Greater industry recognition from Australia’s peak industry association, Fitness Australia, is now a reality for Aqua Exercise Instructors (AEI) with the launch of a dedicated registration category for these professionals.

In consultation with Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, Skills IQ, Aqua Exercise Instructors, leisure business management and registered training organisations the development of a Skills Set will enable qualified AEIs to register in an independent registration category with Fitness Australia to ensure the needs of AEIs continue to be met Australia wide.

Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said the introduction of the new registration category was part of the organisation’s focus on expanding its industry leadership, relevance and value to more professionals who deliver vital exercise services to all parts of the community.

Mr Elvish said:

“Aqua Exercise Instructors now have their own independent registration category with Fitness Australia, and we are thrilled to welcome these new members into our network. AEIs will now be listed independently on the Australia Register of Exercise Professionals, providing them with their own classification and recognition.”

“Like all other Fitness Australia registration categories, the AEI holds exclusive international portability with many other countries. In addition, there will be a larger pool of ongoing professional development opportunities to support these new members through our CEC approved courses.”

Aqua Fitness Instructor and education provider, Dom Gili from Aqua Fitness Online said the new registration category with Fitness Australia was an important breakthrough for the industry.

Mr Gili said:

“The new dedicated registration category with Fitness Australia is a huge step forward for the industry and for Aquatic Exercise Instructors in their own right, as it recognises and legitimises the important contribution AEIs provides the community.”

“It clearly defines the role of the AEI for all the industry, employers and managers. The new skill set and category provide employers, club managers and Group fitness managers with information and guidelines, something that has been greatly lacking until now.”

“The new category will also mean the number of registered AEIs can be clearly tracked and help to create a newfound feeling of community, inclusiveness and a renewed sense of leadership from Fitness Australia. We are very grateful for Fitness Australia’s commitment and support.”

Mr Gili said:

“Aqua Exercise provided a vital exercise option to the community, particularly for special population groups that are unable to exercise in any other environment.”

“Aqua Exercise is a challenging and inclusive form of fitness for all abilities. The water offers a low impact supportive environment with multidirectional resistance to improve strength and challenge cardiovascular and cardiorespiratory health. Beyond the many physical benefits, the water exercise also provides social functioning and improvement in mental health for all age groups and fitness levels.”

“The benefits for all, of healthy ageing and the impact it has on their quality of life is immeasurable. The issues associated with ageing such as isolation and poor health can be addressed with group fitness activities and the water lends itself to a more welcoming, relaxed, and inclusive environment than many other genres.”

For more information on Fitness Australia’s new Aqua Exercise Instructor registration category click here