Madeley High School test their fitness levels in new taster session!

On Tuesday 19 May, 14 excited Year 10 pupils from Madeley High School took part in a Fitness Instructing taster session at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC).

The visit was designed to give pupils a realistic idea of what the fitness industry is all about and what potential careers are available. Information was given to the group about NULC’s new fitness courses and the relevant entry requirements to gain a place.

The taster day was ran by NULC lecturer in Health, Exercise and Fitness Reza Gholamali who organised different activities for the pupils. The first activity was a fitness testing session where students were able to use specialist equipment to record their individual fitness levels.

Madeley High School P.E teacher Mr Edwards was very pleased by the fitness testing session, commented: "The Hi-tech equipment used was very useful to the pupils who haven’t seen or used them before."

The second part of the day included a talk from NULC Gordon Banks Sports Centre Duty Manager James Mountjoy, who was previously a professional fitness instructor on cruise ships. James talked to the pupils about what type of fitness programmes he provided for his clients on-board and what the typical daily schedule would include.

James then talked to the pupils about the realities of being a fitness instructor and what it is like working with different clients and their specific lifestyle needs for example: he would often start his day at 6:00am as many clients wanted to fit their exercise in very early in the morning.

James Adamson said: “I liked hearing about the daily schedule of a fitness instructor and what type of career opportunities would be available.”

Academy of Sport Manager Trevor Humphreys was on hand to talk to the pupils about the sporting opportunities at NULC, and which sporting teams we have such as netball, football, golf, basketball and more.

The final activity of the day was a practical fitness class which was organised by NULC BTEC Level 3 Sport & Exercise Science student Molly Line. Molly ran a circuit training session as part of her course that the students really enjoyed. This was a great opportunity for both Molly and the pupils to work together in the class as it gave Molly a chance to orchestrate her own fitness class and gain practical experience.
Tyler Beaver was very impressed with the practical session ran by Molly, he commented: "The variety of different exercises working on all the muscles made it challenging and fun."

There will be more Fitness Instruction tasters at NULC, if you are interested in finding out more, please contact either Gareth or Tara on 01782 254347 or e-mail schools@nulc.ac.uk