Congratulations is in order for Darren Mozes, Director of DJ’s Gym (South Melbourne & Wangaratta) and his team on being presented as the 2009 Australian Les Mills Club of the Year. The IHF graduate was presented with this award at the 2010 Australian Fitness & Health Expo in Sydney last month.

Darren said, “The team at DJ`s wish to thank all of his loyal staff and clients for the support and enthusiasm you bring to the club every day. We are proud to have some of the best instructors in the business and look forward to an even bigger and better year ahead by constantly improving and delivering outstanding classes and service.”

Darren managed his gym in Wangaratta for many years and then completed is Certificate IV in Fitness with the Institute of Health and Fitness in 2007. Later that year he opened up DJ’s in South Melbourne and his business has grown week by week. A well deserved winner of this National award.

Yours in Health & Fitness,
Chris Alexander

Fitness Australia has recently introduced new levels into their registration system determined by qualification and experience.

I think this type of system is well overdue. The new registration levels will increase transparency within the industry and reflect the breadth of experience that exists within the fitness sector.

The new levels of registration are:
•    Provisional
•    Level 1 (Introductory)
•    Level 2 (Intermediate)
•    Level 3 (Advanced)

Consumers, employers, and broader stakeholders will now be able to identify more clearly the range of expertise within the fitness industry.

Craig Knox, Fitness Australia’s General Manager, says that the new registration levels help to better ‘define and position’ the fitness industry and profession.

This is a very important initiative developed for the fitness industry. But is that where it stops? The public need to be educated in some way of whom they are being trained by.

For more information about the registration levels visit www.fitness.org.au

Yours in health & fitness,
Chris Alexander

Last week there was a debate on Insight delivered nation-wide on SBS. It was primarily looking at the quality of personal trainers in the fitness industry.

The fitness industry is regulated better now than it has ever been. With the requirements to have Certificate III (Fitness Instructors) and/or Certificate IV (Personal Trainers) to become registered with either Fitness Australia or Kinect Australia (formerly VICFIT). After which you then obtain appropriate insurance. However this issue then falls back on those providing the courses to acquire this qualification. There is a large gap in what students are required to do within their particular course to demonstrate their knowledge/expertise/competency.

There is a lack of consistency, some personal trainers have reported they had no exams and no homework and they did the Certificate III AND IV in 8 weeks.

It is a tough decision for prospective students to make which provider is best for them, so here are a few unbiased tips:
•    Look into who is providing the education, who are the presenters/lecturers and what are their qualifications and expertise?
•    What is the size of the classes?
•    Will you get the required support from presenters and staff?
•    How does the provider ensure that you’re getting value for the course fees?

The next issue lies with the consumer, the public need to be more informed about their choice of personal trainers, as anyone can become one. What the consumer must be aware of:
•    What’s the trainers qualifications?
•    Is he/she fully insured?
•    What experience have they had with your goals?
•    How can your long-term goals be achieved?
•    Ensure a screening process should be completed prior to any training.

If you to are passionate about the fitness industry and want a good insight into the current issues within the industry I would encourage you to watch the episode online
http://news.sbs.com.au/insight/episode/index/id/212#watchonline

Your in health and fitness,
Chris Alexander