receiving enquiries and clarifications
• Giving full attention to what the client is saying noting relevant points and answering relevant questions
• Providing clear instructions to clients and guests
• Discuss sensitive health issues with clients in an open understanding manner
• Determine best exercise combinations to advise clients based on their need
• Choose the best training atmosphere depending on the client’s interest.
• Identify problems, review and apply solutions
• Treat clients with care and follow organizational policy in case of conflicts
• Understanding Professionalism, code of practice, ethics and national standards and guidelines
• Using appropriate technological developments to help clients increase general activity levels and be motivated to adhere to exercise programmes

MODULE 2

THE UNIT IS ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THE ANATOMY AND THE FRAMEWORK OF THE BODY

• Identification of muscles responsible for various movements
• Understanding of the three anatomical axes and planes including the terms frontal, sagittal and transverse
• Impact of exercises on the body
• Understanding stability and mobility within each joint
• Understand the functioning of the skeletal system with emphasis on the ROM of different joints
• Determining correct exercise modules for clients with decreased bone density and osteoporosis
• Correlating altered biomechanics to imbalance in the muscle synergy in the body
• Focusing on the most common postural deviations with emphasis on their diagnosis
• Identifying the muscles that become tight and muscles that become weak
• Understanding the importance of shoulder stabilization exercises in the overall health of the shoulder joint
• Making a systematic approach to deal with shoulder instabilities
• Understanding the abnormal degrees of curvature in the spine(lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis)
• Understanding biomechanical principles of movement to include the 1st, 2nd and 3rd class levers with examples
• Demonstrating knowledge of range of actions and activities like agonists, antagonists, synergists and fixators
• Demonstrating knowledge of short term and long term effects of exercise on muscles

MODULE 3

THIS UNIT IS ABOUT THE VARIOUS ENERGY CYCLES IN THE BODY,THE FUNCTIONING OF THE CARDIO RESPIRATORY SYSTEM,NERVOUS SYSTEM , HORMONAL RESPONSES TO EXERCISES AND NUTRITION

• Learning about the major energy cycles in the body with the emphasis on aerobic, anaerobic systems and their relevance to the exercise sessions.
• Understanding the basic anatomy of the cardiac system, with emphasis on C.O, H.R and S.V
• Correlating the cardiac system to exercise adaptations
• An insight into the respiratory system and its adaptations to exercise adaptations
• An overview of the nervous system, its divisions, its role in the human body and the relation of exercise programming on the nervous system
• Understanding the two opposing branches and their roles and mobilizing energy store to get the body ready for action
• Learning about the endocrine system, the major glands, and the hormones secreted, their actions and the influence of exercise on the hormones
• Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the dietary role and common dietary sources for each of the six main nutrients
• Understanding the role and desirable levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins in the body , including the total cholesterol /HDL ratio
• General nutrition recommendations to support aerobic dominant, steady state exercise (60+ min)
• General nutritional recommendations to support higher intensity, lactate dominant, intermittent sports and activities

MODULE 4

THIS UNIT IS ABOUT HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ASSESSMENTS IN FITNESS, THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF A CLIENT.

• Determining the tools for physical assessment
• Learning the importance and different kinds of questionnaires
• Learning how to perform cardio, muscle strength, muscle endurance and flexibility evaluation with specialized tests
• Learning how to deal with various aspects of client’s mood and motivate the client
• Understanding the underlying motives of exercise and the concepts of internal and external motivation
• Demonstrating knowledge on selecting the most appropriate and effective behavior change strategies to enhance exercise and health behavior changes, based upon clients needs and barriers
• Understanding the correct screening procedures for physical :previous and current levels of activity and interests, psychological :perceived and actual barriers to participation, medical :in relation to risk factors and identification of medical conditions
• Demonstrating knowledge of appropriate use of informed consent forms, questionnaires, fitness assessments

MODULE 5

THIS UNIT IS ABOUT TRAINING ADAPTATIONS, EXERCISE PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING AND BUSINESS AND MARKETING SKILLS FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS

• Learning about the adaptations to training principles like progressive overload, specificity, reversibility, adaptability, individuality, recovery time
• An insight into adaptations to resistance training like neuromuscular adaptations, bone adaptations, adaptations to aerobic and range of motion training
• Learning about the importance of strength to achieve fitness goals, the importance of professional planning in resistance training, exercise order and advanced techniques
• Understanding the range of heart rate training zone ,models for developing aerobic and anaerobic capacity
• Demonstrating knowledge on increased endurance capacity in muscles developed between exercise sessions
• Understanding the principles of exercise prescription for health and skill related components of fitness
• Understanding the principles of overload, specificity, progression and general adaptations and how they relate to exercise programming and a variety of individual wants
• Demonstrating knowledge on how to monitor methods for monitoring exercise intensity
• Displaying knowledge on legal and other requirements for a self employed personal trainer
• Understanding the importance of the business plan and the marketing plan to achieve goals
• Demonstrating knowledge on hoe to sell personal training and how to find and qualify sales leads
• Understanding knowledge on the importance of a website in PT marketing
• Demonstrating knowledge on the importance of developing a clear business brand that will appeal to target clientele and represent what the business stands for

LEARNING HOURS FOR PERSONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION

TLH, GLH CORE LEARNING UNITS ASSESSMENT METHODS
25 – 30 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 ROLE OF THE PT THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL EVALUATIONS
25 – 30 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 HUMAN MOVEMENT AND FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL EVALUATIONS
25 – 30 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL EVALUATIONS
25 – 30 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 NUTRITION THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL EVALUATIONS
25 – 30 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION, PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL EVALUATIONS
25 – 35 TLH
10 – 15 GLH		 HEALTH AND SAFETY, ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTING AND ANALYSISNG INFORMATION THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS
50 – 60 TLH
15 – 25 GLH		 TRAINING ADAPTATIONS AND EXERCISE PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS
25 – 35 TLH
13 – 15 GLH		 BUSINESS AND MARKETING SKILLS FOR PERSONAL TRAINERS. THEORETICAL EVALUATION

TLH – TOTAL LEARNING HOURS
GLH – GUIDED LEARNING HOURS

Total qualification time: 280 hours
(Blended learning which means self study, home work, workbook, course quizzes , practicals, internships, examinations, revision classes)

Guided learning hours: 80 -100 (face to face, tutorials, classes)

Self learning hours: 180-200 (self study, online reading)

Study Material / Resources:
Fitness Essentials Textbook
The Personal Training Handbook
The Weight Training Guide
Anatomy and Physiology Guide
Client Intake Forms Booklet
Course Quiz
Study Guide (Fitness / GX Instructor)
RPL (Recognition of Prior learning) Pack [If applicable]

Assessments:
Although you will be given a detailed assessment guideline on what to expect in a practical assessment while giving a PT session but, here are some general pointers to give you an idea:

• Introducing yourself to the client, re emphasizing the clients goals (As discussed in initial consultation)
• Informing the client about the health and safety aspect of the venue
• Starting with the warm ups (8 – 12 mins)
• Cardiovascular demonstration
• Strength Training demonstration (with at least 2 advanced strength protocols)
• Bodyweight segment
• Cool down section
• Closing the session and feedback from the client
• Self Reflection

Testimonials

FAQs

GENERAL FAQs - PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

This section is specifically designed to answer any FAQs related to FSSA Professional Qualifications:

CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER
CERTIFIED GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR
DIPLOMA IN ADVANCED MAT PILATES
PREGNANCY AND POST NATAL EXERCISE SPECIALIST
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
DIPLOMA IN PERSONAL TRAINER

What is the value of FSSA Certification?

Certification is a process by which FSSA, as a non-governmental agency or association, a not for profit organisation recognizes the competency of individuals who have met certain detailed criteria and standards laid down by FSSA.

The FSSA certifications are recognized, accepted all over the Indian sub continent as an ultimate mark of quality and credibility.

FSSA is the ONLY organisation, to have its professional courses fully accredited by EuropeActive / EREPS (CFT, GX, PIL, PPES, and CPT) and PD: Approval, UK (DPT).

Kindly see the package, which suits your requirement and/or budget. In case you have any questions or are not sure please give us a call at +91-8800254226 or write to us at support@fssaonline.in

FSSA also is a member organisation of the CQC Foundation where all the learners qualifications, skills and experience etc. are checked and verified after due diligence and trainers can then list themselves on their website showcasing their credibility to potential customers and employers.

Having a FSSA Professional qualification is a proof that:

• He/she has undergone rigorous testing procedures
• He/she will demonstrate to colleagues, clients and employers a dedication to quality knowledge, theoretical, practical and communication skills of the highest standards
• He/she has promised to remain within scope of practice
• He/she is bound by the FSSA code of ethics
• Sets him/her apart from non certified/non credentialed job candidates
• Assures current knowledge through continued education and verification of base level competency
• He/she will uphold fitness industry standards and regulations, thereby potentially saving organizations from potential liabilities

I want to train Online? Which course should I opt for?

If you wish to train and work with general population, the CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) is an ideal choice. You may choose the package depending on, if you wish to train in India and/or abroad. If you wish to work in a specific domain such as Pilates and/or with pregnant women we have other specialities for that.

I want to go abroad and work? Which course should I opt for?

Depending on your country of work, you may require international portability or international recognition. If you wish to work in Europe, then the CPT platinum package is the right choice. If you wish to work in UK, Middle East, Australia or New Zealand then you should opt for the FSSA DPT Diamond package.

PAYMENT FAQs.
Is there any fees / cost to pay it off early?

No

I chose to pay in installments, but can I pay it off earlier?

Yes, you can pay of your balance early.

What if I miss a payment of EMIs?

If you miss a payment, we will be in touch to offer a solution and put you back on track. If the payment is delayed for more than 1 week. An administrative fee of INR 2000.00 shall be applicable. If installment is late by 15 days, we may cancel your course and you will have to re enroll by paying full fee(s).

Do I have to go through a credit check?

No. There are no credit checks required.

COURSE FAQs.
How long do I have to complete my course? What happens if I am unable to complete my course in that time?

You have 8 months to complete from the date of enrollment.

If you do not finish within 8 months, you may request a 2-month extension, free of charge. If you fail to complete the requirements during your first extension period, you may request a final 2-month extension for a non-refundable fee of INR 7500.00. Completion of the program beyond the final extension period requires re-enrollment by paying full fee(s).

What is required to get my final certificate(s)?

CFT – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR / AED certificate

GX – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR/AED certificate

PILATES – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Successful completion of 2 x Case studies
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR/AED certificate

PPES – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Successful completion of 2 x Case studies
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR/AED certificate

CPT – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Successful completion of 2 x Case studies
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR / AED certificate

DPT – You must meet the following:
◦ Submission of video towards practical assessment (In accordance with our practical assessment guidelines)
◦ Successful completion (70% or more) in online MCQs
◦ Successful completion of 2 x Case studies
◦ Successful completion of the DPT RPL pack
◦ Proof of current Adult CPR/AED certificate

What is the best way to study for my final examination, considering there are so many books and study material?

When you enroll for any of our professional qualifications, an email is sent out which contains step-by-step review and preparation information for the final Examination.

My course study material includes a workbook and a study guide. Is it mandatory that I complete the workbook? Will I need to submit it at any point?

The Workbook and Study Guide provides assistance in the retention of the course material. You are not required to submit the workbook in for grading. However, experience has shown that individuals who faithfully use the Workbook and Study Guide achieve greater understanding of the course materials than those who do not use a workbook. FSSA recommends that you actively use the Workbook and Study Guide to prepare for the final examination and for understanding of core concepts.

The exam is difficult. I know what I am doing, but I have a hard time making a video and/or completing the case studies. What now?

FSSA exams have been designed not to make them difficult but to test the knowledge and skills you have gained studying towards such highly renowned, recognized and accredited professional qualifications. Remember, if becoming a professional in any field were without challenge, the profession’s credibility would be questioned. Also, communication skills are essential to being a successful fitness professional. We have seen countless trainers who were quite experienced but lacked the communication skills necessary to succeed financially and professionally. Being able to express yourself verbally and in writing is imperative to your success. Don’t forget: Our Support Team is here to help! You may write to us at support@fssaonline.in with any questions.

Note: Any student caught soliciting another person to take an exam will be immediately dismissed from FSSA.

What happens if I fail my examination?

If you fail any portion of your Examination, you will be offered the opportunity to resubmit that portion of the examination, free of charge. (This is known as your second attempt at the examination.) Each retest beyond the second attempt (e.g., third attempt, fourth attempt, etc.) will incur an administrative fee of INR 3500.00

CONTINUING EDUCATION FAQs
How do I renew and maintain my certification?

FSSA professionally qualified trainers are required to renew their certification every 2 years. This process consists of a renewal fee, updated CPR/AED certification, and documentation stating the completion of Continuing Professional Development points (CPDs). (Please note, fulfillment of this specification is required of trainers only after they have received certification through FSSA. CPDs are not a prerequisite to receiving certification; Also training offering FSSA CPD points before enrollment into a professional qualification will not add towards the points required to renew/maintain your professional qualification)

How much is the renewal fee(s)?

Only an administration charge of INR 2800.00, if you can show that you have done workshops/trainings leading to 20 CPD points with FSSA through their courses or through their affiliated programs (GoFlo Suspension Training, Stretch & Dance, IAPC (Australia), Ms. Wellness & Ms. Fitness India offer FSSA CPD points. (That too within the stipulated 2 years time). If not late fee may be applied and/or.

What qualifies as a CPD?

One CPD (Continuing Professional Development) point is equal to 1 contact hour of instruction. All 20 units or contact hours must be taken through ISSA, an ISSA Continuing Education Provider, or other ISSA-approved continuing education activity. To be sure that a specific personal training course is approved, please contact the Continuing Education department.

Do I get any CPD points for CPR/AED training?

No, CEUs are not issued for CPR/AED training. CPR/AED training is a separate requirement for any of the professional qualifications and, therefore, will not double as credit toward your CEU requirement.

If I earn more than 20 CPD points, will the extra points carry over to my next renewal period?

FSSA seeks to uphold its standards of providing top-notch education and information to its learners. Similarly, FSSA encourages its students to continue their learning with the most cutting-edge information available to health and fitness professionals. For this reason, CPD points earned in excess of the required amount cannot carry over because new information is always emerging in the field of exercise and health. 20 CEUs is the minimum requirement for every 2-year renewal cycle.

My certificate has already expired? Can I still renew?

Renewal applications may be submitted up to one year after the original expiration date. Late fees, as mentioned below, will be assessed to all applications that are received after their expiration date.

Failure to complete CE requirements and timely renewal of your professional status may result in the forfeiture of your certification. We encourage you to complete continuing education requirements on time.

• 3 to 6 months late INR 3500.00 (Prices are per professional qualification)
• 6 to 12 months late INR 6000.00
• More than 12 months INR 9500.00 + Re Exam (and attending the RPL workshop in person)

For FSSA fitness certifications that have been expired for over one year, the applicant will be required to pay the appropriate fees and retest prior to reinstatement of that particular certification.

Also note, these are just late fees, the learner will still require to show evidence of having attended training(s) offering 20 CPD Points.
Once the completed renewal application is received, your professional status will be renewed for two years from the date your renewal application is processed.

Example for when your completed renewal packet is received after your original expiration date:
Membership Expiration Date: January 20, 2021
Renewal Application Received: December 8, 2021
New Expiration Date: December 7, 2023

How long does it take to receive my new certificate once I have submitted the renewal application?

Once the completed renewal application is received, it will take three to four weeks for processing and mailing of the updated certification. Incomplete applications will be returned and issuance of the updated certificate will be delayed. Learners should make sure the renewal application contains all the required material and fees prior to submission to prevent time delays.

STUDENT SUPPORT FAQs
How long do I have to complete my course? How long does it take FSSA to process my examination and my certificate(s)? How do I receive my examination results?

Students when they submit their practicals and case studies, only then they will be allowed to take the online MCQs. Once they take MCQs the total time to check MCQs, case studies (where applicable) and practicals videos shall be 5 to 6 weeks.

Post that they will receive their results/feedback/evaluation report by email by our assessment team. If a student gets a PASS in all sections, the certificate shall be sent to them within 2 weeks of them, receiving this email. However, if one or ore sections they have referred a “REFER” status, they will have to re submit that section(s) within 4 weeks. Once they resubmit, they will again have to allow 3 – 4 weeks for the team to assess and once they get a PASS, their certificate shall be sent via email within 2 weeks of resubmission.

What is FSSAs policy on a certification course transfer?

Students can transfer a course to another student within two months of the original enrollment date. All the required documentation along with an administrative fee(s) of INR 3500.00 needs to be submitted.

FSSA courses may only be transferred once.

I would like to exchange my course for a different specialty? Can I do that?

You may, however an administrative fee of INR 3500.00 shall be applicable plus the difference (if there is any between the lower package you selected to a higher package/certification you may want to go for)

If you selected a higher package and wish to downgrade then no refunds shall be made plus an administrative fee of INR 3500.00 shall still apply.

What is the best way to get student support? I have sent a few whatsapp messages to training coordinators but I still have not got a reply.

FSSA aims to provide, all its students, educational support for the successful completion of their course(s) with us.

The ideal and most recommended way to do so is to send us an email. You will get a reply to all emails within 24 – 48 hours. If it is urgent, then you may call on +91-8800254226 or +91-9818305235

Sending a whatsapp message to any of our team, tutors, training coordinators, education / service partners, faculty will NOT be considered an official message and may result in delays.

Note: All the charges / administrative fee(s) are applicable till 31st December 2020. They may change post that.

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