Course Content
Introduction
Please review this information prior to starting the course.
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Get Started Here
Our Story
Download the Training Manual
1. Current State of Health and Fitness
Learning objectives: -- Understand current statistics around physical fitness, inactivity and obesity within the US and worldwide -- Gain an understanding of how obesity and disease impact healthcare costs and overall public health -- Understand how FitLot Outdoor Fitness Parks can be part of the solution
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Current State of Health and Fitness
2. History and Benefits of Outdoor Fitness
Learning objectives: -- Understand the history of outdoor fitness and outdoor fitness parks -- Describe the health benefits of exercising outdoors -- Explain the potential impact of accessible green space and outdoor fitness parks on public health and communities
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History and Benefits of Outdoor Fitness
Personal Health Benefits
Community and Public Health Benefits
3. Group Training in Public Spaces
Learning objectives: -- Understand the benefits of exercising in groups -- Identify considerations for training in outdoor and public spaces -- Identify specific areas of concern for instructors leading classes safely in outdoor public spaces
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Group Training in Public Spaces: Intro
Considerations for Group Training in Outdoor and Public Spaces
4. Circuit Training Overview
Learning Objectives -- Understand the history behind circuit training programs -- Learn the benefits of circuit training, based on research -- Understand why circuit training is effective in a community class setting
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Circuit Training Overview
5. Review of Anatomy
Learning Objectives -- Reinforce the importance of a basic understanding of bones and muscles -- Review the basic joint actions and types of muscle contractions -- Review the anatomical planes and understand their utilization in exercise programming
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Review of Anatomy: Intro
Bones
The Spine
Muscles and Joints
FitLot Circuit Training: Foundational Movement Elements
6. Foundational Training Principles and Concepts
Learning Objectives -- Understand the basic components of physical fitness -- Explain basic principles of exercise programming -- Review select points of exercise physiology and the various energy pathways
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Components of Physical Fitness
Principles of Exercise Prescription
Summary of Energy System Pathways
7. Training Fundamentals
Learning Objectives -- Describe and demonstrate fundamental movements -- Understand the fundamental elements that are incorporated into FitLot Circuit Training classes -- Identify the 11 fixed stations of the outdoor fitness park structure and describe exercises that may be performed at each of them.
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Fundamental Movements
The FitLot Stations
8. FitKit Resistance Band Training
Learning Objectives -- Understand the FitKit Resistance Band System and how it can be incorporated into FitLot training -- Explain how the FitKit resistance bands, and other equipment utilizing anchor points, attach to the FitLot structure -- Understand existing research that supports the effectiveness of resistance band training -- Describe specific exercises that use the FitKit resistance bands
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FitKit Resistance Band System
FitKit Fundamentals
Helpful Resources for Trainers and Users
9. FitLot Circuit Training Program
Learning Objectives -- Understand FitLot Circuit Training Program methodology -- Understand how FitLot Circuit Training classes are organized and implemented -- Learn how to plan a FitLot Circuit Training class
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Planning Outdoor Fitness Park Programming
FitLot Circuit Training Class Format
Details of A FitLot Circuit Training Class
10. Coaching and Class Instruction
Learning Objectives -- Understand successful instruction techniques for teaching outdoor fitness classes -- Describe best practices for class execution regarding music, timing, vocal instruction, monitoring intensity, and class setup
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Getting Started
Class Execution
11. Considerations for Special Populations and Health Emergencies
Learning Objectives -- Understand the importance of pre-screening and health risk assessment procedures as part of the registration process -- Identify common conditions that may present special health and safety concerns in an outdoor fitness park class -- Identify special populations that may require extra attention and modifications during an outdoor fitness park class -- Describe environmental conditions that may arise when instructing outdoor fitness classes and how to handle them safely -- Identify emergency conditions and situations and explain corresponding appropriate action
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Considerations for Health Emergencies
Special Populations
Other Health Conditions
Appendices
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Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
References
FitLot Coaches Training Course
About Lesson

This information is designed to provide a starting point for trainers and program managers who may be new to hosting outdoor fitness classes.

Location

  • – Timing – When are people available and interested in participating? How is traffic? Which class times are best: before, during or after school or work?
  • – Lighting – Is there enough lighting, natural or otherwise, to keep clients safe? Can we plan the program calendar around daylight savings time?
  • – Parking and Restrooms – Is there adequate parking and restroom facilities nearby? Are these restrooms available for use by participants?
  • – Visibility – Is the location secluded enough where participants do not feel on display, but visible enough to attract newcomers and create curiosity?
  • – Ready – Is the surface of the fitness park free of trash and debris? Before each class, the area should be inspected to ensure a clean and safe working environment.

Liability

  • – Are individual permits needed for the instructors?
  • – Is insurance handled by the owner of the property, i.e. Parks and Recreation, or does each instructor need their own?
  • – Is there a place for participants to safely leave personal items during class? Who is responsible for theft?
  • – As a trainer you will be responsible for making sure each individual has registered for the class online and signed a liability release waiver before participating.

Class Design

  • – What equipment is available for use?
  • – What space around and in the area is available for use?
  • – Is the surrounding space clear of obstacles?
  • – Will there be a limit on class size?

Operation

  • – Is there signage indicating when the public area is in use?
  • – Who is responsible for creating and putting up signage?
  • – What is the procedure when someone else is using the equipment?
  • – What are the policies and procedures of the property owner, ie. Parks and Recreation, for accidents and emergencies?
  • – Who is responsible for marketing group programs?

Environmental factors

The ideal instructor is aware of the following when utilizing outdoor public spaces:

  • – Music volume
  • – Vocal volume
  • – Safety of terrain
  • – Safety of personal belongings
  • – Lighting
  • – Personal space
  • – Appropriate language
  • – Presence of animals
  • – Unexpected foot traffic

The photo below depicts how the time of day may affect lighting. This is an example of how simple things, like the shadows cast by the afternoon sun, could make it more visually challenging for some participants. While classes could still be held at this time, a trainer would want to be aware of potential issues and adjust individual instruction appropriately. Outdoor settings may present different challenges to trainers who are used to working in indoor spaces.

Shadows of trees are cast on a FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park

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