,

UXI SPORT | HFPA ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL OWNERSHIP

HFPA Fitness Academy, the premier provider of Fitness Education in South Africa, is pleased to announce that they have taken hands with UXI Sport.

As the newest division of UXI Sport and UXI Pty (Ltd), HFPA will be offering young aspirant fitness professionals, highly accredited, innovative, and comprehensive programmes, to allow them to kick-start their careers in the fitness and sporting industry!

For over 42 years, HFPA has led the initiative to create unity and set professional standards for the Southern African fitness industry. HFPA provides world-class tools and facilities to help aspirant fitness enthusiasts fast track their careers in fitness and sport. As one of the leading Fitness and Sporting academies in South Africa, HFPA are ready to offer UXI Rugby Institute students with EXTRAORDINARY accredited HFPA fitness, health, wellness and sporting qualifications, internationally recognised through the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA) and The International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), which is recognized in 26 countries in the world!

UXI Sport institutes are passionate about creating opportunities, job placement and most importantly an embedded work-ethic, that is driven by a dedicated professional team, that INSPIRES GREATNESS! An integral part of UXI Sport’s unique High Performance Rugby Programme is its Academic Programmes, that form part of the holistic development of Student Rugby Athletes. Through the Academic Programmes, provided by our academic partners, we develop young men and women, with key attributes and qualities that offer work-readiness, in careers that they are PASSIONATE about.

There couldn’t be a better partner for UXI Sport, than HFPA Fitness Academy; a Higher education Institution offering Higher Education Qualifications, Certificates and Diplomas. HPFA take great pride in their innovative teaching techniques, delivered by a wide variety of respected industry experts. With an abundant list of Continuing Education and Specialisation programmes, students can grow their scope of practice AND career prospects while taking advantage of their outstanding student support structures.

Through this UXI-HFPA ownership, UXI Sports students can join tens of thousands of HFPA Graduates, who are employed nationally and internationally as highly respected Fitness Professionals in a variety of health, fitness, recreation and sporting environments!

For Media Enquiries:

HFPA

Paul Mills | HFPA Managing Director | paul.mills@hfpa.co.za

Melanie Lowe-Martin | Marketing Co-Ordinator | melanie@hfpa.co.za

UXI SPORT

Thea Visagie | C.O.O. UXI Sport |  thea@sport.uxi.edu.za

Tayla van Heerden | Digital Marketing Director | taylavh@sport.uxi.edu.za

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

The future of fit pros in the COVID era

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for gyms, which were one of the first businesses to shut their doors amid lockdown regulations.

“But the pandemic has also driven positive trends around exercise as more people are now aware of the importance of health and fitness,” explains Paul Mills, Managing Director at the Health & Fitness Professionals Academy (HFPA).

As a consequence, more people are looking to start and maintain exercise programmes. This new paradigm has created an interesting situation for fitness professionals, especially as many gyms and training facilities have struggled to survive due to the lockdown’s economic impact on their business.

With less physical capacity to train clients in person, growing financial constraints among consumers, and a hesitance by many members to rush back to gym due to concerns regarding infection risks, personal trainers need to embrace an augmented model to maintain their relevance and sustain their business.

The COVID catalyst

The transition to online training and coaching was already on the rise before the pandemic altered the way we live and exercise. Adapting to the lockdown has merely accelerated the shift to the digital engagement model as the COVID-19-related lockdown forced gyms, studios and fit pros to pivot to an online service delivery model.

“The lockdown was really challenging for fitness professionals. With no physical space, everyone needed to become digitally savvy overnight and shift their offering online to sustain their business and generate an income,” continues Mills.

The COVID-19 Fitness Industry Impact Report, compiled by Fitness Australia, showed that 81% of exercise professionals and industry players lost their job or main source of income due to gym closures and social distancing restrictions.

However, the survey findings, which are based on responses from 1,177 exercise professionals and sole traders, and 282 boutique and multi-service facility gyms, found that just under half of respondents were able to generate new sources of income by moving online or adopting one-on-one outdoor PT sessions.

The online pivot

This pivot to digital engagement took many forms, as personal trainers and fitness instructors found themselves at varying points on their digital transformation journeys.

“While some had embraced bespoke or white-label apps before the pandemic, the majority simply leveraged video conferencing platforms to keep booked sessions with clients through the lockdown.”

A survey of over 700 Mindbody app users affirmed that wellness routines during and post COVID-19 lockdowns changed in a positive way, with respondents reporting that they worked out more while at home, rather than less.

Specifically, a mere 7% of app users live streamed workouts in 2019, but that increased to over 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, 85% of survey respondents reported live streaming a workout on a weekly basis, with yoga and HIIT-style workouts like Tabatas or bootcamps the most popular modalities.

A New Workout culture

But now that gyms have reopened, Mills expects members to make a gradual return to training in brick-and-mortar facilities.

“People will return to gym, there is no doubt about that. The gregarious nature of people means that the more we work online and remain isolated from others, the more we want human contact. As such, people will return to gyms when they feel ready. And gyms across the globe have also seen an increase in new members as people prioritise their health.”

However, fit pros should maintain their online focus with a mixed business model because it is unlikely that gyms will see an immediate return to the attendance figures experienced before the pandemic. For instance, 43% of respondents in the Mindbody app survey expect to blend their previous routines and virtual content or live streaming, even when the pandemic is over.

“It has become clear that contemporary fitness professionals will require an augmented model going forward, offering some in-person and some online instruction,” elaborates Mills. That means fitness professionals will need to adapt their offering to meet the demand for contactless or low-touch physical workout experiences, while delivering convenience and affordable online training options in response to the financial crunch clients are experiencing.

Potential benefits

But rather than posing a threat to their business, this shift represents a massive opportunity for fitness professionals moving forward. According to Mills, the move to digital proved that clients are willing to pay for virtual workouts, and the digital marketplace opens up significant opportunities for fitness pros to reach a global marketplace, which broadens their potential customer base, and allows them to bill in a foreign currency.

“Trainers can also use online sessions to reach clients at times when gyms are traditionally quiet, which effectively increases their billable hours,” he explains. However, trainers will need to create innovative programmes that leverage what clients have at their disposal at home. “But this also creates opportunities to start selling at-home workout equipment and up-sell programmes as clients advance,” adds Mills. In this context, the aftermath of the pandemic offers a significant opportunity for fitness business growth.

Making the switch

“To succeed in this market, personal trainers and instructors need to understand the need for auxiliary online services and support, and determine how to effectively use both models,” explains Mills.

In this regard, Mills suggests that fit pros reconsider their offering to include options that target individuals and groups, with structured packages for clients that augment physical and online sessions and offer variable pricing. “It is vital to develop a business plan that covers every facet of this model and clearly defines the services a trainer will offer online versus in the gym. Spotting a gap and finding a niche will also determine a fit pro’s success given that industry professionals are transitioning to this model en mass.”

Consider the threats

Fit pros should also remain cognisant of the potential threats posed by this switch to digital as it opens up the industry to greater competition. “The digital marketplace lowers the barrier to entry, while the abundance of standardised ‘cookie cutter’ programmes can dilute a fit pro’s offering. As such, trainers who engage via low-touch digital channels will need to market and sell the importance of individualised programming and constantly add value by tracking progress and adapting programmes based on regular testing to ensure their clients continue making progress,” asserts Mills.

Furthermore, anyone with some understanding of fitness and training can also commercialise their experience via digital channels, even if they don’t have a valid qualification. The lack of regulation for online service providers, coupled with access to international fitness celebs and personalities, makes education and qualifications more important than ever.

Qualifications matter

“In this context, qualifications will remain the foundation on which fitness professionals build successful businesses. Expertise, experience and client success will differentiate fit pros from the rest in the increasingly cluttered online marketplace,” states Mills. HFPA has catered to this need amid the pandemic by adapting their teaching approach to embrace a hybrid model.

“We’ve also updated our course material to effectively blend face-to-face and distance learning,” explains Mills. “We invested in expensive video equipment and white screens to deliver engaging and relevant content online, which students have enjoyed. This also means students who want to stay at home haven’t had to rush back, and that we can accommodate smaller classes.”

For returning contact students, HFPA continues to run its curriculum using the high-touch model to provide engagement with tutors. “This includes running live practicals with students nationally, adhering to COVID protocols.” Mills believes that students have learnt important lessons from this model because it demonstrates what is possible and helps them understand the value of offering options to clients.

The soft skills

Additional considerations when setting up a digital offering include selecting the best digital platform and engagement methods based on client preferences.

“There are so many platforms out there, which all come with different packages and cost structures. Functionality and content also differ, which means there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Mills. More importantly, fit pros must ensure that they can still fulfil one of their most important roles – offering clients support and motivation – when engaging online.

“Much of what a trainer does is about motivation. They must find ways to be there to encourage and maintain client accountability, even if they’re not physically present at a session during the week,” adds Mills.

In this regard, Mills says there are various ways to hold clients accountable, be it instant messaging, tracking uploaded workouts via an app, or encouraging clients during live virtual sessions. “No matter what platform the trainer uses, they must still come across in a professional manner and deliver an engaging and effective session.”

The bottom line

According to Mills, operating in this new normal is all about agility and adaptability. “Success will hinge on a fit pro’s ability to provide their product or service in the way clients want, across multiple environments.”

So, for those trainers who have patiently bided their time, waiting for gyms to reopen, Mills suggests that it’s time to craft a comprehensive offering and build an online profile.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Periodization For Strength Training by Chris Gellert

Introduction

Strength training is something that all individuals need to do, but as a personal trainer, do you know the science behind the training? This article will the fundamental principles of periodization training as it relates to strength training.

Foundation of Periodization Training

Why is it important to understand periodization training? Periodization training is the cornerstone of training any client, athlete or individual post therapy, assisting them in reaching their optimal health and desired goals. Understanding and then applying these core principles with program design will provide the personal trainer with the abilities to help a client reach their goals systematically. Any strength-training program should apply the five basic laws of training to ensure adaptation occurs and avoidance of injury.

The Five Basic Laws of Strength Training

Tudor Bump, PhD is a pioneer in the field of strength & conditioning, program design and periodization training. Through his research and experience, he has created the five basic laws of strength training. These laws have not only proved to be essential for athletes, but through extensive evidenced based research (randomized controlled trials (RCT) and various studies), have shown they are essential for proper development and to avoid injury. In this next section, the five basic laws are explained.

Law Number One: Develop Joint Flexibility

Most strength training exercises use the range of motion of major joints. Proper joint Flexibility prevents stress to the weight bearing joints, prevents injuries and pain.

Law Number Two: Develop Tendon Strength

Muscle strength improves faster then tendon and ligament strength. Tendons and Ligaments grow strong through anatomical adaptation. Without proper anatomical Adaptation, vigorous strength training can injure the ligaments and tendons. Training tendons and ligaments causes them to enlarge in diameter, increasing their ability to withstand tension and shearing.

Law Number Three: Develop Core Strength

The arms and legs are only as strong as the trunk. Strength training programs Should first strengthen the core muscles before focusing on the periphery: arms and legs. Weak core muscles fail in these essential roles, limiting an individual or athlete to perform optimally. According to the research, muscles of the spine are comprised of Type I slow-twitch (ST) fibers because of their supporting role to the arms and legs.

Law Number Four: Develop the Stabilizers

Prime movers work more efficiently with strong stabilizing muscles. Stabilizers contract, primarily isometric ally, to immobilize a limb so that another part of the body can act. A weak stabilizer inhibits the contracting capacity of the prime movers. Improperly developed stabilizers may hamper the activity of major muscles. At the shoulder, the supraspinatus and infraspinatus assist with lifting and rotating the arm.

The research has shown the difference among men and women indicating that women possess weaker gluteus medius and glute minimus muscles. Men typically those who play sport develop tight external rotators (piriformis) and glute maximus muscles. Therefore, stretching the tight postural muscles (piriformis) and strengthening the weaker phasic muscles such as glute medius will provide increased stability at the hip.

Law Number Five: Train movements, not Individual Muscles

Athletes should resist training muscles in isolation as in bodybuilding. Athletic skills involve the contraction of synergistic muscles that perform the movement. For example, a takeoff to catch a ball has the following kinematic chain motion: hip extension, the knee extension and finally ankle plantar flexion enabling the feet to apply a force against the ground to lift the body. Therefore, training the movement of the athlete instead of specific muscle only is essential for optimal performance by the athlete.

Periodization Training Phases

When it comes to Periodization Training there are three main phases that an individual or athlete goes through. This includes the Preparatory Phase, Competitive Phase and Transition Phase

1. Hypertrophy Phase (Preparatory Phase)

Occurs during the early stages of the Preparatory Phase and is usually the longest Phase within an annual plan

The major emphasis within this period is to develop a general framework/base level of conditioning in order to increase tolerance for more intense training. This phase begins with training at low intensity and high volume. The goals are to develop and promote hypertrophy, improve neuromuscular activity, increase connective tissue strength and increase lean muscle mass, which will be utilized later in the training cycles.

The specific objectives of training are as follows:

  • To acquire/improve general physical training
  • Improve the biomotor abilities of a given sport
  • To develop, improve or perfect technique/to teach the athlete the theory and methodology of training

2. Basic Strength Phase (Preparatory Phase Continued)

This phase emphasizes to continue to develop/ increase muscular strength of the muscles that is required for sport-specific activity. Utilization of multi-joint exercises to allow recovery time between exercises.

This period also serves to strengthen articular cartilage. This phase begins training at an increased intensity as well as moderate volume overall.

3. First Transition Phase

Is just like it sounds, a “transition” where the individual or athlete is beginning to change not only intensity, but also total volume and effort with each rep.

4. Power Phase (Late Preparatory Phase)

In essence, the goal is to develop muscular power with increased intensity and to continue sport-specific training with increased intensity and reduced training volume. Skill technique and game strategy are of primary importance as well as exercise prescription in plyometrics, speed drills, sprinting technique, etc.

Strength Training Effectiveness

In order for strength training to be effective, the body must experience a specific load. The overload principle is one of the seven big laws of fitness and training. Simply put, the overload principle states that you have to increase the intensity, duration, type, or time of a workout progressively in order to see adaptations within the body.

General guidelines of strength training during the Strength Phase of training:

  • The training cycle typically lasts 8-12 weeks
  • Intensity: 80-90% of 1 RM
  • Volume: moderate
  • Sets/reps: 3-6 sets at 6-8 reps
  • Rest period: 2-3 minutes
  • Training frequency: 2-3x week
  • Application: develop stabilizers through exercises such as lunges, multidirectional lunges, multi-joint exercises

Summary:

Strength training is something that everyone can benefit from. Understanding the fundamental principles of periodization training can provide you the personal trainer to help your client achieve his/her goals.

Chris Gellert, PT, MMusc & Sportsphysio, MPT, CSCS, C-IASTM

Chris is the CEO of Pinnacle Training & Consulting Systems(PTCS). A continuing education company that provides educational material in the forms of evidenced based home study courses, ELearning courses, live seminars, DVDs, webinars, articles and teaching in-depth, the foundation science, functional assessments and practical application behind Human Movement. Chris is both a dynamic physical therapist with 19 years experience, and a personal trainer with 20 years experience, with advanced training, has created 16 home study courses, is an experienced international fitness presenter, writes for various websites and international publications, consults and teaches seminars on human movement. For more information, please visit www.pinnacle-tcs.com.

References

Baechle, Thomas., Earle, Roger, 2000. Essentials of Strength and Conditioning. 2nd edition.
Human Kinetics. pp. 30-32, 309-310, 428-431, 482-484, 496, 502-504, 514-518.

Bompa, Tudor, 1999. Periodization: Theory and Methodology of Training. 4th edition.
Human kinetics. pp. 15, 214-224.

Bompa, Tudor, 1999. Periodization: Training for Sports. Programs for peak strength in 35 sports.
Human Kinetics. pp. 10-13, 84-130, 171-173, 334-335, 370-371.

Bompa, T., and Claro, F. 2009. Periodization in Rugby. Maidenhead: Meyer & Meyer Sport (UK) Ltd.

/0 Comments/by
,

Interview with Stian Weideman

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.

I started my coaching career in 2007 and during the last 14 years I’ve had the honour and privilege to own 3 gyms, be a strength and conditioning consultant for multiple sports teams, become an online coach for one of the top fitness blogs in the world, and present at the Mindset Performance Summit in New York. I now use a step-by-step process to help fit pros start and build a thriving fitness business from scratch.

How did you get inspired to train other personal trainers in helping them grow their businesses?

It took me years to figure things out and during that time I made a bunch of mistakes that cost me a fortune in time and money. Just like any other coach, I simply want to make a difference and knew that helping trainers and coaches navigate the tricky landscape of business would allow them to focus on their clients and me to have the biggest impact possible.

How can trainers shift their mindset to adapting during this pandemic and gain the motivation to do so?

Everything in life is about perspective. You get to choose how you see or what you believe about every situation or event in your life and this one is no different. Instead of fixating on the news or worrying about the future, use this time to develop new or improve specific skillsets.

You have an amazing opportunity to position yourself as a leader because during uncertain times people are often scared and stressed, and tend to look for someone to guide and inspire them. Be that person and you’ll build the foundation of a thriving fitness business.

How can one start an online business now? What skills are required?

There’s a massive difference between charging money for your time and building a business that’s sustainable long-term. A thriving business can give you the finances and future you want, but to do that will require you to think like an entrepreneur and not just a trainer or coach.

Starting an online fitness business is very similar to owning a gym. You still need the same mindset, skillsets, and fundamental structures but instead of training people in person, you do it online.

Some of the essential skills and fundamental structures of an online or offline fitness business are:

  • Identifying a problem and the pain associated with that problem that you can and want to solve for a specific person
  • Understanding the progressive path and key milestones your client will experience along the way
  • The ability to create content sequences that position you as the only person who can solve the problems of your perfect client
  • A conversion mechanism that makes it very simple for a prospect to become a client
  • A step-by-step system that delivers the same experience to every client online or offline
  • A tracking process that helps you keep an eye on the numbers to determine the profitability of the business
  • A big vision strategy for your personal and professional life

What should personal trainers be focusing on in terms of marketing now?

People are stuck at home, they’re frustrated, probably irritated, and most definitely stressing about the future. Even though they still want to lose weight and have a tight tummy, that’s not what they’re currently thinking about.

Instead of talking about the physical results, they’ll achieve like losing 20kg or getting 6-pack abs, you rather want to focus on the mental and emotional benefits of having a coach. Explain how uncertain times can cause an increase in frustration, irritation, and stress which often leads to anxiety, depression, and emotional eating.

Also share how you as a coach can help them overcome these with structured support, system and an objective perspective that a partner, relative, or friend can’t provide.

What would you say your best tip is to convert prospects now?

Offer a simple and fun challenge on the front-end, something that includes missions or tasks they can easily do at home without requiring them to go out and buy stuff that will just add more unnecessary stress. Be sure to deliver it inside a community like a Facebook group where you reward people publicly for engaging.

The most important thing is to keep it simple and make it fun. You can always sell them another programme or service once they complete the challenge.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Continued education: Good for business & the industry

The health and fitness sector is one of the most dynamic industries out there – it’s one of the many reasons why we’re so passionate about it! New information is constantly coming to light regarding how the body works and how we can apply what we already know in new and innovative ways to improve fitness, boost performance, aid our health or reshape our physiques.

It’s therefore essential that as fitness professionals we stay up to date with the latest trends and industry best practices if we hope to deliver the best results for clients. And one of best ways to do this, which is increasingly becoming a regulatory requirement in countries around the world, is through the attainment of Continued Education Credits (CEC).

Regulated requirement

Certain health and fitness professionals who require a license to practice, such as physiotherapists and biokineticists are already required to attain a certain number of CECs each year to remain registered members of the relevant governing body or industry regulator.

Despite a number of plans to implement a similar system for personal fitness trainers (PFTs) in South Africa, there is currently no governing association or regulatory body that enforces CEC requirements within this sector of the industry.

Fitness professionals who want to adhere to industry best practices can register with the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA), which is a non-profit public register for the local industry that seeks to maintain industry standards. REPSSA is a member of the International Register of Exercise Professionals (ICREPS), which gives REPSSA members international portability for various fitness qualifications earned in SA.

Any fitness professional who is registered with REPSSA need to earn a minimum of 12 Continuous Professional Development, or CPD points each year to maintain their membership, which are a form of CECs. While CECs are not a regulated requirement, PFTs and other fit pros shouldn’t rely on foundational certificates, diplomas or degrees to sustain them throughout their careers, if they hope to stay relevant and effective, that is.

First for foremost, CEC courses offer valuable opportunities for fit pros to stay up to date on various industry topics, from new developments in functional training and sports science and conditioning, to group fitness innovations, the latest research on diets and proactive health and preventative interventions.

Various options

CECs generally take the form of short courses, which can be completed over the weekends, after hours or via online learning platforms. Depending on the course content and duration, a certain number of credits will be allocated to following the successful completion of the course.

Fit pros can also attend health and fitness a variety of related conferences, seminars or industry events, which often also count towards attaining credits when organised by a registered provider.

Business benefits

While there are generally costs associated with obtaining CECs, and the opportunity cost of time spent out of the gym or away from clients should also be factored in, continued education can benefit a your business and boost your earning potential.

Additional certifications, even short courses, can help to broaden your service offering, which makes it possible to tap into your existing client base to generate new revenue streams, or fill gaps in your day between personal training sessions. Popular options include group fitness trainer courses, sports massage courses or indoor cycling options.

 

Continued education is also a practical means to specialise in a specific field, such as sports conditioning, pre and post natal exercise, or training special populations. By accumulating qualifications in a specific field, you can become an expert and can crave out a niche in the industry, often with the ability to charge a premium for your services.

A more comprehensive CV filled with CECs can also boost your employability with the major gym chains, many of which have adopted a ‘best practice’ approach which mandates that their PFTs and fitness instructors attend CEC courses annually, often as part of their contractual obligations with the gym.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Hlubi Mboya puts her fitness passion into practice with HFPA qualifications

Actress, adventurer, athlete and goodwill ambassador Hlubi Mboya-Arnold does it all. Driven by a desire for self-mastery and constant improvement, Hlubi actively seeks opportunities to challenge herself and step out of her comfort zone.

Whether that’s stepping onto the competitive Bikini stage, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or riding the world’s toughest mountain bike stage race, the Absa Cape Epic, Hlubi revels in the thrill of venturing into the unknown – constantly taking on new adventures and challenges is what gets her through her training every day.

But it’s more than just her drive and commitment that makes Hlubi a fitness role model of the highest calibre. She achieves all this despite her hectic schedule, where she juggles her career in the deadline-driven media industry, while still finding time to pursue her passion for social entrepreneurship and community upliftment.

It’s a demanding lifestyle that Hlubi masters with rigorous physical and mental preparation. And when there’s an opportunity to combine the two, Hlubi doesn’t hesitate to exploit it. That’s why she has aligned her personal brand with South Africa’s premier provider of fitness education – the HFPA Fitness Academy

Developing Body and Mind

“I got involved with HFPA because I wanted to be something more than just a sports and fitness lover. I’ve always been serious about the things I love most in life, which is why I wanted to take my passion for health and fitness to a new level. I wanted to dig deeper and discover more, and education creates opportunities to do that.”

Beyond simply satisfying her curiosity and quenching her desire for personal growth, Hlubi also felt it was important to formalise her education as a brand ambassador and fitfluencer.

“I work hard to be a credible role model, particularly to young black girls. I want to show them that they can break the mould and do things differently. And by broadening my competencies through on-going education, I can empower others with the information I share. There is so much poor, unqualified advice out there on social media, which is why I want to make sure I can cut through the clutter and add value in others’ lives.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJj4kEBaFc/?utm_source=ig_embed

Aligning values

Hlubi says her decision to align with HFPA was an easy one based on the brand’s reputation and the recommendations she received from her friends and colleagues in the health and fitness industry.

“HFPA offers diversity in their subject matter and courses, and are also inclusive, catering to every sector of the industry and society. These are values that resonate with me.”

And the HFPA team also recognised the similarities, which prompted the them to sign up Hlubi as a brand ambassador.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By7ePx6Fikh/?utm_source=ig_embedhttps://

“HFPA lets me be authentic about my passion for sport and fitness, which is important because going by the book bores me. I’m all about energy, which aligns with HFPA’s culture. The brand also embodies the values of balance and constant progress, which is what I strive for every day.”

Lean, mean learning machine

This association has given Hlubi unfettered access to HFPA’s rich resources, which she plans to utilise to its full potential.

“I love HFPA’s learning environment – it’s open and dynamic. It’s also innovative, offering full-time and distance learning options with workshop study modes available, which makes it accessible nationwide. The lecturers always advance their knowledge to stay with the times, while the course work keeps step with new industry trends and developments. And their qualifications are also internationally recognised!”

This dynamic caters to everyone, from the mom and entrepreneur to the passionate fitness fanatic and someone who is looking to build a career in the industry. It’s also a great platform to grow your network, believes Hlubi.

“I’ve aways said your network is your net worth. Studying at HFPA has helped me build relationships and gain access to an international network of potential opportunities. It’s the type of platform that tears down the barriers many South Africans face when trying to gain access to people and places.”

https://https://www.instagram.com/p/BlAV0YxBRqQ/?utm_source=ig_embed

Get paid for following your passion

Since obtaining her qualifications – with more to come – Hlubi believes she can now walk the talk.

“I now know what it means to love something and be a professional and expert in it at the same time. I believe my qualifications as a personal fitness trainer, and a kids development, sports conditioning and a life coach enable me to apply core skills to various areas of my life. I now view these certifications as assets I can use to make myself a better human being and benefit society.”

In the context of her life, Hlubi plans to expand her knowledge base for her own benefit by obtaining additional qualifications, like a pre and post natal exercise course.

“I believe this provides invaluable knowledge to women who should always feel empowered, not afraid of a natural process like child birth and motherhood due to a lack of understanding or knowledge – gaining knowledge is the most powerful form of empowerment.”

And adding to her list of qualifications also creates new opportunities for Hlubi to pursue divergent career paths.

“I firmly believe that to truly be successful, your career should reflect your greatest passions in life, and that if you’re passionate about something you should pursue every opportunity to get paid for it. When it comes to the health and fitness industry, institutions like HFPA offer the best starting point to realise that ambition.”

Author: Pedro van Gaalen

/0 Comments/by

Entrepreneurship and the Personal Trainer

For many fitness professionals, their career choice is driven mainly by their passion for the industry, rather than the earning potential it offers.

But for those who excel at their job, it is possible to create a lucrative business, says Robert Walker, an HFPA graduate and founder of Walker Strength, an online and personal training business based in Sandton.

Hitting a ceiling

Robert explains that many trainers tend to hit a ceiling with regard to their earning potential at about R20,000-25,000 per month. “The average rate for a one-on-one personal training session varies between R350-500. This depends on various factors, such as the trainer’s experience and qualifications, where they’re based and the type of training they offer.”

According to Robert, most trainers hit this ceiling in earning potential based on how many active paying clients they can secure, rather than any limit in terms of billable hours each day.

“While you need to be good at what you do, in these instances it is often less about your abilities as a personal trainer and more about your business acumen,” he adds. “For those who understand how to market and sell their offering, and constantly deliver exceptional service and results, the potential is there to exceed R100,000+ a month in revenue.”

Consider overhead costs

Of course, there are various overheads associated with running a personal training business, the most significant of which is normally gym rental.
“Depending on where you’re based and the type of gym you work in, monthly rentals can vary from R6,000-R8000 a month, up to R17,000 or more at flagship locations within the big chains.”

If trainers hope to establish a sustainable career with consistent revenue streams to support their lifestyles and meet their monthly financial needs, they must first establish a solid client base. In terms of one-on-one
training, this requires a large pool of potential clients to market to. A small gym with many trainers will obviously make competition for business more intense.

“So select your location wisely. Trainers also need to have a clearly defined offering that clients can understand, and support this with suitable marketing initiatives that effectively sell you and your services. And don’t forget to make it easy for potential new clients to contact you, either via a phone number, email, on social media, instant messaging or via a website,” adds Robert

Deliver results

Once a trainer finds new business and attracts clients, it’s imperative that what they offer and how they offer it, works.

“Fitness professionals need to be good at what they do and understand human physiology and exercise science beyond the fundamentals taught during certification and diploma courses. You need to educate yourself however you can to make sure you can deliver. This is also vitally important because clients need to trust you if you want to build long-term relationships and retainer-based business.”

Robert adds that a trainer’s offering also extends beyond their ability to effectively programme exercise routines. “You also need to be personable and engaging during sessions. The time a client spends with you needs to be enjoyable, otherwise they’ll be less likely to come back, or even to recommend you to others.”

And with referrals a major source of new business for trainers, failing to meet these requirements will curtail your earning potential. Those that get the formula right can quickly build a core base of long-term clients who they see on a monthly basis, and supplement available hours with ad-hoc sessions.

Other opportunities

“Trainers that are taking 10 one-on-one sessions a day are doing good business. This type of client base also offers opportunities to leverage the network and up-sell clients to any other services a trainer may offer,” continues Robert, but he cautions fitness professionals against diversifying their offering too much.

While broadening your service offering with additional qualifications such as massage therapy, for example, can help to supplement income during periods when personal training clients aren’t as active, Robert believes too
many fit pros get carried away with these extra services.

“Too many side hustles can dilute your offering and many trainers soon become a jack of all trades but a master of none. While continued education is important, I believe the greatest success comes from the mastery of one or two core services. When you become an expert in a field, people will naturally prefer to hire you over someone who less experienced or capable.”

He adds that there is also the opportunity costs to consider. “How can you expect to grow your personal training business if your time is taken up providing other services? This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look for ways to
diversify, though. But when you do it’s best to stick to your core offering.”

Looking online for growth

In this regard, online training has become a popular avenue for trainers to boost their earning power. It is also something that Robert has added to his offering. “Many trainers today take a blended approach, mixing online coaching with personal training. There are so many good white label app-based systems out there that trainers can rebrand, which offer opportunities to scale a business.”

Through online training a fit pro is not constrained by the number of hours in a day. “When you sell programmes online you’re no longer billing per hour, but rather selling your intellectual property. This can grow your earning potential by 10x rather than just 10%.”

Roberts adds that an end-to-end digital solution also aids online lead generation, expands your potential client base, and can assist with admin, which frees up more time for a trainer to work on income-generating activities. Trainers can also fill gaps between clients with online training work
to boost their daily earning potential.

“Ultimately, though, the same principles apply. The industry is already full of online trainers and coaches. You need to distinguish your offering, be it PT sessions or online consultations or programmes by delivering results and exceptional service. Be honest with your clients, be confident in the offering, set realistic goals, manage expectations and always overdeliver on what you promise. When you get these fundamentals right then your health and fitness-focused business will flourish,” he concludes.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Continued education

The health and fitness sector is one of the most dynamic industries out there – it’s one of the many reasons why we’re so passionate about it!

New information is constantly coming to light regarding how the body works and how we can apply what we already know in new and innovative ways to improve fitness, boost performance, aid our health or reshape our physiques.

It’s therefore essential that as fitness professionals we stay up to date with the latest trends and industry best practices if we hope to deliver the best results for clients.

And one of best ways to do this, which is increasingly becoming a regulatory
requirement in countries around the world, is through the attainment of Continued Education Credits (CEC).

Regulated requirement

Certain health and fitness professionals who require a license to practice, such as physiotherapists and biokineticists are already required to attain a certain number of CECs each year to remain registered members of the relevant governing body or industry regulator.

Despite a number of plans to implement a similar system for personal fitness trainers (PFTs) in South Africa, there is currently no governing association or regulatory body that enforces CEC requirements within this sector of the industry.

Fitness professionals who want to adhere to industry best practices can register with the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPSSA), which is a non-profit public register for the local industry that seeks to maintain industry standards.

REPSSA is a member of the International Register of Exercise Professionals (ICREPS), which gives REPSSA members international portability for various fitness qualifications earned in SA.

Any fitness professional who is registered with REPSSA need to earn a minimum of 12 Continuous Professional Development, or CPD points each year to maintain their membership, which are a form of CECs. While CECs are not a regulated requirement, PFTs and other fit pros shouldn’t rely on foundational certificates, diplomas or degrees to sustain them throughout their careers, if they hope to stay relevant and effective that is.

First for foremost, CEC courses offer valuable opportunities for fit pros to stay up to date on various industry topics, from new developments in functional training and sports science and conditioning, to group exercise innovations, the latest research on diets and proactive health and preventative interventions.

Various options

CECs generally take the form of short courses, which can be completed over the weekends, after hours or via online learning platforms. Depending on the course content and duration, a certain number of credits will be allocated to following the successful completion of the course.

Fit pros can also attend health and fitness a variety of related conferences,
seminars or industry events, which often also count towards attaining credits when organised by a registered provider.

Business benefits

While there are generally costs associated with obtaining CECs, and the opportunity cost of time spent out of the gym or away from clients should also be factored in, continued education can benefit a your business and boost your earning potential. Additional certifications, even short courses, can help to broaden your service offering, which makes it possible to tap into your existing client base to generate new revenue streams, or fill gaps in your day between personal training sessions.

Popular options include group exercise trainer courses, sports massage courses or indoor cycling options. Continued education is also a practical means to specialise in a specific field, such as sports conditioning, pre- and antenatal exercise, or training special populations. By accumulating qualifications in a specific field, you can become an expert and can crave out a niche in the industry, often with the ability to charge a premium for your services.

A more comprehensive CV filled with CECs can also boost your employability with the major gym chains, many of which have adopted a ‘best practice’ approach which mandates that their PFTs and fitness instructors attend CEC courses annually, often as part of their contractual obligations with the gym.

/0 Comments/by
,

The soft skills every fit pro should master

While a relevant certificate, diploma or degree is a mandatory requirement for a career in the fitness industry, a resume filled with qualifications is no guarantee of success.

There are a number of factors beyond a fitness professional’s acumen and understanding of exercise science that will determine their success in this services-based industry, with their so-called ‘soft’ or social skills playing a very important role.

A people’s person

While a personal trainer or fitness instructor doesn’t need to be the most outgoing individual, it is important to understand that fit pros work directly with people every day.

You therefore need to be comfortable engaging with people on a daily basis. Your ability to interact with clients and potential clients will ultimately determine your long-term success, often more so than the type of services you offer or your understanding of exercise and nutrition.

You also need to be agile in your approach. Not every client responds well to a drill Sergeant, while others thrive in that environment. If you’re able to switch between a softer approach and a more regimented style, you’ll have broader market appeal.

Even if your business is run exclusively online, there are still specific social skills that are needed to engage and interact with clients in a professional manner. That’s because online training is about more than just firing off a gym programme once every month. You still need to stay in contact with clients, be it via messaging apps, email or regular calls to assess their progress and make suitable recommendations.

Scheduling regular one-on-one sessions with online clients (where possible) is also a great way to boost their training and maintain a strong interpersonal relationship.

Be a motivator

Every successful fitness professional must have the ability to motivate and inspire their clients. This requires a true passion for their craft, a drive to constantly improve, learn and grow, and a deep-seated desire to help people transform their lives and achieve their goals.

This also entails dealing with clients who may be struggling, which often requires patience and perseverance. You’ll need to encourage clients on their bad days, with the EQ to know when to push and when to back off to get the most from their time with you.

Competent communicator

The ability to effectively communicate is another critical skill that fitness professionals need to master if they hope to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with their clients. This not only requires the ability to effectively convey instructions and share your knowledge with clients, but also entails being a good listener.

Pay attention to how they describe their experience of your sessions with them and when they express their views on how they feel the programme is going. If you fail to listen to and understand your clients then you’ll fail to meet their expectations and deliver on their desired objectives.

And in a country that boasts such a diversity of cultures and personalities, it is also essential that fitness professionals are adaptable in their communication styles, tailoring their approach to the different individuals they work with.

The same principle applies to digital communication and social media engagement, which requires a multi-channel, often always-on (within reason) approach to client communication.

Polish your bench-side manner

No matter how many clients you see during the day, each one deserves your full attention and the same level of positive energy. This can be difficult in an industry where long hours are common, but it’s imperative that you’re mindful of your attitude and demeanour at every session.

Your undivided attention during every minute of a paid-for session is another non-negotiable in terms of your bench-side manner. Not only is playing on your phone or chatting to other gym-goers during a client session disrespectful, it also erodes the value the client is paying for. Make your client your priority for the entire session by giving them your full attention. And never, ever be late for a session.

Similar principles apply to online trainers. While it can be tempting to scale up and take on hundreds of clients to boost your earning potential, you must be mindful of keeping client numbers at manageable levels. Every client pays for and deserves the same level of service, which cannot be met when trainers are overburdened.

Offer individualised services

While a generic exercise program will work for most people, at least initially, to continue making progress a trainer will need to individualise their approach. Those fitness professionals who choose to follow a cookie-cutter approach, because it’s more convenient and saves time, are doing their clients a disservice.

The fitness industry has also become a creative industry – fit pros must be creative with their programming and activities to avoid boredom and keep it interesting, both for them and their clients. This is more easily achieved when the fitness professional has a broad base of expertise from which to draw.

It’s also important to put in the extra effort to delve into the unique needs, requirements and circumstances of every client to structure specific plans for them. In doing so their rate of success will skyrocket, as will your business!

/0 Comments/by
,

Is your trainer up to date?

With the amount of new information that scientists unearth on a daily basis, coupled with the ever changing techniques being used to build muscle, burn fat, improve fitness and shape physiques, it is essential for fitness professionals in the industry to stay up to date with the latest trends.

The best way to do this, which is being adopted around the world, is through Continued Education Credits (CEC). Professionals who require a license to operate are already required to attain a certain number of CECs each year to stay registered. In the health and fitness industry this applies to physiotherapists and biokineticists.

Despite a number of plans to implement a similar system for personal fitness trainers (PFTs), there is currently no governing association or legislative body that enforces CEC requirements for PFTs.

As such, many PFTs fail to follow up their initial qualifications with CECs, mainly because they are not mandatory.

There are also other factors at play, like the fact that the courses and seminars cost money to attend and require that trainers take precious time out from their working day, which costs them in lost revenue.

Many trainers also become complacent with their level of education as they are able to achieve results with their techniques, so often feel that further education is not required.

That doesn’t mean you should sit back thinking that your certification, diploma or degree will be enough to get them through your career.

An important reason to continue education is the fact that, over time, trainers can forget the basic principles of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and training that they initially learnt. This can subsequently make it difficult to understand why a new training modality could be effective for clients and may slow the adoption of new trends that are emerging internationally.

CEC courses, which cover various topics therefore help to broaden a fit pro’s frame of reference by exposing them to the latest developments in sports science, functional training, group fitness, diets, supplementation and healthy eating.

Attaining CECs can also benefit a trainer’s business, as it allows them to specialise in certain fields to offer unique services to clients. It also means that they can meet all the demands of an increasingly educated, informed and switched on public, as clients are now more likely than ever to ask their trainers questions about what they have read online or seen on TV.

The courses are often run over the weekends or take half a day to complete. Depending on the course, a certain number of credits will be assigned to the practitioner following the successful completion of the course, or they can also attend health and fitness related seminars, which also count towards attaining credits.

PFTs need to be able to provide a valid answer to these questions or they risk losing their client and worse, their reputation. Clients might also see other trainers doing new things and will want to know why they aren’t being exposed to these new techniques. Continued education also plays a key role in expanding view points amongst the local PFT and coaching community, which can only enhance the overall level and quality of service in this country.”

Archer also points out that the cost incurred by trainers when attending CEC courses and seminars can be deducted from tax, along with the other expenses incurred while trying to make their living. “You just need to make
sure that the institution you do the course through is a registered provider and that you have an accountant who is switched on to ensure you get the full benefit from this.”

Despite the lack of a regulatory body governing CECs, certain big name gym chains, like Virgin Active have adopted a ‘best practice’ approach and encourage their PFT and fitness instructors to attend CEC courses. Sometimes this will even be worked into a trainer’s contract with the gym.

“Virgin Active, for instance, will often host internal training sessions to make sure that their staff stay current with their qualifications, which is good for the industry, their staff and for the people who train at their gyms,” continues Archer.

According to Archer, the trainers who do stay current with their CECs often choose to do various courses offered by the Institute of Fitness Professionals and other education institutions, with the most popular being sports conditioning and functional training. “These courses are popular because more people are getting serious about the sports they do, even if it is on a social level,” he says. “By doing thes courses PFTs can offer training that was traditionally used only for athletes, which has a great appeal to a growing number of serious ‘weekend warrior’ athletes.”

Other popular CEC courses include group aerobics certifications for step classes, kickboxing, boxercise, exercise and pregnancy and indoor cycling. “There is also a growing focus on kids’ development courses, where trainers can learn to assist with the athletic development of children on a physical and mental level, as more parents look to give their children every chance of becoming a professional athlete,” explains Archer.

Thankfully, there are a few industry changes on the horizon that may change the PFT landscape as far as required CECs are concerned. For instance, the Register of Exercise Professionals South Africa (REPS SA) is a non-profit, independent public register that recognises the qualifications and expertise of fitness professionals in South Africa. Any PFTs or instructors who join REPS are bound by a code of ethical practice and must hold appropriate insurance and a valid CPR qualification. They are also required to meet the standards that are set for their profession through continual professional development through the attainment of CECs.

While the requirement to join an organisation like REPS SA is not legislated as yet and therefore not compulsory, it does add an extra element of security and legitimacy to the industry. The self imposed regulation trainers undertake when joining an organisation of this nature goes a long way to providing assurance and confidence to consumers and employers. It also means that their qualifications and CECs can also be viewed online by anyone, which means that you can check that you are getting what you paid for with your trainer.

CEC courses range from R800 to over R2000, depending on the type of course you choose and the training institution you choose to do it through, and can take from half a day, up to two days to complete. “As such there really is no reason why your PFT shouldn’t be attaining at least a few CECs each year,” continues Archer. “Don’t be afraid to ask them about the last course they did, or even to see their certifications before choosing to use their services. I can guarantee you that a trainer who takes an interest in their continued education will take the same interest in your physical development, health, fitness and well-being.”

/0 Comments/by