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

Urban planning should include ample green space that encourages and welcomes people to move and exercise. The natural environment provides major health benefits, specifically the presence of trees and greenery (Donovan et al. 2013). It is commonly understood to city planners that, “…Laying out more green areas close to apartment houses, and making these areas more accessible, could make for more restorative environments. Outdoor areas that provide environments free from demands and stress, and that are available as part of everyday life, could have significant positive effects on health…” (Grahn et al. 2003).

In 2011, researchers Lindsay Campbell (US Forest Service) and Anne Wiesen (Meristem, Inc.) explored the results of a 2007 forum called “Restorative Commons for Community Health.” This forum brought together professionals from healthcare, architecture (including landscaping and urban planning), and natural resource management. Bringing their unique expertise, these professionals examined how collaboration between them could reframe urban planning and holistically benefit communities in a major way. The conclusions drawn, as explained below, are exciting and completely in line with our mission at FitLot:

“Participants asserted that these spaces should be accessible, especially to vulnerable populations; should respond to needs at the neighborhood level; and should create opportunities for social engagement, economic empowerment, nature access, and stewardship. They are community-driven, ecologically sustainable, and answer the very human impulse to seek and create beauty in our everyday surroundings. They are a primary foundation for a resilient community.” (Campbell and Wiesen, 2011).

Outdoor exercise is trending!

According to ACSM’s Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2020, “outdoor activities” ranked 13 out of 20, moving up 12 levels from 2011 (Thompson, 2019). Though most agree that more research is needed on usage patterns for stand-alone equipment without instructor guided programs, the popularity of outdoor fitness equipment, especially among active aging groups, is evident (Chow et al. 2017). The literature appears to support the belief that having such equipment available in public spaces allows a wider variety of participants to receive vital health benefits.

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