Announcements
Assess your digital strategy - Consultation period extended
AUSactive is delighted to announce the Digital Futures launch, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering AUSactive members to advance their digital strategy and operations. The program will provide fitness and leisure operators, as well as Yoga and Pilates studio business managers, with invaluable digital insights to drive their businesses forward. By participating in this initiative, organisations will receive free digital benchmarking and strategic recommendations, unlocking a world of digital opportunities.
2023 Digital Futures consultation has been extended 30th September 2023 free for AUSactive business members. Participating fitness and fitness, yoga and Pilates operators can access an instant score for their digital maturity and effectiveness, strategic recommendations and resources to grow their score.
Assess your digital strategy - Consultation period extended
AUSactive is delighted to announce the Digital Futures launch, a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering AUSactive members to advance their digital strategy and operations. The program will provide fitness and leisure operators, as well as Yoga and Pilates studio business managers, with invaluable digital insights to drive their businesses forward. By participating in this initiative, organisations will receive free digital benchmarking and strategic recommendations, unlocking a world of digital opportunities.
2023 Digital Futures consultation has been extended 31st August 2023 free for AUSactive business members. Participating fitness and fitness, yoga and Pilates operators can access an instant score for their digital maturity and effectiveness, strategic recommendations and resources to grow their score.
Vote for what you think will be the hottest trend in 2024
What’s your forecast for next year’s top Health & Fitness trend? Cast your vote in AUSactive’s 5th Annual Health and Fitness Industry Trends survey before 31 July.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said the Health and Fitness Industry Trends Report is based on global data and insights from people working in the industry and this survey is a chance to contribute to a national and international research piece.
“The survey is about identifying trends across the whole health and fitness industry, from what people are actively doing themselves at home to what new classes and programs bigger gyms and studios are introducing,” Mr Elvish said.
Australia has been at the forefront of many of the trends in recent years thanks to the growth of different modalities and this year’s survey is a chance to vote again for your anticipated hottest trend of 2024.”
“Fitness programs for older adults was the top trend last year in Australia and this was also featured in the top 10 of other regions. This reflected exercise professionals and businesses better understanding the importance of catering for the ageing population and developing suitable programs designed to improve their health and quality of life.”
“Functional Fitness Training came in second, thanks to the unique mix of balance, coordination, strength and endurance training, while strength training with free weights rounded out the top 3 in Australia.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the top trend of 2024 will be and are urging all business owners and managers, exercise professionals, allied health professionals and medical professionals involved in the active health & fitness sector to cast their vote.”
To have your say on the anticipated future health and fitness trends complete the survey before 31 July via here.
New online Mental Health Course for AUSactive Professionals now available (2CECs)
New Mental Health online module - free for AUSactive members
Mental health remains a key topic that has many impacts on us as individuals, in our community and in our own professional practice.
As an AUSactive professional, understanding the link between physical activity and mental health is important to improve the health outcomes of the Australian population.
This program has been created to assist you in understanding your own mental health and also the community around you so that you can help to get them more active, more often.
CECs: 2
Start now! Login via your iLearn tab on dashboard (no need make payment as system will recognise the currency of membership).
Have your say - Business Member Survey
We want to hear from you to continue providing the best services for our members! By completing our business member survey, you can share your thoughts and help shape our future.
As a thank you for your time, you'll have a chance to win one of four tickets to the AUSactive Active Health Summit in July 2023! These events celebrate excellence and innovation in the Australian exercise and active health industry, and we want you to be a part of it.
Tell us your thoughts - start the survey.
We invite you to share your feedback by completing our annual business member survey.
To ensure that we continue to provide the best services to our members, we invite you to share your feedback by completing our annual business member survey. Your opinion matters to us, and we'll use your feedback to shape our future services and events. By participating in the survey, you'll also have a chance to win one of four tickets to the AUSactive Active Health Summit in July 2023.
Survey closes: 19th May 2023
Tickets are now on sale to our 2022 National Awards Gala on the 21.10.22.
Exclusive discount on First Aid, CPR and Mental Health Courses for AUSactive Members
St John Ambulance, in partnership with AUSactive, is providing AUSactive members quality first aid and mental health first aid training with exclusive pricing available. Our mission at St John Ambulance is to have one person educated, equipped and prepared to provide first aid in every home, workplace and public gathering. It is also essential as a Registered Exercise Professional that your First Aid and CPR is up to date and we believe that this partnership is a step in achieving our goal.
Book in for discounts here: https://bookings.stjohn.org.au/AUSactive
Discounts available below.
- First Aid (1 Day face-to-face) [HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011] $140
- Provide CPR [HLTAID009] $55
- Mental Health Crisis Support [CHCCCS019] $140
New Registration Categories for Yoga and Pilates Professionals available.
AUSactive, formerly Fitness Australia, is excited to announce our rebrand. Part of our new vision is to activate everybody, every way, every day. To help achieve this vision, AUSactive recognises Pilates and Yoga professionals for registration, emphasising the importance of these modalities in helping Australians become more active.
If you have completed a Pilates or Yoga Teacher/ Instructor training course that meets our registration requirements (see previous links), and would like this to be recognised on your profile, Please head to your dashboard and modify your registration categories (if you need any guidance see the video below) or email us with a copy of your certificate of completion and the additional required evidence for Pilates and/or Yoga to [email protected]
Following this, our team will identify if you meet the requirements for registration in the appropriate category. Please note that we are in the early stages of reviewing and approving relevant courses for registration and we expect that this list will grow. Please do not be discouraged if your course is not currently approved, we are working closely with a number of Pilates and Yoga training course education providers to ensure their programs meet our registration requirements.
Welcome to AUSactive
Access iLearn: Online Standards Education here
State by State Advocacy Updates on COVID Regulations within Gyms
New South Wales Update:
South Australia Update:
Western Australia Update:
Northern Territory Update:
Pushing the limits even higher Fitness Australia launches Service Excellence Program
As the fitness industry looks towards the future, post COVID-19, Fitness Australia is setting a higher benchmark of standards, quality and service delivery with the launch of a new Service Excellence Program to drive greater consumer confidence, industry excellence and growth.
Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said the new program will spearhead the organisation’s focus on building a stronger and more professional fitness industry and enable exercise professionals to be recognised with other allied health professionals.
“It’s our responsibility to lead and really raise the bar for a new level of excellence – especially as the industry gets back on track post COVID-19,” Mr Elvish said.
“Improving industry standards, quality, and service delivery will provide greater confidence and credibility as gyms reopen. Giving consumers greater comfort when returning to the gym and resume their exercise routine, or join a gym for the first time, is a positive outcome for all of us.
“Our Service Excellence Program is also about taking a big step forward in professionalising the industry in the eyes of government, GPs and other allied health professionals.
“Like many organisations who are charting new waters, improving our offering and, quite simply, doing things better than we’ve ever done before will help our industry recovery.
Under the Service Excellence Program, Fitness Australia will rollout ongoing initiatives focused on a higher level of service delivery.
The first two initiatives of the program to be implemented are:
- Quality Assurance Employment
- AusREP Accreditation
Soon, all Fitness Australia business members will be required to ensure all their personal trainers and instructors are registered with Fitness Australia.
Mr Elvish said the Quality Assurance Employment will provide consumers and businesses with the confidence and guarantee that their personal trainers and instructors are following industry best practice, protocols and guidelines and committed to their ongoing professional development.
“Increasing consumer confidence in the fitness industry now, and as we move forward into a post-COVID-19 environment, is essential. Providing peace of mind that best practice protocols and guidelines are being adhered to needs to be a high priority for everyone in the industry,” Mr Elvish said.
“By demanding and advocating for industry standards our members will gain more credibility that in turn will support a more open line of referrals from mental health practitioners, GPs and other health providers.”
“All of this leads to better health outcomes and wellbeing for people across Australian communities.”
The introduction of AusREP Accreditation in coming months will drive a higher standard of service delivery across the industry.
“There has been strong demand from the industry to improve service delivery and provide recognition for exercise professionals who are delivering exceptionally high standards. Providing an opportunity for AusREPs to be accredited is a huge step forward for the fitness industry,” Mr Elvish said.
“Fitness Australia’s AusREP Accreditation sets a robust framework for the industry to be recognised professionally. It is the first accreditation ever in the fitness industry and one that Fitness Australia is very proud to offer.
“The accreditation provides assurance to consumers and our industry that accredited AusREPs are professional, are committed to providing quality service, customer care, meeting industry standards and focused on their ongoing professional development. It will also enable exercise professionals and our industry to be recognised like other allied health professionals.”
To find out more about the Service Excellence Program visit serviceexcellence.fitness.org.au
‘Keep on Moving’ Community Awareness Campaign Launched
As we continue to navigate the challenging and rapidly changing environment, the fitness industry is playing an important role in ensuring people remain physically active. Something that has never been more important than now.
This week, Fitness Australia commenced a ‘Keep on Moving’ community awareness campaign to highlight the importance of keeping active and continuing a regular exercise routine during the COVID-19 period.
The vital role fitness and regular moderate activity has on our mental health and overall wellbeing cannot be underestimated, which is why continuing to be active during these worrying times can help with isolation, stress, anxiety and help support a person’s immune system.
Our message is simple – it has never been more important to stay active to help keep our mental health in check.
The first part of the campaign is focused on keeping gyms open and reassuring Australia’s 4 million gym members that it is safe to still go to the gym.
For many, attending the gym or fitness class is also more than just exercise, it’s a social community that people enjoy.
We know many of you have already implemented strict procedures in your facilities to ensure the health and safety of your people and your members. Fitness Australia will also continue to provide recommendations for consideration.
The second part of the campaign will be on encouraging people to keep exercising during heightening social-distancing restrictions so that they return to the gym when its safe to do so.
This campaign is also about you. As an industry, keeping people active ensures you still have clients to train, motivate, inspire and together achieve great results.
Fitness Australia has raised more than $50,000 to spearhead this campaign and get it up and running as soon as possible. However, the more we can do, the bigger impact we can have on peoples’ lives.
If you would like to get involved and contribute to the ‘Keep on Moving’ community awareness campaign you can support via our Go Fund Me campaign. 100% of all funds raised will go directly to this campaign.
Fitness Australia ‘Keep on Moving’ Campaign
Go Fund Me Campaign| Go Fund Me
For further information about this initiative, please contact:
Sarah Broad
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
P4 GROUP
0475 944 322
GYMS DO NOT NEED TO CLOSE update #2 - Words by Fitness Australia CEO, Barrie Elvish
Maintaining our physical and mental health during these worrying times is significantly important.
As an industry, the role we can play in ensuring people feel safe to continue to be active during these unprecedent circumstances is vital.
Fitness Australia is currently advocating for gyms to be considered essential services due to the important role regular and consistent exercise has on an individual’s immune system and their overall physical and mental health.
While it is important to keep people active, it is also imperative we continue to show leadership and ensure all facilities are implementing self-distancing measures and robust hygiene practices to ensure the continued safety of the more than four million gym members across Australia.
Following PM Scott Morrison’s statement earlier today, communication from the Department of Health has confirmed “Gyms, indoor fitness centres and swimming pools do not need to close at this time — as long as they follow social distancing advice and have good cleaning routines in place”*.
The Department of Health website also provides clarification around the 100-person limit for indoor gatherings, advising that an indoor gathering takes place in a single enclosed areas ie a single room or area. Therefore, this limit will not apply to the whole facility but rather gatherings, including workouts and classes taking place in a single enclosed area of the gym.
Based on today’s Government announcement regarding these additional measures for social-distancing and to ensure each facility is able to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between people, Fitness Australia recommends to its network of 3,500 facility members and almost 20,000 personal trainers to reduce or cap class sizes to limit internal numbers and ensure more space between members, creating more room between treadmills and other equipment by either removing or ‘switching off’ every second piece of equipment.
Gyms have already implemented additional cleaning and other facility-based hygiene measures to ensure the safety of their members and staff. Continuous clear communication to gym members about practicing safe and hygienic workouts continues to be of utmost importance. If you are unwell, do not attend the gym.
Barrie Elvish, CEO of Fitness Australia
----
For more information, see our COVID-19 full reference guide here.
GYMS DO NOT NEED TO CLOSE - Words by Fitness Australia CEO, Barrie Elvish
Following PM Scott Morrison’s statement earlier today, it is our understanding that the 100-person limit for internal gatherings applies to the whole venue not individual rooms such as gym studios session rooms.
However, we are currently seeking clarification on this and will provide further information once available.
Based on today’s Government announcement regarding these additional measures for self-distancing, we recommend reducing or capping class sizes to limit internal number and ensure more space between members, creating more space between treadmills and other equipment by either removing or switching off every second piece of equipment.
We know additional cleaning and other facility-based measures are already in place. However, continuous clear communication to your gym members about practicing safe and hygienic workouts continues to be of utmost importance.
All facility hygiene measures and member communication about hygienic practices while attending the gym should be clearly visible throughout the facility and communicated verbally to all members frequently.
Maintaining our physical and mental health during these worrying times is significantly important.
As an industry, the role we can play in ensuring people feel safe to continue to be active during these unprecedent circumstances is vital.
Fitness Australia is currently advocating for gyms to be considered essential services due to the important role regular and consistent exercise has on an individual’s immune system and their overall physical and mental health.
While it is important to keep people active, it is also imperative we continue to show leadership and ensure all facilities are implementing self-distancing measures and robust hygiene practices to ensure the continued safety of the more than 4 million gym members across Australia.
----
For more information, see our COVID-19 full reference guide here.
Coronavirus and the Workplace - full reference guide
FITNESS AUSTRALIA STATEMENT COVID-19
Good health is still top priority for gyms during Coronavirus outbreak. Read now
----
WORKPLACE EMPLOYER HR ADVICE
The outbreak of the Coronavirus is having an impact globally with thousands of confirmed cases of the virus reported worldwide. It is appropriate and reasonable for employers to take prudent action.
We spoke to our HR Advisory Experts about what precautions employers should take (14th February): Read it now
For more information or support contact our Fitness Australia member-exclusive HR Advisory Service experts on 1300 211 311 or email [email protected]
----
ESSENTIAL HYGIENE MEASURES
With people around the world changing their daily habits as the Coronavirus spreads, fitness centres and gyms are having to deal with member fears that their facilities may be places where they can contract Coronavirus. It is important facilities are reassuring members over the measures they take to ensure optimum levels of hygiene and are proactively advising of their cleaning regimes. Read more about essential hygiene measures.
----
AUSTRALIAN HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION RECOMMENDATIONS
As there is currently no vaccine for Covid-19 we encourage, where possible, reinforcing the World Health Organisation (WHO) general recommendations to prevent the potential spread of infection. Fitness facilities are encouraged to reiterate the wiping down of equipment and surfaces more regularly with alcohol-based wipes or solution, and encourage employees to stay home when sick.
----
GOVERNMENT STATEMENTS
Government releases statement about whether it is safe to go to the gym. Read it now
----
NEWS
There are regular updates about COVID-19 via ABC, read it now.
----
TO SHARE WITH MEMBERS/CLIENTS
Exercise in the time of coronavirus: how to work out safely in a pandemic. Read it now.
Download and print these posters to use in your gym or fitness facility, we will continue to update these as required and provide alternative formats.
For more information call 1300 211 311
What Your Club Needs to Know About the New Coronavirus
You’ve been hearing about coronavirus in the news. Here’s what your club needs to know about the Coronavirus via IHRSA
Update on COVID-19 in Australia – Community Transmission
Please see the most recent update on COVID-19 in Australia from Professor Brendan Murphy, Australian Chief Medical Officer, and the Minister for Health.
Australia has seen its first community transmission of COVID-19. Bringing the total of confirmed cases to 33.
This case underlines the fact that Australia is not immune from COVID-19. COVID-19 represents a significant risk to Australia – and we continue to manage that risk based on the best and latest medical advice.
Our approach continues to be both highly precautionary and proactive. Our COVID-19 Plan, which Prime Minister Morrison activated last week, puts Australia ahead of the curve in dealing with this virus – as we have been from day one.
In light of the international situation, more cases of COVID-19 are highly likely to emerge in Australia.
Anyone who has symptoms of a virus should practise social distancing, especially if they have recently travelled overseas.
We will continue upgrade our travel advice and remind people that:
- if they are returning from mainland China or Iran they should self-isolate for 14 days; and
- if they are returning from Italy or South Korea, and they work as a healthcare worker or as a residential aged care worker, they should not attend their workplace for 14 days.
The best defence for COVID-19 remains good hand hygiene, cough and sneeze etiquette, and to isolate when unwell.
The message for Australians is that it is perfectly safe to go about their daily business and do exactly what they would normally do.
It is important to reiterate that the great majority – more than 80 per cent – of people diagnosed with COVID-19 have a mild illness, so mild that the symptoms are often barely noticed.
If you do get symptoms, such as fever and cough, and are a returned traveller or potential contact with someone who may have COVID-19, please isolate yourself and seek medical advice. This is how we can best reduce the spread.
The 2020 Australian Fitness Awards finalists are revealed
Fitness Australia, the national peak industry body, today reveals the finalists in the 2020 Australian Fitness Awards that recognise and celebrate individuals, businesses and community groups dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Australian communities.
Fitness Australia CEO, Barrie Elvish, said the outstanding work of the 2020 Australian Fitness Awards finalists offers a glimpse into the professionalism and innovation of the nation’s fitness industry.
“Every finalist has shown incredible commitment to supporting those in their communities to live an active lifestyle whether it is through professional development to ensure they are providing clients with safe and quality services, or creating community programs which break down barriers to participation and encourage involvement across a diverse range of different groups,” said Elvish.
With a record 2,000 nominations across nine categories, the Australian Fitness Awards national winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner in Sydney, where Awards of Honour recipients will be joined by the 2020 Quality Accredited Fitness Business of the Year.
New Awards in the 2020 program recognise club managers, fitness educators, community activation initiatives and community exercise programs.
“With our focus on community engagement, we look forward to sharing more about the individuals, businesses and community groups that have demonstrated innovative ways in engaging with their communities to get them moving more,” adds Elvish.
The 2020 Australian Fitness Awards finalists are:
PERSONAL TRAINER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Lorna Jane
- Daniel Munro
- David Hoffman
- Halina Williams
GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Les Mills
- James Clarke
- Jill Healy-Quintard
- Samantha Williams
COMMUNITY ACTIVATION AWARD
Sponsored by GuildSuper
- Get Moving, Older Fitter Better
- Time Our Tai Chi
- Walk to School
COMMUNITY EXERCISE PROGRAM AWARD
Sponsored by OneMusic
- Love to Live program
- Men’s Shed Fitness & Flexibility program Akoonah Park
- YMCA Uplift program, YMCA NSW
FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Guild Insurance
- Anytime Fitness Grafton
- Body Fit Training Kent Town
- Health Mates Fitness Centre
BOUTIQUE FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by NPE
- HIIT Factory Bairnsdale
- Inner-Athlete
- Strong Healthy Women
CLUB MANAGER OF THE YEAR
- Amber Latta, Anytime Fitness Belrose
- Katrina Broady, Snap Fitness Waverley Gardens
- Kristen Green, Aquafit
NOT FOR PROFIT FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- Aquafit
- Brunswick Baths
- Cockburn Aquatic and Recreation Centre
FITNESS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
- Gavin Aquilina
- Jono Petrohilos
- Rob Burr
QUALITY ACCREDITED FITNESS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
- Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre
- Boroondara Sports Complex
- Casey Aquatic & Recreation Centre
- Collingwood Leisure Centre
- Endeavour Hills Leisure Centre
- Fitzroy Swimming Pool
- Fleurieu Aquatic Centre
- Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre
- John McVeity Centre
- Kew Recreation Centre
- Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre
- Marion Leisure and Fitness Centre
- Monash Sport Fitness Centre Caulfield
- Monash Sport Fitness Centre Peninsula
- Port Lincoln Leisure Centre
- Richmond Recreation Centre
- Somerset Health and Fitness
- St Clair Recreation Centre
- The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre
- The Valleys Lifestyle Centre
- Whyalla Health & Leisure Centre
- YMCA Casey Race
2020 Australian Fitness Awards partners who are strong industry advocates include Lorna Jane, Guild Insurance, Les Mills Asia Pacific, Guild Super, OneMusic, NPE and Fitness Show B2B.
All of the national award winners, Chairperson’s Award recipient and Roll of Honour inductees will be announced at an event in Sydney on Friday 1st May 2020. Get tickets now
To learn more about the 2020 finalists visit awards.fitness.org.au