Future Fit Training has been putting ukactive through its personal training paces as three of the team are studying the Level 3 PT Diploma. Apart from gaining new skills and knowledge, the three trainees \u2013 Steven Ward, Geraldine Tuck and Jak Phillips \u2013 have really had their eyes opened and gained a whole new appreciation for the work undertaken by the UK\u2019s personal trainers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI set out on the diploma with professional and personal goals in mind,\u201d says ukactive Head of Comms Jak Phillips. \u201cProfessionally, I wanted to build on my existing sector knowledge and join the dots between the theoretical and practical aspects of getting moving. Personally, as a frequent gym user, I was hoping the insight into training principles would help me take my workouts to the next level. The course strips your knowledge and misconceptions right back and makes you look at the gym from the perspective of someone who\u2019s never set foot in one before, which is great for understanding the potential barriers people can have to exercise and the role a PT plays in helping them to overcome them,\u201d adds Jak.<\/p>\n
ukactive Operations Director Geraldine Tuck joined the industry straight from university and was recruited as a fitness instructor before the term \u2018personal trainer\u2019 had even been coined. \u201cTraining with Future Fit has given me the opportunity to return to those learnings and it\u2019s fascinating to see how much it has evolved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Juggling the learning alongside busy, full-time jobs was initially a challenge, but the pair find the online eLearning process fits around their work day and both have done plenty of learning on their daily commute. \u201cWith some noise cancelling headphones, you can really get absorbed in the anatomy and physiology,\u201d says Geraldine. Meanwhile, Jak admits: \u201cFFT\u2019s online portal really comes into its own on the bus. Armed with an iPad and portable router, I\u2019m able to plough through an hour a day of e-learning without breaking step.\u201d<\/p>\n
The practical work and weekend training sessions with the rest of the group really helped bring the theoretical learning into perspective. \u201cThe practical work is my favourite \u2013 being with a great group of people makes the learning a pleasure,\u201d says Geraldine. \u201cOur instructor is very experienced, well-informed and demonstrated everything so well that it set you up to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jak also appreciated the supportive atmosphere fostered in the group environment. \u201cYou can feed off each other\u2019s strengths and help bridge the gap on any weaknesses,\u201d he adds. \u201cIt\u2019s also great for the fact that you get to meet new people and this sets you up well for working with the wider public once you qualify.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steven, Jak and Geraldine have all passed their Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and are now working towards their Level 3 PT Diploma. \u201cIt means a great deal to have this formal qualification, rather than say ‘I used to do that’!\u201d says Geraldine. Jak adds that he\u2019s been fired up by passing the Level 2 course and admits he has definitely caught the learning bug.<\/p>\n
Both say that training with Future Fit is tough at times. \u201cLearning with FFT is hard but that\u2019s the whole point,\u201d says Jak. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the most comprehensive diplomas out there and designed to equip trainers with a complete skillset to raise the bar in terms of PT provision. The sheer extent of learning required and the number of coaching points that you need to remember to ensure that every single movement is safe and as effective as possible has been a big surprise to me \u2013 I thought I knew quite a lot already but when I hit the books I realised I knew diddly-squat!\u201d<\/p>\n
The training process has given Geraldine even greater respect for fitness professionals and the work they do. \u201cIt has been great to take time to study more fully, what I consider to be a core element of the physical activity industry,\u201d she says. \u201cThis insight has enabled me to further understand the knowledge and skills of the people that are so influential in whether or not someone takes up activity as part of their lifestyle. Our work at ukactive is focused on getting more people, more active, more often. Personal trainers and gym instructors are at the centre of this process and the standard of tuition offered by Future Fit Training is definitely giving them a head start.\u201d<\/p>\n
ukactive Executive Director Steven Ward sums it all up by saying: \u201cTraining with Future Fit has been a complete eye-opener. The depth of knowledge and extent of the skills and expertise needed to be a qualified trainer is extraordinary. It\u2019s fascinating to learn so much and their level of support is second-to-none. It\u2019s far from easy to cover the theory and has taken some practice to get my tuition skills up to scratch but this is proving to be a highly enjoyable challenge. There is no doubt that seeing our industry from the perspective of the trainee or trainer has given me a valuable insight into the excellent work being done to engage people in activity and keep them on track.\u201d<\/p>\n