• YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing (603/7154/7)

    By completing this qualification, learners will meet industry requirements to become a Group Exercise Instructor, as set out within the CIMSPA professional standard.

    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing

    Qualifications Type

    Occupational Entry

    Qualification Number (QN)

    603/7154/7

    Pathways

    Circuit Training
    Exercise to Music — Freestyle
    Step Exercise to Music
    Studio Resistance Training
    Indoor Cycling
    Water-based Exercise

    Availability

    Operational start date – 1 March 2021

    Operational end date – 31 July 2026

    Certification end date – 31 July 2028

    Latest version of qualification – YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Exercise and Fitness: Group Exercise Instructor

    Entry Requirements

    Aged 16+

    Assessments

    Multiple choice theory test
    Assessment workbook
    Worksheets
    Planning documents
    Observation of practical skills

    Endorsement

    Overview

    By completing this qualification, learners will meet industry requirements to become a Group Exercise Instructor, as set out within the CIMSPA professional standard.

    The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to professionally prescribe, plan and deliver safe and effective group exercise programmes within a gym, health club or outdoor environment.

    Learners will study group exercise within one of seven disciplines (see pathways), which will be listed on their certificate.

    Completing these qualifications allows learners to access jobs instructing group exercise classes/sessions for their chosen discipline.

    Qualification Details

    Learners will cover:

    Anatomy and physiology including:

    the heart and circulatory system
    the respiratory system
    the digestive system
    structure and function of the skeleton
    musculoskeletal system
    postural and core stability
    the nervous and energy systems and their relation to exercise.
    Principles of working in an exercise environment, including customer service and how to maintain health, safety and welfare.
    How to communicate with clients effectively and motivate clients to adhere to an exercise programme.
    The skills and knowledge required to plan and deliver group exercise sessions with apparently healthy adults

    To achieve the YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing, learners need to achieve 4 mandatory units plus one discipline specific ‘plan and deliver’ units.

    Assessments include:

    Multiple choice theory test
    Assessment workbook
    Worksheets
    Planning documents
    Observation of practical skills

    You can find further information on these assessments in the qualification syllabus and/or learner assessment record, which are available for centres to download from Y-Connect.

    Our Level 2 Certificate in Group Exercise Instructing can lead to employment as a group exercise instructor.

    This qualification can also lead to further training at the same or higher levels including:

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children Aged 0-5 in Sport and Physical Activity (603/7218/7)
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children and Young People in Sport and Physical Activity (603/7216/3)
    YMCA Level 2 Award in Group Exercise Instructing (603/7151/1) (in further disciplines)
    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing (603/2767/4)
    YMCA Level 2 Certificate in the Foundations of Strength and Conditioning (Trainer) (603/3413/7)
    YMCA Level 3 Apprenticeship in Personal Training
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Business Skills for the Fitness Professional (600/1146/4)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (603/1902/1)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (603/1903/3)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Instructing Outdoor Fitness (600/1144/0)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Sports Conditioning (600/1145/2)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Older adults (600/5879/1)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Disability and Impairment (610/1559/3)
    YMCA Level 3 Award in Supporting Participation in Physical Activity: Perinatal (610/0829/1)
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training (Practitioner) (603/2921/X)
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Performance Massage (610/0701/8)
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates (Practitioner) (603/3855/6)
    YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Yoga (Practitioner) (603/3617/1)

    Mandatory units

    Unit titleeLearningManual
    Anatomy and physiology for exercise and fitness instructors (K/616/7823)✔️✔️
    Providing a positive customer experience in the exercise environment (M/616/7824)✔️✔️
    Lifestyle management and health awareness (K/616/7949)✔️✔️
    Principles of planning and delivering group exercise (L/618/6381)✔️✔️

    Discipline specific (optional) units

    Unit titleeLearningManual
    Plan and deliver group circuit training (R/618/6382)✔️
    Plan and deliver group exercise to music – freestyle (Y/618/6383)✔️
    Plan and deliver group fitness walking (D/618/6384)
    Plan and deliver group indoor cycling (H/618/6385)✔️
    Plan and deliver group step exercise to music (K/618/6386)
    Plan and deliver group studio resistance training (M/618/6387)
    Plan and deliver group water-based exercise (F/618/6393)

    For more information on our resources and resource bundle pricing you can

    Benefits of YMCA Awards endorsement

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    Evidence high standards of teaching, resources and support

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