National Council for Exercise and Fitness 2009

Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness (CEHF)
Awarded by the University of Limerick
NQF Level 6
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This is a PART TIME programme of study which offers 60 ECTS credits towards the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (awarded by the University of Limerick)

Health & Fitness Instructors who hold the CEHF qualification are educated & trained to provide instruction in exercise to music, step aerobics, circuit and resistance training. Equally important is their ability to assess fitness levels and to plan safe, effective and enjoyable exercise programmes for individuals or groups of all abilities. CEHF qualified instructors make a positive contribution to the health and well being of the Irish people by encouraging and motivating adults of all ages to pursue physically active lifestyles, to eat healthy food and to manage stress effectively.

Programme Details:
This programme forms Stage 1 of the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness. It can be undertaken by day (Mon-Thurs), weekend (Fri & Sat) or evenings (Tues & Thurs), depending on location. Certificates are awarded by the University of Limerick to candidates who have successfully completed an intensive programme of practical and theoretical studies.

Entry Requirements:

• Candidates should hold the Irish Leaving Certificate with minimum Grade D3 in five Ordinary Level subjects (including Maths, Irish or another language, and English) OR an approved equivalent qualification. Other standards within Leaving Certificate or other levels of education will be considered under the NCEF/UL approved policy of Recognised Prior Learning (RPL).
• If Leaving Cert Equivalent Qualification must be submitted in the English Language (official translation to English will be requested).
• Non EU Nationals must submit a Study Visa and copies of passport documentation (Please note Originals may be requested).
• Applicants should have a commitment to encouraging others to take part in healthy activity, a desire to become a safe and competent instructor and have a confident, enthusiastic and adaptable personality.
• Experience of participation in a fitness activity or a particular sport is important whilst good rhythm and co-ordination is also desirable.
• Applicants should have good communication skills and enjoy working with people.
• Selection for the programme will be based on the Application Form.
• NCEF reserves the right to interview if required.

Module 1: Introduction to Human Movement Studies (Kinesiology).
• Basic structures and function of the skeletal system e.g. bones, joints and muscle groups.
• The physiology of human performance including energy metabolism and the physiological response to exercise.
• The mechanics of human locomotion.

Module 2: Lifestyle, Fitness & Wellness
• An overview of the reasons for choosing a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Initial involvement and continued adherence in exercise, including personal and social factors.
• Special populations, pregnancy, obesity, back pain and older groups.
• Specific attention to stress and stress management.
• Basic nutrition, the importance of balanced eating habits, the relationship between energy input, expenditure and body composition.

Module 3: Health related Physical Fitness Assessments and Programme Design
• The use of modern techniques, basic and advanced, to assess the health related fitness components.
• Interpretation of results.
• The development of a framework for planning, implementing and evaluating safe exercise programmes.

Module 4: Exercise & Health Fitness Management & Work Placement
• Planning, record keeping and promotion of the exercise programme for efficient and effective administration.
• Commercial trends within the industry. A safe facility and insurance needs.

Module 5: occupational First Aid for Exercise & Physical Activity
• CPR (As approved by HSA (Health & Safety Authority)
• Exercise Injuries

Module 6: Applied Exercise & Fitness Instruction 1 (Exercise to Music)
• Practical sessions covering such areas as creativity, routines, types and tempo of music, variety high and low intensity and impact. Use of instructional skills within the exercise to music class.
• Sequencing of material for safe and effective teaching.

Module 7:Applied Exercise & Fitness Instruction 2 (Resistance Training)
• Practical sessions covering such areas as free weights, use of machines.
• Instructional skills.
• Sequencing of material for safe and effective teaching.

Module 8: Applied Exercise & Fitness Instruction 3 (Circuit Training and Body Conditioning)
• Practical sessions covering areas such as circuit design and layout.
• Circuits to enhance different components of fitness.
• Design and structure of body conditioning routines to music using body resistance exercises, stability balls, elastic tubing and hand weights.
• Instructional skills, adaptations and progressions for all exercises.

Module 9: Applied Exercise & Fitness Instruction 4 (Step Training & Flexibility)
•Practical sessions to develop instructional skills in planning and executing a safe and effective step class. (Covering music speed, injury prevention etc.).
• Stretching exercises and programming to improve flexibility.


Module 10: Exercise & Fitness Applications
Summative Written Assessments & Practical Assessments
modules are examined on a continuous basis and may include both theoretical and practical elements of assessment. Candidates must successfully complete Modules 1-9 in order to take Module 10. The programme includes a research project and a work experience element.

Fees for 2010/2011 Programmes (commencing October 2010): €2565
A deposit of €975 is requested on successful application and balance of €1590 is due a minimum of one week prior to programme commencement.

Location:
The Certificate in Exercise and Health Fitness is available at locations nationwide including Limerick (University of Limerick as a Day Programme or Weekend) , Cork (Leeside Leisure Weekend Programme) and Dublin (UCD/Palmerstown Sports Centre/Irish Life City Centre) . Click here for full details.

Tutors:
All Tutors hold the Diploma in Exercise & Health Fitness (DEHF) or equivalent qualifications. A significant number of NCEF Tutors are also graduates in disciplines closely related to Exercise and Health Fitness. Many of these tutors are teaching and/ or conducting research in the areas of Education, Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Science and Recreation Management