Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Specific fitness goals may include:
sports, cardio and muscle conditioning
increased strength or endurance
flexibility and mobility
decrease stress
increase functional capacity.
Client may include:
experienced or inexperienced
older adult
de-conditioned
older adolescents:
16 years and over
active or inactive
pre-natal
post-natal
menopausal.
Motivational techniques may include
arousal control techniques and theories
zone of optimal function.
Fitness plan may include:
long and short term goals
periodisation and training phases
time and commitment to training sessions
exercise adherence.
Aims may include:
competition or performance targets
self improvement
fitness targets
lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise repertoire may include:
cardio
strength and conditioning
flexibility.
Training programs may include:
warm up
cool down
resistance specification:
exercises
equipment
repetitions
sets
resistance
intensity
frequency
variations
cardiorespiratory specifications:
exercises
equipment
intensity
duration
frequency
heart-rate training zones
flexibility specifications:
target muscles
range of motion
duration
type of stretch
static
dynamic
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF).
Exercise variables may include:
range of motion
speed of movement
source of resistance
level of impact on the body
equipment selection
exercise order
exercise selection - machines vs free weights.
Benefits may include:
physiological
psychological
social.
Program variables may include:
training frequency and session duration
exercise order
repetitions
sets
resistance
intensity
overload techniques:
cardiorespiratory and flexibility training.
Principles of training may include:
training thresholds
progressive overload
specificity
individuality
reversibility
recovery
variation
diminishing returns.
Exercise analysis may include:
identification of joints where movement is occurring
classification of the exercise as being isolation or compound
identification of working muscles and the joints on which they act
identification of joints and body parts that require stability - antagonists, agonists, stabilisers
identification of the muscles responsible for stabilising the joints and body parts
assessment of the degree of difficulty in performing the exercise
assessment of how well the exercise meets the functional requirements of the client.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
Occupational Health and Safety
client supervision
communication protocols
privacy
records management and security
use, care and maintenance of equipment.
Resistance exercises may include:
bench and chest press
flye
cable crossover
shoulder press
lateral and front-arm raise
shrug
upright row
shoulder internal and external rotation
biceps, preacher and hammer curl
overhead triceps press
lying triceps extensions and press
triceps kickback
bent over and one-arm row
supported and t-bar row
pullover
wrist curl
bent over lateral raises and reverse flye
squat
lunge
deadlift - bent and stiff leg
calf raise
hip abduction and adduction
leg curl, extension and press
hack squat
back and hip extension (glute-ham raise)
abdominal, including oblique and reverse, crunch
abdominal isometric hold
basic core stability and proprioceptive exercises
lat pull-downs
seated row.
Misconceptions may include:
hypertrophy outcomes
slowness
reduced flexibility
spot reduction of body fat.
Instructional techniques may include:
clear and accurate explanation
demonstration of correct technique
observation of client performance
positive feedback
spotting techniques.
Resistance exercise equipment may include:
machines
free weights
body weight
benches
racks
exercise balls
elastic resistance
proprioception and stability training devices.
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.
Common types of injuries may include:
muscle or soft tissue
back
heart condition
joint.
Re-evaluation criteria may include:
signs and symptoms of overtraining
loss of motivation
lifestyle factors
illness or injury
plateau in performance
time elapsed since last evaluation
client satisfaction
change in fitness goals.
Legislation and regulatory requirements may include:
Organisational Health and Safety
duty of care
privacy
anti-discrimination
copyright
licensing
child protection
trade practices
consumer protection
environmental
business registration and licences.
Industry guidelines may include:
Peak-body guidelines
national standards for the use of electrical equipment
number of machines on a single circuit.
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
additional equipment.
Intervention strategies may include:
stopping or modifying the exercise
modifying equipment.
Equipment may include:
cardiovascular:
bikes
treadmills
elliptical trainers
steppers
rowing machines
free weight:
bars
dumbbells
collars
straps
barbells
benches
hydraulic
innovative
exercise, medicine and swiss balls
bars and body bars
steps
bands:
dyna
tethers
tubing
specific muscle targets:
abdominal assisters
rotator cuff
plyometric training systems
resistance
pin-loaded equipment
electronically braked
air-braked
pool-based
sound and microphone systems.
Overtraining may include:
fatigue
elevated resting heart rate
loss of motivation to exercise and exercise form
plateau or decrease in performance
development of over-use injuries.

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:
plans, demonstrates, supervises and adjusts gym programs incorporating safe and effective equipment use and exercise prescription for a range of clients, including older clients to address their fitness goals
communicates effectively with a range of clients to explain the exercise program, its expected benefits and safety considerations and provides constructive feedback
identifies individual client behaviours and applies appropriate motivational techniques and strategies to support exercise adherence
plans circuit class with interrelated components, monitors the progress of the session and 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 circuit class 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 a circuit class
evaluates and reflects on own work performance to identify ways in which session outcomes and benefits to clients can be improved.
manages the timing and conduct of gym programs to enable effective and efficient use of facilities, respecting the needs of other facility users.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and delivery of gym programs including circuit sessions for multiple clients to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
a fitness facility where equipment such as cardiovascular, free weight, pin-loaded and circuit is available
a range of clients, including older clients, with a range of real or simulated fitness goals and needs
relevant documentation such as programming cards relevant to the specific program format.
documentation such as circuit training session plans and manufacturer specifications for equipment use.
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 client consultation
observation of effective training sessions, incorporating feedback and appropriate motivational techniques
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the structure and function of joints and muscles and their relationship to effective exercise planning
portfolio of customised training plans developed, monitored and adjusted in the workplace
third-party reports from supervisors detailing work performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.