Fitness Performance Standards Update: August 2007
Background
At the Can-Fit-Pro conference held in Toronto in August 2007, an open forum meeting was held for all those interested in an update to the work being done on the national review of the performance standards as they relate to the fitness industry. Patty Clark facilitated the meeting and the previous meeting held in June; she has no association with any certifying organization nor does she represent any particular association. Can-Fit-Pro took the lead role to get this project moving by initiating the contacts with various organizations across the country. They continued to support the process by providing a meeting space for the August meeting.
Vision
A final vision statement was to be presented to confirm the purpose of the review committee. However, at the last minute there were several suggested additions to the vision statement which the original group did not have time to review. However, the intention of the group is through a consensus building, collaborative, consultative process, the industry will review all applicable performance standards and revise, if necessary, the current NFLA performance standards.
The NFLA will continue to be the long-term stewards of the national fitness-related performance standards. This review committee will act only as an advisory group to the National Fitness Leadership Alliance.
Process/Principles of the Review
Those attending the June 2007 meeting, agreed to the following principles for the review of the standards:
- To include all stakeholders – All interested individuals, groups, associations or organizations are welcome to participate in the review.
- Review the current NFLA standards in addition to any other performance standards – This will thereby create “the best of the best” for Canada.
- Use technology of today to keep it efficient – The review will be conducted as an on-line survey. The City of Mississauga has agreed to allow its staff to input the survey into their system where it will be automatically analyzed.
- Develop criteria to accept or reject - There will be a criteria to ensure the performance standards are feasible, relevant and appropriate for the level of certification.
- Transparent, Inclusive, Accessible - These are characteristics of the review process.
- Confirm by consensus - Decisions on the standards will be reached by consensus.
A pilot of the questionnaire should be available in September with the on-line survey ready for distribution in October.
Positive Feedback from the Industry
Several letters of support for this process have been received from provincial parks and recreation associations, national certification organizations, municipalities and cities, associations, private clubs and educational institutions.
The information was well received by those attending the August Forum meeting, and all delegates were encouraged to share the information with their colleagues in the field.
If you would like further updates and the questionnaire when it is available, contact to Patty Clark at patty@oases.on.ca.
As a participant in the recent discussion on the development of national standards for fitness professionals in Canada at this year’s Can-Fit-Pro Toronto Conference, Can-Fit-Pro was pleased to witness a continued spirit of collaboration and sense of purpose building within the group of individuals present at the session.
Can-Fit-Pro strongly supports the standards development initiative and we are willing to contribute our fair share to help enable the development process. The absence of a unified set of collaboratively developed standards for our fitness professionals remains real concern for the sustainability of our industry’s recent growth. As we continue along the path of testing the existing performance standards for group fitness instructors and, subsequently, personal trainers, all parties involved will need to continue to be mindful of the final desired outcome, which is to be able to provide reasonable assurance to the general public that they can expect the services offered by our fitness professionals are safe, effective and enjoyable. While some parties remain hesitant toward the process, Can-Fit-Pro remains committed to participating in this very important initiative with those organizations that are equally so inclined.
Can-Fit-Pro is hopeful that collectively we will be successful in establishing a strong foundation upon which we can all base our professional certification and education programs. We look forward to the continued progress of the standards initiative and further improvements to the perceived professionalism and reputation of the fitness professions.
Stéphane Cova
Certification Director, Can-Fit-Pro
Letter of Support
As an organization, we are incredibly excited about this initiative, and we fully support the efforts of Can-Fit-Pro and the Fitness Industry Council of Canada. Our vision is that one day personal training is recognized as a true profession. For this to happen, our industry needs to set minimum standards and adhere to these standards across the country. When personal training is recognized as a registered profession, we will see more private health insurance plans cover a set amount of sessions for their clients and perhaps one day, personal training will be tax deductible.
We all know the positive impact fitness and active living play in people’s lives, and by making our industry a “professional” industry, we will enable more people to participate.
Imagine if all your new members could receive reimbursement for four to six personal training sessions from their private health insurance. In terms of new member integration, it would make an incredible impact on the success and longevity of the member. From a club business point of view, we would see a huge increase in point of sale PT revenue, renewal revenue and dues revenue due to better retention.
The first step to reaching this milestone is getting everyone on the same page. I applaud your efforts, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
Scott Wildeman
vice-president of fitness services
World Health Club
Calgary, Alberta
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