Course Content
Introduction
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Grant Details
Program Grant Timeline
Planning Your FitLot Program Classes
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FitLot Program Class Types
Program Class Scheduling
Program Budget Breakdown
FitLot Neighborhood Coaches
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Neighborhood Coach Requirements
Class Structure & Coaches Responsibilities
COVID-19 Considerations
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COVID-19 Considerations for Safe Instruction of FitLot Program Classes
FitLot, Inc. Program Contact
For questions about FitLot Program implementation, development, or other partnerships with FitLot: Adam Mejerson Executive Director FitLot, Inc. adam@fitlot.org
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FitLot, Inc. Program Contact
FitLot Program Grant Planning Guide
About Lesson

WHO ARE FITLOT NEIGHBORHOOD COACHES?

FitLot Neighborhood Coaches are local fitness professionals who go through FitLot’s training system to learn the best ways to strengthen people and their communities by activating their FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park.   

Certified Fitness Professionals 

FitLot Coaches should have an existing group instructor or personal training certification. This ensures there is a professional knowledge base that can be built upon to ensure the highest quality programming is offered to your community. 

Interested in public health and community building 

Being open to the public, the FitLot presents a unique community fitness space that is specifically designed to hold circuit-training classes for all ages and abilities. 

Connected to the community 

Ideally, a FitLot Coach lives, works, or is involved in the neighborhood or community the FitLot serves.

TIPS FOR RECRUITING COACHES 

Reach out to certified fitness professionals already leading parks-based community fitness classes 

These could be fitness instructors who currently work with your Parks and Recreation Department, or you can recruit newly certified fitness professionals who have a group instructor or personal training certification. 

*Consider using your social media outlets or a job posting to recruit local fitness professionals. 

Reach out to gyms or fitness studios within walking distance of the FitLot 

This supports the community-focused aim of the FitLot to ideally engage Neighborhood Coaches. 

Reach out to community groups, neighborhood associations, or community health-serving organizations located close to the FitLot (ex. YMCA, JCC, United Way, Hospital/Healthcare Providers) 

Local organizations with a social or health focused mission, or that support the park where the FitLot is located are good organizations to reach out to while recruiting local fitness professionals. 

Reach out to local colleges or universities who have exercise science programs and/or have campus athletic/recreation services 

Students studying the sciences related to physical activity or who lead fitness classes for campus recreation programming provide a great network to recruit qualified and interested coaches. 

Determine if there is anyone in the neighborhood close to or surrounding the FitLot who is particularly interested in fitness and becoming a FitLot Neighborhood Coach 

There may be community members who are interested in fitness and physical activity and would like to lead a class. If these persons do not currently hold fitness certifications, they may be willing to obtain one to become fitness leaders in their community.

A FitLot Neighborhood Coach… 

  1. Must hold a currently valid personal training or group fitness instructor certification through one of the organizations below*:
    • AASFP (Asian Academy for Sports and Fitness Professionals), ACE (American Council on Exercise), ACSM (American Council on Sports Medicine),  ACTION (Action Personal Trainer Certification), AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), AFPA (American Fitness Professionals and Associates), BCRPA (British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association), canfitpro (Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc), BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer), CHEK (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology Institute), CI (Copper Institute), FAI (Functional Aging Institute), CSEP (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology),  IFPA (International Fitness Professionals Association), ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association), NAFC (National Association for Fitness Certification), NAFTA (National Aerobics & Fitness Trainers Association), NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine), NBHWC (National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching), NCCPT (National Council for Certified Personal Trainers), NCEP (National College of Exercise Professionals), NCSF (National Council on Strength and Fitness), NESTA (National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, Inc), NETA (National Exercise Trainers Association), NFPT (National Federation of Professional Trainers), NPI (National Posture Institute), NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association), NSPA (National Strength Professionals Association), PTAG (Personal Training Academy Global), REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) NZ & UAE, SCW (Sarah’s City Workout), W.I.T.S (World Instructor Training Schools)
  2. Should have consistent availability to lead classes for the duration of a programming season.
  3. Recommend having 2 or 3 coaches trained and prepared to lead classes.
  4. Should complete FitLot’s online training at https://fitlot.org/become-a-coach/ before teaching any classes
  5. It is ideal for the coaches to have experience working with seniors or leading community fitness classes.

*Please obtain and save a copy or verification of each coach’s certification document

*The listed organizations are fitness training certifying bodies that IDEA Health & Fitness Association recognizes as an approved continuing education provider.  IDEA Health & Fitness Association is a 36 year old membership association and leading resource for fitness and wellness professionals. If you do not see a certification on this list, we recommend sending your coach through one of the certification programs listed above.

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