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We hope that this page will answer any questions you may have about The Fitness League, our exercises, or our teacher training. If you do have a query that’s not answered here, please do email us.
What sort of exercises are taught in The Fitness League classes?
Our classes cover a whole range of exercises. We take care to warm up thoroughly first. Then exercises are structured to ensure that all parts of the body are stretched and toned with the aim of keeping the spine flexible and strong, and the stomach muscles toned. We also work towards improving posture.
Exercises are tailored to the age, ability and fitness levels of members to ensure that everyone works within their ability.
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Is it aerobics?
No. The emphasis of The Fitness League’s exercise system is more holistic. It concentrates on stretching and strengthening every part of the body and encourages a greater understanding and respect for the way in which the body moves.
In aerobics the main emphasis is on developing stamina and endurance by improving heart and breathing rates.
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What should I wear?
Anything that allows you to move freely in any position, including floorwork. T-shirts and leggings are popular, as are leotards and tights. The latter is helpful for the teacher who can then see clearly how the body is moving.
We encourage exercising barefoot. Feet are very important and need exercising and strengthening in the same way as the rest of the body. If you do prefer to wear shoes, however, then wear soft non-slip ones.
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Do I have to bring anything else with me?
A mat or a towel if you want a bit of extra cushioning for floor work.
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How much do Fitness League classes cost?
There is an annual class registration fee of £15, for which you become a member of The Fitness League, receive our magazine and insurance cover. The cost of each class varies according to venue but is in the range £3.00 to £5.00 per hour.
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Can men join?
There are some men’s classes available – email us for details.
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Are there classes for children?
Some teachers hold classes specifically for children, as well as 'mother and toddler' classes. Check the UK Class Database or email us for details.
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What happens if I can’t attend the same class regularly?
In some areas there are several classes and your membership entitles you to attend any Fitness League class as often as you like.
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Can I join The Fitness League at any time of year?
Yes, come when you like. Our teachers are very experienced at accommodating beginners and new members into their classes and we advise people to exercise gently to begin with.
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How many people are there in a class?
From five to 50 plus, depending on the area. All Fitness League teachers are trained to structure class content so that all attending can exercise safely and effectively.
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What sort of music is used?
Music is generally chosen to suit varied tastes and is used to enhance the movements.
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Is a Fitness League class suitable for me, even though I have never attended an exercise class before?
Fitness League classes are designed to suit everybody from the unfit beginner to the experienced class attenders. You can work safely and happily at your own level and will find all generations working together.
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Am I too old/unfit/overweight to take a Fitness League class?
People of any age, ability or size can, and do, take part in Fitness League classes and many teachers have a gentler class for older people or those unused to exercise. Some have classes graded into beginners, intermediate and advanced and within your class you can work at your own level.
The pace of The Fitness League’s classes is not as demanding as that of many others in terms of stamina and endurance, so they are easier for older people to manage. As more time is given to thinking about your body and the way in which it moves, it is relatively easy to cope with the exercises. Your teacher should be told if you are completely new to exercising so that you can be advised and guided during the class to become familiar with the exercises and to extend your own range of movement as far as you can.
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Can a disabled person join a Fitness League class?
Disabled people are very welcome. Check with the class teacher first to ensure ease of access. Classes are beneficial and suitable for most conditions, but do check with your doctor before attending.
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I have had a bad back, is the class suitable for me?
It depends, of course, on the extent of your problem, but usually the classes are helpful for people recovering from back injury or those who know that they are vulnerable in this area.
Unlike many other exercise classes, The Fitness League’s exercise system includes many exercises for back mobilising and strengthening as well as for the equally important abdominal strengthening. People who have had treatment for their backs will recognise some exercises which are frequently used by physiotherapists. It is important that the teacher knows that you have a back problem so that you can be advised and guided correctly during class.
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I’m pregnant – can I continue/come to class?
The Fitness League’s exercises can safely be continued throughout most normal pregnancies, unless you have a history of miscarriage. You should, however, check with your doctor before continuing classes, and let your teacher know so that she can adapt exercises if necessary.
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My doctor/practice nurse suggested I call you. Do you think your exercises will help me?
If a doctor or nurse recommends our form of exercise, then that’s fine. Please inform the teacher of any problems and whe will be able to advise you of the most beneficial exercises plus those to avoid.
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Do you give advice on diet?
Not generally, but some teachers may have experience in that field.
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What qualifications do The Fitness League teachers have?
All teachers hold the Bagot Stack Teaching Diploma as awarded by The Fitness League on successful completion of the teacher training. The Fitness League is recognised by:
- Sport England and Sport Scotland (who partly fund TFL)
- The Central Council for Physical Recreation.
- The British Heart Foundation
- Breast Cancer Care
- Women’s Nutritional Advisory Service
- The National Osteoporosis Society
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(See also our Teacher Training pages)
How long is the training?
Stage 1 consists of 98 hours of training, successful completion of which qualifies you to open and teach a Fitness League class.
Stage 2 (full qualification) is on a module basis and consists of 6 credits. A range of subjects are offered enabling student to specialise according to their own interests.
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When does training take place?
Training takes place usually at weekends, and occasionally on weekday evenings.
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Where are courses held?
Courses are set up throughout the country on a regular basis. Please refer to our Training Courses page for details of upcoming courses.
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Can anyone apply to join the course?
Anyone can apply, but those with exercise, movement or dance experience will be most suited to the course. Relevant professional qualifications are considered as eligibility for a shorter course. There is no age limit.
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Is everyone accepted onto the course?
No. A process of individual interviews and class audition ensures that appropriate decisions will be made by both staff and prospective students.
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What subjects will be covered by the course?
The course covers: exercise and movement training; teaching techniques and practise; applied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; use of music; choreography; management of classes and organisation.
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Are there any examinations?
Continuous assessment is made throughout the course with practical assessments of teaching and personal performance. Written examinations in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology are held at the end of each stage.
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What does it cost to train as a teacher?
For current Training Fees please contact Lucy Martin at Head Office.
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Is the qualification recognised?
It is recognised by Sport England and Sport Scotland, and by virtue of our reputation which has been established over 70 years of teacher-training. Progress towards obtaining S/National Vocational Qualifications at Level 3 is currently being made.
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How will I find employment once I have graduated?
All fully qualified teachers work on a self-employed basis. Marketing support is given to all newly-qualified teachers, free-of-charge, for the first year to enable them to get their class(es) up and running successfully.
Regular 'refresher courses' are held nationally and regionally throughout the year. An important benefit of being a Fitness League teacher lies in becoming part of an international organisation with a strong network of teachers and members.
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