Fitness Australia Issues Centrality Rebuttal

Fitness Australia have issued a position statement contradicting claims made by fitness educator Centrality Pty Ltd.

The unusual move follows an email marketing campaign from Centrality Pty Ltd titled 'You have an alternative to Fitness Australia and Kinect'. The email, from the Directors of Centrality Pty Ltd, answers a series self-posed questions that Fitness Australia sees as "an inexplicable effort to diminish the role of Fitness Australia as the national health and fitness industry association."

The Fitness Australia statement says that the "the position put forward by Centrality is misleading, and we have written to them to express our concerns about this."

The Fitness Australia statement continues "Registered Exercise Professionals from around Australia have asked Fitness Australia to respond and so we answer the same questions for you as well as clarify the role of Fitness Australia."

The debate continues:

Centrality: "You now have an alternative to Fitness Australia & Kinect; Centrality looks after all of your professional needs (Insurance, Training, Tools and Representation)."

Fitness Australia: "Fitness Australia is a member-based non-profit organisation recognised as the National Health and Fitness Industry Association which is owned and governed by members of the fitness industry. We accept membership and registration fees in return for providing support, promotion, representation and services to our members while advocating to all levels of Government on industry issues (eg. PPCA Copyright Fees and Local Government Fees on Personal Trainers).

"Centrality is a privately-owned and commercially operated company attempting to act like a professional association."

Centrality: "I have always joined Kinect/Fitness Australia so I can get insurance. Can I get Insurance through Centrality? - Centrality says: You can now access comprehensive insurance without being forced to pay industry membership fees."

Fitness Australia says: "No-one is forced to pay Industry Association registration or membership fees. Fitness Australia’s business and professional insurance program simply offers the best value for money to the broadest client base in Australia creating the best buying power available to the industry.

Centrality: "So, if I have insurance with Centrality do I need membership with Fitness Australia or Kinect? - Centrality says: No."

Fitness Australia says: "Insurance is one program offered by Fitness Australia to support exercise professionals and fitness businesses. Being on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) in Australia is a professional credential. Industry Codes of Practice around Australia require exercise professionals to be registered with Fitness Australia or the relevant professional association which Centrality Pty Ltd cannot be as a private company. Your REPs credentials are far more valuable to your clients than simply representing insurance.

Centrality: "Many of my clients suffer from injuries but my standard fitness insurance policy does not cover me when training these clients; am I covered under Centrality’s Insurance? - Centrality says: Yes. Rehabilitation & Injury Correction are excluded activities under standard fitness insurance policies. Centrality understands that many of you are training clients with injuries/pain on a daily basis, so we have sourced proper Health Professional Insurance coverage which allows you to train these clients without fear of voiding your insurance policy."

Fitness Australia says: "Your Marsh insurance policy will cover you for all activities you are qualified and certified to deliver. As long as you act within the scope of your formal Vocational and/or Tertiary qualification and certification in any relevant Fitness Australia Approved Program, your Marsh insurance will cover you."

Centrality: "Do I need to maintain PDP’s or CEC’s if I am with Centrality? - Centrality says: No. Once you join CHC Support, you no longer need to worry about PDP’s or CEC’s. All you need to do to maintain your CHC status is complete 1 day of training each year. The cost of this training is included in your monthly support fee. There is no additional training required."

Fitness Australia says: "A key feature of all quality professional registration or accreditation models is the requirement for the professional to maintain and enhance their skills and education throughout their career (e.g. Physiotherapists (APA) and Accountants (CPA). You are able to choose from over 600 CEC Approved Programs currently offered throughout Australia, allowing you to determine how and when you wish to invest in your continuing education.

"Centrality requires you to pay them a monthly fee for their support program and only attend one day of ‘training’ annually to be eligible to keep paying them the monthly support fee. Centrality has been promoting itself as a CEC and PDP provider for many years."

Centrality: "I am new to the fitness industry and I am not sure what questions I need to ask or how to assess new clients. Does Centrality provide any guidance on these areas? - Centrality says: Yes. When you join CHC Support, you have access to a step by step, Best Practice Framework that guides you through the Client assessment process. If you have any problems while working with a Client, you can ask our specialist’s questions via 24/7 Email Assistance."

Fitness Australia says: "The Fitness Australia Exercise Guidelines and information resources provide registrants with relevant technical support. Additionally, with over 1200 registered businesses and 20,000 Registered Exercise Professionals in our network we provide support, advice and reference to many industry leaders willing to share their skills and knowledge with new professionals. You can meet our Relationship Managers at fitnessmeetscoffee events, networking functions at RTOs, industry events and you can call our 1300 211 311 to seek help.

"Fitness Australia registration is $190 + GST for two years recognition on the national Register of Exercise Professionals. Centrality charges around $300 a year for their CHC Support Program."

Centrality: "I do more than the minimum training requirements but I get no extra recognition. Does Centrality offer extra recognition and incentives? - Centrality says: Yes. There are three levels within the CHC Hierarchy: Certified, Senior & Master CHC. Your fitness industry training works towards industry progression and is linked to benefits such as unlimited Client Referrals & the ability to offer your clients a Private Health Insurance rebate on your services."

Fitness Australia says: "Six months ago Fitness Australia updated the Register of Exercise Professionals credentials to recognise both qualifications and industry experience. The new registration levels provide appropriate recognition and incentive for professionals to progress and better inform employers, stakeholders and most importantly consumers. The following chart has been communicated in issues of REPs Magazine and outlines the structure of the Register recognising both qualifications and experience when issuing a credential. All REPs credentials are issued at the same cost."

For more information go to www.fitness.org.au