Australian Institute of Fitness launches new base level certification course

Responding to an increasingly apparent skills gap in the fitness industry, the Australian Institute of Fitness (AIF) has launched a new base level certification course, BaseGX.

Representing a new entry-level pathway, the certification has been specifically designed for those wishing to teach at studios that deliver their own bespoke programming and in-house instructor training, and which have partnered with AIF’s BaseGX.

By having new team members complete the BaseGX certification prior to receiving in-house training in the delivery of their own unique programs, these partner studios can ensure that their new recruits have a sound and consistent base-level understanding of group fitness.

Introducing the certification, AIF Chief Executive, Steve Pettit advised “the fitness industry has never been more diverse in terms of the types of training available, and similarly the skills required by those delivering these different modalities has diversified. For many facilities that deliver proprietary programs, from boutique studios to chain clubs, BaseGX fills the gap in the market for a quality, foundational knowledge base about group training that can then be built upon internally.”

The industry’s warm reception for the certification has also extended to registration provider FITREC, which has accepted BaseGX as a qualification to receive registration under its Group Exercise category.

FITREC Managing Director, Dennis Hosking stated "in the aftermath of the pandemic, it has become painfully clear that the fitness industry needs to find ways to encourage more people into fitness careers. The BaseGX program developed by AIF would seem to be a perfect solution. It smoothes the way for enthusiastic and passionate individuals, those who truly believe in the value of exercise, into a career in fitness.

“FITREC is proud to recognise this entry-level certification as the first step for new professionals that are working exclusively within the training systems used by the AIF's business partners. In light of recent recruiting challenges faced by many fitness employers, we see the BaseGX certification as providing both immediate and long term recruitment solutions."