Visual 3-1Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Physical Fitness

the strength, endurance, and mental well-being to be

comfortable in daily, recreational, and sports activities

Visual 3-2Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Fitness Instructor

an individual with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to enhance

the physical fitness and “well-being” of individuals and groups

Visual 3-3Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Are You Fit for The Job?

• caring attitude• motivational spirit• sense of humor• sense of fun• dependability• healthy, well-groomed,

& professional appearance

• leadership skills

• listening skills• multi-tasking skills • organizational skills• education in anatomy,

physiology, strength training, nutrition, psychology, and other disciplines depending on certification sought

• CPR certification

In general, fitness instructors need to possess the following qualities and skills:

Visual 3-4Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

ACSM Certification

Certification can greatly enhance job opportunities.

For more information, check the following web site:

www.acsm.org

Visual 3-5Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Working With Your Clients

• Establish rapport

• Establish good communication– active listening– active note taking

Visual 3-6Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

The First Sessions

• Make advance contact• Greet the client with a handshake and a

smile• Be enthusiastic• Be on time• Dress appropriately for the activity• Allow extra time for the first session• Be organized• Provide appropriate educational

material

Visual 3-7Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Evaluating Physical Fitness

• Subjective Information– based on the client’s perceptions

• Do you lack energy?• Do you feel you are at a good weight?

• Objective Information– based on measurable facts– muscle strength and endurance– flexibility– cardiorespiratory endurance– body composition– special considerations

Visual 3-8Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Developing a Fitness Program

• Skill Factors– eye-hand

coordination– balance– physical

coordination– speed– power– background in sports

• Health Factors– strength– cardiorespiratory

endurance– muscle endurance– flexibility– body composition– special considerations

(physical capabilities and limitations)

Visual 3-9Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Strength

the ability of a muscle to exert a maximum force against resistance

Visual 3-10Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Cardiorespiratory Endurance

the ability of the heart, blood vessels, and lungs to perform efficiently during sustained

physical activities

Visual 3-11Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Muscle Endurance

the ability of a muscle or a group of muscles to apply repeated

force over a period of time until fatigue prevents the lifting or

moving of the resistance

Visual 3-12Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Flexibility

the ability to stretch a muscle through its full range

of motion without causing pain or muscle tearing

Visual 3-13Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Body Composition

the ratio between lean body mass and fat

Visual 3-14Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Physical Capabilities

physical health characteristics that increase one’s physical abilities and

which must be considered in the development of a fitness program

Visual 3-15Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Physical Limitations

physical health characteristics that inhibit one’s physical abilities and which must be considered in the

development of a fitness program

Visual 3-16Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Motivating Your Clients

• Help your clients to set goals

• Give them positive verbal cues

• Use music to motivate

• Check the appearance of the facility

• Make it fun

Visual 3-17Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Setting Goals

• Set realistic long-term goals

• Set reachable short-term goals

• Teach your clients to be flexible about their goals

• Use Goal Review and/or Fitness Progress Cards

Visual 3-18Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Goal Review Card

Visual 3-19Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Fitness Progress Card

Visual 3-20Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Valerie, a fitness instructor with over two years of experience, wants to inject new life into her business. Many of her clients don’t seem as enthusiastic as she would like and although the programs she designed for them should be effective, her clients are not making the progress she had envisioned. In short, she is afraid of losing their business. After analyzing her business practices she has concluded that she can make a number of changes to improve her business prospects. First, she plans to ask her clients what kind of music they enjoy. She will then use that information to select some appropriate music to help motivate her clients during their workouts. She also has resolved to greet clients with a smile and a positive comment at every meeting; and she will make a conscious effort to provide encouraging feedback to her clients during every session. To keep current with the latest fitness trends and equipment, Valerie also has enrolled in an upcoming seminar on strength training equipment and is considering enrolling in a sports nutrition class at the local college.

Is continuing her education a positive step toward Valerie’s goals? How might changing the music help to make workouts more enjoyable for her clients? How might these steps help her get new clients? What other steps can Valerie take to keep current clients interested and motivated? Why would a team-oriented approach to athletic training be important?

Visual 3-21Copyright © 2002 Career Publishing, Inc.

Trends

• There are no “quick fixes”

• Some trends can be harmful– some diets are not healthy– some may waste time and money– some devices may cause injury

• Some trends can be used to motivate– people often like “gadgets”

• Always be considerate to clients when discussing trends– listen carefully– use tact in your response