Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statements provide advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competence, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. The Range Statements relate to the unit as a whole and helps facilitate holistic assessment. In addition, the following variables may be present for this particular unit of competency:

Apply factors motivating adults to be physically active and influencing exercise adherence

low and moderate risk client need and preference for

moderate activity

social interaction

non-competitive setting

non-judgmental interactions and instruction

activity specifically addressing health concerns and risks

barriers to participation

perceived versus actual

initial low fitness level

time

access

health risks and concerns

peer and family support

possibly overweight

Cardiovascular conditioning

choice of exercises

within context of prescription and client preferences

moderate intensity within context of risk factors

mix of weight and non-weight bearing (especially for women)

integration with resistance training

circuit training

exercise machines

gradual progression

Design of an exercise session

importance of warm-up and cool-down in context of risk

incorporation of stretching

role of different aspects of conditioning in health context

muscular

cardiorespiratory

balance of different aspects

health justification for each in context of risk factors

time efficiency for busy adult

Ensure client safety

individual and groups

equipment set-up and maintenance

maintenance and set up of exercise setting, eg, gym floor, pool deck

appropriate apparel and footwear for low and moderate risk client

process of risk assessment in context of low and moderate risk clients

client instruction on safe practices

formal instruction during class or induction

informal and spontaneous supervision

effective and non-judgmental approaches to correct technique

written materials and displays

enforcement of site rules

Exercise leadership for low and moderate risk clients

individual and group instruction

small and large groups

formal and informal instruction

class instruction

supervision, eg, gym floor

induction new client with low and moderate risk

Exercise methods

warm up exercise

cool down exercise

Exercise variables

mode

intensity

frequency

duration

Identify and apply current recommendations regarding physical activity for disease prevention in adults
[five categories]

definition and reasons for promotion of moderate physical activity

reasons for inclusion of muscular conditioning in some (ACSM, USSG)

examples of appropriate activities

levels of physical activity specifically for individuals at moderate risk

Lifestyle disease or disability

hypertension

type 2 diabetes

obesity

depression

Muscular conditioning

safe and effective techniques

breathing, timing lift and return to starting position

work - rest intervals

range of motion

posture

moderate intensity, avoidance of maximal lifts

choice of equipment, eg, machines versus free weights

choice of exercises

large muscle groups, over entire body

attention to specific deficiencies

sequencing

integration with cardio-respiratory conditioning

circuit training

exercise machines

gradual progression

Possible alterations in exercise prescription

mode

duration

intensity

frequency

interplay of all variables in the exercise prescription

optimum combinations for moderate risk adult

optimum combinations to alter specific risk factors

Potential risks to client

hyperthermia and dehydration

soft-tissue injury

muscle soreness

shortness of breath

irregular heart beat, chest pain

fainting, dizziness

heart attack or other cardiac event

Professional behaviour in relationship with client and allied health professionals

confidentiality of client health information

respect for client's health concerns

when to refer client who

shows signs or symptoms of disease during exercise

needs alterations to exercise prescription

seeks further health information, eg, dietary

correspondence and communication about client with allied health professionals

doctor

physiotherapist

exercise scientist

Dieticians

Relevant guidelines

international guidelines, eg, American College of Sports Medicine

national guidelines, eg, Sports Medicine Australia, Australian Medical Association, Fitness Australia

Techniques to monitor client responses

rating of perceived exertion (RPE)

heart rate measures

simple target heart rate

heart rate reserve method more appropriate for this clientele

'talk test'

direct observation

signs of shortness of breath

muscle fatigue, soreness, deterioration of form

dehydration

The role of physical activity in health and disease prevention

major causes of disease and disability in Australian adults

effects of physical activity in prevention

effects of physical activity in management of disease and disability

mechanisms by which physical activity alters disease risk

answer questions by clients about health benefits of physical activity

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competence and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statements.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
Assessment must confirm integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria, in particular the ability to
translate exercise prescription for low and moderate risk clients into the practical exercise setting
explain and discuss with a client all aspects of the exercise prescription and reasons for inclusion of specific components in the context of health risk and disease prevention
lead and instruct exercise for low and moderate risk individual and group clients
monitor safe exercise practices and make corrections when needed for the low and moderate risk client
maintain equipment and exercise setting safely and in good working order
apply risk assessment procedures in exercise settings serving low and moderate risk clients
recognise and act on evidence that a low and moderate risk client is not coping with exercise, is showing signs or symptoms of disease, or is experiencing an untoward event during exercise
demonstrate appropriate emergency procedures for a low and moderate risk client experiencing an untoward event during exercise
demonstrate appropriate attitude, manner, empathy and patience when working with low and moderate risk client

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit must be assessed after attainment of competency in the following unit(s)
SRFFIT007B Undertake relevant exercise planning and programming
SRFFIT008B Utilise a broad knowledge of exercise science in exercise planning, programming and instruction
SRFFIT009B Undertake postural appraisal of low risk clients
SRFFIT010B Utilise a broad range of fitness equipment
SRFFIT011B Provide exercise for fitness industry clients with special requirements
SRFFIT012B Utilise an understanding of motivational psychology with fitness clients
SRFFIT013B Provide information and exercise related to nutrition and body composition
This unit must be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
Nil
For the purpose of integrated assessment, this unit may be assessed in conjunction with the following unit(s)
SRFFIT015A Provide nutrition advice to clients in accordance with recommended guidelines

Required knowledge and skills
Required knowledge
Major causes of disease and disability in Australian adults
Major risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Risk stratification according to the ACSM definitions
First aid and emergency procedures
Modification of standard exercise prescription for low and moderate risk clients
Effects of physical activity on risk factors and risk of disease
Roles of cardio-respiratory and muscular conditioning in altering risk factors for disease
Current Australian and overseas recommendations for physical activity for health and disease prevention
Structure of an exercise session
Progression of adaptations to an exercise program in low and moderate risk clients
Factors influencing adherence to exercise in low and moderate risk clients
Signs and symptoms of untoward event that may occur during exercise in low and moderate risk clients
Role of stretching in physical activity program
Required skills
Exercise leadership for individuals and groups
Exercise instruction over a wide variety of modes
Exercise equipment maintenance to ensure safety
Safe exercise procedures over a wide variety of modes
Monitoring of exerciser's response using variety of techniques
Structure of exercise session specific for low and moderate risk client
Educating client about health benefits of physical activity, especially with regards to management of risk factors

Resource implications
Physical resources - assessment of this competency require access to
interaction with actual clients (under direct supervision) or simulated, eg, role playing, clients in appropriate exercise setting, such as a fitness centre with a variety of exercise modes and equipment available, eg, exercise machines, weight machines, exercise mats, adequate floor space. Should also include access to clients while walking as a form of physical activity
appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace, such as client progress forms, correspondence with referring allied health professionals, and instructional materials, eg, brochures, displays
Human resources - assessment of this unit of competency will require human resources consistent with those outlined in the Assessment Guidelines. That is, assessors (or persons within the assessment team) should
be competent in this unit
be current in their knowledge and understanding of the industry through provision of evidence of professional activity in the relevant area
have attained the National Competency Standards for Assessment: BSZ401A, BSZ402A and BSZ403A

Consistency in performance
There is wide range of clients who could be classified as "moderate risk". Due to issues such as safety requirements and deliver of appropriate techniques, this unit of competency must be assessed over a minimum of three (3), and preferably up to five (5), different occasions to include low and moderate risk clients, with different risk factors and exercise settings to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statements and contexts applicable to the work environment

Context for assessment
This unit of competency must be assessed in the context of health, fitness and physical activity for clients. This is very different from demonstrating these competencies with clients who are young, healthy and fit
This unit of competency should be assessed through observation of processes and procedures demonstrated by dealing with real or simulated low and moderate risk clients, oral and written questioning on required knowledge and skills (particularly about the role of exercise in modulating risk factors and the exercise prescription for moderate risk clients), and manner and attitude when dealing directly with low and moderate risk clients
Where performance is not directly observed or is required to be demonstrated over time or in different locations, evidence may be authenticated by supervisors or clients or other qualified individuals, provided that the person authenticating the evidence has directly witnessed his/her interactions with clients and that this authentication addresses issues specifically relating to delivery of exercise for low and moderate risk clients

These levels do not relate to the Australian Qualifications Framework. They relate to the seven areas of generic competency that underpin effective workplace practices.

The three levels of performance (1, 2 and 3) denote the level of competency required to perform the task:



1. Use routine approaches

2. Select from routine approaches

3. Establish new approaches





Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies.
Communicating ideas and information
Discuss with the client role of physical activity in health and disease prevention, explain different components of an exercise session and program, and explain how these address the client's specific health needs and risk factors (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Incorporate exercise prescription and other information in referral into planning and delivering exercise session, instruction and education of client (3)

Planning and organising activities
Major responsibility for organising, leading and delivering exercise sessions in a safe and effective manner that clients find enjoyable (3)

Working with others and in teams
Liaise with allied health professionals (eg, exercise scientist or physiotherapist) providing exercise prescription about client responses and adaptations to exercise program (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Use of some quantitative techniques such as monitoring heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (2)

Solving problems
Monitor client response to exercise, and make adjustments appropriate to the client's needs within the context of the exercise prescription (2)

Using technology
Use of exercise equipment, heart rate monitors (possibly), various exercise techniques (2)