FAQs about FABS training
FAQs about FABS training
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked. If there are any other questions then don’t hesitate to contact us fabs@moveitorloseit.co.uk
Am I too old / not fit enough to do the training?
Half of the people we train are over 50 and the oldest so far is 78. The exercises are low to moderate intensity, so you don’t have to be super fit. The two practical days can be quite tiring as you’ll be exercising throughout both days. If you have any concerns or health conditions that might affect you then please get in touch.
I’m not very good with tech, what’s involved with the eLearning?
You’ll need a laptop or desktop computer as the training can’t be done on a phone. Everything has been designed to be user-friendly with videos and pictorial guides to explain every step of the way. Although we are happy to guide you through the eLearning and support you throughout the training, we can’t help with certain things such as individual advice on specific devices, or not being able to copy and paste your password to access the eLearning.
Is FABS the equivalent of a level 2 qualification?
It is not an entry level qualification like the gym instructors or exercise to music qualifications which can be delivered by any training provider. We are the only training provider delivering the FABS Training Programme as we focus entirely on helping older adults and those with long term health conditions to exercise and socialise together.
What will it allow me to do?
For those who are already teaching exercise in some capacity, it is continuing professional development (CPD). For those who are new to teaching exercise it is a complete training programme to give you the knowledge and practical experience to lead fun, safe and effective exercise classes for the over 60s. You can teach in community or care settings or one-to-one.
Is it nationally recognised?
Yes, FABS is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) which is the governing body for the fitness industry. If you are a member of CIMSPA you get 10 CPD points. It’s also endorsed by EMDUK – Exercise Music Dance UK – the charity for group exercise.
Is FABS recognised by gyms and leisure centres?
It depends – some gyms and leisure centres insist on staff having Level 2 or 3 qualifications such as personal trainer or exercise referral qualifications. However, the people we reach tend not to go to the gym. If you want to work in this sector, then we would suggest looking at other entry level qualifications through CIMSPA.
Is FABS recognised by the NHS?
We do work with the NHS in some areas and as the social prescribing programme continues to grow, we expect to get more referrals. We cannot guarantee that you will be commissioned to run classes for the NHS although we do share opportunities with our network of instructors as they arise.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing helps health professionals to refer people with social, emotional or practical needs to a range of local, non-clinical services. As so many GP appointments don’t require medical prescriptions, patients can be signposted onto community groups like Move it or Lose it classes which are perfect for those who are lonely, becoming frail or need to be more active.
This is part of the drive towards prevention instead of cure and Universal Personalised Care that will see at least 2.5 million people benefiting by 2023. We recommend you contact your local social prescriber (the NHS is training 4,000 link workers), once you have established classes and we even have social prescribing vouchers to make it easy for them to refer people to your classes.
I already have other fitness qualifications, why should I do FABS as well?
The FABS training programme is comprehensive because it combines all of the essential components for health and wellbeing as per Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines for older adults i.e. Flexibility, Aerobic, Balance and Strength (FABS). It has exercise to music which makes it appealing but is lower intensity than Zumba. There’s no mat work so it appeals to those who are finding it hard to get up from the floor. And as all the exercises can be done seated or standing, it appeals to those with health conditions who would struggle to do an hour’s session standing. Our adherence levels are incredibly high, once people try it, they love it!
Do I need a fitness qualification first?
No, we will give you all the training you require and if you join our team we will continue to offer further training, tutorials, CPD and support. This is why it’s so popular as half of the people we train have no fitness qualifications and often make fantastic instructors. You need to have empathy, patience, a sense of humour and a friendly personality – all things we can’t teach you. But we can give you everything else you need to run a successful business helping others.
What does it cost?
If you do the two practical days on Zoom, the fast track FABS training programme for existing fitness professionals is £325 and the full FABS training programme for those with no fitness qualifications is £495.
If you choose to attend the face-to-face practical days then it’s £375 for fast track and £545 for the full FABS.
Do I have to pay up front?
You can pay using Klarna which spreads the cost over 3 months.
If you have a level 2 fitness qualification you can apply to EMDUK for their bursary which pays £75 once you’ve completed the training. Contact them to find out if you’re eligible.
What other costs are there?
Venue hire – this really varies so it’s a good idea to do some research locally and find out their charges. It can be anything from £12 for a small church hall to £30 for a large community centre, and it depends where you are in the country.
You’ll need insurance which you can either source yourself, or if you join our network it’s £48 per year. We have another insurer for those who don’t want to join our network and it’s £97 year.
You will need a music licence for which you contact PPL PRS once you’ve set up your classes and ask them how much it will be. It’s about £1.75 per class but the benefit of using original music is worth it as everyone sings along with favourite tracks so it doesn’t feel like exercise, it’s so much fun!
What should I charge?
It’s up to you – we’d suggest looking at other class charges near you. Some instructors charge £3, others £8 depending on where they live and venue hire charges. The average is £5. Some classes are funded by the local council or charities.
Is this a franchise?
No, you have the option to join our team of licensed instructors which costs £24 month which allows you to benefit from the brand, our ongoing support and national marketing. It’s entirely up to you and you can decide after you’ve completed the training.
What do you get if you join?
There are lots of benefits. It’s great for people who need a bit of help and support when they start out and don’t want to feel like they’re on their own. We promote your classes on our website and through our newsletters and social media channels. There’s a private Facebook group with all the other instructors sharing ideas, routines, music lists, videos and helping each other with cover for classes. We hold a monthly zoom so you can meet others in the team and benefit from their experience. We send monthly newsletters with news, opportunities, latest research and updates. You get access to our instructor portal with video tutorials saving you time when planning your sessions, template letters for care homes/GPs, press releases, branded marketing materials and discounted equipment. And an affiliate programme so you get commission on anything your class members buy and they get a discount too.
Do you pay me to do classes?
You’re self-employed so we don’t pay you unless it’s through a funded programme or been commissioned by a charity/NHS. We get hundreds of class enquiries each month through our classfinder and people call to ask for a class near them, or their parents.
What equipment will I need?
At first, you just need a speaker for music and resistance bands. We encourage everyone to buy their own band but at first you can lend them out. Then you can add to this with batons (made from foam pipe insulation), pompoms (which you can make yourself), balls or small handweights.
How much can I earn?
It’s up to you as you’re your own boss and can decide how many classes you want to teach a week, where, when and how much to charge. We can guide you on this. Some of our instructors do 3 classes a week and just want to earn a bit of pocket money. Others teach 15 or more classes a week and can earn a good salary.
What’s involved and how long will it take?
There are approximately 32 hours of guided learning for the full FABS programme (for those with no previous experience) or 20 guided learning hours for the fast track programme (for those with a recognised fitness qualification at level 2 or above), followed by two days practical training which you can either do face-to-face or on Zoom if you prefer. The eLearning has to be completed before the two day practical.
There are 70 exercises, you’ll watch videos and have a practical training manual to help you learn how to do these seated and standing, how to adapt them to make easier or harder and relate them to activities of daily living.
It usually takes about 6 weeks for people to complete the training, some do it in 4 weeks, others might take 3 months. We want to make sure you’re confident so it’s important to give yourself enough time to learn the exercises in advance.
Are there any exams?
There are no formal written exams, your eLearning is assessed through multiple choice questions after each unit. You send us a session plan and venue assessment form by email at least 2 weeks before your practical. You’ll be given a list of 10 exercises when you enrol that you can practice and then deliver your taster session on the 2 practical days.
What if I can’t attend the practical days?
If you want to change dates, or can’t attend for any reason, you can transfer onto another course – depending on availability. There is a transfer fee so we ask that you read the Ts and Cs before committing. We have an option to purchase cover which costs £22 and pays your transfer fee – this covers you for many things such as illness, bereavement etc.
What if I don’t pass / how many people fail?
We don’t call it a ‘fail’ – if you don’t achieve the required standard then you’ll be referred and can book onto another course to retake the two practical days. There is a cost for this which is £220. 97% people pass first time. If you practice and follow the training and guidelines, there’s no problem. It’s only those who don’t practice and are not prepared that come unstuck.
Do I have to be first aid trained?
This is not a pre-requisite but we recommend that you do first-aid so you are confident if there’s any medical emergencies in your class. We have an online first-aid course or you can arrange your own training.
Do I need a DBS check?
You won’t be required to complete a DBS check when you become a self-employed instructor. In the unlikely event, you’re asked by a care home or organisation for a DBS check, they will need to apply on your behalf as you cannot apply for an enhanced DBS check as an individual.