Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:09 PM AWST

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Plan and deliver group exercise sessions

Plan and deliver group exercise sessions

Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT309A
State Code
D6225
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/05/2014
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
16/05/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge to plan and instruct group exercise session to music. It focuses on the planning, selection, sequencing and progression of exercises and appropriate music, and instructing and monitoring client to ensure safe conduct of activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and develop the group exercise session.
  • 1.1. Determine the expected fitness outcomes and session type for the client group.
  • 1.2. Plan appropriate phases of the session and a varied exercise repertoire or choreography to meet the needs of the client group.
  • 1.3. Provide for a beginner, intermediate or advanced level of workout appropriate to the needs and levels of the client group.
  • 1.4. Select and sequence music according to duration, concepts and phases and type of session.
  • 1.5. Develop sequence of choreography to suit session type
  • 1.6. Access music according to organisational policies and procedures and legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • 1.7. Incorporate motivational techniques to maximise exercise program adherence.
2. Deliver the session.
  • 2.1. Prepare exercise environment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Explain common types of injuries that would prevent participation in the session and confirm that clients are not affected.
  • 2.3. Deliver pre-session instructions according to effective instructional principles.
  • 2.4. Deliver the selection of exercises using appropriate instructional methodologies, sequencing and progression.
  • 2.5. Monitor the performance of clients and adjust any technical errors to ensure safety.
  • 2.6. Monitor exercise intensity and adjust as required.
  • 2.7. Use motivational techniques and arousal control techniques to positively influence the performance of clients during exercise sessions.
  • 2.8. Recognise and respond to inappropriate client behaviour to effectively manage group cohesion.
  • 2.9. Provide constructive and positive encouragement to clients, showing sensitivity to cultural and social differences.
  • 2.10. Modify exercises to meet individual needs.
3. Develop a circuit training session plan.
  • 3.1. Identify the aims of the circuit training session.
  • 3.2. Define expected outcomes of the circuit training session.
  • 3.3. Identify a broad and varied exercise repertoire.
  • 3.4. Plan and document a circuit training session plan using the principles of exercise planning according to industry guidelines.
  • 3.5. Design clear and structured forms or cards for use in a circuit training session.
4. Deliver a circuit training session.
  • 4.1. Confirm appropriate exercise area according to legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.2. Check circuit equipment is in good working order prior to commencement of session.
  • 4.3. Use energy, water and other resources effectively when preparing and maintaining equipment and activity areas to reduce negative environmental impact.
  • 4.4. Communicate session objectives and the principles and benefits of circuit training to clients.
  • 4.5. Explain common types of injuries that would prevent participation in the session and confirm that clients are not affected.
  • 4.6. Instruct session according to circuit training plan and legislation and regulatory requirements and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.7. Demonstrate and instruct correct use of equipment during circuit training session, according to organisational policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions.
  • 4.8. Demonstrate exercises within the circuit training session using appropriate instructional principles.
  • 4.9. Monitor client intensity, technique and safety during the session and suggest modifications where required.
  • 4.10. Recognise signs and symptoms of overtraining and potentially harmful practices and implement appropriate intervention strategies according to organisational policies and procedures.
5. Evaluate the session.
  • 5.1. Seek and acknowledge feedback from clients.
  • 5.2. Evaluate client response and feedback.
  • 5.3. Evaluate own performance according to planned outcomes and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 5.4. Identify potential improvements to enhance future sessions.
  • 5.5. Modify the session plan where relevant to meet client needs.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Session type may include:
beginners
step
low and high impact
new body or sculpt
circuit
pre-choreographed
routine format
muscle conditioning
flexibility
relaxation
free weights.
Phases may include:
planning
warm up
conditioning
recovery
adaptation.
Exercise repertoire may include:
contraindications and modifications
variations to provide differing intensities
potential for combinations.
Music may include:
beats per minute
rhythm
tempo
motivational value
phrasing
quality
volume.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
pre-session screening
overcrowding
ventilation
hygiene
client to instructor ration
climate control
emergency
risk management
standards of personal presentation
clients' clothing and footwear
use care and maintenance of equipment.
Legislation and regulatory requirements may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
anti-discrimination
copyright
licensing
child protection
trade practices
consumer protection
environmental
business registration and licences.
Aims may include:
competition or performance targets
self improvement
fitness targets
lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise repertoire may include:
cardio
strength and conditioning
flexibility.
Circuit training session plan may include:
phases of:
preparation
conditioning
recovery
adaptation
rest intervals
required equipment
floor plan for equipment arrangement.
Principles of exercise planning may include:
frequency
intensity
duration
movement
environment
program type.
Industry guidelines may include:
peak-body guidelines
national standards for the use of electrical equipment
number of machines on a single circuit.
Exercise area may include:
indoor
outdoor.
Cultural and social differences may include:
modes of greeting, farewelling and conversation
body language, including use of body gestures
formality of language
clothing.
Motivational techniques may include:
arousal control techniques and theories
zone of optimal function.
Pre-session instructions must include:
verbal pre-screen
personal introduction
outline of session level
pain or discomfort
rests
correct exercise techniques and breathing.
Instructional principles may include:
establishing rapport
teaching positioning
session organisation and formation
visual and verbal cueing with variety
visual previewing
verbal communication
body language
mirror imaging
demonstration
pre-cueing
rehearsal
combinations
movement breakdown techniques
use of learning curves
monitoring and encouraging session response.
Technical errors may include:
hyperextension
limb position
ballistic movements.
Exercise intensity may include:
heart-rate response
perceived rate of exertion
form and fatigue
motivation and enthusiasm suitable to the session format.
Feedback may include:
structured
unstructured
verbal
non-verbal.
Client response may include:
education
motivation
exercise technique
satisfaction.
Own performance may include:
instructional and choreographic techniques
session format
appropriate intensity
managing client behaviour
responding to feedback
managing time allocation.
Benefits may include:
physiological
psychological
social.
Common types of injuries may include:
muscle or soft tissue injury
back injury
heart condition.
Potentially harmful practices may include:
hyperextension
exercising while sick or in extremes of temperature
multiple repetitions
ballistic movements
spinal hyperextension
loaded knee hyperflexion
on-the-spot pounding
straight leg sit-ups
lever length.
Intervention strategies may include:
stopping or modifying the exercise
modifying equipment or its use.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plan, instructs and monitors client performance, and responds appropriately to client behaviour to maintain an effective exercise environment
applies appropriate techniques to motivate group
selects and uses music effectively within group exercise sessions
safe and effective cueing
plans circuit sessions with interrelated components, monitors the progress of the session.
applies effective contingency management techniques to deal with a range of problems and issues that may arise during the session, such as equipment failure or client overtraining, and makes adjustments in response to changing situations
instructs sessions that meet client expectations, comply with legislative and organisational requirements, and are of sufficient duration to allow the candidate to demonstrate techniques to instruct and review circuit sessions
evaluates client and own performance and identifies improvements for future sessions
uses appropriate delivery technique to enhance client learning and performance.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and instruction of a variety of exercise session, including circuit and group exercise for different client groups which are of sufficient duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a facility where an exercise area with access to audio equipment is available
appropriate documentation and resources used in the workplace
documentation such as circuit training session plans and manufacturer specifications for equipment use
a range of client groups with a range of exercise needs and expectations.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of instruction of exercise sessions to music
oral or written questioning on knowledge of the principles of instruction
third-party reports from supervisors detailing work performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISFFIT311A Deliver approved community fitness programs
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
C7926 SRFGEX001A Plan and instruct a group exercise class Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVD55 SISFFIT007 Instruct group exercise sessions Unit of competency