Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:21 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:21 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.
Apply anatomy and physiology principles in a fitness context
Apply anatomy and physiology principles in a fitness context
Unit of competency
National Code
SISFFIT305A
SISFFIT305A
State Code
D6221
D6221
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
010913 - Human Biology
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply an understanding of human body structure and systems and terminology as they relate to exercise instruction. It applies to fitness professionals who may operate with some level of autonomy or under limited supervision and incorporates the self directed application of knowledge and skills.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Apply knowledge of anatomical and physiological terminology to fitness instruction.
- 1.1. Identify relevant anatomical and physiological terminology and apply to the development of a fitness program.
- 1.2. Apply relevant anatomical and physiological terminology to fitness instruction.
- 1.3. Apply relevant anatomical and physiological terminology in the provision of fitness advice.
2. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to fitness instruction
- 2.1. Identify and apply the structural levels of organisation in the study of anatomy and physiology to the development of a fitness program or fitness instruction.
- 2.2. Apply the relevant principles of the structural levels of organisation in the study of anatomy and physiology to fitness instruction.
- 2.3. Identify contra-indications fitness activities, and where to refer to appropriate medical and allied health professionals is indicated.
- 2.4. Apply the principles of anatomy and physiology as they relate to fitness instructions in the provision of fitness advice.
- 2.5. Use anatomical terminology and describe and demonstrate movements of the body to clients.
3. Apply the relevant principles of the body's systems to fitness instruction
- 3.1. Apply the relevant principles of the body's systems to the performance delivered from fitness instructions.
- 3.2. Apply the relevant principles of the body's systems as they relate to fitness instructions in the provision of aftercare service and advice.
4. Apply an understanding of the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system when providing information about exercise programs.
- 4.1. Describe the structure, growth and development of bone tissue and factors affecting growth to clients.
- 4.2. Relate the type and the structure of joints to joint mobility, joint integrity and risk of injury when planning exercise programs and providing information to clients.
- 4.3. Identify and describe the movements allowed at the major joints of the body when providing information about exercise programs.
- 4.4. Identify the major bones, bony landmarks, major joints and major muscles when providing information about fitness testing and exercise programs.
- 4.5. Use knowledge of the structure of skeletal muscle and the process of muscle contraction to plan and develop exercise programs.
- 4.6. Apply knowledge of major muscles and their actions, and the role of the muscle during contraction, to select suitable exercises when planning exercise programs.
- 4.7. Analyse common exercises to identify to clients, the joint action occurring, the muscle responsible and the type of contraction
- 4.8. Discuss the interplay between muscle innervation and muscle contraction.
- 4.9. Relate the oxidative capacity of different muscle fibres to different fitness activities.
- 4.10. Describe ideal postural alignment and common pathological postures to fitness clients.
5. Relate the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system to fitness activities.
- 5.1. Explain the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system when providing information to clients.
- 5.2. Describe the process of gaseous transport and gaseous exchange occurring during fitness activities to clients.
- 5.3. Explain the role of the cardio-respiratory system in the carrying, delivery and extraction of oxygen for muscle contraction and relate to exercise intensity.
- 5.4. Investigate the oxygen demands of various fitness activities to identify the relationship between exercise intensity and the circulatory and ventilation responses.
- 5.5. Relate the differences in individual respiratory volumes and basic circulatory responses, and the regulation of these physiological responses to the client's fitness levels.
6. Apply knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system to fitness activities.
- 6.1. Describe the basic structure of the nervous system and its role in the control of movement and exercise to clients.
- 6.2. Apply the process of excitation and conduction of nerve impulses during muscle contraction, when providing information about fitness activities.
- 6.3. Explain the role of the sensory receptors during movement, in stretching and flexibility to clients.
- 6.4. Explain to clients the relationship between the composition of motor units and motor unit innervation to the strength of muscle contraction, during fitness activities.
7. Apply knowledge of the body's energy systems to exercise instruction.
- 7.1. Explain the effect of exercise intensity on the energy substrate to clients during exercise instruction.
- 7.2. Apply the limiting factors of the body's energy systems to the setting of exercise intensities when instructing fitness activities.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant anatomical and physiological terminology must include:
definitions of anatomy and physiology
anatomical terminology
tissue types
global and local muscular systems:
functions
types and classifications
disorders of muscular systems
nervous system:
functions
anatomy of nervous system
nerves
reflex arc
disorders of the nervous system
skeletal system:
function
types of bones
gross and microscopic anatomy
disorders of skeletal system
circulatory system:
heart anatomy
functions
circulation pathways
blood vessels
blood
disorders of the circulatory system
respiratory system:
functions
anatomy
mechanics of breathing
disorders of respiratory system
lymphatic system:
function
anatomy
disorders of lymphatic system
endocrine system:
function
anatomy.
The structural levels of organisation may include
the human cell
human tissues
body organs
body systems.
The development of a fitness program must include but is not limited to:
frequency and duration
techniques
equipment
contra-indications
relevant medical history and or medications
outcomes of previous exercise programs.
Contra-indications may include but are not limited to:
disorders of the:
skeletal system
muscular system
nervous system
circulatory system
respiratory system
lymphatic system.
Medical and allied health professional may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
podiatrist
psychologist
aboriginal health worker.
Fitness advice may include but is not limited to:
lifestyle changes
additional fitness activities
The relevant functions of the body's systems may include:
circulatory
lymphatic
respiratory
nervous
skeletal
muscular.
The performance of fitness instructions may include but is not limited to:
one-on-one
small group
electronic.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Relevant anatomical and physiological terminology must include:
definitions of anatomy and physiology
anatomical terminology
tissue types
global and local muscular systems:
functions
types and classifications
disorders of muscular systems
nervous system:
functions
anatomy of nervous system
nerves
reflex arc
disorders of the nervous system
skeletal system:
function
types of bones
gross and microscopic anatomy
disorders of skeletal system
circulatory system:
heart anatomy
functions
circulation pathways
blood vessels
blood
disorders of the circulatory system
respiratory system:
functions
anatomy
mechanics of breathing
disorders of respiratory system
lymphatic system:
function
anatomy
disorders of lymphatic system
endocrine system:
function
anatomy.
The structural levels of organisation may include
the human cell
human tissues
body organs
body systems.
The development of a fitness program must include but is not limited to:
frequency and duration
techniques
equipment
contra-indications
relevant medical history and or medications
outcomes of previous exercise programs.
Contra-indications may include but are not limited to:
disorders of the:
skeletal system
muscular system
nervous system
circulatory system
respiratory system
lymphatic system.
Medical and allied health professional may include:
sports physician
sports doctor
general practitioner
physiotherapist
accredited exercise physiologist
occupational therapist
remedial massage therapist
chiropractor
osteopath
accredited practising dietician
podiatrist
psychologist
aboriginal health worker.
Fitness advice may include but is not limited to:
lifestyle changes
additional fitness activities
The relevant functions of the body's systems may include:
circulatory
lymphatic
respiratory
nervous
skeletal
muscular.
The performance of fitness instructions may include but is not limited to:
one-on-one
small group
electronic.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures.
knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of equipment according to Occupational Health and Safety regulations or requirements.
structure and functions of anatomy and physiology as they apply to fitness instructions.
basic anatomical terminology for the development of the fitness program, the performance of the exercise instructor and the provision of aftercare service and advice.
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of the body's systems as they apply to fitness.
applying knowledge of anatomy and physiology to analyse and identify client requirements and or needs and develop and record a fitness program including:
areas requiring special treatment
range of appropriate fitness instructions
review of previous exercise programs
applying knowledge of anatomy and physiology to evaluate the clients needs and requirements and to advise the client on future fitness instructions.
accurately and legibly recording relevant data.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure that the candidate:
demonstrates competency in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package
has access to relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals.
has access to a range of clients with different requirements.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
identifying client characteristics and developing a fitness program according to client needs
performance of fitness instructions according to client requirements
providing advice on fitness activities according to client needs.
written and oral questioning or interview to assess knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology as it relates to planning and provision of exercise programs, including aftercare advice. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
completing workplace documentation relevant to the provision of fitness instructions
third-party reports from experienced fitness professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer or coach or supervisor.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISFFIT304A Instruct and monitor fitness programs
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
knowledge and consistent application of relevant workplace policies and procedures.
knowledge and consistent application of safe work practices and the safe use of equipment according to Occupational Health and Safety regulations or requirements.
structure and functions of anatomy and physiology as they apply to fitness instructions.
basic anatomical terminology for the development of the fitness program, the performance of the exercise instructor and the provision of aftercare service and advice.
knowledge and consistent application of the principles of the body's systems as they apply to fitness.
applying knowledge of anatomy and physiology to analyse and identify client requirements and or needs and develop and record a fitness program including:
areas requiring special treatment
range of appropriate fitness instructions
review of previous exercise programs
applying knowledge of anatomy and physiology to evaluate the clients needs and requirements and to advise the client on future fitness instructions.
accurately and legibly recording relevant data.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure that the candidate:
demonstrates competency in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations which may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package
has access to relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals.
has access to a range of clients with different requirements.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in a simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his or her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:
identifying client characteristics and developing a fitness program according to client needs
performance of fitness instructions according to client requirements
providing advice on fitness activities according to client needs.
written and oral questioning or interview to assess knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology as it relates to planning and provision of exercise programs, including aftercare advice. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the learner.
completing workplace documentation relevant to the provision of fitness instructions
third-party reports from experienced fitness professionals in the workplace.
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer or coach or supervisor.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISFFIT304A Instruct and monitor fitness programs
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7911 | SRFFIT014A | Provide advice to clients on the application of basic anatomy and physiology to fitness programs | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVD58 | SISFFIT004 | Incorporate anatomy and physiology principles into fitness programming | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J760 | SIS30313 | Certificate III in Fitness | Qualification |
| D431 | SIS30310 | Certificate III in Fitness | Qualification |
| J511 | SIS40512 | Certificate IV in Sport Coaching | Qualification |
| D442 | SIS40610 | Certificate IV in Sport Development | Qualification |