What is GEL?

The Group Exercise Leadership (GEL) course is the latest training initiative developed by LMAP and Australian Fitness Network; a one stop shop for aspiring Instructors wanting to teach pre-choreographed Les Mills Group Fitness Classes. The course and its requirements allow successful candidates to gain official registration as an Instructor of ‘pre choreographed’ programs only, but would receive a Recognition of Prior Learning if the full Certificate III in Fitness was undertaken.

Previously to qualify to teach Group Fitness, it was essential to do a Certificate III in Fitness, in which only 16% of the information was required to teach pre-choreographed classes. The new GEL course covers only vital Group Fitness related information, allowing you to become a registered fitness leader in pre choreographed programs in a reasonable amount of time for a fraction of the cost.

How does GEL work?

Any one can complete GEL. After commencement of the GEL course, candidates must successfully complete the GEL workbook within three months as this contains all of the core components essential for Group Fitness. In conjunction with the GEL workbook, candidates will attend a Les Mills Module Training and submit a successful certification video. Candidates are also required to produce a current Senior First Aid Certificate to register.

How do I get started?

1. Participate in a Les Mills program of your choice, at a Les Mills Licensed Club and become familiar with the program you desire to teach

2. Find a Les Mills Licensed Club to endorse you before registering into a LMAP Training Module

3. Fill out the registration form and send to LMAP Head Office

4. Attend LMAP Training Module where you will receive your GEL workbook

5. Complete the workbook and begin team teaching with a certified Les Mills Instructor.

6. Collect together your workbook exam, the video certification and copies of your First Aid Certificate and send all information into LMAP Head Office

7. Get ready to Instruct!

Gaining Club Endorsement

Any person wanting to undertake the GEL course in a Les Mills Module training in their program choice will need to be endorsed by a Licensed Club regardless of employment status.

Registering with Fitness Australia

Once GEL and video certification is complete, you can register with Fitness Australia to ensure correct legal responsibilities are met. Ongoing education is a necessity as an individual must obtain 18 Continuing Education Credits (CEC points) or more over a two year period. The registration process and CEC point achievement must be renewed every 2 years to remain registered

How do I register with Fitness Australia

To register with Fitness Australia you must supply verified copies of the following:

• GEL Statement of Attainment

• LMAP International Certification (once video is assessed)

• Senior First Aid Certificate

Fitness Australia can be contacted through www.fitness.org.au

Club Recruitment

Clubs can approach members, staff etc to do GEL to increase their Instructor base. In turn once an Instructor has completed GEL they can approach Clubs for employment.

The Importance of attaining the GEL Qualification

Attaining the GEL qualification is essential for future employment opportunities and obtaining personal insurance. Any Instructor teaching without a GEL qualification or Certificate III or IV in Fitness will not be registered by Fitness Australia and therefore will not be covered by insurance.

 Where can I get my First Aid Certificate?

The following organisations will be able to help you:

St Johns Ambulance

http://www.stjohn.org.au/

1300 360 455

Australian Red Cross

http://www.redcross.org.au/

1300 367 428,

Where do I get Information about GEL?

The Education Department at Les Mills Asia Pacific will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding GEL. Contact them by phone (02 62828192) or email education@lesmills.com.au between 8:30am and 5:30pm AEST Monday to Friday for more information.