If you plan to become a fitness professional in SK, consider SPRA. As a fitness organization, SPRA can help you gain your fitness certifications and further your career as a fitness professional.
What is SPRA?
SPRA stands for Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Like provincially recognized non-profit organizations like BCRPA, SPRA is dedicated to empowering fitness professionals. The organization aims to provide equitable access to recreations and promote wellbeing and healthy lifestyles.
SPRA values include:
- Accountability
- Accessibility
- Diversity and inclusivity
- Engagement and collaboration
- Respect
- Volunteerism
How Can SPRA Help Me Become a Fitness Professional?
The fitness industry is not regulated, which means that anyone can claim that they are a fitness professional. To distinguish between someone who has the experience and someone who does not, we have regulated organizations, including SPRA.
SPRA is made up of fitness professionals who have undergone examinations and have practical experience. Having the necessary knowledge and skills is essential for any professionals working in their fields. To make sure that everyone meets the standard of SPRA, everyone must pass a series of exams to demonstrate their knowledge as a fitness professional.
If you want to become a fitness professional in SK, SPRA can make that happen.
The common thread is that you must take the Exercise Theory exam. Once you have passed, you will need to choose the designation you want, such as group exercise or aquatic fitness. Depending on which designation you want, you will need to go through more or fewer steps than the others.
Specialty modules are slightly different than the Exercise Theory. Unlike the Exercise Theory, which is a prerequisite to certification courses, you will also need to demonstrate practical skills to obtain your certificate.
Why it is Important to Have A Certification
Certifications from trusted organizations are essential, as it separates you from others who claim they have experience. There are 3 main reasons why you should get certified.
The first reason is credibility. If you plan to work for a business, the employer will want to know where you got your certification and experience. Obtaining certifications from a trusted source ensures that you have the necessary experience to instruct clients. However, the most important thing is the quality of the instructor. At the end of the day, if you are a great instructor, that is the most crucial part for your client.
The second reason is staying current with the trends. Since many things change over the years, and with rapid growth in science and technology, it is more important than ever to make sure that you stay current. Having a certification lets your employer know whether you are staying up to date with industry standards. Trusted organizations will require their certificate holders to meet a minimum of continuing education (CE) hours. This requirement ensures that fitness professionals continue developing and maintaining their skills and knowledge.
The last reason is to lessen the liability risk. Being an expert in your field means knowing what you are doing. As a fitness professional, you demonstrate to your clients that you can help them attain their goals. Hence, having competency in your area of practice lessens liability risk, which goes beyond the scope of practice.
How Can I get Started?
If you are ready to switch careers or simply get started in the fitness industry, we are here for you. Sign up and enroll in our Exercise Theory course. Start studying right away and get ready to take your exam.