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INDUSTRY NEWS FIA launches research unit
The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has launched its Research Institute at the University of Greenwich.
Led by the University’s Prof. Alfonso Jimenez, who has extensive experience in the field of sport and exercise science, it is supported by a Scientific Advisory Board chaired by the FIA Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Searle OBE. Its pilot study will launch in September. Academics and representatives of The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine and commissioning bodies, such
as the Association of the Directors of Public Health also support the institute.
The principle objective of the institute will be
to re-balance the current focus of research more towards structured forms of exercise.
The first programme will be the FIASES (FIA Structured Exercise Research Study) an evidence- based dose-response 12 week intervention study.
Speaking at the launch of the institute, Searle said that the launch of the new body was a “significant development” for the fitness industry.
SkillsActive News Changes to CPD
SkillsActive Endorsement Manager Tom Bell introduces new changes to Continuing Professional Development Points
There has been an increase in pieces of equipment coming on to the fitness industry market in recent years. Supporting this influx is innovative and creative training, which SkillsActive embraces. However, some of these new pieces of equipment are not covered in any detail within a level 2 or 3 national qualification.
It is imperative that fitness professionals have sufficient skills to teach safely and effectively. SkillsActive has therefore consulted with its Technical Expert Group (TEG) and Endorsement Panel, both of which advise SkillsActive on behalf of the fitness industry. This has resulted in necessary changes to some areas of continued professional development training, detailed below. The REPs Council of Members has also been consulted.
Subject areas not covered by qualifications The following subject areas are not covered within level 2 or level 3 standards that underpin qualifications. Therefore, training providers looking to gain endorsement for the following pieces of equipment have been advised to provide a minimum of 8 hours learning with a fit for purpose assessment to ensure the learning outcomes have been met. l Kettlebells l Suspension Training l Boxing l Kick Boxing l Group Indoor Cycling l Boot Camp