Sunday 14th August 2014
I just got back from my Circuits Instructor course and am a freshly qualified coach oozing with enthusiasm to get out there and set up my first session.
I must admit, I went into the course a little naive. I knew it wouldn’t be as simple as putting some exercise equipment on the floor and shouting random exercises, but I was surprised by the complexity in which to plan a class.
There’s more skill required than I originally thought!
“What are the outcomes required?”
“What if someone shows up with an injury or disability?”
“Do I have 3 different levels at which the exercises can be performed?” “How am I going to keep the class motivated?”
The list goes on.
The course was led by Dan Gilbert who has 7 years experience as a personal trainer. This meant we learnt all the information required within 5 hours to become confident in delivering an effective class as part of our assessment, and then go into the big wide world and instruct.
As well as Dan’s passion for fitness and love of his job, the Learner Manual issued as part of the course is extremely informative and will continue educating me even after qualifying.
I do love a juicy fact….. Did you know “circuit training was developed in 1953 by R. E. Morgan and G. T. Anderson at the University of Leeds in England”?
Also, there are 9 types of circuit training.
There was me thinking it was just one.
Then there’s a further breakdown of another 17 layouts. Blimey! I was naive to think there was just one type. And I haven’t even mentioned work and rest ratios, component considerations, circuit cards and all the other stuff!
This may sound like a lot of information, but the course is delivered in such a way that the theory is broken up with practical sessions, allowing us to stay switched on and put into
In total, we did about 5 mini circuits throughout the day, so be prepared to get sweaty. I used the day as a training day which was perfect! This also gave me an opportunity to learn new exercises from my fellow students and alternative teaching styles.
During the course, Dan informed us that Body Aid Solutions is seeing a growing trend for circuits and outdoor fitness classes, and suggests it is one of the most lucrative, if not most lucrative sector of the fitness industry, meeting a similar, if not higher earning potential to a personal trainer.
The course costs £95, which to my estimations can be earned back with just 19 clients paying £5 each at a circuit class. Everything after that is profit. Wonderful!
If you are looking for a career change and like me, wanted a job where I could roam around in my activewear, stay fit and help improve people’s lives, then check out the Body Aid Solutions website. The only requirement to do the circuits course is to complete the Level 2 Gym Instructor course.
In less than 1 day, I was ready and rearing to go, qualified to set up my circuits class and start making a change to both mine and other lives.
Even this butterfly wanted in on some of the learning action : )