GUEST INTERVIEW

Our man in Australia

Journal: As the industry

association, what role does Fitness Australia play ‘down under’?

CK: Fitness Australia’s primary role is to set standards for the industry, represent and advocate on behalf of the industry and provide member services. In performing this role it is working to achieve its vision of a fitter and healthier Australia. Fitness Australia has more than 1,300 business members, and administers a registration scheme for more than 24,000 exercise professionals.

Journal: What are your major assignments at Fitness Australia?

CK: We are now focusing on the development of the professional workforce capacity. Following this will be the development of a quality framework and improvement process for businesses and the industry at large. We are fortunate in that the Australian standards system is relatively mature, however these next steps will be critical to improving the positioning and credibility of the profession and industry in the eyes of government, the health sector and consumers.

Journal: What similarities or differences exist in fitness across international boundaries?

CK: Common objectives include the development of quality improvement systems, improved connection with the health sector and government, aiming to cater to a larger proportion

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Craig Knox is general manager of Industry Development at Fitness Australia, the national Health and Fitness Industry Association in Australia. He speaks to the Journal about how things are done ‘down under’

of the community and more specific changes as related to business models and professional roles. As may be expected, REPS UK and Fitness Australia share many common challenges and opportunities and

benefit greatly from a

close working relationship. The registration portability arrangement for professionals through ICREPS is an example of how this relationship can benefit professionals and the industry.

Journal: How do you think the global fitness industry will develop in the future?

CK: There is certainly an increase in the number of multi-national businesses entering the Australian market and the world is becoming smaller in respect to communication and transferability. At the same time, there will continue to be developments that remain specific to the local environment. For instance, outdoor training services are prominent in Australia; however this trend is not as common elsewhere. I believe that to remain relevant, the industry will need

to go to the population and deliver in a variety of settings, such as the workplace, community and outdoors. We can’t just expect the population to come to the traditional fitness centre. Personal training services are an obvious channel for change in this regard. I also hope that the industry becomes capable of providing services to a broader proportion of society, those with conditions and those who would not normally use a service presently.

Journal: Finally, what objectives would you like to ultimately fulfil in your current role?

CK: A continuous improvement culture within the industry. - A national exercise referral system in Australia - Incentives via health rebates and government initiatives - Internationally recognized high standards for practice - Improved access to fitness for all

It would be great to achieve this level of change and witness the effect it would have on our society. http://www.fitness.org.au

The REPs Journal 2011;22(September):4