It seems like everyone has caught the fitness bug, if our burgeoning gyms, public parks and beaches are anything to go by. This is partly fuelled by growing awareness of the value of exercise to our ongoing health, but also by a desire for people to look their best. This has also generated a vibrant, growing industry which needs staffing with qualified instructors, personal trainers and support services. ntpages decided to catch up with Sebby Balsamo, the Sport and Fitness Faculty Head from AIAS, the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences, for an insight into the world of fitness.
How long have you been with AIAS?
"I have been on the staff here for five years.”
What is your background in the fitness industry?
"Before I got involved with lecturing I was involved with fitness and strength training servicing elite level athletes, and come from a background in physiotherapy with a post graduate degree in Sports Medicine.”
Fitness has become a real growth industry – how do you account for this?
"I think it is due to a number of factors, including the high profile health and fitness has in the media, specifically on television. Government has also played its part with educational programs that has brought fitness out of the shadows and into the mainstream.”
What makes a great personal trainer or gym instructor?
"I would place greater faith in someone who has a personal insight into health and fitness - someone who has ‘walked the walk’ and battled with a health issue for example.”
Does training in the gym provide very different results to outdoor based training?
"No. It is all down to what fitness program your instructor develops for you, which should take into account your specific goals and ability. Ultimately it’s all about the professional relationship between client and instructor.”
What courses are offered by AIAS for the fitness industry?
"We have the Certificate III Fitness and Certificate IV Fitness, which train you to work as a gym instructor and personal trainer respectively. Then we offer the Certificate IV Sport (Athlete Support Services), which is primarily focused on becoming a qualified Sports Therapist - with specialisation in massage therapy, sports training or strength and conditioning. Then we have Diploma level courses for Fitness and Sport, which offer further specialisation and give one the opportunity to work as a Fitness Specialist, Operations Manager or Program Manager.”
What are job prospects for your graduates, and where will they typically work?
"I would say they are good, given that fitness is a real growth industry. Only around half of our graduates end up working in a gym, with the others either working for themselves as personal trainers or in places as diverse as cruise ships and health spas.”
Finally, how many times a week should we exercise?
"Ideally everyday, though three times a week is probably more realistic. This should involve a mix of cardio, flexibility and strength training. Raising your heart rate for at least 15 minutes is important for your cardiovascular health. If you are playing high impact sports like squash you need to prepare appropriately - stretching is especially important."
Originally published on Mar 04, 2011
