The Heart of Education: How a Focus on the Human Experience Sets Fitness Professionals Apart
By Jenny Patrickson, Managing Director at Active IQ
Education is the foundation upon which success and growth are built. In the fitness industry, education plays a crucial role in shaping professionals who not only possess technical skills but also understand the human side of the work they do. Unfortunately, courses claiming to provide certified personal trainer qualifications overnight have been around for a long time and in the last few years, there has been a rise in low-cost, low-quality training options.
This is a major issue for the fitness industry and unfortunately, a lot of people get fooled and waste their money on courses that are no more valuable than the paper they’re printed on. This means that despite having a ‘qualification’, it may not be recognised by future employers and worse still, many of these cheap, quick options have no requirement to ever interact with a real client. Inexperienced people with low-quality personal training “certificates” are then faced with a diverse range of clients who they are ill-equipped to help and coach.
Low-quality education erodes the credibility of the entire industry and is also a health risk for people who have limited experience to train people with a broad range of needs.
At Active IQ, we are working hard to ensure this doesn’t happen by providing high-quality, regulated qualifications that empower learners to excel as fitness professionals. When done right, high-quality education has the power to change lives.
What is a regulated qualification?
First, it’s important to define what we mean by regulated qualifications.
The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is the independent qualifications regulator for England. The role of Ofqual is to ensure that qualifications are reliable, valid and trusted. Ofqual sets out the rules that awarding organisations like Active IQ must comply with when designing, delivering and awarding qualifications.
We are proud to be recognised and regulated by Ofqual, as well as Qualifications Wales and CCEA. As a result, our training partners can be assured they are offering the best possible qualifications to their learners and when learners see the Active IQ logo on their course material, they know they are working toward a qualification that will provide them with the skills, confidence, and credibility they need to work in the fitness industry.
The power of high-quality education
Active IQ's emphasis extends far beyond the acquisition of technical skills; it encompasses a profound understanding of the human experience. By providing tailored education experiences, Active IQ equips students with comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise, allowing them to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. Our commitment to nurturing well-rounded professionals sets us apart, ensuring that learners not only comprehend the technical aspects of their craft but also develop a deep appreciation for the human connection within the fitness sector.
Rachel's story: Empowering Individuals through fitness
Rachel's journey exemplifies the transformative power of high-quality education in the fitness sector. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child, Rachel underwent a life-changing spinal operation to improve her mobility. While her recovery was challenging, it was through fitness and the guidance of a knowledgeable trainer that she experienced significant progress. Inspired by her own journey, Rachel aspired to help others facing similar challenges.
Choosing The Fitness Group as her education provider, Rachel embarked on her path to become a qualified personal trainer. Working in collaboration with Active IQ as the awarding organisation, The Fitness Group offers specialised courses across the UK, catering to diverse student needs. Rachel's successful completion of her Level 2 Fitness Instructor qualification and ongoing pursuit of her Level 3 personal trainer certification have not only transformed her life but have also inspired her to launch her own online coaching business. By leveraging her unique experiences, Rachel plans to support individuals with cerebral palsy and motivate them to reach their full potential.
Shanooj Aboobacker: Pursuing passion & elevating standards
Shanooj Aboobacker's story demonstrates how Active IQ's qualifications empower individuals to transform their passion for fitness into successful careers. After being made redundant from his finance job, Shanooj rekindled his love for fitness and decided to explore it as a potential career path. Through his research, he discovered the Active IQ PT Diploma and realised it was the perfect opportunity to gain the necessary certification.
Upon completing his Level 3 Personal Training qualification, Shanooj not only ventured into freelance training but also secured a managerial role at Body Abs Fitness Centre. By applying his knowledge from the diploma, he has risen to become the VP of the Fitness Division at the gym. Shanooj's success story and his unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards have led him and the team at Body Abs Fitness Centre to collaborate with Leen Academy to provide employment opportunities for qualified personal trainers.
Elevating the human experience
Active IQ's commitment to offering comprehensive and regulated qualifications contributes to elevating the human experience within the fitness industry. By equipping learners with a deep understanding of the technical and human aspects of their profession, we are empowering people to become true agents of change. We’re dedicated to providing detailed classes, quality tutors, and study materials that ensure fitness professionals can read their client’s body language, observe their interests, and deliver personalised experiences that meet their unique needs. For us, the human experience takes centre stage, shaping a future where fitness professionals can continue to make a profound impact on their own lives and the lives of others.