Program Outcomes

Mount Royal University's innovative Personal Fitness Trainer Diploma program is designed to respond to the competitive demands for well-trained and knowledgeable personal fitness trainers. This 1060-hour program guides the student through a combination of academic and technical courses as well as practical skill development.

The Personal Fitness Trainer program is committed to the delivery of current, practical knowledge and skills in the areas of personal fitness training. The program trains and educates students to be able to provide safe and effective exercise programs for their clients. This quality, learner-centred education is delivered through a variety of innovative methods to address the needs of perpetual learners.

The curriculum was developed with the cooperation of an advisory committee of fitness professionals and educators and is current and practical in design. Graduates are prepared for entry into professional practice possessing the ability to apply basic assessment skills and to design, implement and manage a variety of fitness programs.

Apply basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and movement mechanics

Outcome Competencies

• Describe components and functions of the anatomical and physiological system and its relation to exercise
• Describe the interrelationship between specific systems
• Explain how physical forces affect motion and human movement
• Explain function of selected body systems in maintaining homeostasis
• Identify how training modes affect the body

Design and implement fitness programs tailored to meet individual and group needs and fitness goals

Outcome Competencies

• Identify exercise prescription skills in order to design the best program for each client
• Identify 10 steps of program design
• Apply training principles in program design for individuals and groups
• Design programs for both general and special populations
• Demonstrate knowledge of program design
• Modify and recommend alternatives to exercises to achieve the 'best fit' for each client

Apply safety and injury prevention strategies

Outcome Competencies

• Demonstrate proper exercise technique
• Demonstrate equipment usage to ensure safe techniques
• Demonstrate effective maintenance strategies for equipment
• Identify the role of the Personal Fitness Trainer in prevention and management of injuries

Communicate effectively with clients as well as other fitness and health professionals

Outcome Competencies

• Use terminology and concepts appropriate to the discipline
• Communicate clearly and concisely using verbal, written and visual formats
• Adapt communication appropriate to purpose situation and audience needs
• Apply motivational communication strategies to encourage client participation and adherence
• Apply basic counselling skills and techniques

Demonstrate ethical and professional practice

Outcome Competencies

• Articulate personal values and beliefs as a Personal Fitness Trainer professional
• Recognize and acknowledge multiple perspectives and diverse points of view
• Demonstrate leadership by maintaining a personal healthy lifestyle
• Apply ethical decision making skills
• Demonstrate personal accountability for the clients' success
• Exhibit a commitment to personal goal setting and ongoing professional development
• Assess certification choices relative to Personal Fitness Trainer values and employment choices

Relate business and marketing principles to the field of personal fitness trainer profession

Outcome Competencies

• Produce a business plan and marketing strategy relative to individual Personal Fitness Trainer practice
• Articulate risk/liability issues relative to Personal Fitness Trainer employment choices
• Develop a self-marketing portfolio related to Personal Fitness Trainer employment

Conduct thorough physical fitness assessments based on the Canadian Physical Activity, Fitness and Lifestyle Approach (CPAFLA) protocol

Outcome Competencies

• Utilize the 7-step mode of fitness and lifestyle appraisal
• Compare assessment results to normative data to attain information used in programming
• Use effective counselling skills to inform and educate clients
• Foster a comfortable and positive environment
• Apply assessment results to program design