possible fitness instructor projects??

jay` · 20-Jul-04, 03:33 AM

Firstly i would like to say hello again to everyone,

I have had quite the busy year this year, and have had little time to play around on the net for anything other than my uni topics. I hope everyone has been training hard and getting great health/results!

This thread is relating to my uni course, which as some may know I am studying Human Movements (within my last year) and am expected to complete my Industry Practicum this semester. I am expected to complete 120 hrs under a mentor to complete a project that is developed in consultation with the mentor in the workplace (this is not simply work experience).

My goals when I complete my degree are to continue studying education (primary), which will take a further 2 years of studying (I'm becoming a professional student!), thus I have changed my focus from physical therapy (which I was hoping to gain experience in) to Fitness instructor, which would relate greater to future career paths and also more opportunity for work over the next 2 years.

I am after any suggestions from fellow fitness guru's as to projects to undertake. Some that have been put-forth so far are:
-conditioning a representative sports team (this is not applicable as I have limited access to sporting teams, and also too far into competition to complete)
-developing an after-school activity program in a school (I am considering looking into this- talking to my partner who is a primary teacher about how to approach this method)

Any ideas relating to gym scenarios would be appreciated as I have an agreeable Fitness centre who is willing to help.
Any ideas are appreciated!

Cheers,
Jay

SurfinAmy · 21-Jul-04, 10:31 AM

Well, it might sound dumb, but how about a small women's weightlifting class like for bare bones beginners...there is nothing like that offered really, and the weight rooms are dominated by men so it can be intimidating for women.

I don't really see that many women lifting at my gym at all, the ones that do are usually with a personal trainer or alone.

You could give them lots of info on how weight training is superior to cardio for slimming and toning and also maybe if there were about 6-8 people they could pair up and possibly get a new w/out partner or two out of the deal. You could teach them about diet and all.....the importance of patience....

Well, I think there might be an interest if women thought they weren't going to be out there in the weight room alone and maybe did it when the gym wasn't crowded or something.

The reason I say it is because I have friends who have seen results and express interest, but they don't want to go it alone, some have asked me to be sort of their personal trainer or something, but I'm no personal trainer!
There are no weight lifting classes expressly for women that I'm aware of, at the college they are all co-ed classes too.

Well, I don't know, just a thought, this may not work out, but what about something involving women and weights???

-Amy

B.A. · 21-Jul-04, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay`

-developing an after-school activity program in a school (I am considering looking into this- talking to my partner who is a primary teacher about how to approach this method)

Certainly a more rewarding and enjoyable "project" than working with adults in the private leisure industry would be doing after school activities/ sports with primary/ elementary age children IMO. Getting adults to break life long habits in their diet and level of physical activity can be frustrating, though with children, if you can carry it off well you can influence alot of kids who are very eager to do sports but don't have the facilities and supervision necessary.

Alot of my education/ training is geared towards working with adults in the leisure industry in fitness suites, gyms etc., though I have found coaching young children in casual sports and other team activities to be much more fun. From a personal (more selfish) view point, there is much more room for career progression in coaching than being a "fitness instructor", afterall, the scenary may change, but fitness instruction really involves the same work/ knowledge where ever you go, whereas working with kids requires greater versatility, experience and knowledge. It's pretty hard justifying undertaking a 4-5 year degree just to be a gym instructor IMO (unless your motivation like mine is personal gain in applying what you learn to yourself aswell as future clients).

I'm contracted to my council, so I work with a system etc., but for yourself aslong as you get disclosed (government forwarding your criminal record to place of work etc) and organise time and facilities with your local educational/ recreation faculties, you could have after school activities up and running in no time at all, even involving some of your university colleagues to help you run it.

The beauty of our industry is that it is very expansive anyway and that you can consider such a broad range of projects to undertake.

- B.A.

jay` · 25-Jul-04, 04:37 AM

Thank you very much Amy and B.A for your input, very appreciated.

I have been talking to my local old fitness centre the past week and they are happy to accommodate me with my studies and experience. My lecturer at uni has led me to the ideas of developing/providing a program of some type within the fitness centre, such as an elderly falls prevention program, weight loss program, etc.

I really like your idea Amy about providing a weightlifting/fitness class for women, sounds very promising and rewarding, yet a challenge for me as well! The gym I plan to do this experience with seem to cater well for women classes, however, theres only one way to find out if I can involve myself (ask and see what they say). Ultimately I can throw some ideas to these guys about projects I would like to complete, but at the end of the day, these guys have the final say in projects they would feel comfortable being involved with and I respect that.

I can really understand where your coming from B.A in the working with children as being more enjoyable and rewarding. This is no doubt my ultimate goal as a lifestyle career, to be a PE teacher. I do however, still have 1.5-2 years of study after this semester and a bit, and I see that period as a greater chance to build up a port-folio in the health sector working in fitness centres during this time, whilst studying education. I also see that I will develop the practical experience with the children when I come across the education prac in the final six months or so. The last couple of days has had me really thinking of where I want to be and what I want to be doing over the next 2-3 years, and I really see myself wanting to pass on knowledge and motivation into helping others achieve their fitness/health/image goals. I also think that the experience within the fitness industry will greater my knowledge and competence to help make the health classes fun and enjoyable.

Thanks heaps for the input, great to hear the ideas and I will try and research some possible methods for the womens classes to present to the instructors and see what they have to say. I am just motivated to start the workplace experience and get involved. I can't wait, thanks heaps.

Jay