The Level 3 certificate in Advanced Fitness Instructing is nationally recognised and is delivered through a mixture of teaching methods including class observation, online and teacher based modules. The course has an interactive and practical focus which is orientated around like-minded individuals.

The course is designed to give you the time to absorb, digest and apply content through successful coaching, whilst also giving you the tools to widen your market and opportunities.

It is delivered by a national team of professionally-trained tutors, who are all accredited by National Governing Bodies. They are themselves active teachers and are totally committed to your success.

Introduction

This qualification has been specifically designed to provide comprehensive training for those who want to offer an alternative to gym and studio-based exercise and fitness programmes. It is ideal for those who are already involved in the exercise and fitness sector and also those new to the sector and who have a passion for helping others to lead a more active lifestyle.

Overview

Developed by three of the leading organisations in the sector and awarded by the leading awarding body in the sector (Central YMCA Qualifications). The qualification is at Level 3 on the National Qualification Framework and is recognised at the same level by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). It has been developed as a progressive programme that will improve your own movement skills whilst enabling you to become an effective teacher of exercise, movement and dance, confident to deliver a comprehensive programme of exercise movement and dance classes to adults.

The ‘working together’ of leading organisations in this area means you will benefit from the collective experience and expertise generated through successfully delivering classes over many years throughout the UK and internationally.

Entry Requirements

Candidates should:

• Be at least 17 years of age and have reached the age of 18 by the time they take the final practical assessment

• Be willing to take an active part in the lessons, many of which will be practical in nature

• Have participated in some form of exercise, movement or dance classes prior to the start of the course

Course Length

The course duration is determined by the total number of hours required.The actual time taken to complete to qualification will depend on the structure of each individual course.  Courses are run over a number of weekends and/or evenings in different ways, with a few of the more intensive ones including some residential time.

Course Structure

It is a modular course, divided into a four stage programme:

Stage 1 – Orientation Day.
The Orientation Day will provide you with the opportunity to get a feel for what teaching exercise, movement and dance is all about and through significant practical activity you will experience each of the styles first hand. You will also have the chance to speak with trainers who themselves are delivering classes on a weekly basis and to begin to appreciate the opportunities that may be available once you are qualified. During the Orientation Day you will be introduced to:

• The role of the EMDP

• The training programme from enrolment through to certificationThe key aspects related to being an exercise, movement and dance teacher
• Exercise principles appropriate to EMDP Partners (practical activity)
• The benefits of exercise
• Some of the key skills and movement competences required by an exercise, movement and dance teacher

Stage 2 – Directed Home Study
This is an opportunity for you to work in your home environment and, through the completion of specific tasks, you will broaden your own knowledge about exercise, movement and dance and gain additional movement experience. 

During stage 2 you will be required to:

• Participate in exercise, movement and dance classes (or similar)
• Continue to develop underpinning knowledge of teaching exercise, movement and dance
• Continue to develop your understanding of the exercise principles appropriate to EMDP Partners.
• Commence the development of your reflective journal
• Complete a number of observations of an EMD teacher (or similar)

And be introduced to:

• The role and responsibilities of a Level 3 Teacher of EMD

Stage 3 – Core Modules
Stage 3 will provide a whole range of underpinning knowledge relevant to being an exercise, movement and dance teacher and will cover the following areas:

• Understanding the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics related to adults

• Benefits of physical activity

• Development of effective communication within the context of exercise, movement and dance

• Introduction to the use of music in the context of exercise, movement and danceIntroduction to the basic concepts of teaching and learning within the context of exercise, movement and dance

• Planning for personal and professional development

• Introduction to the principles of preparation, planning and evaluation of an individual session and a series of sessions

• Dealing with accidents, emergencies and health and safety within the context of exercise, movement and dance

Stage 4 – Discipline Specific Theory and Practice - will focus on the style you have chosen to follow and will cover:

• Technical knowledge specific to your chosen style

• Additional technical knowledge not covered in stages 1 – 3

• The skills, knowledge and understanding related to teaching  exercise, movement and dance within your chosen style

• The practical teaching of groups

• Personal movement performance

Business and Marketing Module

An additional session which covers the essentials that anyone looking to set up in this industry needs to understand. It will guide you through the legal minefield of registering as a business and tax regulations amongst other business ‘need to knows’. The day also has sessions focusing on key marketing knowledge and its application in the context of developing a successful business in exercise, movement and dance.

Assessments

Assessment will take place throughout the course and will cover theoretical knowledge and practical teaching. It will largely take the form of worksheets, oral questioning, teaching observation and a written examination. In addition candidates will be required to complete a reflective journal.

Certification

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded two certificates:

• CYQ* Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Fitness Instructing (Medau Movement or KFA Moves or Bagot Stack).

•  EMDP (Medau Society or Keep Fit Association or Fitness League) Level 3 Certificate in Teaching Fitness through Exercise Movement & Dance.

*CYQ qualifications are the UK’s leading health and fitness specific awarding body, recognised by Skills Active the Sector Skills Council for Active Learning and Leisure.

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