Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:39 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients

Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients

Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT044
State Code
ODP07
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/11/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and instruct exercise programs and sessions specifically tailored for individual older clients. Older clients are those aged at least 55 years; however, they can be significantly older. It covers skills for evaluating and modifying programs in response to client monitoring and feedback. Programs and sessions take account of the particular issues and risks for older clients.It requires the ability to promote healthy ageing and integrate information from pre-exercise screenings, fitness assessments, and any medical guidance that may have been received for particular clients, to design suitable programs.Program design involves effective application of exercise science principles. This unit has a direct relationship with, and is supported by, SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction.This unit applies to personal trainers, who work independently with clients using discretion and judgement to develop and instruct individually tailored client programs. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes and outdoor locations, depending on their role.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify client needs.
  • 1.1. Review outcomes of pre-exercise screening and fitness assessment and identify relevant information for exercise program design.
  • 1.2. Identify implications of medical guidance for exercise programming and duty of care to follow.
  • 1.3. Consult with client and confirm their goals, exercise preferences and identified barriers.
  • 1.4. Explain and promote the links between exercise and healthy ageing.
  • 1.5. Build client trust and rapport using client-centred communication showing sensitivity and empathy during interactions.
  • 1.6. Develop and document client profile to assist with programming and ongoing evaluation.
2. Develop personalised exercise programs for older clients.
  • 2.1. Identify program considerations that support safe and sustainable exercise participation for older clients.
  • 2.2. Review client characteristics, exercise preferences, goals, current abilities and medical advice to determine types of exercises and equipment.
  • 2.3. Determine appropriate training volume and frequency of sessions required to achieve client goals.
  • 2.4. Design a systematically structured program that incorporates the effective use of exercise science principles.
  • 2.5. Design overall program consistent with client’s capabilities and goals.
  • 2.6. Document exercise program according to organisational format.
3. Plan individual sessions.
  • 3.1. Determine objectives of individual sessions within overall exercise program.
  • 3.2. Select exercises and equipment suitable for older clients that target client’s goals.
  • 3.3. Plan sessions that incorporate volume and intensity and load of exercises appropriate to client’s age and existing fitness capabilities.
  • 3.4. Plan for exercise phases and volume within client’s preferred session duration.
  • 3.5. Develop sequenced and varied sessions to enhance client motivation and program adherence.
  • 3.6. Incorporate injury and fall prevention strategies that respond to exercise and day-to-day risks for older clients.
  • 3.7. Document session plans according to organisational format.
4. Instruct exercise sessions for older clients.
  • 4.1. Use and combine verbal, visual and tactile instructional methods according to nature of information and client needs.
  • 4.2. Observe client technique for safety and effectiveness and provide corrective instruction based on observations.
  • 4.3. Provide succinct explanations about the relationship between exercises, client goals and improved health outcomes.
  • 4.4. Monitor client performance against objectives using measures suited to the type of exercise.
  • 4.5. Identify signs of fatigue and exercise intolerance and make required session modifications.
5. Encourage and support clients during sessions.
  • 5.1. Encourage and respond to client questions about individual exercises and overall program.
  • 5.2. Use communication techniques that provide positive reinforcement and motivation to client.
  • 5.3. Highlight client’s key strengths during instruction and provide information about progression of fitness capabilities.
  • 5.4. Provide feedback to medical and allied health professionals on client response to exercise sessions and seek required further guidance.
6. Evaluate program effectiveness.
  • 6.1. Monitor client progression towards goals through ongoing observation and measurements and compare with expectations in program plan.
  • 6.2. Request ongoing feedback from client to identify program likes and dislikes and their views on goal achievement.
  • 6.3. Modify and update program and future sessions according to feedback and evaluation.
  • 6.4. Update client records with details of evaluation and modifications.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVD48 SISFFIT014 Instruct exercise to older clients Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHE3 SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness Qualification